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Image Gallery: Barnes & Noble Nook electronic book reader

The Barnes & Noble Nook is the newest electronic book reader on the market and takes things to the next level with both AT&T and WiFi connectivity, support for the largest number of ebooks available, capability to lend books, Google Android operating system powered and more. Let's take a look at the hardware, navigation, and ebook reading aspects of the device.
By Matthew Miller, Contributing Writer
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The Barnes & Noble Nook is the newest electronic book reader on the market and takes things to the next level with both AT&T and WiFi connectivity, support for the largest number of ebooks available, capability to lend books, Google Android operating system powered and more. Let's take a look at the hardware, navigation, and ebook reading aspects of the device.

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The white cardboard piece slides off to reveal the plastic internal packaging.

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It does take a bit of effort to take the Nook out of the plastic casing and I recommend you follow the directions on the back of your packing slip to prevent breakage and issues.

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You will find the USB cable and A/C adapter, along with a Quick Start Guide, in the lower box of the Nook package.

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The Nook has both an upper eInk display and lower color LCD.

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This gives you a feel for the size of the Nook compared to my Sony Reader 505.

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The Nook is taller than the Sony Reader 505.

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The back has a Nook logo and is covered in gray soft touch material to help you grip and hold your Nook in hand.

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A slim silver button is found on the top of the Nook. There are two small openings present too that I think are for case options.

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A mono speaker, microUSB port, and 3.5mm headset jack can be found on the bottom. There are also two small opening that look like they are designed for future case options.

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There are page forward and page back buttons on both sides of the Nook. The buttons/areas have a matte finish and small dot protrusion to help you find them with your thumb or finger.

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Here you can see the thickness differences between these two ebook readers.

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Here is a shot of the Sony 505 on top of the Nook.

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Pop-up bubbles appear during initial start up screens to guide you through some navigation aspects of the Nook.

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There are ways you interact with the bottom color LCD during startup too.

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You can register your Nook to get it connected with your online account.

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As you can see a software keyboard appears across the entire bottom Nook color display. It is capacitive too so it is easy to tap away on the keyboard with your fingertip.

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I recommend taking a walk through the tour during initial startup so you won't have to view the manual later.

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Here you can see the Welcome notice on the Nook.

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Navigation options appear on the bottom display as you read your books. This screen can be set to turn off if you just want to read without distractions too.

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Daily content can be downloaded wirelessly to your Nook and enjoyed as well.

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This part of the Welcome screen states what type of content is available.

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This part of the Welcome screen explains how wireless access can be enjoyed on the Nook.

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As you can see there are five main parts of the color "Home" screen. The daily, my library, shop, reading now, and settings.

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You can play audio content in MP3 format and this player is available at the bottom of the main menus in the five different home screen parts.

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Here you can see the B&N library I started out with on my Nook. All of these books were automatically added to my account when I downloaded the iPhone B&N reader application.

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Here you can see some of the basic stats available in the settings area.

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When you tap on Settings then this is what options you see in the menu.

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You can connect your Nook to a B&N store or to your home network with ease.

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Here are a few display settings.

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I am not sure why there are contacts on the Nook, but it is there.

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When you choose to shop then you are taken to the Barnes & Noble store. Special offers appear at the bottom and can be navigated through with the forward and back buttons on the side of the Nook.

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There are various ways find content on the Nook using the bottom color display.

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You can find ebooks, magazines, and newspapers on the Barnes & Noble store.

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You can view store content by color covers, as seen here with magazines.

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Only three newspapers are available at this time, but I imagine these offerings will grow quickly.

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There are subscription options available for the Nook newspapers.

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Here are the book covers of some available ebooks in the store.

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The volume for the audio player is controlled via an on-screen controller/slider bar.

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The entire back of the Nook is pried off to reveal the microSD card slot, battery, and AT&T SIM card.

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The battery is held in place with a small single screw.

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Instructions are provided for removing the battery.

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The battery needs to be removed to take out the SIM card.

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It is easy to take out the battery and for long trips you may want to have spares, but don't forget the screwdriver too.

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Different standby images can be selected to appear on the Nook.

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This logo is embedded on the back of the Nook.

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This Nook button/area is placed on the top of the color display area and pressing it will take you back to the five icons on the color display.

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As you can see the eInk display is set in a bit from the surrounding material. This may help you remember the top is not a touchscreen.

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The surrounding plastic is glossy, but the page turning buttons have a matte finish on them to help you turn pages.

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Wallpaper and Nook bottom Home page in hand.

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