The Barnes & Noble Nook Wifi and Wifi+3G

eReader Review HQ gives its opinion on the Nook Wifi and Nook Wifi +3G

Let's quickly present the Barnes and Noble Nook Wifi to you. At just $149 this product features the 6in, E-Ink display and a color LCD. It features a 1.3 GB internal memory compared to the current 1 GB typical among the other eReaders, nevertheless its memory is extendable so you've no worries there. It weighs a bit more than other devices at 11.6 ounces - most of the competition tend to be way below that at 8 or 9 oz. Additionally, there is a more expensive model costing $199, which adds 3G to the mix. Visually the Nook is a mixture of two colors, battleship-gray and off-white but you can change it by adding different colored backs, for those that prefer more color in their lifestyles. Among Nook's trademark characteristics is a set of screens: one is the essential E-Ink screen and the other a LCD color touch display that is Android-powered.

Like the Kindle, the Nook is a system instead of just a device, capable of easily browsing and making one-click acquisitions and downloads from Barnes & Noble's vast store of ebooks, newsprint and magazines. What's more, the Nook's Wifi connects automatically to help you to read free excerpts from any ebook while you are sampling a nice hot tea at your favorite B&N retailer. You can also lend or even borrow books free of charge, for up to 14 days. Based upon the book you're perusing, the Nook is capable of showing text in as much as 16 different languages. For travelers, the Nook has an airplane mode that allows you to switch off 3G and Wifi while traveling by air, so as not to annoy the cabin staff by ignoring their safety warnings. The readability factor of the Nook goes over and above other products having 16 diverse shades of gray, 3 kinds of fonts and 5 assorted sizes. That's a bunch of combinations and we're sure you'll find one that is ideally suited to your needs. Also, another great way to customize the device is by installing virtually any photo by means of USB and designate it as your screensaver.

On the downside, it's a bit slow when it powers up and unlike other eReaders you can't rotate the written text, which is ok perhaps since a regular book does not do that, but it's still quite odd they left this out. Web browsing is also really slow. The touchscreen can also be a mite difficult so if you plan to use the virtual keyboard you may find it frustrating. What some buyers will love though, since other eBook stores don't allow it yet, is that you may loan or be lent ebooks with others who own a Nook. Unfortunately it's a one-time offer therefore keep this for your bestest friend!

There are accessories a-plenty for the Nook - check out a review of some of them at our dedicated eReader Accessories page. eReader Review HQ is an independent source of eReader and Accessory reviews, Top Picks and Videos.

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