We don’t know about you, but in recent months we’ve become e-book converts. While there’s nothing better sitting in your favourite armchair, sipping on a hot cuppa and flicking through an old-fashioned book, when it comes to portability and downright simplicity, you can’t beat an E-Reader.
To the uninitiated, E-Readers allow you to store thousands of books onto a single electronic device that replicates the look, feel and readability of actual paper. Thanks to special ‘E-ink’ technology, E-readers offer a more comfortable reading experience than PCs and tablets, too – so you’ll never have to worry about developing eye strain. Thanks to their diminutive proportions, E-Readers can even be carried around in your bag or pocket – so it’s easy to flip between books during the morning commute.
In recent years, tablet PCs have made a modest dent into the E-Reader market – particularly the Apple iPad and Kindle Fire HD. Of course, as you’ll no doubt have witnessed on buses, trains and planes, this is very much a two horse race between the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble Nook.
Look for a budget E-Reader, but not sure which one to go for? Check out our handy guide below…
Which has the better display?
While newer models, including the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and Nook GlowLight, add back-lit screens to the party, the original E-Readers are more than up to the job. Both the Amazon Kindle (£69) and Nook Simple Touch (£29) feature 6″ E-Ink Pearl displays, and both are crisp and readable even in dim lighting conditions. It’s the Nook’s touchscreen that impresses us the most, though. Browsing through your virtual library can be frustrating on the Kindle’s 4-directional pad, but it’s an absolute doddle on the Nook.
Winner: Nook Simple Touch
Which has better battery life?
There’s nothing worse than switching on a device, only to discover that it’s run out of juice. Fortunately, both the Amazon Kindle and Nook boast spectacular longevity in the battery department. While the Kindle can last an entire month without a charge, it’s the Nook that truly blows us away, with a whopping battery life of two months.
Winner: Nook Simple Touch
Which has the best storage?
Both the Amazon Kindle and the Nook feature an internal memory of 2GB. While that might not sound like a lot, particularly if you’re used to computers and iPods with hundreds of gigabytes to play with, you won’t be short of space on an E-Reader. Both devices can store over 1000 books, with the Kindle claiming to hold around 1400 at full capacity. Amazon also offers free cloud storage for its content on Kindle, while the Nook’s storage can be increased with an SD card.
Winner: Draw
Who has the Better E-bookstore?
Given the similarities between the hardware, you’ll be happy to hear both Kindle and Nook’s E-Bookstores are evenly matched too. Both claim more than one million books to download, most priced under £9.99, as well as a huge collection of newspapers and magazines. Amazon’s Kindle Exclusives and Lending Library are inspired, but there’s very little difference between the offerings, and most bestsellers and indie books are present and available for download.
Winner: Amazon
Who has the best app?
If you’re planning to read your content on another device, such as a smartphone or tablet, you’ll want an app that lets you read with minimal fuss. Both E-Readers have specially designed apps for iPhone and Android smartphones – as well as desktops, iPad, Android and Windows 8 tablets. While both are highly capable, allowing you to dip into your favourite book right where you left off. It’s Amazon’s app – which allows you to look up definitions – that truly wins us over.
Winner: Kindle
Verdict
If you’re looking for a cheap, reliable E-Reader, both the Kindle and Nook are ideal. Given the similarities between each device, it’s really a matter of personal choice. Priced at just £29, the Nook is perhaps better suited to American consumers who are used to buying books from Barnes & Noble. Still, with its impressive price and large array of books, it comes highly recommended. However, if you want the convenience of buying with Amazon (along with your regular shopping), we’d certainly recommend the Kindle. Although more expensive at £69, it’s a great entry-level device, and is sure to keep you entertained.
(Images by: Mashable)
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