Nook WiFi vs Nook 3G: Who Wins Where
By Best-eReaders, June 23, 2010
The Nook WiFi, in a nutshell, is just a 3G-less Nook. The device, which sells at a lower price of $149, is already available for preorder. Shipping starts July 1, 2010.
The original Nook now comes with a $199 price tag only. Barnes & Noble introduced the new price at the same time it announced the Nook WiFi.
As the Nook 3G and the Nook share nearly the same feature set, is the $50 difference between two devices justifiable? How do the two Nooks compare?
Nook WiFi vs Nook 3G: Where Nook WiFi Wins
1. Lower price: The Nook WiFi’s $149 price is really tempting – even for non-hardcore readers.
2. Lighter: Both the Nook and the Nook WiFi offer the same compact size of 7.7″ by 4.9″ by 0.5″. However, the Nook WiFi is a bit lighter than the Nook. It only weighs 11.6 ounces while the Nook weighs 12.1 ounces – that’s half an ounce difference, so this is not really a big advantage.
3. More page orientation options: The Nook WiFi can display pages in portrait orlandscape mode; the Nook offers portrait view only.
Nook WiFi vs Nook 3G: Where Nook 3G Wins
1. Easy access to B&N store: With the Nook 3G, you have 24/7 access to the B&N store.
2. 60 second wireless downloads: Download purchased books in less than 60 seconds without connecting to a PC host, anytime and anywhere.
Nook WiFi vs Nook 3G: Where they tie
Both the Nook 3G and the Nook WiFi are made from the same mold. As such, they share many features and offer the same benefits:
1. Web browser: You can surf the web, check/send Yahoo mails, and visit sites (non-Mobile versions) over a WiFi network.
2. Free access to AT&T WiFi network: Both the B&N devices can now access AT&T’s WiFi hotspots across the country for free.
3. LendMe feature: Owners can lend publisher-approved books to friends for up to 14 days.
4. Cover flow design: You can browse books by their covers, whether you’re browsing the Nook store or your personal library
5. Borrow library ebooks: The devices let you check out Adobe DRM ePub books from local libraries via Overdrive.com.
6. In-store browsing. You can go to a B&N store and read certain ebooks for free for up to 1 hour each day.
7. Go-to page: You can jump to a specific page number in an open ebook.
8. Excellent screen contrast: Both feature sharp texts and images.
9. 2GB storage space: Both eReaders can hold up to 1500 books.
10. MicroSD slot: In case the 2GB is not enough, just insert a microSD card and add more books.
11. Open format: The devices can display both DRM protected and DRM unprotected ePub books.
12. Customizable screensaver: You can use your own photos as screensavers.
13. Interchangeable back panel: The Nook 3G has a gray back panel, while the Nook WiFi has a white back panel. However, the back panels can also be interchanged with other colored ones available from B&N.
14. One-handed use: The devices are designed in such a way that they can be conveniently used with one hand – whether you’re a right-handed or left-handed user.
15. 10-day battery life. That holds true if you turn off the wireless feature; with wireless on, both devices will last 5 days only.
16. User-accessible battery: It’s easy to replace the battery yourself.
17. Designer covers: You can have a Kate Spade or a Jonathan Adler cover design for your Nook.
18. Free games: You can pass time with Sudoku or Chess.
19. Changeable font styles and sizes: The Nook devices support 3 font types and 6font sizes (B&N has just added an extra large size option).
Closing thought
Apparently, the Nook WiFi is targeted for readers on a low budget. The $149 price may even attract casual eReaders. The Nook 3G is for readers who also want a device that gives them all: great reading + convenient shopping / book-buying experience.
I bought a Nook on 5/19/2010.
The bezel broke (apparently a common occurence). Although I was promised a new one with a stronger re-designed bezel, a refurbished one was sent as replacement. I paid $259.00 plus tax for this thing- now $149.00, barely two months old, and they are replacing it with a $50.00 refurb.
Customer service sucks big time, so does the product.
I will file suit in small claims court and let the judge in small claims court decide if the disclaimer you get after buying the product is fair and just and if a new product, clearly with a defective design can legally be replaced by a refurb which is nothing but someone else’s defective product that was repaired.
I’ll keep you posted.
We, the consumers have to put a stop to Corporate Americ’a screwing of their customers, without whom they wouldn’t have a business.
I have the same problem. My Nook cracked, paid $259 and they also sent me a refurbished one. If you do a class action lawsuit please let me know. Thank you.
I just ordered the Nookcolor. how would it crack
I will say so far my Nook has been great. No cracks. It downloads super and lets my get on the internet when I’m near WIFI. The color is bright and I enjoying reading it. I have had it since Dec.2010
I not very happy with my nook. They up the speed on the new and now my is worthless. Thanks