Thursday, December 16, 2010

Thursday Review—Nook Color

I just received an early Christmas present from my DH (that’s Darling Husband for those who don’t know common web lingo). I have to confess, I love it so much I feel like a kid! Yes, I even sleep with it on the table beside my bed.

Now you may be wondering why I chose to review an e-book reader on a writing blog. But the truth is, as writers we need to be familiar with the medium that delivers our words. And e-books are here to stay.

So what made me choose a Nook Color over all the other options on the market? I’m going to share those with you—but with a caveat. There really aren’t any bad options in e-readers, but some may fit your personal circumstances better than others. I’ll explain what made the Nook Color the best choice for me.

These are the reasons I like the Nook Color.
  • It can read more than one type of e-book file. It can read epub, text, and pdf to just name a few. It cannot read a Kindle e-book if it’s protected.
  • I can add an SD card and increase the memory.
  • I can change my own battery. Now, admittedly, if I take care of my device I shouldn’t have to. But I like to have the option.
  • It interfaces seamlessly with websites that offer free e-books, like http://www.gutenberg.org/.
  • It also works well with the Calibre http. Calibre defines itself best:“Calibre is a free and open source e-book library management application developed by users of e-books for users of e-books.”
  • Nook Color also allows me to surf the web.
  • It gives me great access to Facebook and Twitter, important for writers like me who write for numerous websites and blogs.
Some of these criteria are met by other e-book readers, but not all. Not even iPad offers everything I mention above. It’s also a great deal heavier and bulkier than other options. That, combined with price pushed it out of consideration for me.

So now it’s your turn. Do you have an e-book reader? If so, which one and how do you like it?

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

4 comments:

  1. Edie -

    How awesome! I hope to get a kindle for Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I haven't gotten a reader yet, but I know I'll have to sooner or later. And when I do, I'll know more about what to look for. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. My husband and I both did lots of research the past month since we decided to buy our daugher an e-reader. We were sold on the Kindle until we went to B&N and he got to play with the Nook Color. That was it. We bought it that evening. Our kids agreed (even though our daughter doesn't know she's getting one) and they went together to buy their dad one. So we'll have two to play with on Christmas morning.

    Thanks for a great review - confirms the choice we made.

    ReplyDelete
  4. So much to think about when buying a e-reader these days. Don't have one yet, but like Vonda, I'll be getting one sooner or later. This helped me a lot Edie. Thanks once again for the great information.
    Beth

    ReplyDelete