Nook Simple Touch
 The Nook Simple Touch displaying a photo screensaver | |
| Developer | Barnes & Noble |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Foxconn |
| Release date | June 10, 2011, Wi-Fi version |
| Introductory price | US$139, Wi-Fi version US$99, 11/7/11 |
| Operating system | Android 2.1 |
| CPU | 800 Mhz ARM Cortex-A8-based TI OMAP[1] |
| Memory | 256 MB |
| Storage | 2 GB internal, microSD expands up to 32 GB |
| Display | 6 in (150 mm), 600 x 800 pixel, E Ink |
| Input | Touchscreen, left-right paging buttons, home button |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, USB |
| Power | Installed battery (2 months with Wi-Fi off) |
| Dimensions | 6.5 in (170 mm) H 5.0 in (130 mm) W 0.47 in (12 mm) D |
| Weight | 7.48 oz (212 g) |
| Website | www |
The Nook Simple Touch (also called the Nook touch) is the second generation of the Nook e-book device by Barnes & Noble. It features an 800x600 E Ink screen that has a touchscreen using a network of infrared beams slightly above the screen surface. It has wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and has a USB port for charging and connecting to a computer.[2]
Features
As with the prior Nook, the Simple Touch provides a LendMe feature allowing users to share some books with other people depending on licensing by the book's publisher. The buyer is permitted to share a book once with one other user for up to two weeks. The other users may view the borrowed book using a Nook, Nook Color, or Barnes & Noble's free reader software on any other device running Android, or BlackBerry OS, iOS (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch), Mac OS X, or Windows.
The device can store an estimated 1,000 books; it has 2 GB of internal memory of which only half is available for content. Of the 1 GB of content, 750 MB is reserved for content from Barnes & Noble's e-book store, which leaves approximately 250 MB for other files.[3] As with the original Nook, microSD and microSDHC memory cards can be inserted to expand the Nook Simple Touch's memory up to 32 GB. Unlike the prior Nook, the rechargeable battery in the Simple Touch is not user-replaceable,[4] and is expected to last, per charge, for 2 months with the wireless turned off, or 3 weeks with the wireless turned on. Unlike prior versions, the Simple Touch lacks audio abilities.[3] Supported file formats include EPUB (DRM and non-DRM), PDF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP,[5] although images may only be used as screensaver replacements and cannot be viewed directly.[4] The nook does not support txt or rtf.[4]
The Nook also had a "hidden" web browser (accessed by entering a URL into the search feature), but this was removed in the 1.1.0 Nook Software Update. Other changes involved in the 1.1.0 software update include improved battery life and enhanced font display.[6]
The Nook can organize books into 'shelves' to make it easier to find things. This organization must be done manually on the device. The file table is inaccessible so users cannot use third party software (such as Calibre) for external editing, due to DRM concerns.[citation needed]
A limited edition version of the Nook was sold as a Black Friday special on November 25, 2011. It featured a white plastic bezel along the sides of the device and a $20 discount.[7] Starting January 2012 Barnes and Noble offers the Nook for free with a year-long subscription of The New York Times online edition. [8]
Reception
Since launch, the Nook Simple Touch received generally positive reviews. PC Mag summarized their review as: "Thanks to plenty of upgrades and a laser-sharp focus on the reading experience, the second-gen Barnes & Noble Nook Touch Reader is our new Editors' Choice for ebook readers."[9] Laptop Magazine termed it "the best E Ink eReader on the market right now."[10]. However, some users have experience accelerated battery drainage for unexplained reasons. [11]
Use of additional Android applications
As an Android device, the Nook Simple Touch can be modified to run Android applications through a process called rooting, which grants users root access to the Nook Simple Touch's file system. Doing so voids the device's warranty,[12] though it can often be reverted to (non-rooted) factory defaults for warranty claims.
References
- ^ Sharpe, Bettie. "Guest Review: Bettie Sharpe on the Nook Touch". Retrieved 12 June 2011.
- ^ "All-new Nook tech specs". Retrieved 12 June 2011.
- ^ a b "Compare Nooks". Barnesandnoble.com. Retrieved 2011.12.10.
2GB4 (1GB for content; 750 MB reserved for B&N content)
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ a b c "Nook Simple Touch - Frequently Asked Questions". Barnesandnoble.com. Retrieved 2011.12.10.
The rechargeable battery in your Nook Simple Touch can only be accessed and replaced by authorized service professionals.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Beyond Ebooks". Retrieved 12 June 2011.
- ^ "Nook Simple Touch - Software Updates". Barnesandnoble.com. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
- ^ CNET. "Nook Touch 'limited edition' $79 on Black Friday". Retrieved 27 November 2011.
- ^ "Get NOOK FREE! - Barnes and Noble". Barnesandnoble.com. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
- ^ Lendino, Jamie (29 November 2011). "Barnes & Noble Nook Touch Review and Rating". PC Magazine. Ziff Davis. Retrieved 13 December 2011.
- ^ Bradford, K.T. (1 June 2011). "Barnes & Noble Nook Touch Review". Laptop Magazine. TechMediaNetwork. Retrieved 13 December 2011.
- ^ "Nook Simple Touch reader battery life-lousy".
- ^ "Root Nook Touch and side load apps". Retrieved 15 June 2011.
External links