Great game deals to kick off the new yearMay 19, 2013

Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch

Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch
Scroll Right Scroll Left

The basic Nook Simple Touch (without GlowLight) remains a solid e-reader for $99, and we expect to see it discounted to $79 during the holidays (you can get a refurbished unit for $79 now).

4.0 stars
    Overall score: 8.3 (4.0 stars)

CNET Editors' Rating

3.5 stars

Average User Review

out of 63 user reviews

Starting at: $74.99

The good: The 2011 Nook is a compact and lightweight e-book reader with a responsive high-contrast Pearl e-ink touch screen that offers quick page turns. It's got built-in Wi-Fi for direct access to the online Barnes & Noble store, an expansion slot for additional memory, and long battery life (up to two months). The Nook supports e-book lending and EPUB loans from libraries, and it offers some enhanced social networking features.

The bad: The 2011 Nook has no support for audio, no 3G option, and no Web browser. The rubberized finish on the back of device attracts fingerprints.

The bottom line: The new touch-screen Nook is a major advancement over its predecessor and offers some real advantages over the 2010 Kindle.

Read CNET's Full Review

Back to Holiday Gift Guide

October 31, 2012 10:24 PM PDT

Photo by: Sarah Tew/CNET

| Caption by: David Carnoy

 

Member Comments

Add Your Comment

Conversation powered by Livefyre

More Gift Categories

Gift Galleries

  •  Ultimate luxuries

    Looking for some sweet gear for the holidays and don't mind paying top dollar? Here are some of our top luxury picks.
  • Best gifts under $50

    Can't find good tech gifts for under $50? Think again.
  • Best gifts under $100

    Looking for some affordable tech gear to dole out during the holiday season? Here are some of our current top budget picks.
  • DIY gifts

    From photography lovers to bookworms, there's a DIY gift for any tech lover on your list.
  • Our favorite tech gifts this holiday

    CNET editors bring you the very best in gadgets and tech, sure to bring a smile to anyone's face this holiday.
  • Best 3D TVs and accessories

    Are you one of the few who actually cares about 3D? Or maybe you own a 3D TV and are looking for the best add-ons to enjoy it? Look no further.
  • Stocking stuffers

    Your mobile devices could use a little holiday cheer as well. Take a look at this gathering of affordable accessories.
  • Tech toys for big kids

    If we've learned one thing from going to Comic-Con this year, it's that big kids love their toys. Here we've collected our favorite goofy gadgets for the ageless gadget fans in your life.
  • Best e-books

    Looking for a good story to check out on your new e-book reader or tablet? CNET editors share their recent favorites -- and some overlooked gems.
  • Great gifts for gadget guys

    CNET editors bring you the best gadgets and tech for any man in your life (or, let's be honest here, for you).
  • Last-minute tech gifts

    CNET editors round up some great gear you can easily grab for the last stragglers on your lists.