Nook Color 3G

Love it!, July 3, 2011
By Christopher B

[Note=The software and firmware have both been updated since this review]

This review is from: Barnes & Noble NOOK ebook reader (WiFi + 3G)[B&W] (Electronics)
I have always been a fairly skeptical critic of e-readers. When I first heard of the Kindle, I thought the idea was pretty absurd, to need an electronic device that mimics something as universally understood as a book. However, as I grew older and grew more cynical that I will probably never get my 10+ books I've lent out over the years back, the idea of an e-reader started to sound more desirable. Enter the Nook.

I've read a lot of bad press on this little guy. Most of the bad press seemed to stem from consumer reviews, which I honestly take to heart more-so than professional critics. Here is a list of things I've noticed people don't seem entirely too fond of regarding the Nook, and my experience with these 'negative' aspects.

- Battery Life. Although shorter than some e-readers (but not at ALL as short as the Nook color or any tablets you may purchase/already have) I haven't yet felt constricted or nervous that my battery will deplete midway through a book. I would think that considering the era we're in of constantly recharging our phones (I have to recharge my Droid Incredible nearly every 8 hours after moderate usage) we would be a little more forgiving if the Nook only lasts a mere week. I don't mind recharging it once/twice a week while I sleep... I don't think anyone should to be honest, but that's just me.

- LCD touch screen. This is one of those gripes I find somewhat warranted. This is definitely the reason for the shorter battery life (set it to sleep after 10 or 30 seconds, and brightness to about 15%) but my biggest gripe is that it can be unresponsive at times. I never once, however, found the navigation to be clunky or as unresponsive as some people claim... but I think these gripes found in earlier reviews has been remedied through a major update to the Nook firmware. Yay! I found the navigation to be highly intuitive and the built in dictionary highly helpful.

I love this thing. I love being able to read Barnes & Noble classics for free, checking e-books out from the library, and the prospect of sharing books with others who own a Nook. This is an excellent piece of technology, and for the price it's going for right now... a HUGE steal. Get one if you're on the fence, you won't regret it.