iPod Touch or NookColor: I know, apples & oranges...

[tm3]

i have a touche' v4, and auditioned multiple ereaders including the NC before buying a K3.

imo you should decide which single factor is most important to you and base your choice accordingly. if i wanted portability, i would choose the touche'. if i wanted to maximize the ereading experience, i would choose the NC. well actually not, i would choose the K3 but of the two you mentioned my preference for reading would be the NC.

as far as phones, data plans, etc. i elected to get a prepaid tracfone that costs me about $10/month. recently i picked up a verizon MiFi for $35/month that functions as a mobile hot spot. up to 5 users can connect at the same time so my wife can access with her iPad while i access with my laptop or touche'. where i live and where i have traveled, the verizon coverage is much, much better than ATT. this combo is less expensive than a smart phone with data plan and imo much more versatile.

[jocampo]

Hi Runs4Brains,

I think that if reading is more important for you than the computer capabilities, you will save more in the future if you get a basic cellphone and a good tablet instead.

Having said that, I would say the Nook Color but there are some caveats, like the browser itself is basic (I like Dolphin and Opera better) and with the stock operating system or device, you can read B&N books only (which can or cannot be an issue depending of your taste)

iPod touch is too small for reading sessions (in my opinion) The Nook Color gives you a better reading experience without being too big or bulky.

Not one of your options, but I would suggest the Galaxy Tab, which runs Froyo out of the box. You don't need a data plan and you will be able to read from: Kobo, Sony, Kindle, B&N, etc, without any rooting or extra step. You can also download a different browser and even texting if you keep the data plan with Tmobile, for example. For about 30 bucks with Tmobile, you can use wifi plus 3G with unlimited data plan.

[boswd]

Originally Posted by jocampo

Hi Runs4Brains,

I think that if reading is more important for you than the computer capabilities, you will save more in the future if you get a basic cellphone and a good tablet instead.

Having said that, I would say the Nook Color but there are some caveats, like the browser itself is basic (I like Dolphin and Opera better) and with the stock operating system or device, you can read B&N books only (which can or cannot be an issue depending of your taste)

iPod touch is too small for reading sessions (in my opinion) The Nook Color gives you a better reading experience without being too big or bulky.

Not one of your options, but I would suggest the Galaxy Tab, which runs Froyo out of the box. You don't need a data plan and you will be able to read from: Kobo, Sony, Kindle, B&N, etc, without any rooting or extra step. You can also download a different browser and even texting if you keep the data plan with Tmobile, for example. For about 30 bucks with Tmobile, you can use wifi plus 3G with unlimited data plan.

again not true, for the one millionith time you have posted it. The nook color can read more than just BN books. It supports ePub/ADE, PDF etc.

You can check out books from the Library
Shop at

sony
borders
Google ebookstore
Kobo books
Fictionwise etc.

You can keep saying the nook color only reads BN. but it won't magically come true.

[Care]

I personally can't stand web browsing on phones, which is basically the same thing as an iPod touch. I have used many browsers, but the screen size is a problem.

I have a nook color and I have used it rooted and stock. The stock browser isn't the best but I still prefer it over any phone (iphone, htc, or bb). I would be nice if b&n offered different browsers with their new app store or improves the current one. I do use it regularly regardless.

The nook color is not very portable though. Not like a phone. I carry a bag so I have no portability issues, but if I didn't it would be a pain. If I were you I would consider a smaller tablet. 7 inches is just too big to carry everywhere like I do my phone, I can't put my nook in my pocket.

[Runs4Brains]

Originally Posted by snipenekkid

Runs4Brains:
...the cost will be around $60-$120/mo no matter how you look at it, well it will be that much if a person wants a service that actually provides real usefulness rather than just being able to say "...I have the fastest connection." I mean great for the 5-minutes/day on average you can use it before hitting the cap in a month and needing to sell a kidney to pay the bill.

Hahahaha. No kidding! It's so funny how these companies are advertising blazing fast speeds. VZN is hyping up it's new next gen LTE system's near cable-modem speeds... They just don't say you'll blow through the MONTHLY data cap, which they're charging through the nose for, in like 25 mins! You are so right. If they companies had their way, we'd all sign over our entire monthly paychecks and return for 0 MB/mo usage. LOL.

Originally Posted by snipenekkid

Runs4Brains:
Your take on the Safari browser is in line with my experiences as well. It's just OK, as in good enough for most needs. but to really be assured of complete access I feel one needs to juggle a couple different browsers to have all the bases covered

Thx for the heads-up. I was wondering if maybe the unit I played with was buggy.... But maybe you're right, perhaps I should just bite the bullet and buy something. That way I can really test drive it. I just feel guilty buying stuff and then returning it. I used to do this all the time when younger, but now I just feel guilty. Someone ultimately has to eat that expense. In reality it's probably us, the consumer, in the form of higher prices at the register.

