Barnes&Noble Newest Reader: NOOK 9″ Lenovo Tablet
Overview
I’ve always been a bit of a gadget enthusiast, and when it comes to e-readers and tablets, I’ve tried a fair few. So, when I heard about the Nook Tablet 9” from Barnes & Noble, I was immediately intrigued. This tablet promises to bridge the gap between a dedicated e-reader and a full-fledged tablet, catering to those of us who love reading but also want the versatility of a tablet for other media. Given my positive experiences with previous Nook e-readers, I decided it was time to see if the Nook Tablet 9” could live up to my expectations.
What sets the Nook series apart in the crowded e-reader market is its focus on providing a distraction-free reading experience with e-ink technology, combined with features that are often overlooked by competitors, such as physical page-turn buttons and curated book recommendations from actual booksellers. But the Nook Tablet 9” takes things a step further. It’s designed not just for reading but also for enjoying colour content like comics, magazines, cookbooks, and kids’ titles, thanks to its vibrant LCD display.
The decision to try the Nook Tablet 9” came down to a few key factors. First, the partnership between Barnes & Noble and Lenovo piqued my interest. Lenovo is known for its reliable and well-built devices, and the collaboration suggested a high-quality product. Second, the tablet’s 9-inch display seemed perfect for a variety of uses, from reading and browsing to watching videos and playing games. It promised a more immersive experience than the typical 7-inch tablets that often feel a bit cramped for multimedia content. The price point of $199 was also attractive, offering a balanced mix of performance and affordability. For a device that could serve multiple purposes, it seemed like a good investment.
Another major selling point for me was the built-in Nook reading app and the seamless integration with Barnes & Noble’s vast digital library. Having access to millions of books, including the latest releases and a wide range of genres, all in one place is a book lover’s dream. Plus, the idea of a device that supports both e-books and audiobooks, with the added bonus of a pre-installed Google Play store for additional apps, made the Nook Tablet 9” an attractive all-in-one solution.
Barnes & Noble’s commitment to customer service and support was another factor that influenced my decision. Knowing that I could walk into any of their 600+ stores for in-person assistance gave me peace of mind. Additionally, the one-year limited warranty and optional extended protection plan provided an extra layer of security.
The Nook Tablet 9” seemed to offer a unique combination of e-reader and tablet functionalities, backed by a reputable company known for its dedication to readers. The promise of a high-resolution display, comfortable design, and access to a vast digital library made it a compelling choice. So, I decided to take the plunge and see if the Nook Tablet 9” could become my new favourite device for both reading and entertainment. The competitive price of $199 only sweetened the deal.
Features
The Nook Tablet 9” by Barnes & Noble, in partnership with Lenovo, is packed with features that make it a standout in the crowded tablet market. Let’s dive into the details and see how these features benefit you as a user.
Audiobook Capabilities
One of the highlights of the Nook Tablet 9” is its audiobook readiness. Whether you prefer listening through Bluetooth headphones, a wired connection via the headphone jack, or the built-in Dolby Atmos® speakers, the tablet delivers an immersive audio experience. Dolby Atmos® ensures rich, detailed sound, making your audiobooks come alive. This is perfect for those who enjoy getting lost in stories while multitasking or relaxing.
Extensive eBook Library
For avid readers, the Nook Tablet 9” opens the door to an expansive library of over 4.5 million eBooks. With more than 2 million titles available for free or under $4.99, you’ll never run out of reading material. The Nook app makes it easy to browse, purchase, and download books directly to your device, putting an entire bookstore at your fingertips.
Magazines and Newspapers
The tablet also excels in delivering best-selling magazines and newspapers. With a 14-day free trial, you can explore new publications risk-free, keeping you updated on the latest trends, news, and stories in a convenient digital format.
Warranty and Support
Barnes & Noble includes a 1-year warranty with the Nook Tablet 9”, with optional extended protection plans available. One of the standout benefits is the free in-store support. You can walk into any Barnes & Noble store and get help from knowledgeable booksellers. This hands-on support can assist with troubleshooting, tips, and tricks, enhancing your overall user experience.
Long Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for any portable device, and the Nook Tablet 9” delivers with up to 13 hours of use on a single charge. Whether you’re on a long trip, commuting, or simply enjoying a day at the park, this tablet keeps you powered and entertained without the constant need to recharge.
In the Box
When you unbox the Nook Tablet 9”, you’ll find everything you need to get started:
- Nook 9” Lenovo Tablet (Arctic Grey)
- 5V/2A charging adapter
- USB-C 2.0 charging cable
Design and Display
The Nook Tablet 9” is designed for comfort and usability. Weighing just 12.16 oz (344 g), it’s lightweight and easy to hold. The 9” HD LCD display offers a resolution of 1340 x 800 with 400 nits of brightness, ensuring clear, vibrant visuals. The anti-fingerprint touchscreen and TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light feature help reduce eye strain, making it perfect for extended reading sessions.
Operating System and Processor
Running on the latest Android 13, the Nook Tablet 9” ensures you have access to the newest features and security updates. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G80 processor, the tablet delivers smooth performance whether you’re reading, browsing, or enjoying multimedia content. The octa-core setup ensures efficient multitasking and quick responses.
