Got a Nook!

[mdsouth]

3G vs. wifi

OK, I picked wifi only specifically because of these reasons:
1. We have wifi set up at home so there's no reason why I would need a 3G coverage
2. We DON'T have any 3G AT&T coverage in our area
3. I don't travel so much that I would frequently need to have a 3G coverage for a must-download-book moment
4. I purchased Nook for 90% library books. So I sideload most of my books.
5. If I'm in a pinch, McDonalds around me (8mi down the road though) has AT&T wifi I could use.
and of course
6. The price... 25% less than 3G.

My reasons are not techie reasons by any means... hopefully that helps.

Thanks, cseca! This is basically what I have been thinking myself. I plan to use my library a lot for downloads and expect to do most of my downloads at home. I, too, travel very little so that is not a great factor in my decision.

I have a Kindle. Wi Fi requires a hot spot for you to download. 3G allows you to download anywhere that is covered by the 3G network. For example, I would not think that sitting on a beach you would find a free Wifi hotspot but you would likely find 3G.

What you need to consider is if you care if you are restricted to hot spots or plugging into a computer to download.

Because my Kindle came with 3G, I am spoiled. I think I would always want that option.

Jrmasm, thanks! You have given me several things to consider. I first have to figure out what the 3G AT&T coverage is in my area. I like the idea of being able to download a book anywhere I am instead of waiting to get home or find a Wi-Fi hot spot.

If I was purchasing now, I'd definitely go with the wi-fi only. I purchased a Nook about six weeks ago, right before the new options came out. My nook was updated so it's now 3G compatible, but I don't see myself using that option.

The only place I use wi-fi is at home...AND it's $50 cheaper!!

SaraJayne, you have brought up an important point. Thanks! The bargain hunter is definitely looking at the fact that it is indeed $50.00 cheaper.

I have a couple of different digital readers but my favorite is my Kindle. Why do I prefer 3G?

Like the pp I actually do most of my book buying at my house and the WiFi would be just fine for that. But I do use the 3G just enough that I'm glad I have it and consider it worth the $40. Besides, a good deal of the fun of these toys is instant book buying no matter where you are...in the car, stuck at your kid's baseball tournament...waiting at the doctor's office... The 3G expands that considerably.

RitaE thanks for your ideas. Your ideas are key points I need to consider.

The reason I am buying an ereader is for fun! It is not a necessity for me. I just think it would be nice to have access to lots of books anywhere I am. So, your reasoning about being able to get a new book download whereever I am - waiting to pick up my kids from a school activity, dance, the doctor's office, etc. is probably the biggest reason why I am even considering the 3G option. Otherwise, I would just go with the cheaper version and use the extra $50.00 to buy some ebooks or magazine subscriptions.

Oh, the dilema.

I truly thank everyone for their opinions on the issue.
You all offered very valid points that I will have to consider further.

First, I think I am going to investigate the Wi-Fi hot spots and 3G coverage in my area before I make the final decision.

 

[linnylu]

and you can finger swipe anywhere on the touch screen to turn pages

I have read that you can do that a couple of times, but I just can't get it work on my Nook. This is probably a dumb question, but does the touch screen have to be on? Mine always "blacks out" while I am reading a page, so I would have to turn the touch screen back on and then swipe- it would be easier just to press on the turn page arrow. If the touchscreen is black, I can't get the page to turn by swiping. Please help!

 

[cseca]

mdsouth,
Remember that right now you won't be able to borrow library books on kindle.
I don't know if they're thinking of adding that option or not in the future.
If you are thinking of mostly borrowing library books (like I do), then go with Nook or Sony (maybe Kobo). But definitely not kindle right now.
If you don't care about library books and just do free ebooks online or buy your ebooks then any of the ereaders would work.


ps: One more thing, I can't substantiate this (because I don't subscribe) but seems like Nook isn't the best option for magazine subscription either. You might want to do more research on this topic IF magazine/newspaper subs is a make it/break it option for you.

