Tech Wham | Ereader Tablet and Ebook Reader Reviews, Videos, and Comparisons

Amazon recently announced they will allow certain books to be checked out and read from local libraries. This couldn’t have come too soon for a grumbling customer base wondering how the whole “EPUB” issue was going to pan out. So now the Kindle and Nook can read free library books. Let’s check out how this is accomplished on the Kindle vs Nook.

Downloading a Library Book On The Nook Simple Touch

Step 1: Download Adobe Digital Editions. NOTE!! You MUST use the same email address and password as you did setting up your Nook, or prepare for a long day of frustration on the phone.(sensing bitterness?)

Step 2: Find your book on Overdrive on your local library website.

Step 3: Download the book. Adobe Digital Editions will open.

Step 4: Click the “Library” icon in ADE.

Step 5: Connect your Nook to the computer. The Nook icon will show up on the left pane in ADE.

Step 6: Drag the book to your Nook.

Step 7: Enjoy book!

Downloading a Library Book On The Kindle

Step 1: Find a desired book on your library website that offers the Kindle version.

Step 2: Click the “Get For Kindle” button.

Step 3: You may need to log into Amazon.com

Step 4: You will be prompted to redeem the library loan.

Step 5: Make sure wireless in on on your Kindle, and book is wirelessly delivered.

(Note, if you don’t have a wireless connection, you can insert the USB to download.)

Kindle VS Nook Library Experience Winner?

Sorry Nook users, but the Kindle experience blows the Adobe Digital Editions fiasco out of the water. Granted, my wife didn’t use the same email address as she did when she was setting up her Nook, so that added some serious frustration the first time we did the process.

But otherwise, the Nook process is a little clunky. And yes, I know the irony of calling clicking a few buttons and hooking up a wire clunky.

However, the downloading a library book on the Kindle by comparison is super simple. You are prompted what to do the entire time and it is wirelessly delivered! You don’t need to get on Google and search for instructions. You don’t need to go get the charger cable to hook up the USB.

It’s indicative of the entire Kindle vs Nook battle. The Kindle is slowly but surely winning out the battle with some new features. However, the Nook Simple Touch competes pretty handily with the Kindle. You can check this good  Kindle Touch vs Nook Simple Touch page for more information and comparison.

Many people looking for an ebook reader find themselves comparing and weighing the IPad vs Nook Color vs Nook vs Kindle. This is obviously a slight case of comparing apples to oranges…to grapes (?), but nonetheless, it’s important to at least compare the back lit screens with the E-Ink screens before choosing the right device for you.

This page will attempt to compare these 4 devices in meaningful and useful ways to help you choose what is best for your situation.

Video: IPad vs Nook Color vs Kindle vs Nook- How Well Do They Perform In Different Lighting Conditions?

You can click to visit Amazon.com for the Kindle or IPad…

You can click to visit Barnes and Noble.com for the Nook Color or Nook…

All In One Devices Or Ebook Readers?

IPad- The Ipad is obviously an all in one device that can be used as an ebook reader. It’s probably a safe bet that those who are purchasing the IPad (or IPad 2 at this point) are doing so for the all-in-one aspects of the device. The experience of reading on the device is taken into account along with watching movies, playing games, working on the device and listening to music.

Kindle and Nook- Those who are buying these ebook readers are looking to read ebooks. If one is buying an EInk ebook reader like the Nook or Kindle to surf the web, then they are in for a terrible experience!

The Nook Color- The waters are a little murkier as to what this device is. It doesn’t have the battery life of an ebook reader, or the capabilities of a tablet pc, yet still has a good many features of a color touch ereader device.

The POINT? These are obviously all different devices and have their strengths and weaknesses between them. Hopefully the video above helps you see the reading experience for all 4 side by side. Now the question is what you are willing to sacrifice in some areas in order to gain benefits in the other.

The Nook Color Vs IPad- How Do The Two Devices Differ?

The video below is a basic look at the Nook Color and IPad side by side. You’ll notice some of the limitations of the Nook Color compared to the IPad for certain things. Of course, for double the price, the IPad should be a little more robust!

