New NOOK devices confirmed for 2026

[Derf]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

If B&N does not come out with decent firmware, then it's going to be another doorstop.

I don't know man, I have a Nook GL4+, a Kobo Clara, and a Kindle PW12. I've also used a color Kobo Libra.

I attribute 75-80% of my enjoyment of reading to the actual content. If the content isn't any good, I don't care how good the eReader is, I'm not going to enjoy reading.

I'd say the hardware is worth another 10-15% or so of my enjoyment. Tactile buttons, crisp text, screen, flush bezel, comfort light, grip feel of the plastic, the weight : it all ties together for ADDING to the reading experience.

Lastly I'd say the software is worth another 10-15% or so. Ease of checking out books, speed of page turns, the built-in dictionary, ability to side load books, etc. In some instances this can be completely overhauled with something like KOReader.

The Nook GL4+ has some really great hardware IMO. But yes the software is a little thin. Still, with a good boo, page turn buttons, a big flush screen with comfort light, I'm not turning it into a door stop.

I know a lot of manufacturers are jumping on the color eInk screen band wagon, but personally I find while it has marketing value for seeing book covers, it degrades the actual reading experience. Personally, I don't care how good they make the software, the hardware isn't getting better with color eInk (yet).