Storage
With 64 GB of internal storage, expandable up to 128 GB with an optional microSD card, the Nook Tablet 9” offers ample space for thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, apps, and more. You’ll never have to worry about running out of storage for your favorite content.
Audio and Cameras
The dual speakers optimized with Dolby Atmos® deliver superior sound quality, perfect for enjoying music, movies, and audiobooks. The 3.5mm headphone jack offers an alternative for those who prefer wired audio. The immersive reading mode adds ambient sounds to your reading experience, making it feel like you’re right in the middle of the story. The front 2MP fixed-focus camera and rear 8MP auto-focus camera are great for video calls and quick photos.
Experience
When I first decided to try out the Nook Tablet 9″, I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype. Unboxing the device was a straightforward experience. The packaging was simple yet elegant, adorned with the logos of Barnes & Noble and Lenovo, which immediately gave it a premium feel. The tablet itself was heavier than I expected, but the heft contributed to its sturdy construction. The grey, textured back provided a comfortable grip, making it easy to hold for extended periods.
Once I powered up the device, I was greeted with a clean, user-friendly interface. The tablet runs on Android OS, and I found the pre-installed apps from Google and Lenovo quite handy. Of course, all the essential Barnes & Noble features were there, ready for me to dive into my reading adventures. Setting up the tablet was a breeze, and I appreciated how quickly it responded to my commands.
One of the standout features for me was the tablet’s display settings. As someone who loves e-ink readers, I was thrilled to find options to reduce blue light and adjust the display colors. The grayscale mode, in particular, was a game-changer. It mimicked the look of an e-ink display, providing a comfortable reading experience that didn’t strain my eyes, even during long reading sessions.
The tablet’s responsiveness made note-taking and reading a joy. Whether I was flipping through a PDF, annotating an EPUB, or simply browsing through my library, the Nook Tablet 9″ handled everything smoothly. The device’s ability to support various formats like MOBI, EPUB, PDF, and FB2 was another plus, making it a versatile tool for all my reading needs.
Battery life is always a concern with tablets, but I was pleasantly surprised by how long the Nook Tablet 9″ lasted on a single charge. While it didn’t quite match the longevity of dedicated e-ink readers, it came pretty close. I could easily get through a couple of days of heavy use without needing to recharge. This made it a reliable companion for long trips and commutes.
Initially, I found the tablet’s size a bit cumbersome. However, as I used it more, I grew accustomed to its dimensions. The 9-inch screen was perfect for reading magazines, graphic novels, and newspapers. The split-screen feature was particularly useful for multitasking. I could have a book open on one side while taking notes or browsing the web on the other. This level of functionality made the tablet much more than just an e-reader; it became an all-in-one device for both entertainment and productivity.
The cameras on the Nook Tablet 9″ were adequate for my needs. The front camera was decent for video calls, and while the rear camera’s image quality wasn’t great, it was sufficient for scanning documents. I didn’t expect to use it for photography, so this wasn’t a major downside for me.
If you’re looking for a device that can handle complex tasks while also offering a superb reading experience, the Nook Tablet 9″ is an excellent choice. Its combination of robust features, adjustable display settings, and strong battery life makes it a standout option in the market.
Conclusion
In a world where we’re often juggling multiple devices, the Nook Tablet 9″ presents an appealing solution. This device stands out by seamlessly blending the best features of an e-reader and a tablet, potentially reducing the number of gadgets you need. If you’re tired of switching between your e-reader for books and your tablet for browsing or watching videos, the Nook Tablet 9″ could be your perfect companion.
After spending considerable time with the Nook Tablet 9″, I can confidently say it’s a solid choice for those who want more than just an e-reader. This device bridges the gap between a traditional tablet and an e-ink reader, offering versatility that’s hard to find in other products. Its sturdy construction, user-friendly interface, and excellent display settings make it a pleasure to use, whether you’re diving into a new novel or catching up on work emails.
The grayscale mode and blue light reduction are perfect for e-ink enthusiasts who want to avoid eye strain, while the vibrant colour display makes magazines, graphic novels, and other visually rich content come to life. The long battery life and comfortable design further enhance its appeal, making it a reliable companion for daily use.
Another benefit of the Nook Tablet 9″ is the potential to streamline your digital life.
Instead of carrying an e-reader for your books and a separate tablet for apps, games, and internet use, you can rely on this single device. Its versatility means you can read comfortably with features like grayscale and night mode for reduced eye strain, then easily switch to other tasks like watching movies or checking emails with its vibrant colour display.
However, it’s important to note that while the Nook Tablet 9″ excels in many areas, it may not be the best fit for everyone. If you primarily read graphic-heavy content or need a tablet with top-tier camera capabilities, you might find its performance in these areas a bit lacking. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter device for extended reading sessions, the initial heft might take some getting used to.
In summary, the Nook Tablet 9″ offers a well-rounded experience that blends the best of both e-readers and tablets. If you’re in the market for a new tablet that caters to a wide range of needs without breaking the bank, the Nook Tablet 9″ is definitely worth considering. With this device, you can reduce your tech clutter and enjoy a seamless, multifaceted digital experience.
Nook Tablet 9″
All images are courtesy of Barnes & Noble