Top 10: Tablets for e-Reading

2024. Barnes and Noble Nook Tablets can no longer buy ebooks



Barnes and Noble has revealed that a series of tablets released between 2011 and 2013 are no longer capable of accessing the Barnes and Noble Bookstore for purchasing digital content like audiobooks and ebooks, nor can they register new accounts or log in to existing ones. The company plans to send emails to all customers next week, providing comprehensive details about this tablet issue. Given that these tablets are now over a decade old and probably have depleted batteries, it's unlikely many people still use them as their primary devices. Consequently, caution is advised against purchasing any surplus old or new stock of these tablets from platforms like eBay, as they may be rendered obsolete for digital content consumption.


2024. Barnes and Noble Nook Tablet 9 by Lenovo available for pre-order



Barnes and Noble has unveiled its latest tablet, marking the company's first release in several years. The Nook Tablet 9, developed in collaboration with Lenovo, is currently available for pre-order at $149.99. Boasting DOLBY Atmos speakers for immersive audiobook experiences, the device prioritizes user comfort with TÜV Rheinland certified eye protection against blue light, Grayscale, Chromatic, and Immersive Reading modes, and a fingerprint-resistant design. The tablet sports a 9-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1340 x 800 and 173 PPI. Running on the Google Android 12 operating system, the Nook Tablet 9 comes pre-loaded with the NOOK app, offering access to an extensive library of over 4.5 million eBooks, magazines, newspapers, manga, and more.

2023. Guoyue K3 Color e-note comes with 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 display



The Guoyue K3 Color is a new e-note tablet featuring a 10.3-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display. The display specifications, such as support for 4096 colors and a 300 PPI resolution in Black and White mode, should already be familiar. The tablet includes its own reading engine called xReader, which offers support for 5 pen types, 16 handwriting colors, 5 levels of width adjustment, and 4 options for sharing or exporting content. Additionally, there is a wide selection of over 100 note templates available. For added security, the e-note incorporates a fingerprint scanner integrated within the Power button. Operating on Android 11, the tablet offers a smooth and efficient user experience. The bundled pen provides 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring precision and accuracy. The price of the Guoyue K3 Color is $500.


2022. Onyx Boox launched big e-Ink tablet with keyboard and stylus



Onyx Boox has unveiled its latest tablet, the Tab10, which serves as an e-note device and boasts a 10.3-inch display with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 and a pixel density of 227 PPI. Powering the device is a 2.0GHz octa-core Qualcomm processor paired with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, expandable up to 512 GB via external means. Running on Android 11, the Tab10 is equipped with a substantial 6,300 mAh battery, ensuring a battery life of at least a couple of weeks. It supports 2.4G and 5G dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, while a USB Type-C port is included for convenient charging and data transfer. The Power key incorporates a fingerprint unlock mechanism, enhancing the device's security. The Tab10 also features an integrated microphone, and the bundled Boox Pen2 offers an eraser function and attaches magnetically to the device. Weighing a mere 470 grams, the e-note delivers a lightweight and portable experience, and it is priced at $468.


2022. Amazon’s new 2022 Fire tablets get improved battery



Amazon has introduced an upgraded lineup of Fire HD 8 tablets, consisting of the base Fire HD 8 and the premium Fire HD 8 Plus models. The new tablets boast a sleeker and lighter design compared to their predecessors while delivering enhanced performance. Amazon also claims that the battery life has been extended to 13 hours, surpassing the previous model's 12-hour duration. The tablets feature a USB Type-C port for charging and are bundled with a 5W charger, which Amazon asserts can fully charge the batteries in 5 hours. In terms of durability, Amazon states that the Fire HD 8 has twice the resilience in tumble tests compared to the iPad Mini. The Fire HD 8 is priced at $99.99, representing a $10 increase over the previous model, while the Fire HD 8 Plus is priced at $119.99.


