Introducing the "Nook" from Barnes & Noble

Adding much needed competition to the eReader market, Barnes & Noble recently introduced their practically button-less, dual-screen eBook reader called, Nook. Though its hardware is more attractive than the current eReader marketplace champ, Amazon’s Kindle, the Nook offers little improvements and even lags slightly behind in terms of software for user experience. The Nook is best summed up as a less refined runner-up to the Kindle.

First, let’s discuss the perks that the Nook offers. It’s an undeniably attractive-looking device, much better looking than the Kindle. It’s a bit smaller and slightly heavier than the Kindle in terms of size and weight. The Nook also has a much less cluttered look and feel since it no longer has the broad, hideous QWERTY keyboard that covers the lower portion of the Kindle. In its place is a small color LCD screen (3.5 x 1 inches) which allows the user to scroll through the device’s menus and controls. A virtual keyboard pops up whenever you need to type. The color in this small screen definitely makes the Nook stand out from the Kindle since users have the added bonus of enjoying the original cover art for the book they’re reading.

Amazon's favorite... the "Kindle"

For the main reading screen, the Nook uses the exact same E Ink technology as the Kindle and there is virtually no difference here between the two eReaders. The main screen (6 inch) mimics the same pale gray, matte surface that eBook users are familiar with on the Kindle. It’s the same Etch-a-Sketch-like technology that reflects light off the screen so that it’s a much more comfortable reading experience. It’s the same visual experience as if you were reading the book in paper form. The Nook boasts about a week of battery life with ordinary use.

Users can also play music while reading since there’s a built-in MP3 player and headphone jack.

Additionally, the device introduces a new feature that allows you to pick between 5 different font sizes and 2-3 different font faces. There’s even an option to enjoy eBook-lending for some titles between friends. You’re able to send your favorite titles to your friends so they can download and read it on their Nook. While someone else has borrowed the book you can’t read it, but it will return to your library after 2 weeks.

The cons of the Nook concern its slowness compared to the Kindle. Occasionally the screens take a few seconds to respond to user touches so that you are either forced to wait impatiently, or you end up on a screen that you don’t want since you tap multiply times. The E Ink screen on the Nook takes half a second-longer to refresh than the Kindle’s – though this might not seem very long, it does put a noticeable damper on the reading experience after a while since there’s frequent page-turning involved. Software updates from the B&N engineers are necessary in order to resolve these interface glitches.

The Nook (and Kindle) are pricey investments, but are well worth it if you’re accustomed to purchasing dozens of new hardcovers a year. For those who buy used paperbacks or frequent the library however, these eReaders might not be as worthwhile.

Order the Nook here for $259. Or stick with the tried-and-true Kindle from Amazon for also $259.

Check out this video review from Wired for more details on the Nook:

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The tech world is abuzz

With Windows 7, PC users can welcome a reliable, efficient and up-to-date version of Windows OS. The last time users had this was with Windows XP which though durable and familiar, is starting to get old since first being released in 2001. Compared to the varieties of Mac OS X available in the marketplace today, using XP feels akin to living in the Stone Age. The only other option available to PC users is Windows Vista which users agree is frustrating and not fun to use.

What the problem was with Vista

Mainstream consumers will appreciate Microsoft’s conscious effort to fix the flaws in Vista and Vista-associated bad experiences with the release of Windows 7. The biggest negatives with using Vista – the slowness, the constant barrage of security warnings, the many hardware requirements, and the incompatibilities with outside software/hardware – these issues are all eliminated in Windows 7. In addition, Microsoft can finally boast an OS that rivals in aesthetic appeal and friendly feel comparable with Mac’s most recent OS X, Leopard.

PC users that have previewed and tested Windows 7 agree that it’s the best version of Windows that Microsoft has produced. Not only does it improve upon Vista’s shortcomings, Windows 7 has added features and perks that are guaranteed to make the mainstream user’s experience easy, productive and satisfying.

Why Windows 7 is the best version

Windows 7 cleans up the clutter and provides new advantages in organizing the user’s files and programs. There are cool new Aero features to quickly view and launch pages and documents as well as arranging your taskbar and desktop. Compatibility with 3^rd party software/hardware is improved as well as operating speed which is a big plus. Lastly, one of the more unique selling points and hidden luxuries of Windows 7 is the touch screen capability for users with the proper touch-support hardware.

