Sunday, January 10, 2010

Barnes & Noble Nook: A Complete Review

I waited 3 weeks before writing this review. I wanted to really test the features, especially the ones I would be using frequently in the future.
Nook
The Good
  • The nook is pretty. Just look at it. You just want to own it.
  • The default screensaver? Authors! How awesome is that?
  • It's comfortable to use. I can easily hold nook in one hand, using that thumb to flip to the next page.
  • It's easy on the eyes. The screen is crisp and clear. I haven't read a book that I needed to change the typeface or size, but I like that I can.
  • Downloads are quick. I was doubtful at first. The first few books I downloaded took an hour to show up in my library. I assume that was because of the holidays and everyone trying out their now nooks at once. I haven't had a problem since. I download a book and it's ready in seconds.
  • The search is effective and super useful. You'll see why below.
  • Battery life is very good. I haven't charged my Nook in almost two weeks and it still has a 90% charge.
The Not So Good
  • The bookmark feature is defective. There is no other way to say it. You bookmark your place. You turn off your Nook. When you turn it back on, the bookmark is gone. Luckily, if you remember the page you were on, you can search the book for that page and continue reading where you left off.
  • Tapping Reading Now only takes you to the cover of the last book you read. This wouldn't be a problem if the bookmarks worked.
  • Browsing the Barnes & Noble could be easier. You can select the genre you want to browse and it'll bring up a list listing bestselling books first. There is no way to sort by price or release date. Not a huge deal, but I would have liked the same functionality of the Barnes & Noble website.
Basically, it is my Nook and I love it. It is not perfect. It has some flaws, but with a few service updates, it could be everything I had hoped it would be. Only time will tell.

2/16/10 ETA: Version 1.2.0 download corrected all bookmarking and Reading Now functionality.

10 comments :

  1. I still can't decide if I *need* a eReader. Although the hubs says I can get one and I love the idea of having one, I'm afraid I won't use it enough to make it worth it. Do you find that you like it as much as having the hard copy?

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  2. Looks so Cool :) But probably very expensive :)

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  3. My husband was telling me about another ereader

    here is the link
    http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/01/08/ces.ereader/index.html

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  4. I have one too and I love mine. Initially I could not get the download to work, but I got that straigh. The bookmarks are a big negative, but hopefully they will fix that. Have you heard anything? I read an arc off it (loved it) and haven't used it since, last time I was there, the help boards were mobbed. I figured I would give it time to cool off.

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  5. It's good to know the good and bad directly from the buyer. I don't have an ereader...at least no yet. I enjoy hearing what everyone thinks about them. Have fun! :)

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  6. Great review of the nook...I bloody well want to win the contest with this because I doubt I'll spend the money otherwise haha :)

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  7. I've had mixed results with bookmarking on my Nook. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't which can be really frustrating. And I had the same problem with downloading on Christmas day but once the traffic died down, it went super quick. I'm enjoying mine too.

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  8. I got the Kindle for Christmas and it seems I may love mine more than you immediately speaking anyways. Here was my review.
    http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2009/12/kindle-international-review-my.html

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  9. I just ordered a Nook and can't wait to get it! I got a lower end model e-reader for Christmas and it kept crashing on me, so it's going back! I went to B&N and was playing with the Nook there and talking to the rep and I loved it! Glad to hear you like it and for informing me of the flaws - something I'll keep an eye on!

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  10. Well I just ordered my nook two days ago...

    What a freekin bummer about the book mark.
    Have you contacted them yet about this problem?

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