Copy linkEmailFacebookWhatsAppXLinkedInBlueskyThreadsImpact Link
SaveSaved
This story is available exclusively to Business Insider
subscribers. Become an Insider
and start reading now.Have an account? .
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
The Nook Simple Touch isn't exactly a revolution in e-reading. (Sony has had touchscreen readers for awhile now.)
2011-06-13
But what Barnes & Noble's latest reader does do is raise the bar for its competitors with the features that matter: No more keyboard. Lightning fast page turns. Facebook and Twitter integration.
Click here to see photos of the Nook >
I went through my typical unboxing and initial hands on today, and was pretty impressed with the latest Nook.
After years of using glass touchscreens on smartphones and tablets, it took me a few minutes to get used to touch gestures on the Nook.
Basically, most features are controlled from simply tapping rather than swiping or pinching. (The e-Ink screen can't really handle complex animations like page turns.)
My only beef with the device so far is the Nook's design. It's a little too squat and square for my taste. It almost looks like a toy rather than a serious e-reader. Still, the screen is the same size, and the unit is light and comfortable to hold.
Check out photos of the Nook and more first impressions below.
Here's the new Nook box. It looks a a lot like the Nook Color's packaging.
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
That's not paper. That's the e-Ink screen. Looks good.
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
The Nook is small and light. You won't get tired holding it over long reading sessions
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
The bottom has a USB port for charging and syncing with your computer
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
There's a micro SD card slot on the side for additional storage
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
The back is smooth and rubbery. It feels very solid in your grip
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
The power button on the back puts the Nook to sleep
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
Tapping the "Nook" button activates the unlock slider
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
Slide your finger across to unlock the Nook
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
Here's the home screen. You can view the last book you read along with suggestions for new books you may want to buy
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
Tapping the Nook button again pulls up the menu bar. Let's check out the shop
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
From the shop you can browse popular titles or search for one you want
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
When you tap a title you're taken to this information screen. You can read a plot synopsis and even download an excerpt of the book. Tap "Buy" to download it.
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
Your book will only take a few seconds to download and install
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
...And you can read it immediately after downloading
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
The cover art took a few seconds to load. From here you can turn pages by tapping or pressing one of the raised buttons on either side
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
You can also access your library from the menu bar. This unit has a subscription to a few newspapers. You get the latest issues pushed directly to the Nook each morning
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
You can access the Nook's social features. Linking your device to Facebook or Twitter lets you share what you're reading with friends. You can also lend books to other Nook users from here
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
Here's the Nook next to an iPhone. That should give you a good idea just how tiny it is
Steve Kovach, Business Insider
The Nook is super light, but still thicker than other tablets out there. (This is what it looks like next to Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1)
Steve is a senior correspondent at Business Insider. Previously, he was a deputy editor at Tech Insider and senior editor for the tech section of Business Insider. He's appeared on CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, Sirius XM, and Marketplace.
