Differences between Kindle Touch and Nook Simple Touch
Contents
Comparison of Kindle Touch and Nook Simple Touch[edit]
Amazon and Barnes & Noble released their first touch-focused e-ink readers in 2011. The Kindle Touch and the Nook Simple Touch both moved away from the physical keyboards and secondary LCD panels found on previous generations. While both devices utilize infrared touch technology and the same display type, they differ in physical controls, audio capabilities, and storage options.
Comparison table[edit]
| Feature | Kindle Touch | Nook Simple Touch |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | 6-inch E-Ink Pearl | 6-inch E-Ink Pearl |
| Resolution | 800 x 600 pixels | 800 x 600 pixels |
| Internal storage | 4 GB (approx. 3 GB available) | 2 GB (approx. 1 GB available) |
| Expandable storage | No | Yes, microSD (up to 32 GB) |
| Audio support | Speakers, 3.5mm jack, MP3, TTS | None |
| Navigation buttons | Single home button | Home button plus four side page-turn buttons |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + 3G | Wi-Fi only |
| Native file formats | AZW, MOBI, PRC, PDF, TXT | EPUB, PDF |
| Weight | 7.5 ounces (Wi-Fi version) | 7.48 ounces |
| Battery life | Up to 2 months (Wi-Fi off) | Up to 2 months (Wi-Fi off) |
Hardware design[edit]
The Nook Simple Touch has a shorter and wider chassis than the Kindle Touch. It features a contoured, soft-touch back designed for one-handed use. Barnes & Noble included physical page-turn buttons on both the left and right bezels. This allows users to advance or reverse pages without using the touchscreen.
The Kindle Touch has a metallic-painted plastic shell. It lacks physical page-turn buttons. Amazon introduced a software feature called "EasyReach" to handle navigation. This divides the screen into specific tap zones, where a large portion of the screen advances the page and a narrow strip on the left reverses it.
Display and touch technology[edit]
Both e-readers use the E-Ink Pearl screen. This technology produces a high-contrast display that mimics printed paper. Neither model includes an integrated front light; these features appeared in later versions like the Kindle Paperwhite and Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight.
To enable touch functionality without adding a glass layer over the E-Ink, both manufacturers used infrared sensors. These sensors are located inside the raised bezels. They create a grid of invisible light beams across the screen. When a finger breaks these beams, the device registers a touch command. This method preserves the matte finish of the display and prevents glare.
Audio and storage[edit]
The Kindle Touch includes hardware for audio playback. It supports MP3 files and Audible audiobooks. It also features a Text-to-Speech engine that reads books aloud. Users can listen via two speakers on the bottom edge or through a headphone jack.
The Nook Simple Touch does not support audio. There are no speakers or headphone ports. Barnes & Noble focused the device entirely on text-based reading. However, the Nook provides more flexibility for file storage. It includes a microSD card slot behind a flap on the side. The Kindle Touch is limited to its built-in internal memory.
References[edit]
- "Kindle Touch and Kindle Review". CNET. October 12, 2011.
- "Nook Simple Touch Review". PCMag. June 10, 2011.
- "Amazon Kindle Touch 4th Gen specs". GSMArena.
- "B&N Nook Simple Touch (Nook 2nd Edition) Specs". Barnes & Noble Support Archive.