2022. Amazon’s $60 Fire 7 tablet finally gets USB-C



Amazon has unveiled an updated version of its budget tablet, the Fire 7, along with a kid-friendly variant, now equipped with a USB-C port. The new iteration boasts an impressive 40% improvement in battery life, extending usage time to a claimed 10 hours. Priced at $60, the 7-inch tablet features an upgraded quad-core processor and an expanded 2GB of RAM, making it suitable for essential functions such as web browsing and video streaming, although it may not offer cutting-edge specifications. Amazon proudly declares the 7-inch model as its top-selling tablet, likely due to its highly affordable price tag.


2021. Onyx Boox refreshed 3 its Android eReaders



Onyx has introduced three upgraded Boox models: the 13.3-inch Max Lumi2, and the 10.3-inch Note5 and Note Air2 models, all of which now run on Android 11 and boast various new software features. These new models feature minor hardware enhancements, such as increased RAM and storage space, as well as a faster and more efficient processor. In addition, they are accompanied by improved stylus pens, with enhancements made to the magnet that holds the stylus along the side. The devices now come with a new type of pre-installed writing film, akin to the Nova Air, which was released a couple of months ago, in order to enhance the screen feel. Onyx plans to release the 3.2 update for their previous generation models in November, typically incorporating most of the new software features; however, it is unlikely that the older models will receive an update to Android 11.


2021. Onyx BOOX Nova Air - 7.8 inch E Ink tablet



The Onyx BOOX Nova Air is a new E Ink tablet sporting a 7.8-inch E Ink Carta display with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels. It offers both finger and pen touch support, and runs on Android 10-based software. Priced at $350 and currently available for pre-order, the Nova Air serves as a versatile device for reading eBooks, taking notes, and utilizing third-party applications accessible through the BOOX Store or sideloaded from other sources. Onyx has ensured broad compatibility by supporting over 10 different text file formats, as well as various image formats including JPG, PNG, TIFF, and BMP. Additionally, the Nova Air includes text-to-speech functionality, enabling users to listen to books being read aloud through the device's built-in speakers or headphone jack.


2021. Remarkable Update Improves eBook Layout and Adds Pinch Zooming (Video)


A new software update (2.6) has been launched for the Remarkable paper tablet, introducing the long-awaited pinch zooming functionality. This feature allows users to zoom in on PDFs, ePubs, and note documents. Once zoomed in, two fingers can be used to pan across the page, enabling writing and utilization of the selection tool while in zoom mode. Additionally, the tablet now supports hyperlinks within PDFs, allowing users to navigate embedded links. Furthermore, a link to return to the previous location has been included, although it unfortunately disappears after a few seconds. The 2.6 update also brings improvements to eBook formatting for ePub files, with text now being justified by default (although the option for left justification still remains), and more consistent margins. Notably, book covers have also been enhanced.


2021. Nook released a new cheap Tablet for e-Reading



Barnes and Noble, in collaboration with Lenovo, has unveiled the new Nook Tablet. This latest model is positioned as an affordable option, priced at $129, similar to its predecessor. However, it features a lower resolution screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800. On the positive side, the new Nook Tablet operates on Android 10 and offers Google Play support for installing Android applications. It boasts an octa-core CPU, a USB-C port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, an FM radio, 32GB of internal storage, and a microSD card slot. Additionally, it incorporates an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, and weighs a relatively light 420 grams compared to other 10-inch tablets.


2020. Amazon launches faster Fire HD 8 tablets with more storage



Amazon has introduced a revamped version of its Fire HD 8 tablets, featuring improved performance, increased storage options, and extended battery life. Additionally, a new edition designed specifically for kids has been introduced. Starting at $89.99, the Fire HD 8 now boasts 2GB of RAM and a 2.0GHz quad-core processor, delivering a 30 percent boost in speed compared to its predecessor. Users can choose between 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, with the latter option priced at $119.99. Furthermore, the tablet supports expandable storage of up to 1TB via a microSD card. With an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours, the Fire HD 8 is equipped with a USB-C port, enabling rapid charging that can fully replenish the tablet in less than five hours.


