If you are looking for the best eBook reader, then it makes sense to take a look at the 3 best eBook readers on the market, Nook, Kindle 3 and Sony Reader. The new Sony Reader PRS-350 is the most comparable in price to the Kindle 3 and Nook, which is why we’ll include it here in this comparison. Which is the best? We’ll see.
Barnes and Noble corner –
The Nook launched last fall and has undergone a major software update since late April. There are 2 versions available to buy, WiFi only ($149) and WiFi +3G ($199).
The Kindle 3-
The Kindle 3 is Amazon’s latest release of its flagship product. Like the Nook, there are 2 versions available to buy, WiFi Only ($139) and WiFi + 3G ($189).
The Sony Reader Touch Edition PRS-350-
This is Sony’s newest model of eBook reader that is priced comparable to the Nook and Kindle ($179).
Let’s take a look at how the features compare with Nook Vs Kindle 3 Vs Sony Reader.
Memory
Nook – 1500 books (expandable with SD card)
Kindle 3 – 3,500 books (standard)
Reader – 1200 books (standard)
We can see that the standard memory of the Kindle is quite larger than the other two brands. However, for the cost of an SD card, the Nook’s memory can be expanded.
Weight
Nook – 12.1 ounces WiFi +3G and 11.1 ounces WiFi
Kindle 3- 8.7 ounces WiFi +3G and 8.5 ounces WiFi
Reader – 5.47 ounces
Dimensions
Corner – 7.7? x4.9? x 0.5?
Kindle 3-7.5? x4.8? x 0.335?
Reader – 5.75? x4.125? x.34?
The Nook seems to be the “big boy” on the block with its heavier weight and larger dimensions than the other two eBook readers.
reading display screen
Nook: 6″ diagonal e-ink display.
3-6″ diagonal Kindle E-Ink display.
Reader: 5″ diagonal electronic ink screen.
Obviously, the smallest of these three devices is the Sony Reader, and it translates to a smaller reading screen.
Content Navigation
Nook- 1″ color navigation screen. Buttons to turn the page.
Kindle 3: Push-Button Technology: Keyboard and Page Turn Buttons.
Sony Reader – Touchscreen navigation and page turning. Home, Page change, Zoom, Options buttons.
Battery duration
Nook: 10 days without wireless connection
Kindle 3- 30 days with wireless off
Reader – 14 days
You can see that the Kindle 3 has a lot more reading time on a single battery charge. This is partly due to the fact that it does not use touch screen technology. It should also be noted that an AC adapter for Sony Reader is considered an accessory and costs extra.
wireless options
Nook – WiFi only or WiFi +3G (no plans needed)
Kindle 3- WiFi only or WiFi + 3G (no plans needed)
Sony Reader – No wireless connection
The big elephant in the room here is, why doesn’t the Sony Reader PRS-350 have a wireless connection?
Conclusion
It comes down to what’s important to you in an eBook reader. If you want an extremely small device that’s ultra-portable, then perhaps the Sony Reader PRS-350 is for you. But you’d better download your books and content from computer and transfer as wireless is not available.
If you want a bit of color on your device, download wirelessly, and want a touchscreen option, then the Nook is probably a good choice for you. Barnes and Noble also just announced that it allows the Nook owner up to 1 hour of reading any e-book in the store in exchange for a benefit.
The Kindle 3 is a small and compact wireless option with robust features. This will be a good idea for the reader who wants a simple device and wants to save as much money as possible.
