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Nook Page 2 More Features As mentioned, the Barnes & Noble software is compatible with both PC and Mac, which means the Nook can connect to either platform via the included micro-USB->USB cable. Doing so is necessary to transfer any e-books you may have in EPUB, PDF, or PDB format; to transfer JPG, GIF, PNG or BMP image files to use as screen savers/wallpaper; or to import MP3 audio files, great for audio books or just tunes to listen to while reading. The Nook does have speakers, but use of the headphone jack is highly recommended. Unfortunately, the Nook does not allow the import of DRM-protected e-books, MS Word's ubiquitous DOC files, LIT, Sony's LRX/LRZ format, or Amazon's proprietary AMZ format. However, using a program like the afore-mentioned Calibre, you can easily (and legally) convert LIT and DOC files (two popular e-book formats of yesteryear) to compatible EPUB or PDB files for your Nook.
Barnes & Noble is also rolling out some incentives for Nook owners to spend time in the actual brick-and-mortar stores. Shortly after launch, you'll be able to take your Nook into the local B&N and not only will it automatically connect to the store's free Wi-Fi, but visiting The Daily option on your Nook's menu will present special offers, incentives, and (while there is no calendar on the Nook) possibly advertise special local events like book club meetings, signings and story times. You will also, in the future, be able to preview new content, and browse just about any of the books available for free, the same as if you were reading the physical book while hanging out in the store. B&N has stated that you'll be limited to one hour per title during a 24 hour period, but if you have enough free time to hang out in bookstores for hours on end, then you can likely afford to just buy the books if you enjoy the free preview. Since the E-ink screen is not backlit, Nook users can purchase a powered light attachment for reading in low light environments. Along with an extra battery for a paltry $29.95, B&N also offers a 2-year extended warranty ($69.95; must be purchased at the time you buy your Nook), screen guards for the E-ink display, an extra micro-USB->AC charging cable (it comes with 1 already), and a slew of fashionable covers and colorful replacement back plates. With dozens of accessories to choose from, every personality will likely find some variety of case, cover or back plate that suits their fancy. Just be aware you might need to take out a loan to buy them. While the back plates seem reasonably priced at $18.95, even simple covers can cost anywhere from $29 to $125 for designer brands. These covers, like the extended warranty, seem unnaturally expensive for a relatively small device. Not Quite Perfect The Nook represents the next evolution in e-readers, but it is also the first e-reader ever released by Barnes & Noble and is therefore not without drawbacks. The primary gripe is that the Nook, like every other e-reader out there, feels pokey. The evident lag of the color touch screen notwithstanding, there is also a noticeable screen flash and delay when doing something as simple as turning pages. Obviously this is not unique to the Nook, but it could (and should) be more fluid.
Yet if there is one flaw that stands out above any other with the Nook, it lies within the packaging. Barnes
& Noble has designed a beautiful box for the Nook, very reminiscent of any number of creatively packaged Apple
products, for example. Unfortunately, when you first open up the outer box, you are given a set of instructions
This whole process is not just unnecessarily complicated, but ridiculous. When a device is meant to replace a book, it should be (nearly) as easy to open and use. As it is, the current Nook packaging might be a turn-off to some, and downright frustrate others, by the mere fact that one needs instructions on how to open... a box. With any luck, B&N will go back to the drawing board here. In Conclusion Thankfully, once freed of its plastic prison, the Nook is a treat to use. As e-readers go, it has a host of competitive features, a massive library to choose from, and an exciting future full of upgrades and potential expansions thanks to its Android-based operating system. If you are contemplating an e-reader, the Nook is your best bet in today's market. Plus, let's face it: you'll look absolutely cool while getting your read on. The Good: Light, compact, with ample on-board memory, plus an expansion slot; priced right; clear, crisp E-ink screen; zippy 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity; free book sharing; huge library of e-books available from B&N, Google and other sources; flexible OS for future expansion; swappable battery; color touch screen menu is a nice feature; great supply of accessories available. The Bad: Packaging is ridiculously complex; page turning could be more fluid; battery life is greatly reduced by wireless use; bright color touch screen can sometimes detract from the unlit reading screen; touch screen isn't very responsive; book sharing is limited to 14 days; accessories are too expensive; cannot download new content while outside of the US. The Breakdown: Not without flaws, the Nook has enough going for it to make it a standout over the Kindle, and its future capabilities seem to make it the clear choice if you're in the market for an e-reader. Just be prepared to wait-the Nook is back-ordered through mid-January, 2010.
Rating: 90%
12/30/2009
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© , Martin Kozicki. All rights reserved. |
on how to remove the Nook from its inner box, and then from a plastic shell, and finally from a plastic sheath
that mounts onto the shell, all the while cognizant of the fact that a slight miscalculation could break your
precious new gadget.
