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The Nook vs Kindle 3 vs Sony Reader PRS-350

If you are hunting down the best ebook reader, then it makes sense to take a look at the top 3 ebook readers on the market, the Nook, Kindle 3, and Sony Reader. The New Sony Reader PRS-350 is the most comparably priced with the Kindle 3 and Nook, and that's why we'll include it here in this comparison. Which is best? Let's take a look.

The Barnes and Noble Nook-

The Nook was released last fall and has undergone a major upgrade in software since in late April. There are 2 versions available for purchase, the WiFi only ($149) and the WiFi +3G ($199).

The Kindle 3-

The Kindle 3 is Amazon's latest release of their flag-ship product. Like the Nook, there are 2 versions available for purchase, the WiFi only ($139) and the WiFi + 3G ($189).

The Sony Reader Touch Edition PRS-350-

This is Sony's newest model of ebook reader that is comparably priced to the Nook and Kindle ($179).

Let's take a look at how features compare with the Nook Vs Kindle 3 Vs Sony Reader.

Memory

Nook- 1,500 books (expandable with SD card)

Kindle 3- 3,500 books (standard)

Reader- 1,200 books (standard)

We can see that the Kindle's standard memory is quite a bit larger than the other two brands. However, for the cost of an SD card, the Nook's memory can be expanded.

Weight

Nook- 12.1 ounces WiFi +3G and 11.1 ounces WiFi

Kindle 3- 8.7 ounces WiFi +3G and 8.5 ounces WiFi

Reader- 5.47 ounces

Dimensions

Nook- 7.7″ x 4.9″ x 0.5″

Kindle 3- 7.5″ x 4.8″ x 0.335″

Reader- 5.75″ x 4.125″ x.34″

The Nook seems to be the "big boy" on the block with it's weight heavier and dimensions larger than the other two ebook readers.

Reading Display Screen

Nook- 6" diagonal E-Ink screen.

Kindle 3- 6" diagonal E-Ink screen.

Reader- 5" diagonal E-Ink screen.

Obviously the smallest of these three devices is the Sony Reader, and it translates into a smaller reading screen.

Navigation of Content

Nook- 1" color navigation screen. Push buttons for page turn.

Kindle 3- Push button technology- keyboard and page turn buttons.

Sony Reader- Touch screen navigation and page turn. Home, Page Turn, Zoom, Options push buttons.

Battery Life

Nook- 10 days with wireless off

Kindle 3- 30 days with wireless off

Reader- 14 days

You can see that the Kindle 3 has quite a lot more reading time for one battery charge. This is partly due to the fact that it doesn't utilize touch screen technology. It should also be noted that an AC adapter for the Sony Reader is considered an accessory and costs extra.

Wireless Options

Nook- WiFi only or WiFi +3G (no plans needed)

Kindle 3- WiFi only or WiFi + 3G (no plans needed)

Sony Reader- No Wireless

The big elephant in the room here is, why does the Sony Reader PRS-350 not have wireless?

Conclusion

It boils down to what is important to you in an ebook reader. If you want an extremely small device that is ultra-portable, then perhaps the Sony Reader PRS-350 is for you. But you'd better be fine with downloading your books and content from the computer and transferring it, since wireless is not available.

If you want a little color in your device, wireless downloading, and want a touch screen option, then the Nook is probably a good choice for you. Barnes and Noble has also just announced it allows a Nook owner up to 1 hour of reading of any ebook in the store for a perk.

The Kindle 3 is a small, compact, wireless option with robust features. This will be a good idea for the reader who wants a simple device and wants to save as much money as possible.

About the Author

Click for even more in depth comparison about the Nook vs Kindle vs Kobo vs Sony Reader, found at http://techwham.com/nook-vs-kindle-vs-kobo-vs-sony-reader-pocket-edition-the-simple-truth-revealed.