gdgt

I received the Kindle 1 as a 'hand-me-down' from another user, and it got me hooked on e-reader's convenience and enjoyment. However, the hardware of the Kindle 1 was clearly designed by monkeys in some sort of lab experiment - with large outward tilting/clicking buttons that you accidentally pressed every time you gripped the device, sending you an unintentional 20 pages forward. I was tempted by the Kindle 2, but opted to wait to see what else hit the market. Along comes the nook; and I immediately mention to the wife that it might make a good Christmas present. She listened, and sure enough it was waiting for me under the tree yesterday.

I've spent a lot of time playing with it and reading over the last 24 hours, and my impressions are far more positive than most of the reviews I've read.

As soon as I booted up, I downloaded the 1.1.1 software update, so I can't comment on how much better/different it is than the version that shipped 2 weeks ago. However, I can say that I've been more than pleased with the responsiveness, reliability and page-turn performance of the device. It outperforms my Kindle 1, and seems very comparable to the Kindle 2 which I've 'handled' a few times.

The navigation is nowhere near as confusing as some reviews suggest. It appears most reviewers fall into one of two categories: 1) smart-phone/computer users who are not e-reader users, or 2) e-reader users and reading nerds who aren't comfortable with technology.

If you've used a smartphone AND an ereader before, you won't be confused by the nook's navigation; you won't go reaching to touch the e-ink display, and you will be perfectly content with the performance of the touch-screen.

The Android-based touch screen is not quite as snappy as an iPhone, but perfectly acceptable and smooth enough for the purpose of navigating the store and ereader content. The nook hardware is sexy, well-designed, rugged, and comfortable. and I don't make accidental page turns.

I could go on, but ultimately if you're familiar with e-readers I can confidently say that the nook is the best piece of hardware currently on the market...It has only one flaw:

CONTENT: Not mentioned in the reviews, and the only real weakness of the nook right now is its content. The library of available books is comparable to Amazon, but there is nowhere near the content in terms of Magazines, Newspapers etc. The nook offers only 10 magazines, with only 2 that are 'household' names, and a measly 5 newspapers (no NY Times, USA Today etc.).

The nook has to catch up in this area otherwise the word will get out and people will make content rather than hardware/feature decisions.

I'm happy with my nook; at least until the Apple Tablet arrives!