Manage updates with the Download AppBarnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight
Manufacturer: Barnes & Noble Part number: CNET-BN-NOOK-Simple-Touch-with-GlowLight
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight sets the standard for e-ink e-readers going forward and is well worth the extra money if you do a lot of nighttime reading.
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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 05/13/2013 |
| Barnes & Noble | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 05/14/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight price range: $119.00 - $128.85
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 04/23/2012
The good: The integrated light in the Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch GlowLight displays uniformly across the high-contrast Pearl e-ink touch screen and is a killer feature for nighttime reading for couples who share a bed. The touch screen is ever so slightly more responsive, there's built-in Wi-Fi for direct access to the online Barnes & Noble store, an expansion slot for additional memory, and long battery life. The Nook supports e-book lending and EPUB loans from libraries, has no ads, and it offers some enhanced social networking features.
The bad: Like the Nook Simple Touch, this model has no support for audio, no 3G option, and no Web browser. The rubberized finish on the back of the device attracts fingerprints.
The bottom line: The Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight sets the standard for e-ink e-readers going forward and is well worth the extra money if you do a lot of nighttime reading.
User reviews
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Best ereader on the market. Period.
by reeltime on April 27, 2012
Pros: Best design, most fonts, expandable memory, and the GlowLight works extremely well.
Cons: Lacks Whispernet.
Summary: This is the ereader fans of e-ink have been waiting for. The best kept secret in the ereader world is that Barnes & Noble has quietly been ahead of Amazon ...
Summary: This is the ereader fans of e-ink have been waiting for. The best kept secret in the ereader world is that Barnes & Noble has quietly been ahead of Amazon in both reader and tablet products for the past year or so.
9 months before Amazon delivered the underwhelming Kindle Touch, Barnes & Noble released the Nook Simple Touch. An e-ink reader in a gorgeous form factor that actually fit your hand, contained hard page turn buttons, the same resolution screen as the Kindle but provided more font choices.
Just last month Amazon announced they were trying to add a self-lit screen to their Kindle Touch. While Amazon is still in the R & D phase, Barnes & Noble has put a brilliant product in my hands. Kudos.
The Nook Simple Touch was already the best e-ink reader on the market. The only reason I held onto my Kindle 3 was because of the snazzy lit case, which was powered by a clever hinge off of the unit-- no batteries! The Nook Simple Touch, in contrast, required a battery powered clumsy clip-on light. Boo!
I pre-ordered the Kindle Touch the day it was announced. When it delivered in November 2011, I was anxious to see how Amazon countered the beautiful Simple Touch. I'd harbored severe gear envy toward the look and feel for about a year-- so Amazon surely wouldn't let me down, right?
Wrong. The Kindle Touch was and is a complete step backward for Amazon. Horrible form factor-- Asymmetric bezel looked awkward. The silver bezel did little to make the screen pop. The screen itself was inset unexplicably 3/8 of an inch. The bezel was sharp on the edge, causing your finger to get raw during extended reading sessions. The unit had a propensity to double turn pages, too. Plus, no additional fonts or software overhaul. I sent it back and ordered the SimpleTouch when it went on sale for $79 dollars.
Still I found myself back on my old Kindle 3 most of the time because of its thin profile but mostly because of the lit case.
The Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight is a game-changer. Buy one. Don't hesitate, it's that good. The GlowLight is slick, but not distracting. It perfectly illuminates the page, without getting in the way or taking away from the material you're reading. It's everything you could want in an ereader. The only thing missing is 3G Wireless, but I didn't use it all that much on the Kindle-- I use Calibre to load my Kindle and Nook. There's a pleasant more intense glow along the top bezel, which sort of says, "Hey! The light is on!" but the illumination is even throughout the page.
The rest of the device is just like the non-GlowLight Simple Touch, but a bit faster in performance. It's an ergonomic wonder with its rubber coating and contoured back. It's lightweight, and the battery lasts pretty much forever, even with the light on. B & N has hit a home run with this device. It's perfect.
I have a passion for e-readers because I love to read. This one device solves a long-standing problem with e-ink technology. Great in the daylight-- out of luck in the dark. Those days are officially over.