You can click HERE to visit the Nook Color at Barnes and Noble.com…

You can click HERE for the IPad at Amazon.com…

The Big Question: What Do You Want In A Reading Screen? LCD vs E-Ink

It’s all going to come down to preference and your intended use choosing between the Nook, Nook Color, Ipad, or Kindle 3. If you can’t live without color and touch, then you must be willing to live with short battery life. There is going to be the challenge of seeing through glare and fingerprint smudges. You can always try a screen protector to minimize both of these. It is also well known that back lit LCD screens strain eyes more than Eink screens, so one must be aware of this.

If you are looking for battery longevity, little to no glare when reading outside, and don’t mind reading in black and white, then you may want to just compare the Kindle vs Nook and forget about LCD touch screens. E-Ink screens have also been found to be less strain on the eyes for longer reading sessions.

Other Considerations…

If you want to be reading ePub files, then you’ll have to choose between the Nook, Nook Color or iPad. The Kindle does not allow for use of the ePub. Reading a PDF file is doable on all 4 devices, but if you are in the habit of needing to read complicated, color-filled and well laid out presentations in PDF form, then the iPad will obviously be a good choice.

If you want a very large E-Ink reading screen, then the Kindle DX may be a good fit for you.

Nook vs Kindle vs IPad (and IPad 2) vs Nook Color Pricing

iPad- Can be found at Amazon for anywhere between $419.99 (16 gigabytes) and up for other models.
iPad 2- Can be found at Apple.com and Amazon.com.

Nook Color- Can be purchased at Barnes and Noble.com for $199.

Nook- Can be purchased at Barnes and Noble.com for $149 and $199 (WiFi only and WiFi+3G).

Kindle 3- Can be purchased at Amazon for $139 and $189 (WiFi only and WiFi+3G).

Hopefully this page has helped you choose between the iPad vs Nook Color vs Nook vs Kindle. They are all different devices, well suited for different needs. It will come down to preference of type of reading screen and ultimately the price you are willing to pay.

The Nook vs. Kindle battle is a hot topic this 2010 holiday season. Everyone is wondering which ebook reader is best for them, or for their loved ones as a gift. The choice gets a little tougher with the updated software to Version 1.5 for the Nook. How does it change the device and how does it compare to the new Kindle 3 released this fall?

New Nook Software Update Version 1.5 Released

Barnes and Noble released it’s software update Version 1.5 for the Nook this holiday season. It’s available for wireless download on the B and N website for Nook. Existing Nook users and new users will either have it automatically installed on new ordered devices, or have to visit the site to update it quickly.

What’s New?

1. Stay in Sync Accross Multiple Devices- You can read the Nook at home, get on your phone for the commute to work and read on your phone from the spot you left off, then change to another device and start from the synced page.

2. New “My Shelves”- This is basically a new way to organize your books on the Nook.

3. Password Protected- Now the Nook can be password protected with the new software update.

How Does the Kindle 3 Compare To The New Nook Version 1.5?

Whispersync- Amazon has offered the same syncing across multiple devices with what they call “Whispersync”. You can start on your Kindle, move to your smartphone, continue on your PC, and go back to the Kindle and the pages will be synced.

Collections- The Kindle 3 offers a variety of ways to organize your books on the device as well.

Password Protection- The Kindle can be password protected as well.

Nook Vs. Kindle- Which Is the Better Ebook Reader?

So which is the better device when comparing the Kindle Vs Nook? Take an honest look, and you’ll notice the new updated software Version 1.5 for the Nook really just keeps the device up to speed with the Kindle 3rd generation.

One thing the Nook can do that the Kindle 3 can’t is lend books. This will, according to Amazon, be a feature that will be released “later this year”. Does that mean early next year? We’ll see.

The Nook and Kindle are similar in design, however the Nook has a color navigation screen, whereas the Kindle 3rd generation one-ups the Nook in all other categories. The Kindle 3 is lighter, smaller, sleeker, has triple the battery life, more standard memory, works internationally, and is cheaper than the Nook.

The hands-down winner is the Kindle 3 when looking at the Nook vs. Kindle. Of course, Barnes and Noble has thrown a completely different device into the fight with the Nook Color. If you are thinking you need some color in your device, then you’ll want to check out more on the Nook Color vs. Kindle 3.

Click for more information, customer reviews, pricing, and shipping information at Amazon.

