14 DAY TRIAL // Late last year, it became obvious that electronic book readers had a bright future ahead of them. Noticing this, major bookstore chains and other companies started to work on e-readers of their own. For a time, Amazon, Sony and Barnes and Noble each owned one of the primary three such devices. Barnes and Noble, in particular, was faced with a rather unusual situation where it had great difficulties meeting demand during the first few months. Fortunately, said problems did not last forever and the Nook eventually reached stores.
The only disadvantage of this device was that, even though it had an intriguing build and a noteworthy set of features, its appeal wasn't particularly boosted by its price point. This was because the 3G connectivity was not exactly a worthwhile addition since such networks are not as widespread, for now, as one may like.
Fortunately, Barnes and Noble promptly commenced work on a new version which, though kept almost a secret until recently, has now been made official.
The new Nook lacks 3G connectivity, but it is otherwise completely identical to its predecessors. The other major asset is the drastic decrease in pricing. The 3G+WiFi version had a tag of around $250, but the bookstore's new offspring demands only $149. Not only that, but even the cost of the 3G version has been driven downwards, to $199. Finally, B&N even completed the firmware version 1.4, which gives users free access to AT&T WiFi hotspots.
"People who love to read will find tremendous value with the new NOOK Wi-Fi, the most full-featured, low-cost eReading device on the market, and our bestselling NOOK 3G now at an even lower price," said Tony Astarita, vice president, Digital Products, Barnes & Noble.com. "This expanded choice offers best-in-class, best-priced dedicated eBook Readers featuring eBook sharing, access to our vast eBookstore, great free and exclusive content and much more. And with expansion of fast and free Wi-Fi access beyond Barnes & Noble stores to thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots, we're bringing additional freedom and flexibility to all NOOK 3G and NOOK Wi-Fi customers."