If you’re in the market for an e-reader that can do more than just about any other on the market, Samsung and Barnes and Noble may have just released a tablet that will strike your fancy. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A NOOK is a 7″ tablet with Barnes and Noble’s custom skin atop to give users a great book-reading experience.
Specs
- 7″, 1280 x 800 (216 PPI) display
- 8GB onboard storage
- Micro SD card slot (up to 200GB)
- WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Main camera: 5MP, Front-facing camera: 2MP
- FM Radio
So, this is by no means a powerhouse tablet. In fact, Barnes and Nobles doesn’t even list the processor so we’re going to guess it’s a pretty low spec’ed dual-core chip. You won’t be playing games on this tab, but that’s not what it’s designed for. If you’re looking for a good e-reader that will also run some social apps like Facebook and Twitter, this is in your wheelhouse.
While the tablet only runs Android 5.1, and that is disappointing, you will be interacting more with Barnes and Noble’s custom skin that sits atop Android. Barnes and Noble includes some nice features like profile support, an enhanced digital library, and B&N Readouts, which is designed to replicate the same feeling you get when you’re walking around a bookstore browsing. Readouts will also offer a daily section of quick reads that you can enjoy anywhere.
The Tab A Nook has access to a massive library of over 4 million books and after a software update slated for September, owners will also have access to Nook Audiobooks. The new Audiobooks service will give users access to over 80,000 audiobooks with almost 10,000 free titles. Users will also have access to an extensive collection of comic books, graphic novels, art, photography, travel guides and cookbook titles.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A NOOK will run $139 and is available today in stores and on BN.com. If you currently own a NOOK, you can upgrade to the Tab A NOOK for only $99 by trading in your current device or showing proof of purchase of any NOOK device at any Barnes & Noble store. For a limited time, those upgrading will also receive a free cover for their device valued at $40.
The Galaxy Tab A may not be perfect, but it does compare favorably to the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Fire HD 8 in terms of price and functionality. You can check out Barnes and Noble’s website for more information.
