Manage updates with the Download AppBarnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch Reader (Wi-Fi)
Manufacturer: Barnes & Noble Part number: CNET-Nook-Touch
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The new touch-screen Nook is a major advancement over its predecessor and offers some real advantages over the 2010 Kindle.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/25/2013 |
 | | In stock | as of 05/25/2013 | |
| Barnes & Noble | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 05/25/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch Reader (Wi-Fi) price range: $69.49 - $99.99
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 05/31/2011
- Updated on:10/01/2012
The good: The 2011 Nook is a compact and lightweight e-book reader with a responsive high-contrast Pearl e-ink touch screen that offers quick page turns. It's got built-in Wi-Fi for direct access to the online Barnes & Noble store, an expansion slot for additional memory, and long battery life (up to two months). The Nook supports e-book lending and EPUB loans from libraries, and it offers some enhanced social networking features.
The bad: The 2011 Nook has no support for audio, no 3G option, and no Web browser. The rubberized finish on the back of device attracts fingerprints.
The bottom line: The new touch-screen Nook is a major advancement over its predecessor and offers some real advantages over the 2010 Kindle.
User reviews
-
-
Could be the best, if not some software limitations
by megasuperlexa on September 4, 2011
Pros: Touchable e-ink screen, rubberized non-reflecting plastic, superb page-turning algorithm, price, size
Cons: VERY limited software (no wireless sideloading, no e-mailing items like on Kindle, no RSS or news, no games, etc)
Summary: I was the happy owner of the previous Nook (the one with touchable band at the bottom), and was expecting much from new Nook. However, I was kind of disappointed ...
Summary: I was the happy owner of the previous Nook (the one with touchable band at the bottom), and was expecting much from new Nook. However, I was kind of disappointed by the fact that B&N has completely reworked its firmware instead of polishing and adding functionality to the previous one.
On the one hand, it was necessary to incorporate the new capabilities of the device - the astonishing touchable e-paper!
On the other, they've somewhat broken "Reading now" feature (doesn't work as smooth with sideloaded books as before), added some social networking but removed games (chess!! I was dreaming about chess with FICS access and on touchable screen because it was not as comfortable to play in older keys\touch band controls), and the most disappointing - no Google Docs or Dropbox or B&N library support for wireless sideloading of your e-books that came from places other than B&N (being non-US resident, one cannot buy e-content from B&N anyway).
That said, it is still a lovely little reader, both comfortable and affordable. In terms of hardware, I think it beats Kindle hands down. As for poor software, well, I believe this is something B&N is going to change in the near future. I am a bit reluctant as regards to "rooting" and installing 3rd party software on the device, but this might be the way to overcome today's unprepossessing Nook's firmware abilities.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
I use sticky notes to make up for lame sync
by hazel161 on June 26, 2011
Pros: Very easy page-turning, light weight, e-paper easy on eyes, great for reading in bed without bent neck. pleasant feel, keeps track of last-page read on multiple books though within Nook only. And I have to say my hot pink fold-back cover is adorable.
Cons: Major con: Does not sync furthest-page read with my Mac computer. B&N finally acknowledged in an email that sync is "a known issue" !! And does not sync management such as sending a book to archive. Meaning you can't manage your library on the comput
Summary: I am enjoying the Nook touch, my first e-reader. But the issues are really annoying. iF IF IF I could establish that sync works on Kindle,and they really do ...
Summary: I am enjoying the Nook touch, my first e-reader. But the issues are really annoying. iF IF IF I could establish that sync works on Kindle,and they really do a good public library connection, I would seriously consider returning the Nook and getting a Kindle. [Nook color too heavy for me). Or maybe I should just upgrade to a smart phone.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great for a college student
by thatguyvin on June 18, 2011
Pros: Quick and responsive screen
Simple and easy to use
Wi-Fi compatable
Light and easy to hold
Web Browser (hidden but its there, just go to search and add a website (www.whatever your heart desires...)
Excellent Battery Charge (Lasts up to 2 months)Cons: No audio jack ( but its an e-reader...do you really need to listen to music or have a text to speech option?)
I've had to return one because of an ink spot on the screen.Summary: The only reason I don't give this product a 5 star rating is because I've had the nook for 10 days and already I needed to get a ...
