Nook Color Reviews

[geertm]

I wonder why all these reviews seem to overlook the fact that current Android Market requirements do not allow the Nook Color (or any other affordable Android tablet) access to the Android Market. You need mobile phone specs like GPS and a camera to be allowed access. So B&N's own apps store is the only solution for the moment.

And although most reviews mention lack of flash support, I believe none of them mentions the fact that B&N has already promised an update to Andriod 2.2 early next year, including Flash support.

[elemenoP]

One review said that they played Angry Birds on the device. How did they do that? Wouldn't that be an app from the app store?

[phenomshel]

Originally Posted by geertm

There is one library view for all books, see this post on the Nook Color board:
http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/...717595#U717595

very helpful!

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by MsCG1

I think Engadget unfairly dinged the NC for the lack of an app store, and running 2.1. Really, it probably should have gotten an 8, but this is Engadget we're talking about.

Engadget really should change its name to Applegadget.

[tubemonkey]

I found this a bit disappointing: NC is using a proprietary USB port. That's definitely a step backward.

Make sure you bring your charger wherever you go. Although the Nook Color looks like it has a standard micro USB port, it will only charge with the Nook AC adapter. I tried both 5V and 10V adapters, with no luck. Nor can you charge the device by connecting it to a PC. Turns out the cable that comes with the Nook Color has a few extra pins in it, to enable faster charging. The custom connector supports 2000mAh charging, whereas most mobile electronics use 500mAh chargers. This is limiting, since it significantly reduces your charging options, but it isn't much different than the proprietary charger that's required with the iPad. - PCMag Review

[PatNY]

I really like the Nook Color. I considered it before I bought my PRS-350, but my first priority was something small enough to take with me when commuting on the bus and subway and the Sony Pocket is perfect. But if I were in the market right now for a second eReader just for home, the Nook Color would be my first choice.

I have no problems reading from LCD displays and the NC is just the right size. For me, the android market and web browsing are also secondary considerations to reading. I predict B&N has a hit on their hands, and it will be a breakthrough in terms of introducing color eReaders to a broader market.

The reviews seem generally very good. Good job by B&N.

[geertm]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

I found this a bit disappointing: NC is using a proprietary USB port. That's definitely a step backward.

The USB port is compatible for data. You can use any USB cable for data transfer. You can also use your PC for charging (with a regular USB cable), but this will be a lot slower, and you cannot use the device while charging.

http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/...710512#U710512

The proprietary USB cable is only needed when using the Nook Color Charger for fast charging.

[Fbone]

It was probably a difficult device to review since it's a relatively new category. There isn't much to compare it with.

[Rebo]

Other good reviews:

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-gad...ok-reader/4110

http://www.computerworld.com/s/artic...5&pageNumber=1

Seems very solid. I can't wait to get mine.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by geertm

The USB port is compatible for data. You can use any USB cable for data transfer. You can also use your PC for charging (with a regular USB cable), but this will be a lot slower, and you cannot use the device while charging.

http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/...710512#U710512

The proprietary USB cable is only needed when using the Nook Color Charger for fast charging.

Does this mean that PCMag was lying?

[ColdSun]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Does this mean that PCMag was lying?

According to Nook hardware support, it can charge through standard USB, although more far more slowly than the normal power adapter. Also, the drain of using it when plugged in with USB will cause it to discharge faster than the USB can charge it.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by ColdSun

According to Nook hardware support, it can charge through standard USB, although more far more slowly than the normal power adapter. Also, the drain of using it when plugged in with USB will cause it to discharge faster than the USB can charge it.

If that's the case, then the reviewers at PCMag don't know what they're doing. In which case, that makes their entire review suspect.

[ColdSun]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

If that's the case, then the reviewers at PCMag don't know what they're doing. In which case, that makes their entire review suspect.

I don't know if I would go that far, but I would say that they only had the device for a few hours and likely didn't do as detailed a review as they could have. In the rush to match or beat their competition it is quite common on the web. It would be interesting to know why they made that deduction. I would say the parts of the review that give performance and visual reaction are likely to be more accurate. I was saying in another forum that there are many users here far more literate with reading devices than any reviewer from a magazine. I wouldn't use PCMagazine or CNET as the canon for reading devices, that is just my opinion though.

[boswd]

Originally Posted by Rebo

Other good reviews:

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/mobile-gad...ok-reader/4110

http://www.computerworld.com/s/artic...5&pageNumber=1

Seems very solid. I can't wait to get mine.

Matt Miller from Zdnet really liked huh? I thought it was interesting to include his daughter in the review and her reaction to the Children's book.

Also the Star Wars looked really good.

[GreenMonkey]

Looks like the best bang/buck tablet around.

Will be even better once it gets rooted and the XDA folks start getting their hands on it.

Very cool. Want. Not to read books (I'll stick to e-ink for that), but as a tablet with potential.