Nook Color Tablet eReader Review
Hardware
Even though Barnes & Noble announced their new Nook Color e-reader less than a year ago, it's already taking the e-book market by storm. One of the most striking features of the device is how much effort Barnes & Noble put into the device's look and feel. With the Nook Color, Barnes & Noble delivers a device that takes users beyond book reading, as the device can be actually compared to tablet pc, as it offers many of the same features as an Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy tablet PC.
Software Performance
Upon first booting the device, users arrive at the first of many 'home screens'. These are sort of virtual bookshelves where users can arrange and manage books and periodicals they are currently reading. Other home screens allow users to view recently downloaded content and get easy access to various device settings, such as their most recently viewed documents. The idea of this home page is great in both concept and execution, as it gives users the feeling of physically handling items that are actually virtual. However, there were a few minor issues, such as some issues with the responsiveness and frame rate, that detract from what would have otherwise been a perfect feature. Another software highlight is that users are able to re-size and re-order their documents, which opens up options such as creating custom queues.
Hardware Performance
On the front of the Nook Color, most of the space is dedicated to the 7-inch, 1024 x 600 screen. The device's sides are covered in a sleek plastic finish, while the back of the device is covered in a soft rubber to help dampen shocks in case of accidents. Weighing in at just under a pound, the 0.48-inch thick Nook Color feels sleek while still maintaining a substantial, weighty feel. The Nook Color is incredibly well designed on the inside as well. Even though its computing power is somewhat low compared to other tablet PCs, it still manages to run most apps incredibly smoothly.
Conclusion
Does the Nook Color deliver on its promise of revolutionizing the e-book experience? The answer is somewhat complicated and depends on the individual user. For serious readers who read extremely frequently, the Nook Color is the perfect device to satisfy their literary appetites. This is doubly true for users who read magazines and newspapers, thanks to the Barnes & Noble actively acquiring periodical content for the Nook's store. Although the Apple iPad is still the best e-book device available, the Nook still manages to deliver a lot of functionality at a much lower price. For users that don't need all the extra computing features that the iPad comes with, the Nook can be an incredibly cost effective alternative.
