If you are a gadget loving book reader, then e-books are the way to go. In the battle between the Nook and the iPad, how does one decide which is the best e-book reader for one’s purpose. This article helps you make that decision.
A few years ago, if you mentioned to someone that in the future you would be reading a book not made of paper, but off an electronic device that was held in your hand, they would have either laughed at you or looked on incredulously. Today of course the scenario is a reality. E-books are here to stay and e-book readers are the best option for a book lover who wants thousands of books at the touch of his fingertip. There are many options for the customer, from the Kobo, the Sony Reader, to the Kindle, Nook, and now the iPad. In this article, we help you decide which one to opt for, if you have whittled down your options to the Barnes and Noble Nook and the Apple iPad.
Comparison
The Barnes & Noble Nook and the Apple iPad are both devices that have captured the imagination of the average bibliophile. However, which one do you opt for? The features table given below should help you weigh the pros and cons of both devices and help you decide the answer of the question, should I buy an iPad or a Nook.
| Apple iPad vs Barnes & Noble Nook | ||
| Specifications | iPad | Nook |
| Weight | 24 ounces | 12.1 ounces |
| Screen Size | 9.7 inches | 6 inches |
| Display Specs | Color LCD | Color touchscreen LCD, one touch control and navigation, E ink Vizplex electronic paper |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi + 3G | Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi + 3G |
| Storage | 16 GB to 64 GB | 2 GB internal storage with expandable microSD slot |
| Multimedia | Audio and video | Audio and images |
| Battery Life | 10 to 15 Hours | On full charge, reading possible for ten days |
| Screen Resolution | 1024 x 768 pixels | 600 x 800 pixels |
| Supports | EPUB, PDF | EPUB, PDB, PDF |
| Price | USD 499 – USD 829 | USD 199 for the 3G version and USD 149 for the Wi-Fi only model |
Now that we have taken a look at the comparison table, let us discuss these differences in detail. Firstly, it is important to keep in mind that the Apple iPad is not just an e-book reader. It is a tablet computer that comes with an application that allows you to read e-books. It is important to keep this distinction in mind when you are looking at the Nook compared to iPad, especially if you are disheartened by the difference in their price. Also, since it is a tablet gadget, the battery life of the iPad is much lesser than the Nook. If you compare the display of the Nook with that of the iPad, the latter very clearly gives you the option of a much bigger and more vibrant display. The problem arises if you are planning on using the iPad to read for long periods, as it may cause you to strain your eyes. If you are looking for a device that will only help you read your e-book collection on the move, then the Nook maybe a better option, but with the iPad you get the added advantage of watching movies, viewing photographs, browsing the Internet, etc. Of course with its latest update, the Nook also allows you access to a built in browser, but it is nowhere as advanced as the iPad. When it comes to storage space, the Apple iPad wins hands down with capacities ranging between 16GB – 64 GB. The Nook on the other hand has a 2GB storage space that is expandable.
The choice depends on what you want from the device at hand. If you want something that can be used as a substitute for a laptop, is application heavy, has great multimedia, and an additional e-book reader software, then opt for the iPad. However, if you are in the market for the best e-book reader, which is n