If you like e-ink as much as I do for reading-- this is the device you've been waiting for.7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A great step up for the e-book industry!
by sjohnson011 on April 26, 2012
Pros: Very lightweight. The original model (white) felt light, but started digging into my fingers after holding it for a while. This one is easily half the weight, or so it feels.
Cons: None that I can think of.
Summary: I often hear people ask "How many people read in the dark?" The answer is, more than you think.
People read on planes, in cars, in beds, and in other ...Summary: I often hear people ask "How many people read in the dark?" The answer is, more than you think.
People read on planes, in cars, in beds, and in other dim places that need a little light. This Nook can provide that light without having to turn on overhead lamps and disturb the people nearby.
I also like that it's just a simple reader. I don't need a browser and an audio player and a Sudoku puzzle generator and other assorted features. I use my reader to read.
I don't want my reader to have an identity crisis. I like that it's simple. If you want a tablet, buy a tablet. But if you want a reader, buy this Nook.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fantastic dedicated ereader
by toomath on June 27, 2012
Pros: - Glow light is wonderful - even, soft light. This solves the one major problem with e-ink readers for me.
- Very small and light, even with a B&N case. No wrist or finger/thumb strain.
- Crisp, sharp text that is easy on the eyes.Cons: - Battery life with glow light is short.
Summary: This device fills a niche that I think will become increasingly important. Though the trend has been toward one device that can do everything, people are starting to figure out ...
Summary: This device fills a niche that I think will become increasingly important. Though the trend has been toward one device that can do everything, people are starting to figure out that reading - really reading, as in real books - is a unique activity that requires a different interface than surfing the web or playing Angry Birds. .If you read a lot, and read entire books, the iPad/Android/mythical Microsoft tablet is too heavy and the screen causes eyestrain over long periods of time. Even a kindle fire or a Nook color can be too heavy for extended reading.
The simpletouch with glowlight is the first dedicated ereader I've seen that makes sense to buy in addition to an iPad or larger multifunction tablet. It's so light and small, you barely notice it's in your bag. And it's easy on the hands. The addition of a built-in light, the big differentiator with the kindle, makes it comfortable to read anywhere.
Bottom line: if you actually read, this is indispensable. If you're a casual, occasional reader, you're probably good sticking with a multifunction tablet.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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By far, the best e-reader!!!
by Chazzenheimer on May 17, 2012
Pros: 1) Almost perfectly uniform built-in lighting, while still having a battery life measured in weeks. Wow!
2) No distracting notifications from emails, etc.
3) Now the screen looks more white than gray! Much better contrast for ease of reading!!!Cons: When highlighting a single word, I wish...
1)...a dictionary definition would automatically be furnished for the highlighted word.
2)...that one of the options would be to find other locations of that word (for looking up a character name).Summary: For serious readers, this device is "the nut". This comes with all the functionality of the Nook Simple Touch, so it's touchscreen, meaning, for example, that by touching and ...
Summary: For serious readers, this device is "the nut". This comes with all the functionality of the Nook Simple Touch, so it's touchscreen, meaning, for example, that by touching and holding a single word, you can be given the option of looking up the definition of that word in the built in dictionary.
What's also nice is that this device is not an app happy tablet. Serious readers don't want a tablet with distractions and temptations. This baby gets down to serious reading business. And only serious reading business.
So many times, even during the day, I'm in a room that's just barely dark enough to need a light to read a book. Borderline darkness. This Glowlight Nook solves the problem - you can turn on its light with a low intensity, just enough to make the page look perfectly bright. Further, it makes the page look more white, than gray, so the black type stands out bold and strong.
Get one! Do it NOW!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Perfect for reading in bed!
by intoexploring on June 13, 2012
Pros: Lightweight, user friendly, lighted screen
Cons: Limited functionality
Summary: This is my third Nook e-reader. I started with the first generation e-ink device, and was given the Nook Color as a gift. I figured I would use the Nook ...
Summary: This is my third Nook e-reader. I started with the first generation e-ink device, and was given the Nook Color as a gift. I figured I would use the Nook Color for more than reading; alas, I rarely did. All I did with it was read in bed, and while it's a highly capable e-reader, battery life was annoyingly short and it's also a bit too big and heavy for my taste while reading before bed. Given all of that, the Nook Simple Touch with the lighted screen is a perfect choice for me and will be perfect for those who simply want to read e-books whether in bed or not.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Kindle Nook Simple Touch Glow - Good & Bad
by PCOIP on July 16, 2012
Pros: Easy to Read, swipe to turn page, Glow Light worked great.
