Any links to online stores should be assumed to be affiliates. The company or PR agency provides all or most review samples. They have no control over my content, and I provide my honest opinion.
Best Kindle Alternative: Nook vs Kobo
Want to read your favorite book but don’t want to carry a large book around, technology is there to save you. E-book readers are amazing space savers and they allow you to read any book you want with one click!
An E-book reader is a must-have for book readers but it can be tricky finding the perfect e-reader. Most of us think that Kindles are the only option when it comes to e-readers. However, aside from Kindle, Nook and Kobo are also good alternatives.
Let’s see what you need to know before you buy the best Kindle Alternative.
Why should you get an E-Reader?
Can you carry thousands of books with you every day? With the help of e-readers, you can. Even though you will initially miss the feel of a real book and the intoxicating smell of paper, once you get used to the ease of e-readers, you will love switching over!
When it comes to selecting the perfect e-reader, there are three main players in the market – Kindle, Nook, and Kobo.
Kindle
Kindle is one of the original e-book readers and it has been around for quite some years. There are various versions that you choose from such as kindle paperwhite and you will love the high-quality feel, compact size, and lightweight of the e-reader.
Moreover, the clever little touches like automatic light adjustment, automatic page-turning speed, etc. are something that you will really like. With access to Amazon’s large online library, you are going to have a good time with Kindle.
Want to know what Shirley Jackson says in the Lottery while working on your “Lottery” essays and assignments? You can now do so right from your e-reader instead of going out to the physical book store or the public library! However, since you are looking for Kindle alternatives, let’s move on to Nook and Kobo.
Kobo
In terms of both sales and popularity, Kobo is one of the best Kindle alternatives. The name “Kobo” is an anagram of “book”. It is an affordable version of Kindle and you will be satisfied with its quality.
You can access various novels and titles available on the Kobo store, which is huge and you will never have to head over to your local library anymore. What you will really like about Kobo e-Reader is the fact that it comes preloaded with a variety of books and classic literature.
This means that you can start reading as soon as you take the e-reader out of the box. With a more affordable price, a better and user-friendly navigation layout, and a keyboard, you will love using Kobo forma over Kindle.
Nook
Nook is the e-reader from Barnes & Noble, the literary giant. Not only does it have great quality, but it also has an excellent price point as well. However, what we don’t like about this is that the online Nook book store is not comprehensive when we compare it to Amazon or Kobo store.
Things to Look for in a Quality EBook Reader
The specifications of E-book readers vary. Therefore, you have to make sure to look at the following factors to make sure you are buying the perfect one for yourself.
Connectivity
Want to download a book on your e-reader? You will need internet access for that. Depending on the model and make of the e-reader, you would get Wi-Fi connectivity of 4G mobile data. Moreover, if you want to conserve data, or are going away on travels with no access to the internet, your device needs to be able to choose when to download a particular title.
Memory
On average, you will get 4 GB to 8 GB of memory on an e-reader. Depending on your needs and requirements, you should be able to choose the e-reader that you think works for you. Approximately, 8 GB of storage is enough to store almost 500 books.
Screen
The screen size of e-readers varies from around 5 inches to 10 inches. The display size of the screen is not that important when compared to the display capabilities of the reader. The images and the text on the screen should be sharp and clear.
The image resolution is measured in PPI, pixels per inch. A few e-readers come with LCD screens, which are better since they can display colors in a better way.
Format
Digital books are available in a variety of formats, from pdfs to epubs and a lot more. Make sure that your e-reader supports all the formats out there to avoid any inconvenience.
Battery
Another thing that you need to consider is the battery. You will be delighted to hear that one charge, an e-reader can last for almost 2 to 4 weeks depending on the usage. However, it depends a lot on your usage and reading requirements.
Therefore, make sure that you check the battery and how long it will last before making a final decision.
Weight
Another thing that you need to consider is the weight of the e-reader. Obviously, you are switching over to an e-reader because you can’t carry a lot of books around. Therefore, it would not do if you buy a heavy, overweight e-reader that is difficult to carry around.
Usually, e-readers are compact and weigh around 6 to 7 ounces. However, you can check and compare the weight of a couple of e-readers before you choose the one you think will be great for you. A lightweight e-reader would be perfect for your travels and you can use it in bed as well.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Thanks for the review of the Kindle, Kobo, and Nook ebook. I already have the Kindle Fire book. However, I have been thinking of adding the B&N Nook 4 to my library. I understand that there are some advantages of Kindle Fire and Kobo over the Nook. But there is something about the Nook that will not let me go.
Thanks again for this review.
Bob Patrick