Nook Color, Tabletized

     The Barnes and Noble Nook Color, following the original Nook, is an eBook reader with a 7-inch color LCD display, it runs Android 2.1, but is limited by the Nook interface.

Nook Color

     Barnes and Noble is currently working on an Android 2.2 update for the Nook Color. This would bring more usability to the Nook Color, and would make it more of a tablet-like device. With the same 7-inch screen as the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Blackberry PlayBook, this $250 device costs only a fraction of the price. But Barnes and Noble says they are not trying to compete with other tablets, and that their Nook Color is mainly a reading device.
     Barnes and Noble also says that they are not bringing access to the Android Marketplace, but are trying to get developers to design Nook specific applications, and hopes for them to be available for download in early 2011.
     Although this seems like it might make a great Android tablet, two things set it back. Firstly, the shorter battery life compared to it's eInk predecessor. And secondly, Barnes and Noble seems to be trying to keep the Nook Color mainly a reading device.
     Will the Nook Color be equivalent to the Samsung Galaxy Tab? I don't think so. Should you wait and see before buying a new tablet. Maybe.