NOOKcolor revealed, brings 7-inch e-reader/tablet Android hybrid

By Sean Brunett
published

Barnes and Noble unveiled its new e-reader/tablet today, deemed the NOOKcolor. The Nook has previously been mostly an e-reader that enjoyed 20 percent market share, deferring to Amazon's Kindle. Their strategy has shifted it appears, as the new Nook is more of a hybrid device.

Here are some specs about the new Nook:

  • 7-inch color display
  • Android OS
  • 1024x600
  • 8GB internal memory
  • Micro-SD slot expandable to 32GB
  • Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)
  • Pandora built-in
  • Chess and Sudoko
  • Facebook support
  • Conde Nast and Hearst are partners
  • $249

It's a risky strategy for Barnes and Noble to take, given that e-readers have been selling mainly due to their superior e-ink technology. Now that it is in color and offering similar services to tablets such as the iPad and Galaxy Tab, it may have a difficult time finding an audience. Then again, maybe it won't. What do you think of the new Nook Color? [Barnes and Noble (opens in new tab)]

Sean Brunett
Sean Brunett
20 Comments
  • ipad killer
  • Just imagine it being revised and coming with free 3G like the kindle, that'd be crazy.
  • Well, I don't think it is an iPad killer. However, depending on the hardware and Android OS specs (and updatability) it could really be a good competitor with the Samsung Galaxy Tab. However, knowing B&N it will probably be minimally spec'd and they'd miss a great opportunity. My wishlist (in addition to what is in the article) is at least a 750Mhz processor, 512MB RAM (do I hear requests for 1GB?!? :D ), a couple gigs of internal app storage, Froyo (with promises for upgrades to at least Gingerbread), AND access to the Android Market. At that price, SIGN ME UP! Scott
  • Oh, add a front facing camera (2mp+, please). ;)
  • No idea about the processor yet, but I do know it'll have 8GB of storage, and runs Android 2.0. not 2.1, definitely not 2.2. Looks like this is going to be very proprietary, no access to market, not sure, but I don't think it'll behave anything like normal Android. B&N is supposed to be releasing an SDK for it soon, so I think it'll be a very walled in system.
  • It's 2.1, at least that is what they said at the conference and it will be updated to 2.2 in 2011.
  • No thanks. I love my Nook, and I also love the fact that it's on eInk and can be read in the sun. Hey, Barnes and Noble: You fucked up.
  • How long before this is rooted and someone loads up the Kindle Android app along with the B&N goodness? That's an e-reader I want -- color, the option to use any reader app I want, and at a price point like this one.
  • Good point regarding the Kindle app. Allegedly its Android 2.1, with 2.2 to follow. It would be pretty cool if B&N could beat Kindle with their own stick.
  • i like this. read color magazines and when convert to SGD its not overly expensive. plus no camera.
  • Well spank me and call me susan
  • I'd have to see it in person of course, but initial reaction is that it's a couple sandwiches short of a picnic basket. It's a tablet that doesn't market itself as a tablet. I'd rather spend the extra $$ to get an iPad.
  • I love my nook no color for me reading in the sunlight is a must and 100 dollars more leaves me happy with my purchase
  • To be fair, no one has tried it in the sun yet. Some LCD technology does VERY well in the sun. Others, not so much.
  • The source link says it this has an IPS panel. It's the same tech as that in the iPad, but it is the best sort of LCD panel there is. The iPad's problem is it's a glossy screen. That makes it useless if you're anywhere where there's light. They made a point about glare on the Nook page so we'll have to see.
  • Wow! Will this be able to take full advantage of the Android Marketplace?
    If so, it could be a great deal based on the price. Maybe not a iPad killer but it would certainly teach Samsung a thing or two about what the Tab pricing should be.
    I would buy one if it would take advantage of the Marketplace applications depending on how this is designed. Processor speed, etc.
  • Right now they aren't offering the Android Marketplace, but creating a BN marketplace with much less, obviously. I would like to see if there will be games, etc, but there was no talk of an accelerometer, from what I've read.
  • Can someone explain to me why the hell "e-ink" is such a big deal? Monochrome display that you cant read in the dark? Why is this appealing?
  • I'm really looking forward to taking the Nook Color for a test drive.
  • It's a very cheap one,especially for android testing. And I test it in android 3.0. The performance is not so good, but you guys can try it also. Android 3.0 Tablet: Install Android 3.0 in Nook Color