Here are some of the key features and improvements to Windows 7 to be excited for:

Desktop organization: New Windows management tools named Aero will streamline the user experience.

1) Aero Snap lets users quickly expand windows full-size by dragging them to the top of the screen. You can also drag and snap your working window into place on the left or right sides of your screen for users who like having split screens to multi-task.

2) Aero Peek provides previews of your open windows; selecting one makes all other windows become transparent. There is also a button that allows you to look at your desktop by turning all windows into transparent planes of glass.

Transparent windows in Aero Peek

3) Aero Shake is probably the most fun to use since when you shake an open window, all others behind it will minimize.

Revamped Taskbar: Minimizing windows results in representative shiny square icons on your taskbar. Users can hover over the icons to see a preview of the running program. You can also “pin” frequently-used programs to your taskbar (a concept similar to Apple’s the Dock). Additionally, there’s a search bar that pops up when you click the “start” button making it easier to find what you want.

Speed: Start-up and restart times are much improved from Vista. Windows 7 runs quickly and recommences faster after sleep. Memory management is also improved since minimized windows won’t be clogging up your memory space anymore resulting in faster operating speed.

Compatibility: Wide varieties of software and hardware are all compatible with Windows 7. Third-party software like iTunes, Mozilla Firefox and Google’s Picasa all worked without a hitch. Most hardware devices (cameras, printers, audio devices) also work without requiring additional external software installations to run.

File organization: The new Windows Media Center makes it easy to browse your entertainment collection (music, photos, movies, etc). Like Apple’s Front Row, the media center organizes everything into an attractive thumbnail presentation. There’s also new media-streaming capabilities that allows your media to play on Wi-Fi enabled TVs.

Networking: Clicking on an icon in the taskbar lets you see all available wireless networks. A new feature called HomeGroups makes it easier to share files among Windows 7 PCs on your home network.

Security: Windows 7 keeps it a priority, but users will no longer receive a constant stream of task warnings reminiscent of Vista. You can set your own preference for what you consider worth being bothered about. Alerts are now also mostly combined into one icon.

Touch support: For users with proper touch screen hardware on their computers, Windows 7 allows them to play around and interact with files and programs much like the multi-touch features of the iPhone. You can use your finger to scroll down, move stuff around, expand and shrink views, flip photos and more.

Check out this short video on what the touch screen features are like:

System Requirements: Windows 7 successfully runs on a variety of machines and brands from netbooks, to laptops, to desktops, to Mac laptops too. Almost all Vista PCs and newer XP ones should be able to run Windows 7. For the standard 32-bit PC you’ll need 1 gigabyte of memory, 16 gigs of free hard-disk space, a graphics system supporting Microsoft “DirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0,” and a processor speed of at least 1 gigahertz.

Editions and Pricing: There are 4 editions of Windows 7 available.

1) Starter which comes loaded into netbooks.

2) Business for professionals who want to access their company networks remotely.

3) Ultimate for tech people who want all features in all editions.

4) Home Premium for the mainstream consumer which costs about $120 for upgrades.

Installation: The average installation time takes about 45 minutes. Vista users will have an easy path upgrading and can keep all programs and files in place. Unfortunately for XP users (the majority of switchers), it’s a bigger pain to adopt Windows 7 since you’ll have to back-up your files, wipe out your hard disks, and then restore and reinstall everything. Windows includes an Easy Transfer wizard to help with this but the downside is that it only moves personal files and not programs. Also keep in mind that Windows 7 is no longer pre-loaded with features like e-mail, address books, calendars, photo organization and video editing programs. They used to come built-in but now need to be downloaded free of charge.

Previously, the mainstream and tech people have argued that Mac OS X is the best operating system. This doesn’t hold up now that Windows 7 beats Mac OS X in areas like better previews and navigation, easier organization of open windows and touch screen capabilities.

Consumers should expect a rush of new computers pre-loaded with Windows 7 and upgrade offers this upcoming holiday season. Windows 7 is a reliable, multipurpose and productive OS for any PC user.

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