Kindle 3 Vs. Nook

The Kindle 3 released by Amazon on 27 August 2010 has been well received in the market, and the next shipment is due in a few more days. The Nook is Barnes and Nobles' answer to the Kindle in order to get a foothold into the Ereader market, and it definitely gave it a run for its money.

Amazon has stuck with its customary hardware keypad and has decided to not go down the touchscreen path, at least for now. This is something that may deter some people from using this device, because more and more people are getting accustomed to using touchscreens and they are definitely more personal in nature.

In spite of all the improved features, this is one area that Amazon seems to have overlooked, and it could cost them. For the time being, the sales figures for Kindle 3 are looking pretty peachy.

Kindle 3 and Nook Comparison

This comparison could turn out to be premature, since there are rumors that a Nook 2 could be in the making as we speak. This has not been confirmed by anyone at Barnes and Noble, but the truth is that they will need to make a Nook 2 if they wish to keep up with the Kindle 3. Not only is it cheaper (thanks to a large cost cut), its features surpass Nook features admirably.

With the help of this table you can learn how they face up to each other, thus helping you decide which is the best Ebook reader.

Kindle 3 Advantages	Nook Advantages
Much better screen contrast than the Nook.	'Lend Me' feature which lets you lend or borrow Ebooks for 14 days for free.
Thinner and lighter than the Nook considerably.	3.5 inches touchscreen to navigate, along with the 6 inches reading screen.
Text to speech feature.	Expandable memory to 18 GB (Internal 2 GB + 16 GB MicroSD card).
PDF files support has been greatly increased.	Can put personal screensavers and also change the color of back of the device.
Cheaper Ebooks and much wider range to choose from.	The battery can be replaced easily.
Faster page turn rate.	The Nook is easily available, vis-a-vis the in demand Kindle 3.
Internet accessibility through 3G network.	Can read library books, if the library uses Overdrive and lends out ePub books with DRM.
At least 3 times more battery life.	You can read any book on the store for one hour everyday, free of cost.
Easier on the pocket.	Built on Android, which gives access to more applications.

As mentioned earlier, Kindle 3 is a new model so there are going to be some technological differences. For instance, the E-ink used in it is much darker than that on the Nook, and this also increases its sunlight legibility substantially.

For people who are adamant that they want a physical keyboard, the Kindle 3 is the obvious choice for them. On the other hand, touchscreen lovers will certainly prefer the Nook any day. Ultimately it all comes down to personal preferences and choices, because at the end of the day the utility of both these devices is the same. The cost of Kindle 3 (with 3G) is $189, and for the model without 3G it is an amazing $139. The Nook, on the other hand, is costlier at $199.

With the help of this information you can make a decision about which Ereader is going to get your money. Both these devices are extremely useful, and they will simplify your life by a great margin.