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For those who have been waiting for a $150 eReader, Barnes & Noble is rolling out a device that does not only have a $149 price, but also nearly all the goodness of the original dual-screen Nook eReader. Called the Nook WiFi, it offers book sharing, library book sharing, library book lending, excellent readability, free WiFi access in B&N stores, in-store browsing, web surfing, and dozens more.

The Nook WiFi may be stripped of 3G, but if you are looking for a device that gives you great flexibility and freedom, the Nook WiFi is your go-to device. This ultra lightweight eReader lets you access you access any AT&T WiFi hotspot in the country for free.

Nook 3G – $199, Nook Wi-Fi – $149. Buy Now!

Features – Hardware and Software

The Nook WiFi shares the feature set of the first generation Nook. There’s the dual screen design (6-inch eInk screen for reading and a 3.5-inch color touch pad for navigating the library), the compact size,  (it measures 7.7” x 4.9” x 0.5 inches), the 2GB storage space that can accommodate up to 1500 ebooks or 26 hours of audio. Peripherals include a microSD slot for those who want to carry extra books, USB port for sideloading content, and a headphone jack for listening to music. Formats supported are varied, and include PDF, ePub, BMP, PNG, and MP3 formats. Each charge brings about 10 days of reading (with wireless off).

Barnes & Noble did bring some changes to design and feature but they are very minor. At 11.6 ounces, the Nook WiFi is half an ounce lighter than the Nook 3G. It also differentiates itself from its 3G twin by sporting a white back panel instead of gray (however, this can also be interchanged with a color back panel available from B&N).

While the Nook WiFi does lack free 3G that its predecessor enjoys, it makes up by extending the use of free WiFi beyond the walls of B&N stores.  Nook WiFi owners can enjoy complimentary access to any AT&T WiFi hotspot in the country for fast web browsing or accessing online stores.

No need to leaf each page to reach a certain page. Another Nook WiFi, enhancement, the Go-To page feature, lets you skip pages in an ebook to reach a specific page number.

For people with low vision, the new extra large font size is also welcome addition.

Nook 3G – $199, Nook Wi-Fi – $149. Buy Now!

The Bottom Line

The Nook WiFi is best suited for people who live outside 3G network areas.  Anyone looking for a feature-rich device without the big price, the Nook WiFi is already available for pre-order from the B&N store.

Nook 3G – $199, Nook Wi-Fi – $149. Buy Now!

Pros

If you are a fan of the Nook 3G, then you will love the same benefits that the Nook WiFi offers: borrow books from Overdrive-powered library, lend certain books to friend for up to 14 days, browse and read free books in-store, play Chess or Sudoku. You can enjoy, fast web browsing, emails, and access to B&N’s vast library of books (many cost $9.99 only). You also have the ability to read your ebooks on multiple devices (iPhone, iPad, Blackbery, etc). The secondary colored touchscreen lets you view book titles in an esthetically pleasing cover flow form. The low price of the Nook WiFi makes it possible for people on low budget to purchase a feature-rich device. That it is able to access free AT&T WiFi is a big plus is another big plus; with AT&T WiFi hotspots nearly everywhere, you can easily access the web in a restaurant, airport, café, etc. By reducing the weight of the Nook WiFi, it’s now only 1 ounce heavier than the Kindle. The battery is still user-replaceable.

Cons

As B&N did not change much in the design, the Nook WiFi also suffers the same problems that the Nook 3G has: no support for Word or Txt files, lack of ability to download books when outside the US, and absence of protective carrying case. It has also has shorter battery life – just 10 days compared to the average eReader battery life of 14 days. Its biggest downside, though, is lack of 3G. Because it doesn’t have 3G access, Nook WiFi owners also miss out many features that are dependent on 3G including wireless syncing, wireless downloads, and 24/7 connectivity to the B&N store (unless you’re home has WiFi network).

What’s in the box:

• Nook WiFi
• Micro-USB 2.0 Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• AC Adapter
• Rechargeable Battery

Main Features

• Dual screen eInk reader
• Features 6” eInk device for reading and 3.5” color touchscreen for navigation
• 16 grayscale level
• Runs on Google Android OS
• Basic beta web browser
• 802.11 b/g WiFi (free WiFi in B&N stores and in all AT&T hotspots)
• Onboard storage can hold up to 1500 ebooks
• MicroSD expansion slot
• Wireless access to B&N store and its 1 million + content
• Battery life of 10 days with wireless off

Key Features

• Adjustable font size (6 options), changeable font type (3 options)
• Book sharing (LendMe Feature)
• Library book lending
• Library view by book cover
• Replaceable back panel
• Customizable screen saver
• Free in-store browsing

Bonus Features

• Built-in Merriam-Webster dictionary
• Chess and Sudoku