We all know Barnes and Noble as one of the established booksellers and providers of e-readers to the avid readers around the world. The company has been developing e-reading devices since 2010, leveraging its 600 retail stores to drive more sales. It tends to release new hardware for all the bookworms every couple of years. The latest product on board by the company is the Barnes & Noble Nook Glowlight 4e.
The manufacturers have created this new Glowlight 4e for those who prefer reading books digitally than on paper. The brand calls it a more affordable and updated version of the Nook Glowlight 4 released last year. This one has been priced at $119.99 while its predecessor cost around $149.99. With many features such as bodily page-turning buttons, USB-C help, and 212dpi decision, this device looks like a promising contender.
Let’s learn about the features and specifications and know if this model stands up to the expectations of the users.
What Does the Hardware Include?
This model comes with basic hardware. It measures around 4.8 by 6.2 by 0.2 inches (HWD) and weighs 6.0 ounces. The Nook GlowLight 4e uses a soft-touch matte plastic back and includes a 6-inch, 1024 by 758 pixel E INK Carta Panel. When compared to GlowLight 4, the resolution is slightly inferior. However, this resolution data doesn’t make a difference for e-books.
The manufacturers claim that the screen of this mode is better than the base Kindle, which has a screen density of 167ppi. This 6-inch size screen provides a standard offering to all the affordable book-readers. That being said, readers around the world are shifting to 7-inch panels. The font size in all the models and its competitors remains almost the same.
What Makes GlowLight 4e the Talk of the Town?
All the buzz around this model is for the buttons that make it stand out from other e-readers of the same price range. The GlowLight 4e includes buttons on the left and right sides of the screen that you may utilize for turning pages. This feature is reserved for expensive Kobo and Amazon e-readers. Thus, we appreciate the attempts of makers to add it to this model at an affordable price.
Even the $139.99 Kindle Paperwhite doesn’t include this feature. The buttons make it easy to turn the pages quickly. You do not even have to scroll through the touchscreen. Everything happens quickly, not testing your patience and keeping you on the edge of your seat while you read your favorite thriller novel and unveil what happens next!
By default, the buttons located at the top flip the page forward, and the bottom buttons let you turn it back. But you can also reverse this order at your convenience. You can double-tap the buttons and move them forward or backward in the chapter. You can also quickly flip between the pages by pressing and holding the button shifting the pages forward. These buttons can additionally be used to scroll up and down to check the list of the books that this model includes.
What About the Battery of the Model?
The makers claim that the GlowLight 4e can run for weeks. This model has been tested quite a time when it comes to battery. After a week’s worth of testing, reading for 20-30 minutes each day with Wi-Fi with 50 percent screen brightness dropped its battery level by 60 percent.
It means that the battery life may last two weeks or roughly six hours on a single charge with Wi-Fi and this brightness level. But if you turn off the Wi-Fi occasionally, expect the battery to last even more – for about three weeks.
It is fair to say that the battery life of this model doesn’t disappoint.
Read Books from Outside the Store too
Contrary to Amazon’s Kindle, Nook supports the ePub format to let you read books from outside of the bookstore. Yes, you heard it right.
You do not have to wait long to obtain your favorite books outside the store. It is relatively easy to quickly sideload the ePub files. Furthermore, it is easier to connect your device to other devices such as MacBook Air. All you need is to use the USB-C cable and drag and drop the ePub file into the e-reader. Compared to Kindle and other reading formats, the process is quicker and effortless.
You can further borrow many library e-books. But it may take a little while. You have to use Adobe Digital Editions and a USB-C cable to fulfill the purpose. When it comes to borrowing a book, Amazon leads the game.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The physical buttons for turning pages are the USP of this device. It ensures effortless reading sessions.
- The Nook Glowlight 4e is small and light. You can carry it anywhere with you. It wouldn’t feel heavy in your purse.
- This model is inexpensive and offers a good battery life.
Cons
- The model provides limited format support.
- Many readers complain about uneven front lighting.
- This device is not waterproof.
For the Loyal Barnes & Noble Users
The brand makes it easy for all e-readers to read their favorite book. If you do not want to spend a fortune buying the GlowLight 4 and have always stayed loyal to Barnes & Noble, this product will suit your needs.
However, you can find other devices promising better format options, public library support, and better features for the same amount. For instance, the Kobo Clara HD has a color-changing front light and higher-resolution screen than this model. Another model, Libra 2, offers promising features within the same price range.
Is Nook GlowLight 4e from Barnes & Model Worth the Hype?
When compared to other models, this device uses dated technology. Except for the physical buttons feature, the overall design remains stale. You may find better e-books with better features within the same price range. We suggest you take your time learning about your requirements and then compare them with the features this e-book offers. The choice remains subjective.
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