I have noticed some things I like about the Nook over a book and vice versa.
The Nook lacks:
- browsability. You can’t flip through an ebook like you can with paper.
- durability. Gotta charge it. Can’t drop it. Dust, etc.
- personality. Each paper book has a distinct look, feel, weight, and smell. Ebooks lack these. This is just personal preference, but I miss those things.
- shareability. Although Barnes & Noble is implementing a new lending system, the borrower must also have a Nook. Due to licensing, there is no way to resell a “used” ebook after completion.
The good stuff:
- travelability. As someone who is always on the go these days, I can’t overstate the importance of fitting all your books into something the size of one.
- affordability. Ebooks tend to be cheaper than their hardcover (and sometimes softcover) counterparts. There is also the option to rent ebooks from many public libraries.
- sustainability. Read books without killing trees.
- added features. The Nook has wifi and a web browser. Handy if I need to check email or look something up. It also plays audio books and music if you’re into that stuff.
So there you have it. That’s my take so far. The travelability alone is enough to make me love it. It probably saves me some 5 kilos in my checked luggage.