Summary: The only reason I don't give this product a 5 star rating is because I've had the nook for 10 days and already I needed to get a replacement one. I did not have a problem receiving a replacement and B&N representatives were very helpful (I received a new nook, wrapped and sealed in the box within 20 minutes). Personally I never thought I would ever buy an e-reader but as a college student I felt it was more of a burden to constantly carry around my books. Through the Wi-Fi connections you can buy new books wherever there's Wi-Fi available and the books dowload and install very quickly. With the nook I can put up to 1000 books on there and not have to worry about physical storage space for a whole library. I did not see the need to buy the nook color being that I have a Smartphone so any apps I could get on the color I can most likely get on my phone. I honestly think this device is perfect for what it sets out to be. Its an e-reader, not an MP3 player, not a tablet or anything. For a college student looking to save space and have something to keep all their college books in one place (with the exception of maybe textbooks) I feel that this is the device for them.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Not ready for prime time
by ronsd46 on July 6, 2011
Pros: Reading experience with e-ink and touch screen
Cons: Very poorly designed library management system
Summary: This is my first ereader, so I don't know if it's better or worse than the competition, but I can say that if this device represents the state ...
Summary: This is my first ereader, so I don't know if it's better or worse than the competition, but I can say that if this device represents the state of the art then the industry has a ways to go. The basic reading engine is fine, the touch screen works well enough, and the hardware seems solid except for the cheap-feeling power switch, BUT the software needs some serious development.
To be truly useful an ereader needs an effective library management system, and it's in that area that the Nook fails dismally. Library management is based on a "shelves" metaphor that seems logical enough at first glance, until you realize that the shelves are not containers like the folders in a standard file system, but merely lists with check boxes. Here's what you have to do to move a book from one shelf to another:
1. Go the libary and select shelves mode.
2. Open for editing the shelf that the book is currently on (assuming you remember it!).
3. Scroll through a list of all the books in your library (at seven books per page) until you get to the title you want to move. They're in order by title in this mode - no options - and btw the software isn't even smart enough to ignore initial articles.
4. Once you've found the title, uncheck it and tap "save".
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the shelf that you want to move the book onto.
Once your library grows beyond a dozen or so books, this system becomes impossibly cumbersome to use. A system where a book's shelf location is specified from the book's own properties page, using a list of shelves, would be much more efficient and potentially quite valuable. So how about it B&N? Think it might be time to hire some actual professional software developers?2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Fantastic device for reading ebooks
by Dream King on February 3, 2012
Pros: form-fitting, sturdy, touchscreen, responsive page-turning, easy on the eyes, microSD card expansion slot, inexpensive, superior battery life, reads epub format ebooks.
Cons: None, relatively speaking. Areas for improvement are: better book search, better book/document organization options, additional display fonts, It could have a working clock at the top of the page.
Summary: It's not often that you get an opportunity to choose between a monopolizer and a relevant upstart, and have the underdog making the superior product in all aspects. This ...
Summary: It's not often that you get an opportunity to choose between a monopolizer and a relevant upstart, and have the underdog making the superior product in all aspects. This is an e-reader for someone who wants to just read ebooks. We already have smartphones, laptops, maybe an ipad or touchpad - I don't need my ebook reader to do 50% of these other devices' functions at 50% of their quality. I want an ebook that won't hurt too much should I lose it that actually is crisp, responsive, well-built and doesn't lock me into a logistical chain wholly owned by Amazon. Not that B&N doesn't want you to buy stuff from them as well, but neither do they force you to interact with the cloud to achieve full functionality. Buy a tablet, not an ereader if you want a tablet, and vice versa.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Best E-reader out there!! (IMHO)
by schwegs104 on December 27, 2011
Pros: The UI (user interface) is a heck of a lot better than amazons kindle touch (could that get any more ugly and confusing?)
The ability to sort your library by most recent, title, or author is a definite welcome.
EPUB baby!Cons: None so far!
Summary: If you want an E-reader with out the extra crap like 3G and audiobooks (isnt that what Ipods/Iphones are for?, then the Nook Simple Touch simply cant be beat. ...
