[Runs4Brains]

Hey,

I was hoping to get opinions on the iPod Touch vs. the Nook Color. I was debating where to post this... the Apple, Nook, or Which EReader forum cause i think I'll get different answers based on where it's posted.

I'm having a lot of difficulty choosing between these two devices. If my only concern was picking the "best" eReader among the two, this would be an easy decision. I'd go with the Nook simply b/c of its larger screen and specialized reader functionality. But because I'm attempting to decide between overall Portability vs. Greater Usability vs. Computing Functionality, trying to pick a general computing/eReading device is much harder.

1st, I'd like to say I don't currently own a smartphone or even a current gen laptop; therefore, my desire to buy a "semi-capable" mobile computing device is EXTREMELY HIGH. I'm not looking for laptop levels of computing power/support, but I'm also not looking for only a pure eReader. Those of you with iPhones and/or laptops will find it hard to objectively relate since you already have mobile access and can dedicate a secondary device to reading. If smart phones didn't require paying outrageous rates for ongoing data plans, I would have already purchased a smartphone and probably won't be here bugging u guys. But IMO, it's just not worth $1200-$1500/yr to have a mobile computer in my pocket. Yes, I could just a cheap $300 netbook, but they make terrible ebook reading devices.

So visited MicroCenter over the weekend and played with a 4th gen iPod Touch. Given its size, the Touch is clearly the more portable option over the Nook Color. Out of the box, it's also without quesiton the more capable "mobile computer" simpily due to the insurmountable number of applications available for iOS. IMO "computing" means access to applications... productivity, communications, entertainment & education. B&N and Android Market are making great strides, but let's face it, Apple won the "app" war yrs ago and this probably won't change anytime soon.

But for me, web browsing is the most important function I'm looking for in my new device with e-reading being a close 2nd. Music, videoes, Apps and Games all trail a distant 3rd place. I'm looking for a good web experience while at home and on-the-go. The browser needs to render the "full" web (minus Flash) accurately and quickly. Tabbed browsing is a major plus, but overall HTML/JS compatibility is most desirable. And this is where I ran into issues with the Touch. Compared to the NookColor, the Touch loses out due to a slower and seemingly less compatible browser. The unit I played with had issues rendering HTML & JavaScript correctly on several major websites like CNN, Engadget and Joystiq. For instance, the javascript driven Search function on Engadget didn't even work on the Safari browser. The Touch also refused to display the "full" Joystiq.com site (would only display the mobile version no matter what). Lastly, the browser was slow to render sites, but that could easily be attributed to slow in-store WiFi. The compatibility problems are what really give me pause. It also makes the unit less reliable as a mobile device. Hey iPod Touch owners, was this simply a problem with that particular display unit or are these issues inherent to the Touch/Safari browser in general?

The major advantage and disadvantage of the Touch is its size. The screen is a big stumbling point in comparison to the 7" Nook. But then again, what's the point of having a large screen & capable browser (nook) if it's too big to always tote around? If a mobile device to be useful, it's gotta be in your pocket right? Then again, if the Touch's browser has major HTML/JS compatibility issues, do I even care it's in my pocket? It's a quandry. Do I want the portability and greater app support of the Touch but deal with a buggy browser and cramped display? Or does the Nook's bigger screen & better browser compatibility offset it's MUCH LESS portable size, crippled OS, and MUCH less developer support? I know you can root a NookColor to get the full Android 2.2 experience. It's intriguing, but for now I'd like to compare both devices in their stock form.

As for Ereader capabilities, I'm not as picky as some MobileReaders regarding screen size, screen type, direct sunlight readability, etc... I don't require excellent PDF support or DRM/Retail market support (although ADE support for library books would be nice). What I do require is a reader with a backlight screen for reading in the dark and a reader capable of handling as many open formats as possible. EPUB, .DOC, .TXT, at a minimum. Mobi, PRC, PDB, RTF, CBR, LIT would be nice... As long as the reader supports proper word wrap/reflow, I'm happy. I believe both the Touch and Nook meet all of these requirements? I currenlty own an Aluratek Libre Pro. It's a great little device and supports many open formats. But the lack of backlight makes reading in the dark a pain, literally! Also it's obviously a single-use device.. hence the desire for a more fully functioning mobile device with web/apps/eReader support.

I know this was a rather long and rambling post, but ANY comments would be nice. I'm just having difficulties putting into words "what i want". Maybe that's because even *I* don't know yet! Thx for any feedback