The Nook Simple Touch is the Barnes & Noble approach to the e-reader, with GlowLight technology in order to specialize in after-dark reading functionality. This is the newest iteration of the Nook, with the exterior basically the same as the previous version of the Nook. The only addition is the GlowLight functionality, which allows e-readers to read books without turning their lights on or requiring an external light source such as a clip-on light. Overall, the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight remains one of the best e-readers on the market, particularly for users that require the functionality of reading in the dark.

Cost and Specifications

The Nook GlowLight Simple Touch, as previously mentioned, is almost unchanged from the previous year’s model in terms of external specifications. It has a plastic body, weighs 6.95 ounces, and is 0.47 inches thick (approximately 11.9 millimeters). It has wireless capability, and can connect to Wi-Fi networks, although the device has no audio capability, meaning that there is no text-to-speech functionality. In terms of the actual display, the 800 by 600 megapixel E Ink Pearl display is standard for e-readers. In terms of overall size, the device is 6 inches across diagonally, which translates into 6.5 inches in length and 5 inches in width. It has in-built internal memory of 2 gigabytes, while it has removable memory of up to 32 gigabytes in the form of a microSD card. The Nook GlowLight Simple Touch costs $139.

Supported Functions

While the Nook GlowLight Simple Touch supports Wi-Fi capability, it doesn’t have 3G capability. Furthermore,it supports PDF, MOBI as well as DOC documents. It also has improved battery life compared to previous editions of up to two months, with recharge time of 3.5 hours. However, this estimated battery life is two months based on about an hour of usage per day, which may vary widely between individual users.

Reading in the Dark

Of course, the most important functionality of the Nook GlowLight Simple Touch is the glow feature, which allows users to read in the dark. This has been a somewhat neglected functionality in e-ink devices in general, with past attempts at in-built light devices failing to illuminate the screen in a comfortable or even way. This was not the case with the Nook GlowLight Simple Touch, which allows for an e-ink device which is easier on the eyes despite reading in the dark. Furthermore, Nook GlowLight also has an anti-glare layer added to the device in order to make sure that the device will remain readable in bright or sunny environments. This has caused a loss of contrast in the text itself, which isn’t obvious but becomes apparent once the new Nook GlowLight is compared with other devices without the anti-glare function. On the other hand, the addition of this function creates an e-ink reader that is truly suited for every environment, whether if its in the dark or in direct sunlight.