B&N has finally released the much anticipated NOOKColor firmware update that allows access to applications, email and other requested features. They’ve included some current favorites, like Angry Birds, Lonely Planet Phrasebooks and Drawing Pad. The inclusion of apps and better web access makes this more like a thrifty tablet than just a plain eReader.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the apps (see a full list of available apps here), since B&N used their own developers rather than connecting with the Android Market (something I don’t believe they have any intention of doing in the future). Overall I find them to be pretty useful. I especially love the Epicurious app. You can select recipes, create shopping lists and organize favorites. The functionality is great – the screen scrolls beautifully and the colors really pop.
I don’t have small children, but I did download one of the interactive children’s books, just to try it. I bought I Just Forgot by Mercer Mayer, a Little Critter book. Little Critter is one of my favorite children’s book characters from when my kids were little. Even though they’re 14 and 12, we still had a good time having the book read to us. My 8 year-old niece really enjoyed it as well. I think for people with small children in their lives will find a lot of enjoyment here.
The inclusion of an email feature isn’t one I find to be that helpful. It runs rather slow. Since having the wifi on constantly drains the battery, I don’t use the feature much. It is easy to use and the notifications are nice, but I wouldn’t say it’s a main reason to purchase.
One of the things that frustrates me about the NOOKColor is the lack of reading options for PDF files. I was hoping B&N would fix that with this update, but no such luck. They do offer an ezPDF Reader through the app store, but I’m not able to open it. It keeps giving me an SD Card error every time I try. I’ll have to play with it a little more to see if I can get it to work.
Nook Friends is something I haven’t really explored much. It’s in beta right now, so I’m not sure how it will improve in the future. For now, it seems like a great way to keep in contact with friends regarding books you have available to lend or quick quotes/passages you want to share. I’m going to play with it a bit more before deciding if I like it.
As far as enhancements go to the actual reading experience, there aren’t many here. They updated the page turning to make it more seamless and that’s about it. Though to be honest, I didn’t have many complaints about reading on the device to begin with. I still wish it had a dedicated back button and cursors on the keyboard, as well as full functionality for PDFs, but otherwise it’s a pretty comprehensive reader.
Disappointments:
1. The price of the apps. The apps are priced between $0.99 – $4.99. Since I’m not an iThing junky, I have no idea how these compare to the apps available for the iPad or iPhone. I do know most of these apps are available in the Android Market for quite a bit less. Uno, for example, is available in the Android Market for $2.99, but for the NOOKColor, it’s $4.99. This hasn’t stopped me from purchasing many of the apps, but I thought it should be noted.
2. Apps aren’t available on the web. This isn’t an issue exclusive to the Nook, but it is annoying. None of the apps are available to be purchased through the desktop or mobile site. They must be purchased directly from the device. This is mainly frustrating when I’m away from a wireless network and want to shop, since the NOOKColor is wifi-only.
3. The cord. This actually has nothing to do with the update, but I find myself very frustrated by the cord. I’ve already broken two of them because they stick out so far from the point of entry at the bottom of the device. It wouldn’t be such a big deal, but new cords are $25. That means I’ve already spent $50 on cords. Think of the books and/or apps I could have bought with $50.
Overall I think the update enhance an already great reader. Please be aware, however, that this isn’t a tablet. It is first and foremost an eReader. While I would say this update makes this a good choice for a thrifty tablet, I don’t think it compares well to many of the other tablets on the market, including the iPad.
Just in time for Father’s Day, we have a great giveaway for you. Leave a comment on this post telling us what you think of the NOOKColor with updates, and you’ll be entered to win a $50 Barnes and Noble gift certificate. You can use the cert to buy apps for an existing NOOKColor, or any other item on the B&N site. Wouldn’t it be great to surprise dad with a NOOKColor for Father’s Day (or maybe give yourself a belated Mother’s Day gift?)?
Contest ends May 31st, 2011 at 11:59pm. Please Note: You must include a valid email address with your comment to be eligible to win.
PS: Check out the certified pre-owned devices available at B&N.