 

[cseca]

I have read that you can do that a couple of times, but I just can't get it work on my Nook. This is probably a dumb question, but does the touch screen have to be on? Mine always "blacks out" while I am reading a page, so I would have to turn the touch screen back on and then swipe- it would be easier just to press on the turn page arrow. If the touchscreen is black, I can't get the page to turn by swiping. Please help!

wait until it turns black and then swipe your finger from right to left in a 45 degree angle if you want to go forward.
Or go from left to right in a 45 degree angle if you want to go backward.

 

[SaraJayne]

I have read that you can do that a couple of times, but I just can't get it work on my Nook. This is probably a dumb question, but does the touch screen have to be on? Mine always "blacks out" while I am reading a page, so I would have to turn the touch screen back on and then swipe- it would be easier just to press on the turn page arrow. If the touchscreen is black, I can't get the page to turn by swiping. Please help!

Yes, it will work when the screen is black. It has to be a very LIGHT swipe...or it doesn't work.

You also have to sweep from right to left to get it to work, which feels unnatural to me (think of the way the page would turn).

It takes a few tries...and I found out I'm too heavy handed when it comes to that. lol I find using the arrows much more convenient.

 

[magik]

I have read that you can do that a couple of times, but I just can't get it work on my Nook. This is probably a dumb question, but does the touch screen have to be on? Mine always "blacks out" while I am reading a page, so I would have to turn the touch screen back on and then swipe- it would be easier just to press on the turn page arrow. If the touchscreen is black, I can't get the page to turn by swiping. Please help!

As a couple others have said, yes, you have to wait for the screen to go black for the page turn to work. Then, with just the right amount of pressure, to go forward a page you swipe your finger from right to left. To go backward a page, swipe from left to right.

This video shows it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of5Eas6lONM

I use my pointer finger rather than my thumb like the video, but that's just what's comfortable to me. It did take me a little bit of time to practice and get it right, but now that I figured it out, I like it much better than using the arrow buttons on the sides. The only thing is, it doesn't work to page through your library, only to turn pages inside of a book.

 

[justwinnie]

I got a Nook!

I had been carrying around BN gift cards for a while and finally decided to put them towards the purchase of a Nook. I love it!

I found that a Vera Bradley mini hipster fits a Nook perfectly. I love having a front zip pocket to hold the charger and usb cord, since those are the things I always lose!

 

[mdsouth]

mdsouth,
Remember that right now you won't be able to borrow library books on kindle.
I don't know if they're thinking of adding that option or not in the future.
If you are thinking of mostly borrowing library books (like I do), then go with Nook or Sony (maybe Kobo). But definitely not kindle right now.
If you don't care about library books and just do free ebooks online or buy your ebooks then any of the ereaders would work.


ps: One more thing, I can't substantiate this (because I don't subscribe) but seems like Nook isn't the best option for magazine subscription either. You might want to do more research on this topic IF magazine/newspaper subs is a make it/break it option for you.

I have already decided I am going with a Nook for a number of reasons.
One reason is the fact that I can borrow books from my library.
Another reason is that I like the sze and screen and large print sizes.


I thought I might in the future read magazines but it is definitely not a huge factor for me. I appreciate the fact that you clued me in on the idea that the Nook might not be great on the magazine application.


So for now, I am just still debating between the two types of Nooks and which would be best for my situation. I was leaning towards the basic one to save the money since I plan to do most my downloading from home. However, we visit my mother-in-law quite a bit (once or twice a month) and she lives hours away from us and does not have a computer or Internet. So, the 3G might be worth it so I could download books on the road and her house. Though, I could always download a lot of books prior to our trip and so I would not need the 3G. I just keep going back and forth.

