Kindle and Kobo devices tend to be the first types of eReaders that people consider buying, but there are plenty of other choices beyond these popular brands. The Nook GlowLight 3, the latest device by Barnes & Noble, boasts similar features to those of Kindle and Kobo eReaders, as well as some unique factors that could make it the perfect choice for you. Here’s how it stacks up to its competitors:
Key Features
- Priced at $119.99.
- Weighs just 6.2 ounces.
- 6″ 300-dpi screen with built-in protection from scratches, fingerprints, and glare.
- Long battery life (lasts up to 50 days on one charge).
- Automatic color-changing light that adjusts throughout the day to prevent eye strain.
- Soft finish makes it easy and comfortable to hold.
- Customizable fonts and text sizes.
- Has physical buttons for turning pages.
- Can hold thousands of books with 8GB of storage, plus free storage for purchased books in the Nook Cloud.
- Supports multiple types of files including ePub, PDF, Adobe DRM ePub, and PDF.
- Allows users to borrow eBooks from public libraries. But it’s not a simple process.
- Free Nook reading app available for iOS and Android devices.
- Supports multiple users and personal “shelves” on one account.
Book Selection
The Nook bookstore has over 3 million eBooks, but both Amazon and Barnes & Noble usually carry the most popular titles and latest best-sellers. The GlowLight 3 doesn’t have any “all-you-can-read” programs like Kindle Unlimited, but it does have a selection of free eBooks like the Kindle store. However, Amazon’s has more free eBooks (and bonus free books for Amazon Prime members). What’s more downloading library books directly via Overdrive is a breeze for Kindle users. Borrowing library eBooks can be cumbersome for Nook users because they have to use the Adobe Digital Editions app to transfer books to their device.
Device Comparison
In basic features alone, the GlowLight 3 is nearly identical to the Kindle Paperwhite in pricing, size, weight, and battery life. Its automatic color-changing effect is also similar to that of the Kobo Aura, but the Kobo device is $60 more expensive than the GlowLight 3. However, the Kobo supports more types of files than the GlowLight, and it has more options for customizing fonts, text size, and margins.
The GlowLight 3 may be a bargain for its features, but it has two major downsides: it isn’t waterproof like the most recent eReaders, and it doesn’t support audiobooks. If these two factors aren’t deal-breakers for you, visit the Nook bookstore to browse the selection of eBooks and see if the GlowLight 3 is right for you!