From Books to "Nooks," Barnes and Noble Releases E-Book Reader

[Michael Essany]

Image via CNET

Barnes & Noble has officially unveiled its electronic reading device dubbed "Nook."

The world's largest book retailer is taking direct aim at Amazon's Kindle with this new device. And the launch from B&N takes the e-reading experience to a whole new level - a situation leading some to believe that a competitive struggle could emerge that will eventually draw Apple into the mix.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. For now, as CNET reported, the Nook has been formally rolled out with a price tag comparable to that of Amazon's latest edition of Kindle.

As nearly everyone already knows, Barnes & Noble is officially entering the e-reader business on Tuesday with the launch of the Nook, a $259 device with an e-ink display as well as a secondary color touch screen.

The Nook, which will begin shipping around Thanksgiving, was announced in grand fashion, but the timing of the release could not have come at a worse time. After all, if Barnes & Noble would have had previous knowledge that Apple would be releasing a full slate of new products on Tuesday, it's unlike the book retail giant would have selected the same day to announce Nook's arrival.

The company plans to push the Nook in its bricks and mortar stores but with heavy mobile marketing aspects. Every time a customer brings their Nook into a Barnes & Noble store, for example, digital coupons and the latest promotions will be sent directly to the cutting edge new reader.

The Nook supports PDF, uses AT&T's wireless network, and can be customized with photos. "LendMe" technology lets users lend a book for up to two weeks from one Nook to another. 2GB of memory on board with Micro SD slot. Use of touchscreen and Android means new features can be added over time.

Although the Nook was overshadowed by Apple, a lot of people will be talking about the new e-reader this week and its implications for both the tech and publishing industries in the years ahead.

[Melech518]

More pictures? different views please?

[badass1469]

i think sony already has somthing like this

[JSims87]

>kindle

[peteo]

More pictures? different views please?

Nook.com has all the info plus a video. Looks cool but I wonder if apple has something better coming. Like maybe a new screen tech like the one used in OLPC computer

[nighthawk283]

thats a pretty cool product but i don't really like reading

[Jahooba]

Looks cool. I can't wait to get an ebook reader. Wake me up when they're under $100 and has an open format.

[rwin84]

this will succeed.

[DayumQuitPlayin]

Hmm, looks real nice. I was wanting to get a Kindle, but I may end up getting this one instead. I'm going to wait and see what Apple has in store first... but so far I'm really liking the Nook. Especially since B&N offers over a million ebooks.

[plcrules]

it uses att??
that does not help us! lol

[Cer0]

I saw this yesterday and put my Sony E-Reader 700 up on Ebay. It doesn't get as much use because I still go to the store to get my books. I would love to have one that does ota buys. Plus the software Sony uses does not work on Windows 7 last time I tried. I know Kindle does but I has some school chapters that are in pdf form and didn't feel like doing th conversion stuff to get it on the Kindle.

[kaaroFC]

I don't like books, i can't concentrate enough to read for long periods of time...i'll rather do something else like play a sport or something

[southfrisco]

The ability to share your purchases with other Nook/select smart phone device users is a nice touch.

Still $259 for just an e-book reader is too high of a price. When these hit $159 with at least 16GB of storage (to store different e-book file types, mp3, pdf, and other docs) then I will consider purchasing one.

...Great job though B&N, I was thinking of a Kindle and now the Nook looks like something I would really like to purchase....if it hits $159 that is...

[Cer0]

The nook can do pdf files of your choice, and 2 gig of internal is still a lot of space for books. Also the slot for memory card can expand it to larger sizes.

In terms of support the Barnes & Noble Nook can read EPUB and eReader formats as well as the ability to view PDF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP and play MP3 files.

Source: http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/commen...s-and-details/

2GB Internal memory/storage (up to 1,500 eBooks)

virtually unlimited using Micro SD expansion slot; a 16GB card holds up to 17,500 eBooks

Source: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/compare/

[ncnyxx13]

that is looking pretty cool the ebook actually looks real

[DocGo]

I wonder if this will work in Canada...meaning, can I still purchase books with B&N using the AT&T network while in Canada? Or will this be via wifi only?

[CaptainChaos]

Cerote:
I use Stanza on my desktop and on the iPhone. Check it out. It is free in the app store.

I don't see the draw of these readers.

[Cer0]

I have a Sony E Reader 700. I liked it but it had to much glare. I was changing over to this one. I have tried reading books on my iPhone and PSP. But the screen is to small and the e readers have been much easier on my eyes. Also the GF and I use the same e reader, so I can't leave my iPhone at home while at work. Thanks for that one, will check it out though.