Barnes & Noble recently introduced its Nook electronic book reader, with the national US book store setting its sights squarely on the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader.
The device has a 7.7x4.9 in. screen with color navigation panel, Wi-Fi, 2GB onboard memory and the ability to increase storage up to 16GB. Furthermore, B&N's Nook can play MP3s and read PDF files, with the ability to share books with other Nook owners, Apple iPhone and iPod Touch owners, and some mobile phone owners. 2GB of storage space is good for 1,500 books, magazines and newspapers, according to B&N.
The Nook will have several major marketing advantages over the Kindle, despite the overall popularity of Amazon's device. First, the ability to market and sell the device in retail B&N locations across the country will give the Nook a major advantage over all other e-readers available that are online-only. In addition, there are consumers who are hesitant in purchasing a device they've never seen physically in front of them, which gives the Nook another competitive edge.
However, the Nook does lack at least one crucial feature that the Kindle has, along with several physical downsides. The Nook doesn't have a text-to-speech feature similar to the Kindle -- and is heavier, with a shorter battery life.
Barnes & Noble will launch its Nook e-reader in November with a $259 MSRP, which puts it at the same price point as the Kindle.
I look forward to a very interesting next few months, as consumers begin to show increased interest in e-readers. Despite B&N's physical presence across the country, Amazon is an extremely popular online portal. Will B&N be able to steal enough attention from the Kindle to sell its Nook to consumers?
