Barnes and Noble has just released it's new "Nook Color" for the holidays, a color touch screen eBook reader. At its cheaper price point, it makes sense to ask "How does it compare vs the more expensive iPad?" Here's a detailed look at the Nook Color vs iPad. Which is the better deal?
Let's first take a look at the memory capacities of the two devices. The iPad is available in the 16, 32 and 64 GB models, obviously more expensive for the higher memory. The Nook Color comes with 8 GB, but can be equipped with expandable memory.
Wireless and 3G capabilities differ for both the devices as well. The iPad charges extra for the 3G+Wireless models, whereas the Nook Color is only available in a wireless model.
The sizes of the screens differ quite a bit. Nook's design is at 8.1 inches high by 5 inches, and the iPad is quite a bit bigger at 9.56 inches by 7.47 inches. That obviously gives Apple's device more screen size.
Both screens are made with the same IPS screen technology. That allows for 178 degree viewing angles of the screen.
The Battery lives of the two devices are comparable as well, at around 8 hours usage time before needing a charge.
The BIG Differences Between the iPad and Nook Color?
Apple's aim with their design was to create a product that can do anything that a computer can do, but with the advantage of being extremely portable. That means it can be used as a media library and player, an eBook reader, and also a portable computer.
Of course it's fair to say that Apple has changed the entire game as well, so it can behave as an Apple device does, with the ability to use 1,000's of apps that each have their own use with the Apple devices.
The Nook is being marketed as an eBook reader, but it does much that the iPad does, up to a point. It can also be used as a small computer in the way that it surfs the web, stores and plays media, and can also be used as an eBook reader.
The NC, however, does not have the benefit of using many, many apps developed by a community of developers like Apple's device does. In fact the apps could be seen as non-existent for the Nook Color.
The prices differ considerably for the two devices. The Nook Color is going for 9 whereas the cheapest iPad is currently priced at 9. Who knows if this new release from Barnes and Noble will trigger a price drop for Apple. Time will tell.
So there are some very large similarities apparent when comparing the Nook Color vs iPad, but only to a certain extent.
BestCustomerReview
So, what's the difference between an iPad with WiFi and an iPad with 3G plus WiFi. It's a question that seems to come up frequently, so I thought it would be worth finding out some answers to the question.
I've found five major differences between the two models and keep on looking for more. Here are the five differences:
Number 1: Limited connectivity vs. Extensive connectivity. With the iPad WiFi your connectivity to the internet is limited to areas where you can access the web via WiFi. With the 3G version of the iPad you can connect both via WiFi or the 3G cellular network. That means it should have connectivity anywhere you get cell phone coverage. To get the same coverage with the WiFi version you would need a portable WiFi, like Verizon's MiFi or some of the smart phones that can act like a WiFi.
Number 2: You Pay for More Connectivity. The 3G iPad costs more to buy. At the time I write this, the difference is about 0 in the US. To use the 3G wireless service you need to have a wireless data plan with you carrier. In the US, AT&T provides data plans for a price. To start they had a .99 per month data plan with 250MB of data included and a per month "unlimited" plan. The unlimited plan was discontinued pretty quickly and now you can get 2G of data for per month.
Number 3: iPad with 3G also has built in GPS service. The WiFi version can do some triangulation; you need a 3G iPad to get a really accurate location fix.
Number 4: Some small physical differences. On the back of the 3G iPad there is a black plastic section that enables the iPad to get a better connection to the wireless network. The 3G version also has a door on the side for you to insert the Micro SIM card. These differences are probably not that big a deal given that you will probably want to use an iPad cover to protect your iPad.
Number 5: Shorter Battery Life for the 3G. Using the 3G network chews up more battery. From what I have read it cuts battery life from about 10 hours down to between 7 and 8 hours. Not bad, but it does count at the end of a long day.
So to sum it up, if you are just using the iPad around the house, get the WiFi version and if you need to use it out in the field you are probably better off getting the 3G version of the iPad.
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