Cons: This unit would not sync anything. It would not hold your page between the PC nook application, notes or bookmarks & the nook device. If you have multiple devices like I do, iphone, nook and PC this is a big problem. B&N said this is a known issue
Summary: I did return the unit since the synching issue was a deal breaker. I'm using the Kindle reader for PC which does synchronize pages properly. If they fix this ...
Summary: I did return the unit since the synching issue was a deal breaker. I'm using the Kindle reader for PC which does synchronize pages properly. If they fix this issue then I would highly recommend it until that time buyer beware.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Hate Sounding Like A Broken Record But
by vegetarianwino on May 10, 2012
Pros: Backlighting, Ease of use, More fonts, More font sizes, Better page margination, built in screen protector.
Cons: You must slide your finger across the screen smartphone style to unlock the device (I don't like touching the screen that much.) The folder "My Files" displays .jpg picture files but says that the device doesn't recognize them (weird.)
Summary: Awesome!!!! This eReader seems to have been designed with people like me in mind. I owned the first generation Nook (wi-fi+3G) version and it was simply my favorite thing. ...
Summary: Awesome!!!! This eReader seems to have been designed with people like me in mind. I owned the first generation Nook (wi-fi+3G) version and it was simply my favorite thing. I just about never had the wi-fi or 3G on and I must've only used the mp3 music player about twice in the nearly two years since I had gotten it. I never played Sudoku or chess on the thing either. I did want a backlight though. When the roommates are watching an un-interesting movie in the living room, I would have to pull out my Android phone to read on my Nook app because i didn't want to spoil the theatre-like setting of the living room by turning on a lamp to read.
The backlight of this Nook is perfect. This Nook allows the owner to set the margins of the script from the edge of the page, and has a lot more fonts to choose from. Simply put, I love this thing.
They could've written better directions on how to place screensavers on it though: You must drag and drop a folder containing pictures into the screensavers folder.
This is my new favorite thing! :-)1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nook lost a lont time customer today
by Free_ThatsMe on March 13, 2013
Pros: Lightweight. Long Battery Life
Cons: Flawed screen/light design
Summary: Writing this review after attempting to update my review with B&N. I was unable to make changes and need to report my experience.
I bought the Nook GlowLight ...Summary: Writing this review after attempting to update my review with B&N. I was unable to make changes and need to report my experience.
I bought the Nook GlowLight after owning a couple other different Nook Ereaders. I LOVED this Nook at first sight. After only a few months, I had what looked like holes in my display screen show up. First it was just one, so I ignored it. Then it became 5 holes so I took it into B&N. They set me up with the Nook people over the phone and they sent me a replacement...was still a Nook lover. Until I received the replacement, which was a refurbished Nook. I was extremely unhappy with a refurb, as the Nook was defective and I had recently bought it new & paid full price.
I have had the refurb for a few months and again, a hole has appeared. I called nook immediately and was told that they were sending me ANOTHER replacement Nook. This was about 2 weeks ago. I hadn't heard from B&N or received my Nook so I called again today.
I was told that there was an error processing the order and that they would need to place it again. I asked the rep if they had found a solution to the screen problem that people are reporting. She told me that she was unaware of any defects in this Nook. I told her that I found that hard to believe, since the reviews on B&N own website are FULL of people complaining about the same exact issue. I told her that this replacement would be my third one and that at this point, I would prefer if they just gave me a credit so that I could purchase a different Nook. The rep told me that she was only authorized to give me a replacement but that THIS TIME, they would send me a brand new Nook, not a Refurb. I explained to her that I really wasn't happy about this being their solution and that I will NOT keep the new Nook and will instead, sell it and buy a Kindle. She said she hated to lose my business and that she is sending me a $10 gift card to make up for my troubles. I told her "Im sure whoever gets my Nook will appreciate that"
After YEARS of being a Nook user, gifter & advocate, I will NOT purchase another Nook product. Really not sure what my next Ereader will be but I know it will NOT be a Nook. It broke my Nook Loving heart to realize that Nook just created a flawed product & wont even acknowledge that. Instead, opting to just send out MORE of the same defective product. This is not a solution at all and I find it totally unacceptable. -
The light is amazing.
by LorenzoST on January 21, 2013
Pros: - No glare like from back-lit e-readers
- Light and nice feel
- Very well organizedCons: - Better reviews and records of my reviews for books
Summary: Overall, best ereader on the market. I can't read books on a color tablet no matter what - the light gives me a headache and eyestrain. This reader solves ...
