So, Amazon has the Kindle and now Barnes & Noble has the nook. A wireless ebook reader that is strikingly similar to the Kindle. I went to barnesandnoble.com to check this thing out and I wanted to put some of the features here today. Since I do not plan to buy this item, I will just post what information I see on the site.

First, let’s take a look at the appearance

I must say that it really does look a lot like the Kindle by Amazon, but then I realized, how much different does it HAVE to look? It’s a slim item about the size of a book (7.7″ x 4.9″ x 0.5″ to be exact), that is lightweight (11.2 ounces) and super easy to handle. I guess the appearance could resemble a book in more ways than one, but since it is a technology toy, I expect a sleek look at best.

Wireless

Apparently the download time is in the seconds. The Nook is hook to free wireless via AT&T and that is a 3G network, so in my opinion is most likely a fair estimate. With a color touch-screen that is 3.5″ wide allows for one touch control and navigation. Swiping your finger across the screen will “flip” through your library of full-color book covers.

The display is easy on your eyes in the sun or inside your home and you can adjust the font size for easier ready and to keep the headaches to a minimum.

Storage

The Nook comes with 2GB, or about 1500 books worth, of storage and can be expanded via microSD slot. These days you can get SD cards up to 16GB, so that would be an additional 17,500 books!

Audio

Audio is supplied by a built-in mono speaker and since the Nook serves as an MP3 player, you can listen to audio books as well. Universal 3.5mm stereo headphone jack is included.

Battery

The Nook uses such little battery juice, you can actually read for about 10 days before having to recharge. And that only takes a cool 3.5 hours from wall outlets. Now if you have the wireless in the ON position you won’t be able to go quite as long, but let’s just say that if you were trapped in a cave with your Nook, you could at least read for 7 days before the battery dies out.