NOOK Color is a Tablet PC not a colored E-Ink Rreader!

[Kali Yuga]

Originally Posted by Catlady

Netbook is only a little heavier....

1.5 lbs vs at least 3 lbs, more for the charger, extra batteries etc

Plus, I find 1.5 lbs to already push the limits of a comfortable device to hand-hold, netbooks don't really cut it in that department.

Originally Posted by Catlady

why do I need a touch screen when I have a full keyboard

http://www.brushesapp.com/
http://www.popcap.com/extras/pvz/

Or, to put it another way: Why do I need a keyboard when I have a touchscreen?

Originally Posted by Catlady

Security? I haven't had any problems.

Running Windows by any chance? You will. Plus you need antivirus, updates, the whole 9.


Of course much of this is preferences, and sure a netbook can do certain things a tablet cannot -- but nowhere near as much as you might assume. However, that does not change the fact that simply because a tablet does not appeal to you specifically is not evidence that it has no appeal or utility whatsoever.

[SensualPoet]

For $100 more than the regular wifi Nook, the Nook Color, for those wanting colour, it seems like a very decent upgrade.

What I don't understand is what sets it apart from the $600 Samsung Galaxy Tab which is also 7" touch screen running Android. What's the trade-off for the $351 savings? A 3G radio circuit can't add that much. Just locking out full Android access isn't enough to explain the savings. Anyone know?

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by Kali Yuga

Of course much of this is preferences, and sure a netbook can do certain things a tablet cannot -- but nowhere near as much as you might assume. However, that does not change the fact that simply because a tablet does not appeal to you specifically is not evidence that it has no appeal or utility whatsoever.

But the original point was about the appeal of Nook Color. To me, there's nothing to make the iPad appealing enough to replace my netbook. Especially considering the price of the iPad vs. the price of a decent netbook.

But I AM interested in the Nook Color, largely because of the portability and the memory card slot, neither of which is a feature of the iPad (even though the iPad is light, it's large). I could own the Nook AND the netbook for not much more than the price of the iPad.

I do see the appeal of this Nook and think it will find a market.

[ProfCrash]

If you are at Best Buy and there are 4 similarly priced tablets and three of them are more open then the Nook Color, what do you buy?

[Rebo]

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

If you are at Best Buy and there are 4 similarly priced tablets and three of them are more open then the Nook Color, what do you buy?

The answer is it depends on the features:
1) Screen Display
2) Processor
3) UI
4) Size and Weight
5) Others

Both iPad and kindle has more "locked format" but that doesn't stop people who like them from buying them and if required, jail breaking them to fit their purpose so it really depends. "Open" is only relative. As of now, I am not aware that there are 4 similarly priced tablets in Best Buy that directly competes with NC and have the same features.

[ppw]

Originally Posted by SensualPoet

What's the trade-off for the $351 savings?

Less powerful processor.
Can not access Android market place.
Two cameras less.
No flash support in browser.
Basic video support (mp4 only).
No GPS
No 3G
No Bluetooth
...

But Nook Color probably has better battery life and maybe a better screen (same resolution). That's why Nook Color is marketed as a reader.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

If you are at Best Buy and there are 4 similarly priced tablets and three of them are more open then the Nook Color, what do you buy?

The Nook Color, because those other tablets are probably low end devices using low end components, like the Velocity Cruz and Pandigital Novel.

Bottom line - compare the specs and performance.

[Kali Yuga]

Originally Posted by ppw

But Nook Color probably has better battery life and maybe a better screen (same resolution). That's why Nook Color is marketed as a reader.

Better screen is likely, better battery life no. It's currently listed as 8 hours with wifi on, which is about the same as any other tablet or smartphone.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by ppw

No flash support in browser.

Flash support will come next year with the promised upgrade to Android 2.2

[khalleron]

Well, I have no interest in it as a reader (yes, I do find reading on an LCD screen hard on my eyes. After spending all day on the computer at work, the last thing I want to do is come home and read on one) - but the site says you can load and edit MS Office docs on it, so I'm going hmmmmmmmm.

Might come in handy for my next book. I had bought a Sony 600 for the purpose of editing, but found that functionality lacking. On something faster and more responsive, and at that price point, I'm finding the Nook Color rather intriguing.

But it won't make me give up my 505, I'm sure.

[ColdSun]

Originally Posted by Kali Yuga

Yeah, all 6 of 'em. What a powerful group.
.

Their numbers seem to be dwindling...

Originally Posted by Kali Yuga

Like it or not, eInk devices have some advantages, such as minimal power consumption, better use in daylight, low weight, and a much more paper-like look.

I don't remember saying eink didn't have other advantages. I am aware of the benefits eink can provide, but next to no backlight, single function, and often slow page turns - I prefer LCD. Its obviously a market, and a big one at that.

Originally Posted by Kali Yuga

IMO the key question is if the Nook Color will significantly differentiate itself from any forthcoming 7" tablets that will run the Nook software and a half dozen other ebook and comic apps.

That is a key question. The problem is, you aren't asking the right question. Is this a tablet at all? It has a closed version of Android on it and some extra applications, but for the most part this device is aimed squarely at providing a HIGH quality reading experience on LCD. Books, magazines, comics, etc. In comparison, the Pandigital Novel (which I have) and the Cruz tablet, aimed at the same market, are not as good because they suffer performance issues. Both have resistive screens, while Nook Color has a VERY nice capacitive screen which completely blows most cheap tablets out of the water. Is the Nook Color a viable alternative for avid readers who want LCD and possibly a few other minor functions, want a high quality device that actually performs well, and isn't going to cost them $500+ and/or a cell phone plan? It looks like it to me.

Originally Posted by Kali Yuga

There's also the question of whether they can, in fact, get this out in decent numbers by the ship date. I don't think it will look good if they have another shortage like they did last year, execution is critical this time around.

Now that is a good question, and the only one here that concerns me. Mostly because I ordered mine about 45 minutes after they announced it.

[AlbertaCowboy]

Originally Posted by ColdSun

More and more people are coming out of the marketing ploy of LCD being bad for the eyes, which is a total fallacy heaped upon us by loyal eink users.

Was it actually asserted that LCD was harmful for the eyes? The only real argument that I ever heard was that backlit LCD caused a substantial amount of readers to experience eye strain and fatigue. (This, by the way, is not a total fallacy, as I cannot read on a monitor, iPod or iPad without causing a blinding headache.)
If the new Nook takes off, in either case, it's nothing but good for the ereading community at large. The more people that want to buy ebooks means more dedicated devices and more published ebooks. Looking at it this way, (although I am one of the 6), I have to say "Let it glow, let it glow, let it glow".

[ManosHandsOfFate]

Bleh. I'm already annoyed by the battery life of the current Nook. . .

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by khalleron

Well, I have no interest in it as a reader (yes, I do find reading on an LCD screen hard on my eyes. After spending all day on the computer at work, the last thing I want to do is come home and read on one) - but the site says you can load and edit MS Office docs on it, so I'm going hmmmmmmmm.

There was another post mentioning editing docs on it, but I don't see anything about it on the BN site. Do you remember where you saw this? Thanks.

[mlewis78]

When I have eyestrain from LCD screen, my eyes HURT. Damage to the eyes or not, I hate the pain of eyestrain.

And how does anyone here KNOW that the screen quality is as good as an ipad but smaller? Have you used this new device?

B&N should have made some improvements to the Nook with e-ink. Sure, a software update is coming, but why not have a pearl e-ink screen in a much lighter device? Nook needs more font sizes and better page turn buttons.