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AnemicOak · 11-15-2013, 12:35 PM

The new model uses tech similar to the other readers out there and should be more durable. The eInk screen itself is still glass and therefore a bit fragile overall, but the light layers appear more durable now. The original Nook Glowlight was the first reader frontlit in the methods being used and the tech hadn't been refined as much as it is now. Some people have had problems with pinholes (little pin pricks of light) on the newer readers, but I don't think it's widespread.

The easiest alternatives are the Kindle Paperwhite and the Kobo Aura, Aura HD or Glo. None of them support the same DRM B&N uses so if you have lots of B&N books they couldn't be used on another brand unless the DRM was removed and in the case of a Kindle the format converted (which is pretty easy).

A tablet may be a better choice or it might not. It really depends on the individual user and their eyes. Some folks have issues reading on a backlit LCD (just like some have issues with eInk) while others don't. Best thing might be to go try a tablet or two out and spend enough time with them reading something to get a "feel" as to how it would work for you. The Nook branded tablets are heavily discounted right now (and a few places will be having good specials on Black Friday for the 7" HD if you're in the US) so might be a good option. Keep in mind that tablets are heavier. Make sure the added weight won't bother you.

11-15-2013, 12:35 PM	#5
AnemicOak Bookaholic Posts: 14,391 Karma: 54969924 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Minnesota Device: iPad Mini 4, AuraHD, iPhone XR +	The new model uses tech similar to the other readers out there and should be more durable. The eInk screen itself is still glass and therefore a bit fragile overall, but the light layers appear more durable now. The original Nook Glowlight was the first reader frontlit in the methods being used and the tech hadn't been refined as much as it is now. Some people have had problems with pinholes (little pin pricks of light) on the newer readers, but I don't think it's widespread. The easiest alternatives are the Kindle Paperwhite and the Kobo Aura, Aura HD or Glo. None of them support the same DRM B&N uses so if you have lots of B&N books they couldn't be used on another brand unless the DRM was removed and in the case of a Kindle the format converted (which is pretty easy). A tablet may be a better choice or it might not. It really depends on the individual user and their eyes. Some folks have issues reading on a backlit LCD (just like some have issues with eInk) while others don't. Best thing might be to go try a tablet or two out and spend enough time with them reading something to get a "feel" as to how it would work for you. The Nook branded tablets are heavily discounted right now (and a few places will be having good specials on Black Friday for the 7" HD if you're in the US) so might be a good option. Keep in mind that tablets are heavier. Make sure the added weight won't bother you. Last edited by AnemicOak; 11-15-2013 at 12:39 PM.