Recently my father asked me, knowing full well that I ran this website about the Nook Vs. Kindle, which is best between the Nook vs. Kindle vs. Kobo vs. Sony Reader?  That’s a fair question. All 4 of these ebook readers are similarly priced and have similar features. So I set off to find the answer for him. It’s not good enough for my dad to present my mom with an ebook reader, he needs to give the reasons why he chose it, right? Here’s what I found, and which ebook reader I think is best and why.

How the Nook Differs From the Kindle, Kobo and Sony Touch

The Nook is a quality ebook reader with some unique features that make it appealing.

• Color touch navigation screen- Obviously a little color is interesting.
• Lending Feature- You can lend books to others for up to 2 weeks with the Nook. (note- lender cannot use the book at that time also)
• Free Games- It comes with Sudoku and Chess for free.
• In Store Reading- You can visit a local Barnes and Noble store with your Nook and browse any title in the store for up to one hour for free.
• Expandable Memory- Add an SD card in the slot for more memory. (Expandable memory on the Kobo also)

Nook Downers…

The color touch screen is great, in the way that it is color and touch, but quite frankly it is more awkward to use than the Kindle 3′s simple touch keyboard or the all touch navigation of the Sony Touch Pocket Edition. It’s a hybrid between the touch that is a little confusing and slow to use. Just give it a spin at a local Barnes and Noble store and you’ll understand immediately. It’s not a deal breaker by any means…I mean you could get used to the navigation pretty easily, but in my opinion the Kindle 3 navigation is better.

Another downer is the battery life is only 10 days with the wireless off. That’s actually an impressive number of days considering you could never do that with a phone! But compared to other ereaders, it’s a low battery life time.

How the Kindle Differs From the Nook, Kobo, and Sony Touch

The Kindle has a few features that are completely unique compared to the other ebook readers in question.

• More standard memory- The Nook and Kobo are expandable memories, but the Kindle 3 comes with the ability to add 3,500 books standard, which is more than double than any of the other devices.
• E-Ink contrast- The reading screen is hands-down the best quality for an E-Ink reading screen available. The contrast between the light background and darker text is noticeably sharper on the Kindle 3 compared to other devices.
• Battery Life Galore- With the wireless turned off, the Kindle 3 lasts for up to 30 days. This is double the Kobo and Sony Touch, and triple the Nook battery life.
• Text-To-Speech- This is a feature that converts a book or PDF into speech and reads it to you. You can choose between a male and female voice and it sounds surprisingly human…as human as an electronic voice coming out of an ebook reader can be.
• International Use- The 3G coverage is available all over the globe in over 100 different countries. This is unique to the Kindle only.

Kindle Downers…

Lending books isn’t available yet on the Kindle. However, according to Amazon…”Later this year, we will be introducing lending for Kindle, a new feature that lets you loan your Kindle books to other Kindle or Kindle app users. Each book can be lent once, for a period of 14 days. Not all books will be available to lend – the publisher or rights holder determines which titles are enabled for lending.” I assume they mean later in 2011.

How the Kobo Differs From the Kindle, Nook, and Sony Touch Pocket Edition

The Kobo is Borders device competing for a smaller portion of the market, for no reason other than it was late to the party and a little lacking in some respects. Nevertheless, there are some unique aspects of the device.

• 4-way directional button for navigation. Instead of page turn buttons on each side of the device, the Kobo has a 4-directional button on the lower right hand front of the device.
• Comes with a “quilted” backing. The device is available in 3 different color schemes, white with silver back, white with lavender back, and black with black back.

Kobo Downers…

And it’s a big one…There is no AC adapter included with the device. So you can count on your computer being your charger, as it comes with USB connection cable.

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Sony Reader Pocket Edition Unique Features

The Sony Reader Pocket Edition is comparable in price to the rest of these devices, but otherwise it is completely different in many ways.