Summary: Overall, best ereader on the market. I can't read books on a color tablet no matter what - the light gives me a headache and eyestrain. This reader solves the problem.
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Worked great for 3 days.
by gdam on June 9, 2012
Pros: Screen looks great. Love the size. Love the glow light.
Cons: After 3 days the screen experienced the same lock up problem that was common with the 1st gen. Unable to reset with help from online tech support. Can't get a replacement because they've been out of stock for over a month now.
Summary: I like the design of the Nook more than the Kindle and this was the 5th Nook product I've bought. I had multiple issues with the 1st Gen Nook ...
Summary: I like the design of the Nook more than the Kindle and this was the 5th Nook product I've bought. I had multiple issues with the 1st Gen Nook I purchased, but customer service was always quick to help and quickly replace it when they couldn't get it fixed. I have had no issues with the Nook Color, Nook Tablet, or Nook Simple Touch (minus the glow light). However, the service I've recieved over the last month has left me very disapointed in Barnes and Noble. When I first had the problem, I could have returned it for a refund, however since they were going to send me a replacement right away (after I gave them a credit card number to charge it on until they recieved my broken one and determined that it wasn't my fault) I decided that would be the fastest way to get a replacement. After my 14 day return period had expired, they informed me that they were canceling my order because it was back ordered and I'd have to call back after they recieved more to set up another replacement. So, I call back every few days to find out that they still don't have any. Of course, even though you can pre order one online or in the store, I cannot pre order a replacement. They have my money, I have a broken Nook, and I have very little hope that I'll see a replacement in the near future. I'd suggest looking hard at the Kindle.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Barnes & Noble
- Part number: CNET-BN-NOOK-Simple-Touch-with-GlowLight
- Description: First & only reader designed for perfect bedtime reading Breakthrough technology creates a soft glow optimized for low light reading Warm light illuminates entire screen evenly End bedtime reading debate - when you want to read & your partner wants to sleep GlowLight turns on instantly and adjusts easily with a touch Revolutionary built-in anti-glare screen protector delivers just-like-paper experience - great in bright sun Exclusive Best-Text & adjustable fonts make words crisp & clear Fastest, most advanced E ink display for seamless page turns Lightest NOOK ever - perfect for long reading sessions and carrying everywhere
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type eBook reader
- Built-in devices Display,
Touchscreen - Dimensions (W x D x H) 5 in x 0.5 in x 6.5 in
- Weight 6.9 oz
- Packaged contents MicroUSB Cable,
Power Adapter,
Battery,
Built-in anti-glare screen protector - Slot provided type [Dec 3, 2010 from CDS: Slot Provided] microSD
Display
- Type 6 in Monochrome E Ink
- Display Resolution 600 x 800
- Touchscreen Yes
- Features Anti-glare
- Display type 6 in E Ink
- Color Depth 4-bit (16 gray levels)
- Max resolution 600 x 800
Memory
- Flash Memory 2 GB
- Supported Flash Memory Cards microSD,
microSDHC - Max Supported Capacity 32 GB
- Flash memory installed 2 GB
Communications
- Wireless Connectivity 802.11b/g/n
EBook Reader
- Supported Text Formats EPUB ,
PDF - Supported Still Image Formats JPEG,
BMP,
GIF,
PNG - Features Expandable memory ,
Touch screen ,
Wi-Fi
Input Device
- Type Touch-screen
Power
- Recharge Time 3.5 hour(s)
- Power supply device Power adapter
Expansion and Connectivity
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x microSD
- Interfaces 1
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories MicroUSB Cable,
Power adapter , Power Adapter,
Battery,
Built-in anti-glare screen protector - Cables Included 1 x USB cable
Dimensions & Weight
- Width 5 in
- Depth 0.5 in
- Height 6.5 in
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
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- Manufacturer:Barnes & Noble