As for the crazy fast product upgrade cycle, it's really just a scheme of planned obsolecense to get u to spend more. I mean really, why does the iPod CONSTANTLY have it's "standard iPod dock connector" changed every other year? LOL! What's the point of having a standard interface if all you accessories become obsolete every other year? Well, because "they" make more money that way. This is a major strike against the Touch. Of course, since I'll be using it primarily for surfing and eBook reading, the constant upgrade cycle will have less of an impact. Of course, the ebook reading apps will become outdated as OS revisions are rolled out. Just look at all the apps no longer supported by gen 1 & 2 iPhones & Touches. How much cpu is really needed to read an ePub. Basically nothing.

UGH, I don't want this to devolve into an Apple bitchfest... I'm NOT anti-Apple! Funny, even with all my my griping I'm heavily leaning towards to ordering a 32GB Touch off Amazon this weekend. Ha!

[Runs4Brains]

Originally Posted by deborahjeanne

No problem. The cost of the data plan is what has kept me from having an iphone until now. My phone is 58.76 a month, taxes included.

Interesting. Seems the costs have come down a bit due to competition. That's good to know! Still, 5GB is barely enough to check email, watch a few YouTube vids, and download your monthly allotment of podcasts/audiobooks. But for the way you use your iPhone, it sounds like this totally meets your needs. That's good. If you don't need it, "More" is not always "Better".

Originally Posted by deborahjeanne

What about this new HP thing that is coming?

Hummm. Haven't heard about this yet. I'm aware we're due for a whole slew of new Android tablets from CES 2011. Perhaps I should wait a bit and see how things shake out? A tablet would make a nice reader. Although the Nook Color is essentially an Android tablet masquerading as an ebook reader so why wait? I don't want to fall into the eternal "waiting to buy" game. We all know there's always something better around the corner.

[Runs4Brains]

Originally Posted by queentess

I have a non-Nook ereader and an iPod Touch. I use the Touch primarily for listening to music (Pandora.com), playing app store games to pass time, a recipe book in my kitchen (Tastebook.com), and some limited internet browsing. The browsing is... sub-optimal. I've also used it for reading (Kindle app) a few times when I wanted to read in a pinch, but I didn't find the screen size ideal for long reading sessions. I choose my ereader over my Touch every time I have the option. But if I'm out and about without my ereader, the Touch will do.

I appreciate you sharing! Your web surfing experience seems to match Snipe's and my anecdotal experience. I guess it's to be expected. I really can't expect perfection from such a small device. As for long reading sessions on the small screen, I think for me personally it won't be a major issue. I used to read on an old monochrome Palm III PDA! Ha. Talk about ancient technology. While it was far from ideal on so many levels, I found it acceptable. The Touch would be light years head; the NookColor even more so!!!

Originally Posted by Caltsar

An iPod touch makes a perfectly capable eBook reader as long as you're okay with the screen size. I can read fairly comfortably on my iPhone (and it's a 3GS so the resolution isn't even as high), and there's no doubt that it's more capable as a general use device than the nook color (assuming you don't root the nook color).

Ultimately, it really comes down to personal preference. (I seem to say that a lot) I find that I would personally go for an iPod touch over a nook color, but at the same time if you are comfortable with rooting the nook and your needs can be fulfilled by it, it would be a great option if you do a lot of reading.

Due to the fact that you already own another eBook reader though, I'd recommend the iPod touch. You can get the general use out of it much more easily than a nook color, and you already own a reader that has a comfortable screen size for long reading sessions.

From a purely EReader standpoint, I'm ok with the smaller screen size of the Touch. Like I said above, I've read on worse screens (Palm III Xe). It's the poorer web browsing aspect that has me strongly considering the Nook Color (rooted or not, it's still better). Trying to trade off Portability/Usability vs a more "Functional/Standards Based" web browsing experience.

As for rooting the NC, yes I would be comfortable doing so from a purely technical standpoint. I'm in I.T. so it doesn't scare me. Plus from what I've read, the NC is basically un-brickable. But B&N seems to on a fairly decent upgrade cycle and the base capabilities of the current stock Nook are acceptable. I would like tabbed browsing and better H/W acceleration to be added, but I could probably do without until it's clear B&N's upgrade path becomes apparent.

You are correct, I currently do own an ebook reader. But because it lacks a backlit screen and cause I hate external book lights, I abhor reading on the thing. In fact, I'm trying to sell it right now with little interest... it's such old tech and time marches on.... I doubt anyone wants it. Will probably try EBay. Anyways, that's why I'm shopping for a new reader. I want something to REPLACE my current reader, not compliment it.