Summary: If you want an E-reader with out the extra crap like 3G and audiobooks (isnt that what Ipods/Iphones are for?, then the Nook Simple Touch simply cant be beat. Oh, and you dont have to pay extra to NOT have ads! Get the Nook and be simply happy
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Good product with a terrible defect.
by Limlik on November 7, 2011
Pros: Easy to read, Long battery life, Easy to use interface(Except listed in con)
Cons: Has a cool Shelf feature for sorting books, but no sort feature while setting up the shelf. You have to scroll the list of every book you have and check the ones you want on the list, with no search feature while doing so. No tethering to iDevices. The wo
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Best product in this class
by nitinshetty007 on November 1, 2011
Pros: Great touch sensitivity.
Memory expansion up to 32GB
Buying books made really simpleCons: No web browser
Does not support audio books
Slightly expensive as compared to Kindle touchSummary: Even with the higher costs as compared to Kindle Touch, this product is highly recommended for users whose sole requirement is a dedicated ebook reader
Summary: Even with the higher costs as compared to Kindle Touch, this product is highly recommended for users whose sole requirement is a dedicated ebook reader
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
This is a great e reader
by ThisShouldWork-243129459550250 on October 7, 2011
Pros: Love the clarity
Cons: Kindle has a good price
Summary: Although this is good I might go for kindle because of the cloud storage
Summary: Although this is good I might go for kindle because of the cloud storage
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
a wonderful dedicated e-reader
by jen10021 on September 5, 2011
Pros: lighter, great page-turning response; better display than my 1st edition nook
Cons: unable to sync my ebook wishlist to the device; would love if it tracks the latest books i'm reading on my homepage so i can easily flip between books
Summary: i've owned the 1st edition nook since it first came out in Dec-2009 and am amazed at how far it's come with the nook touch. the nook touch'...
Summary: i've owned the 1st edition nook since it first came out in Dec-2009 and am amazed at how far it's come with the nook touch. the nook touch's display is crisp and clear, the page turning is such a breeze, and download much quicker than the 1st edition. however, it does not have an airplane mode (prob not a biggie because i can just click on the wifi and change as necessary) or the ability to sync my ebook wishlist to the device which is annoying for me. i browse for BN books online and love the ease in which i add to my wishlist and purchase whenever i want, now i have to create a separate wishlist on the device. other than this, i am very pleased with my nook touch because it comes with the other great stuff as the 1st edition including borrowing library books and read for free in stores.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Barnes & Noble
- Part number: CNET-Nook-Touch
- Description: Breakthrough E Ink display - 25% faster than any other eReader Best-Text, ultra-crisp, reads just like paper - even in bright sun Longest battery life - read for up to 2 months based on 1 hour of daily reading Over 2.5 million books, get them in seconds with built-in Wi-Fi No annoying ads Always free NOOK support in-store Borrow books from your public library
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type eBook reader
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 5 in x 0.47 in x 6.5 in
- Weight 7.48 oz
- Slot provided type [Dec 3, 2010 from CDS: Slot Provided] microSD
Display
- Type 6 in,
Monochrome E Ink - Display Resolution 800 x 600
- Touchscreen Yes
- Display type 6 in,
E Ink - Max resolution 800 x 600
Memory
- Flash Memory 2 GB
- Total User Available Memory 1.25 GB
- Supported Flash Memory Cards microSD,
microSDHC - Max Supported Capacity 32 GB
- Flash memory installed 2 GB
Communications
- Wireless Connectivity 802.11b/g/n
Operating System / Software
- Preloaded Software Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary Eleventh Edition
EBook Reader
- Supported Text Formats EPUB ,
PDF - Supported Still Image Formats JPEG,
BMP,
GIF,
PNG - Features Touch screen ,
Wi-Fi ,
Expandable memory
Input Device
- Type Touch-screen
Power
- Recharge Time 3.5 hour(s)
Expansion and Connectivity
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x microSD
- Interfaces 1
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable
Dimensions & Weight
- Width 5 in
- Depth 0.47 in
- Height 6.5 in
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Barnes & Noble products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Barnes & Noble
%20-%20Compare%20prices,%20reviews,%20user%20opinions%20-%20Shopper.com&srcUrl=http://shopper.cnet.com/e-book-readers/barnes-noble-nook-simple/4014-3508_9-34748399-2.html?info%3Dreview&x_breadcrumb=9150:3505:3508&x_arw_bkts=MAD:first_impression){kind=small}