iPad 2 vs Nook
iPad 2 and Nook, both are good gadgets to read books on the go, but eBook is one out of the many applications of iPad 2 while Nook is mainly an e-Reader. If you are in the market looking for an e-reader, Nook from Barnes and Noble could be an automatic choice. But if you have deep pockets and are looking for a device that can do much more than just read e-books, Apple’s iPad 2 is here. The most glaring difference between iPad 2 and Nook is the type of device they are. However, if we were to compare an iPad 2 with Nook just for what nook is capable of, here is what the user should experience with both of these gadgets.
iPad 2
iPad from Apple, which has already created millions of ardent fans all over the world, has finally been upgraded and is available in its new avatar called iPad 2. According to Steve Jobs, who was present during the launch ceremony, iPad 2 is not a tweaked version of iPad with some minor differences but an altogether new gadget, an indeed he is right. iPad 2 comes equipped with a much faster processor in the shape of 1GHz dual core A5 which is twice as fast as its predecessor in iPad. It also processes graphics 9 times faster, which in itself is proof enough of a much improved performance of iPad 2. iPad 2 is also lighter and thinner, and yes, it is equipped with dual cameras, which was one thing missing in iPad. iPad 2 is available in several variants having different internal storage capacities such as 16, 32, and 64 GB respectively, and also priced accordingly from $499 to $829. From Wi-Fi only to both Wi-Fi and 3G, you can choose depending upon your requirements.
The size of iPad 2 is what makes new e-readers excites. Though not as thin as kindle DX, iPad 2 is now very handy to allow for easy reading and portability. The addition of dual cameras has enhanced the capabilities of iPad 2, with the rear camera capable of making HD videos in 720p, and the front one allowing the user to video chat with friends.
With a display size of 9.7” at 1024X768 pixels, iPad 2 uses IPS technology in its LCD which makes for very bright, sharp images and wider viewing angle (178°). The OS is iOS 4.3 and it allows seamless web browsing through Safari. iPad 2 is HDMI capable, allowing the use of Av adapter and cables and see in HD what he has recorded on his TV.
Nook
If you are basically interested in reading all sorts of content on your tablet, Nook Color can be an ideal choice for you. The Barnes and Noble’s Nook is based on the Android platform. The best thing about Nook Color is its price, which at $199 for Wi-Fi + 3G and $149 for Wi-Fi only, is much less than half of the most basic iPad 2. Nook has carved a niche for itself among e-readers, and Nook Color comes with enhanced capabilities such as a stunning full color touchscreen that stands at 7”, built in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) to surf the net, read the mails, and read whatever you want, largest collection of books for the users, fun games for kids, ability to lend books and share, and even listening to music. It is also available as Wi-Fi + 3G model for AT&T 3G network.
The vividview LCD touchscreen produces 16 million colors at a high resolution that produce stunning images that are sharp and make easy viewing and reading even under bright sunlight. It is possible to share whatever you are reading with your friends via Facebook and Twitter.
Though the internal capacity of Nook Color is 8GB, you can expand it to match your requirements. Nook also uses the same IPS technology that is used by iPad 2, allowing for more and better viewing angles.
Though it is easy to see that Nook Color matches the features of iPad 2 as an e-reader, but iPad 2 was designed keeping in mind much more features and capabilities such as ability to download thousands of apps from Apple app store, which is not possible with Nook. Nook is basically an e-book reader, though it does match iPad in various functions, up to a point. So you can easily go for Nook depending upon your requirements. But if it is a tablet PC that you are looking for that also allows you to read e-books, and you have a budget to buy iPad 2, you should certainly go for it.