Thank you for sharing!

[Runs4Brains]

Originally Posted by Jowi

Depending on what you're doing online, some things can be done using apps. For example, the Instapaper app is awesome, and an rss feed app allows me to read blogs I follow easily. And the text being So crisp on the 4th gen iPod touch, my vote goes there! I love mine!

Thk U for the tip! Yes, apps are at major draw of the Touch! And that IPS display seems to overcome many obstacles Now if my count is correct, that's 4 votes for iPod Touch, zero for NookColor. Ha! Being an ebook forum, I'm kinda shocked actually.

Originally Posted by HansTWN

Actually I wasn't advising you to get the Streak since you don't want a phone (though it is only $399 unlocked and off contract, has been upgraded to 2.2 for many months, by far the best phone I have ever seen runs even Flash like a dream -- the Nook has less RAM and a slower processor) I was suggesting you get the Archos or some other tablet device in the 5" format. Since you want the solution that offers both portability and good browsing, that is the way to go. 3.5" devices have only half the screen area of a 5" device!

Oh I see! Thank you for clarifying. To be honest, $399 unlocked ain't that bad... Is there a way to permanently turn off the 3G radio so it doesn't suck battery life, or does it need to deactivated on every power up? As for Archos, I'm not sure about those guys. I know they've been around a very long time, but it seems they are very "hit n miss" with their products & reliability.... more "miss" than "hit". Nonetheless, thanks for the suggestion!

Originally Posted by tm3

i have a touche' v4, and auditioned multiple ereaders including the NC before buying a K3.

imo you should decide which single factor is most important to you and base your choice accordingly. if i wanted portability, i would choose the touche'. if i wanted to maximize the ereading experience, i would choose the NC. well actually not, i would choose the K3 but of the two you mentioned my preference for reading would be the NC.

as far as phones, data plans, etc. i elected to get a prepaid tracfone that costs me about $10/month. recently i picked up a verizon MiFi for $35/month that functions as a mobile hot spot. up to 5 users can connect at the same time so my wife can access with her iPad while i access with my laptop or touche'. where i live and where i have traveled, the verizon coverage is much, much better than ATT. this combo is less expensive than a smart phone with data plan and imo much more versatile.

TM3, yes you are obviously correct. I need to decide which is more important. Why am I so indecisive? I have "kinda" prioritized what's important to me, but I've been hemming & hawing (sp?) for sometime now. I think just hearing other peoples' personal experience is helping me to understand the challenges & benefits of these 2 devices. Every bit of input is helping, so thank you for taking the time to share your insights!

ps- i've heard good things about that MiFi. Sounds like a great gadget. WiFi is just SO PERVASIVE here in Chicago. I can't justify the extra expense. $35 ain't bad though!

[Runs4Brains]

Originally Posted by jocampo

Hi Runs4Brains,

I think that if reading is more important for you than the computer capabilities, you will save more in the future if you get a basic cellphone and a good tablet instead.

Having said that, I would say the Nook Color but there are some caveats, like the browser itself is basic (I like Dolphin and Opera better) and with the stock operating system or device, you can read B&N books only (which can or cannot be an issue depending of your taste)

iPod touch is too small for reading sessions (in my opinion) The Nook Color gives you a better reading experience without being too big or bulky.

Not one of your options, but I would suggest the Galaxy Tab, which runs Froyo out of the box. You don't need a data plan and you will be able to read from: Kobo, Sony, Kindle, B&N, etc, without any rooting or extra step. You can also download a different browser and even texting if you keep the data plan with Tmobile, for example. For about 30 bucks with Tmobile, you can use wifi plus 3G with unlimited data plan.

Hey there. Yes, I already have a basic cellphone, a simple "feature phone" as they call them. It works fine for my purposes, voice/camera/SMS, but the addtion of an ereader with wifi capabilities would be a boon hence this current quest!

As for the NC only being compatible with B&N books, I might be wrong but I've spent time researching this online & in the forums and believe the unit supports "side loading" of content. You are correct in that B&N purchased books can only be read on the NC due to proprietary DRM, but the same is not true for ADE content purchases elsewhere. Regardless, I don't plan to purchase too many books via retail. Will mostly be reading TXT, DOC and library Overdrive stuff. The public library system here is pretty darn good!

[Runs4Brains]

Originally Posted by boswd

again not true, for the one millionith time you have posted it. The nook color can read more than just BN books. It supports ePub/ADE, PDF etc.

You can check out books from the Library
Shop at

sony
borders
Google ebookstore
Kobo books
Fictionwise etc.