Sony Reader Pocket Touch Edition

• Pocket Size- There’s a reason it’s called the Pocket Edition! This is a smaller device than the other ereaders mentioned here. The reading screen is 5″ diagonally vs 6″ with the Nook, Kindle and Kobo.
• Touch E-Ink Screen- The Pocket Edition has a touch activated E-Ink screen. You can change pages by swiping the finger or touching on the side. Navigation is by touching the screen as well as a few strategically placed push buttons.
• Comes in two colors, pink and silver.
• 1 GB of memory allows up to 1,200 titles of storage.
• Battery life is 2 weeks

Sony Reader Pocket Edition Downers…

A big first downer for me on this device is the no WiFi. What? Okay, how about add on the no AC Adaptor! Now add on the fact that it is more expensive than the Kindle, Nook, or Kobo, and the reading screen is perhaps too small, and I cannot see how Sony expects this device to compete in the ereader market. I guess if you like a small screen that is touch, then this is the product for you. As you can guess, I didn’t recommend this to my dad.

Which eReader Did I Recommend?

It comes down to the Nook vs. Kindle 3 in my opinion. And furthermore, I think that the new Kindle 3 is a better deal, despite the recent release of the Nook 1.5 software, which doesn’t really do much except allow for a different way to categorize the books on the Nook device.

The newest Kindle 3rd edition (or Kindle 3) has a smaller and lighter body than the Nook, yet the same reading screen size. It has a much longer battery life than any other device on the market, allows for international usage, has the best E-Ink display available, most standard memory, and to top it off the price is the cheapest on the market.

Accessories Advantage- A thing I like about the Kindle 3 also is the fact that it is sold on Amazon, which makes for a much larger variety of accessories. Think about it, if you buy any of these other devices, there is going to be a small variety of accessories that you can buy, because Sony and Barnes and Noble and Borders aren’t going to spend more money than necessary providing accessories that may or may not sell!

Amazon, however, is an environment where the best product wins. So you have a lot of competition for really cool looking accessories for the Kindle.

The Kindle 3 is tough to beat. Period. And that’s why the Kindle is the most popular ebook reader on the market.

Barnes and Noble has released it’s new Nook Color, and Amazon rocked the ebook reader market with the new Kindle 3. Now the choice is a tough one for the consumer. Which is the best ebook reader on the market? Let’s take a detailed look at the two device.

The New Nook Color Features-

The Nook Color is equipped with a color touch screen much like the iPad’s. It uses the same IPS color touch technology. That means you can see the screen from a 178 degree angle range. It is super low glare, and very sharp.

The color screen is perfect for those publications that are full of color, such as new digital periodicals and magazines. Readers of this type of material are Barnes and Noble’s target market. Because if you are a reader of novels, and only novels, then this device is not for you. It’s back lit and bright, which causes eye-strain after numerous hours of reading, and since it’s back lit the battery won’t last very long, only up to 8 hours on one charge.

Kid’s books come to life with this device, magazines are presented in their full color, newspapers have a little more pop, and you can watch movies, listen to music, surf the web, check your email, and the list goes on…

Visit Barnes and Noble to see the Nook Color

The New Kindle 3 Features

Amazon just released it’s 3rd generation of Kindle (the Kindle 3) and it’s the new definition of an ebook reader. The device has an E-Ink screen to reduce eye strain, ultra quiet page turn buttons, 3,500 books of memory, 30 days of battery life on one charge, wireless and 3G technology that works in over 100 countries, is lighter, sleeker, and a little over $100 cheaper than the Nook Color.

So it comes down to what you want in your ebook reader when looking at the new Kindle vs Nook. Do you want the color and pizazz of the Nook Color? Or do you want the author to give you all the color and pizazz that you’ll need and stick with the Kindle 3?

Visit Amazon for more info on the Kindle 3

Nook Color Vs Kindle 3

If you are a person who likes to read books for the sake of reading books, then the Kindle 3 will most definitely be the choice for you. The device tries to be nothing but the absolute best ebook reader on the market. Reading text only on the Kindle 3 is more enjoyable and less strenuous on the eyes than with the back-lit Nook Color.

If you want to have the all-in-one type of device, where you can read a magazine, a newspaper, a book, check your email, surf the web, then maybe watch a movie, then the Nook Color is for you. However this comes at a price with a very short battery life, no 3G access and a price tag around $250. But it’s still a very good device and will prove to compete well with the iPad which starts at $499 for the smallest memory version.

So the choice is up to you which device is the best ebook reader between the Nook Color vs Kindle 3. It will be a tough decision for many this holiday season and beyond, so you aren’t alone! I personally am a traditional reader, who likes to read books, so the cheaper Kindle 3 is my choice. My laptop will allow me to do everything else if I want.