The world of technology has been read by the two most popular brands going head to head. We’ve had Spectrum against Commodore 64, VHS against Betamax, Apple against PC, iPhone against Android and now we have Amazon’s Kindle Touch against Barnes & Noble’s Nook Simple Touch. So the big question is what is the best eReader?
I’ve been lucky enough in my job to test these two devices (and six other leading e-readers) and I have to say it was an all-powerful battle. I’m going to break this article down into the five areas I always use when testing e-readers: design, display, performance, extra features, and value.
Design
Both manufacturers have taken different slants here. The Kindle has gone for a very simple and elegant design with a nice silver finish, while the Nook has gone for a black rubber type design. Both devices have similar functions; the Nook has the advantage of physical page-turning buttons on the device, while the Kindle only has the swipe-to-turn option. Personally, I’ve gone for the Kindle here because I prefer the look when using it.
Kindle 1 v Nook 0
Display
It was almost impossible to split these two here as they both use the same eInk technology and have used it equally well. Draw
Kindle 2 vs. Nook 1
Performance
Once again, it was almost impossible to split here. In use, both are equally fast at accessing menus, making page turns, and downloading books. The Nook had a slight advantage in downloading books, but the Kindle Touch made up for it in page turning and also comes in a 3G version. Again I put this as a tie.
Kindle 3 vs. Nook 2
Additional characteristics
Now, until very recently, I would have given the Nook the upper hand here, as it uses the Android operating system and comes with a host of great features. However, the Kindle has just released a new firmware update that has more than just helping it catch up with the Nook. It also has the advantage of audio, so you can download and play music tracks, play audiobooks, and use a neat text-to-speech feature. A win for the Kindle here.
Kindle 4 vs. Nook 2
Worth
Finally (and some say most important category) we come to value. By comparison, the wireless versions of the Kindle and Nook retail for $99. Look a little closer and you’ll see that with the Kindle Touch, the $99 version is the ad-supported version, the ad-free version is $139. Now personally I can put up with the ads at the bottom and as a screen saver since they disappear when you are reading a book. The Nook’s $99 device is ad-free, so on that basis I give the Nook the point. If you can put the ads, then there is no difference in price.
Kindle 4 vs. Nook 3
Result
So there you have it, after living with these devices for a couple of weeks, my recommendation is the Kindle Touch. The Nook Simple Touch is also a very good e-reader and you won’t be disappointed in either one.
