In contrast to my earlier post about the negatives of nook (which can be found here
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60095), here are all the good things about nook and why it's a big step forward for ebook readers and ereader competition in general (in no particular order).
1. Nook is one of the best looking ereaders out there, and is relatively inexpensive.
2. LCD touchscreen is innovative and is a good way around adding an extra layer (Sony) or incorporating an expensive Wacom tablet (iRex).
3. Lending feature, even limited to once is a step forward for ebooks (not sure if authors and publishers are going to be on-board with this though; it's their discretion to allow this feature, like text-to-speech).
4. User replaceable battery.
5. B&N allows for reading their books on phones and PCs as well as the nook.
6. Custom screensavers.
7. Wi-Fi, even though there's no browser, customers visiting B&N stores can look through entire books.
8. Micro SD memory card slot.
9. Native PDF and ePub support.
10. Android OS.