2018. Barnes and Noble releases Nook Tablet 7 2018 Edition



Barnes and Noble has introduced the second generation of their NOOK 7 tablet, offering expanded storage to accommodate your virtual library and an enhanced reading experience, just in time for holiday shopping. The device is now available both in stores and online, priced at $49.99. The NOOK 7 boasts double the storage capacity compared to its predecessor, with 16GB of internal storage (expandable up to 128GB). It also features a front and rear-facing camera, Bluetooth capability, a headphone jack, a speaker, and a microphone. This new NOOK tablet is a fully equipped device, complete with a captivating LCD display, access to the Google Play Store, a soft-touch finish, and upgraded NOOK software, ensuring an improved experience for reading and browsing.


2018. Barnes & Noble released new Nook tablet



Barnes & Noble has unveiled their latest tablet, the Nook 10.1, priced at $130. While the device features a 10.1-inch screen with a moderate 224 ppi, there isn't much else noteworthy about this budget Android tablet, which offers 32GB of storage, two cameras, and a headphone jack—a feature that holds significance in 2018. However, its soft-touch feel and lightweight design make it an ideal holiday gift for avid readers who seek to indulge in their favorite books for hours. Barnes & Noble is positioning it as a "game changer," marking their first Nook release since 2016 when they introduced a highly affordable $50 model, back when the bookseller was a ubiquitous presence.


2016. B&N and Samsung released Galaxy Tab A Nook tablet



Barnes and Noble has introduced the Samsung Galaxy Tab A NOOK, another tablet in collaboration with Samsung. This tablet, available for $139.99 at barnesandnoble.com/w/samsung-galaxy-tab-a-nook-7-inch-barnes-noble, boasts a 7-inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 and 216 PPI. Positioned as an entry-level device, it does not intend to directly compete with flagship models like the iPad or Surface. Users can enjoy access to both the Samsung App Store and Google Play, as the tablet runs on Android 5.1.1, which may be considered dated by late 2016 standards. Furthermore, the tablet offers a variety of customized Nook Android Apps, including an e-reading app, library management tools, and a magazine reader, among others.


2015. Barnes & Noble and Samsung unveiled new tablet Galaxy Tab S2 NOOK



The newly released Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 NOOK presents an 8-inch tablet that seamlessly combines Samsung's sleek design and multitasking capabilities with NOOK's unmatched reading and entertainment experience. Boasting remarkable slimness and lightweight design, this device offers ultra-fast performance, powered by an octa-core processor, enabling users to effortlessly switch between books, movies, apps, and web browsing. Priced at $399.99, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 NOOK provides access to Barnes & Noble's vast collection of digital content, including over 4 million books encompassing bestsellers, new releases, classics, and enhanced titles featuring special content.


2014. The new Nook is almost all Samsung Galaxy Tab



Barnes & Noble has introduced the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook, which they claim to be the "first ever full-featured Android tablet designed for reading." This 7-inch tablet, primarily manufactured by Samsung, comes with the exclusive "Barnes & Noble Advantage" app, enabling users to easily download books and access technical support. It is important to note that this tablet is essentially a Samsung device with some Barnes & Noble branding, indicating a shift away from dedicated Nook hardware. The Galaxy Tab 4 Nook is now available for purchase both in stores and online, priced at $179 after a $20 rebate. Interestingly, this matches the price offered by other retailers like Amazon.


2014. Samsung to make next Nook Tablet based on Galaxy Tab



In an effort to revitalize its position in the ebook market, Barnes & Noble has formed a partnership with Samsung. The collaboration aims to enhance digital content sales by introducing co-branded Galaxy Tab 4 Nook tablets, set to be available in early August. These devices will seamlessly integrate Samsung's popular Galaxy Tab 4 hardware with customized NOOK software, offering customers robust and feature-rich tablets specifically tailored for reading. Users will enjoy convenient access to Barnes & Noble's extensive digital collection, which encompasses over three million books, leading magazines, and newspapers. This strategic alliance between Barnes & Noble and Samsung seeks to provide customers with an enhanced reading experience and broaden their access to diverse digital content.