 

[3boymthr]

I just found a new reason to love my nook

Took my kids to a Boy Scout event, outdoors, in the dark, in the middle of the woods, which were in the middle of the Boy Scout Camp, which is in the middle of a state park - so basically, in the middle of nowhere. After over an hour and a half they were bored and restless and they needed to be quiet for the ceremony we were attending - plus it was dark, so tag or other outdoor games were out. Inspiration struck. I had my Nook in my purse. I got it out, went to the store, let the kids search for kids titles, then quickly and quietly bought and downloaded a copy of a Magic Treehouse book and a Flat Stanley book. It was AWESOME. The kids figured out how to use it in seconds. Flashlight in hand they were reading, and happy and not restless any more. We were able to get thru the rest of the ceremony with no problems. On the way home the 10 yo asked if he could get his own Nook.

 

[princesspwrhr]

I've seen a few people mention downloading free books on their nook by searching 0.00 - but I haven't seen this tip posted

If you just search for 0.00 books you will get over 900,000 hits. *I* don't want to weed through that many, and I bet half of you don't want to either. You can narrow your search by adding a genre or author name to your search. Go to shop, search and then press the 123 button so you can type in "0.00" then touch the abc button so you get your keypad back and type in "fantasy" or "history" or "sci fi" or "classics" or an author name and your search results will be greatly less and more specific.

The only thing I don't like about the search is that if 12 people have uploaded a legal copy of the book to a source, like google books, then the search will show 12 copies of that book. It's mildly annoying.

My library is also annoying - you have to go in to set up the account and it doesn't offer very many options. I may have to get my dd a nook though, she keeps stealing mine. She loves both the books and soduku on it.

 

[cseca]

I have already decided I am going with a Nook for a number of reasons.
One reason is the fact that I can borrow books from my library.
Another reason is that I like the sze and screen and large print sizes.


I thought I might in the future read magazines but it is definitely not a huge factor for me. I appreciate the fact that you clued me in on the idea that the Nook might not be great on the magazine application.


So for now, I am just still debating between the two types of Nooks and which would be best for my situation. I was leaning towards the basic one to save the money since I plan to do most my downloading from home. However, we visit my mother-in-law quite a bit (once or twice a month) and she lives hours away from us and does not have a computer or Internet. So, the 3G might be worth it so I could download books on the road and her house. Though, I could always download a lot of books prior to our trip and so I would not need the 3G. I just keep going back and forth.

Nook is awesome! hehe...
Anyways, just wondering have you checked AT&T 3g coverage around your MIL's place? They had none in my area so it's kinda useless for us.
If I were you I'd check the coverage. And if they claim to have it I'd go to BB to get your nook (30 day return policy). Take it to your MIL's place and play around with it.
If it doesn't work at you can always return it and get the wifi only version.
If it works, then you can still play around with it for 30 days to see if the extra 3G makes any sense to you based on your reading/download habit.

Good luck deciding!

 

[mdsouth]

We have 3G in our area but not in my MIL's. So, I will probably just get the Wi-Fi version. I also checked out the Hot Spots listed in my MIL's town. Two were listed at the McDonalds. I just wish 3G was in more areas.

Oh well, like I said, I will just need to plan ahead. From what I understand, I can have hundreds of books loaded on my Nook and a memory card. That will be more that plenty for me!

 

[disneyfans95]

We have 3G in our area but not in my MIL's. So, I will probably just get the Wi-Fi version. I also checked out the Hot Spots listed in my MIL's town. Two were listed at the McDonalds. I just wish 3G was in more areas.

Oh well, like I said, I will just need to plan ahead. From what I understand, I can have hundreds of books loaded on my Nook and a memory card. That will be more that plenty for me!

You can have about 1,500 books, so you don't have to worry too much.

The main thing I like the 3g for is to download the NY Times and I might do that where there is not wifi around. (ie camping or such)

 

[Brancaneve]

I just found a new reason to love my nook

Took my kids to a Boy Scout event, outdoors, in the dark, in the middle of the woods, which were in the middle of the Boy Scout Camp, which is in the middle of a state park - so basically, in the middle of nowhere. After over an hour and a half they were bored and restless and they needed to be quiet for the ceremony we were attending - plus it was dark, so tag or other outdoor games were out. Inspiration struck. I had my Nook in my purse. I got it out, went to the store, let the kids search for kids titles, then quickly and quietly bought and downloaded a copy of a Magic Treehouse book and a Flat Stanley book. It was AWESOME. The kids figured out how to use it in seconds. Flashlight in hand they were reading, and happy and not restless any more. We were able to get thru the rest of the ceremony with no problems. On the way home the 10 yo asked if he could get his own Nook.