You can keep saying the nook color only reads BN. but it won't magically come true.

LOL, I wish I'd read your response 1st! I would have saved me time!
Thx you for clarifying. I was a bit worried I had my facts wrong. If I had, perhaps my decision would've been made.... definitely iPod Touch.

[Runs4Brains]

Originally Posted by Care

I personally can't stand web browsing on phones, which is basically the same thing as an iPod touch. I have used many browsers, but the screen size is a problem.

I have a nook color and I have used it rooted and stock. The stock browser isn't the best but I still prefer it over any phone (iphone, htc, or bb). I would be nice if b&n offered different browsers with their new app store or improves the current one. I do use it regularly regardless.

The nook color is not very portable though. Not like a phone. I carry a bag so I have no portability issues, but if I didn't it would be a pain. If I were you I would consider a smaller tablet. 7 inches is just too big to carry everywhere like I do my phone, I can't put my nook in my pocket.

Hey Care! Haha. I think it's funny that everyone has the same hang-ups about the Touch vs. Nook as myself, but ultimately they lean towards the Touch because of form factor & portability. That REALLY is a major factor. I mean sure the NC is great. But if it's not in my pocket anytime I wanna I wanna read a book, then does it really matter? And no, I don't have a purse (m-urse?) so carrying around the Nook would be difficult.
Also as was mentioned earlier, the poorer browser experience on the Touch might be somewhat mitigated by customized Apps...

Humm, so consensus is heavily for the iPod Touch 4G...

Thx you all for sharing! I really do appreciate each of you taking the time outta your busy schedules to help me out. Also, sorry about multiple replies across multiple posts... i know it's rather messy and difficult to follow. As you can probably deduce, I'm not a huge forums user...

[jocampo]

For the records. I never said you cannot read Sony or non DRM ePub on Nook. But you cannot read B&N books outside of Nook world, not without removing DRM protection. If thats what can be read from my post, my bad.

By the way, I'm getting tired of folks who keep making personal attacks to me or calling me liar just because I'm giving my opinion. I guess they don't have a smarter way to discuss but offending.

[Runs4Brains]

Originally Posted by jocampo

For the records. I never said you cannot read Sony or non DRM ePub on Nook. But you cannot read B&N books outside of Nook world, not without removing DRM protection. If thats what can be read from my post, my bad.

By the way, I'm getting tired of folks who keep making personal attacks to me or calling me liar just because I'm giving my opinion. I guess they don't have a smarter way to discuss but offending.

Jo, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend and certainly didn't mean anything I wrote to be a personal attack. I think the line:

Originally Posted by jocampo

... and with the stock operating system or device, you can read B&N books only...

is what threw me. It sounds like you're saying a non-rooted Nook can only read B&N content and nothing else. Again, sorry I offended you, and thx for sharing your opinions with me.

[Lemurion]

I'm looking at getting one or the other next weekend - but I really think I'll be going for the Nook and rooting it. I've got an Android phone so I don't need the portability, and the NC screen is really nice.

[GreenMonkey]

Ok. I've had my hands on your options for extended periods.

I had my wife's hand-me-down 2nd gen 8GB Ipod touch for about a year. GREAT mp3 player, apps are good, super handy around wi-fi. Internet surfing works in a pinch. Struggled with pdfs. I jailbroke it, of course, but mainly for some customizations and such.

I wiped it and gave it to my 3yr old daughter for Christmas. She can't lose $.99 apps like she can lose $20 Leapster/Mobigo game carts. It got her to leave my wife's 32GB 3rd gen ipod touch alone.

My wife got me the NC a few weeks before Christmas. Don't let all of the rooting/updating threads in the Nook developer forum fool you. I'm still running 1.0.0 firmware on the NC. It's not worth my effort to update yet. There's a lot of stuff you can do on it, but you can also just root it and leave it alone for months like me. Unlike Apple apps that are always requiring iOS updates (annoyed me a lot on the jailbroken touch), Android apps aren't so picky about keeping the device up to date.

The NC has almost replaced my tablet convertible laptop as my websurfing device - it's so much better to do internet on than the Ipod touch was. I fire up the laptop more to run Calibre than anything else these days. And the Nook IPS screen is awesome with VERY good viewing angles.

I will also say, I don't like huge cellphone plans either. I just got the Android 2.2 LG Optimus V on Virgin Mobile prepaid a few weeks ago. For $150 and $25/mo it has unlimited data, text, and 300 minutes, and I use it to tether my Nook Color once in a while. The only reason I miss my Ipod touch is for the ubiquitous dock support that is in everything. It's not QUITE as good of an mp3 player as the ipod touch, but honestly, for $150, it's a pretty fricking awesome.