Barnes & Noble reveals Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Posted on Friday, April 13 2012 @ 16:28 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Barnes & Noble reveals the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight and Engadget published some photos of this new $139 eReader. What makes this new device unique is that it's the first e-ink based eReader with an illuminated screen. Except the GlowLight, this new device seems identical to the original Simple Touch, it has the same body, TI processor, 2GB storage, microSD memory card slot and a 6" Pearl E Ink screen with infrared touch. The backlight is an expensive gimmick though, at $139 the GlowLight edition is $40 more expensive than its non-illuminated counterpart.

According to Barnes & Noble, the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight provides "about a month" of reading time, compared to two months with the light off.
The centerpiece of the Nook SimpleTouch with GlowLight is, naturally, that illuminated screen. The reader uses a patent-pending technology Barnes & Noble built in-house, which shines a light from over the top of the screen. The illumination is triggered by holding the "n" button down for two seconds. You can adjust the brightness by clicking the button again and sliding the dial on a Quick Settings screen. Half brightness should be enough to keep you reading in a dark room. You can also turn the light off here or just hold down the "n" button again.

The light is actually quite well distributed on the display. You'll notice a bit of a gradient at the top, near the light source, but after reading for a bit, odds are you'll completely forget about it. We used it for a bit in a darkened room, and it's really a pleasant reading experience, staying true to most of the benefits of e-ink. We asked Barnes & Noble reps how the resulting eye strain compares to a back-illuminated device like the iPad, and while they refused to say anything conclusive, they conceded it should be "equal or less" to what you'd experience on such a device.




About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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