Question, though......did you use the flashlight to read the Nook or does it have a screen that lights up?

 

[cseca]

Squaretrade warranty coupon code
30% through Aug 2nd : ENDLESS
20% after Aug 2nd same code

 

[3boymthr]

Question, though......did you use the flashlight to read the Nook or does it have a screen that lights up?

I did not use the flashlight to buy the books as we used the touchscreen and scrolled thru the covers to find what they wanted, but they did use the flashlight to read. You don't need a big one tho - the kids each have their own mini-maglites - the two AA battery kind and they provided more than adequate light.

As you can see I do have the 3G version - that's what was available when I bought mine - and now I'm really glad I have it but if had been an option I probably would have gone with Wi-fi only for the price difference.

 

[3boymthr]

We have 3G in our area but not in my MIL's. So, I will probably just get the Wi-Fi version. I also checked out the Hot Spots listed in my MIL's town. Two were listed at the McDonalds. I just wish 3G was in more areas.

Oh well, like I said, I will just need to plan ahead. From what I understand, I can have hundreds of books loaded on my Nook and a memory card. That will be more that plenty for me!

You can have about 1,500 books, so you don't have to worry too much.

The main thing I like the 3g for is to download the NY Times and I might do that where there is not wifi around. (ie camping or such)

I currently have 500 titles on my Nook and have only used 13% of the available memory so it definitely holds a lot of books. As you can see I read a lot - the expandable memory is one reason why I went with the Nook over the Kindle or the Sony PRS 500.

I was surprised to find the 3G coverage worked literally in the middle of nowhere when we were at the Scout Camp. We don't even have good cell phone coverage there (1 bar - I have AT&T cell service), but the Nook 3G worked. For that matter I have no AT&T cell phone service inside my house, but I have no trouble getting 3G coverage for the nook in my house.

 

[NJtoATL]

bump

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

3G is a great feature. It allows you to connect and download books virtually anywhere. With the Kindle, it works all over the world, not just the US. I visit my folks in the middle of BF egypt each summer and my 3G worked without a hitch each time I turned it on. Leaving it on can use up the battery faster so I typically leave it off unless I am ready to load something on the device. I love e-readers. My daughter has a pink sony e-reader and I have the Kindle. I wanted the Nook initially but after comparing the two side by side the Kindle was much faster when it came to simple tasks like turning on the device (3 seconds vs 90 seconds) - I am one of those people who uses her time waiting in lines or in reception areas to read. It felt more like a 'book' to simply open the case and start reading right where I left off in a matter of seconds rather than waiting for something to 'boot' up like a computer. I was on a flight the other day sitting next to a gentleman who had the BIG e-reader. It was a beautiful thing!

E-readers also don't need huge storage capacities. 1500 hundred books on a personal reading device is enough for anyone! I like to keep my reference books on it, a few cook books, a few bestsellers, my itineraries in PDF format, information on my destination. I LOVE being able to forward documents people have emailed me to my Kindle's email address. Really helps when traveling or out of the office.

Happy reading!

 

[Ava]

Was in B&N the other day (although not buying a nook, sadly) and saw a poster advertising free classics on their website. Just go to www.barnesandnoble.com/freelibrary. It looks like the selection changes weekly - right now it is classic children's books.

You can also find free eBooks (not all classics) by going to www.barnesandnoble.com/ebooks - there's a menu on the left-hand side, scroll down under "Customer Favorites" and there's a link for "Free eBooks."

I've decided to get my partner a nook for her birthday in November. She's talked about wanting an e-reader, we were looking at them a while back & comparing and she seemed to like the nook best. We don't usually spend money on gadgets but she loves to read and hasn't gotten anything nice for herself in a long time. If anyone comes across any discounts/coupons, let me know!