Barnes & Noble’s Nook Reviewed, Experts Say It Still Has Kinks

By Dena Cassella Published December 7, 2009

Forget the Kindle, Sony’s readers and iRex—the tech world predicted the Barnes & Noble Nook to be the top dog this year in the e-Reader race. But how do those predictions stack up against the reality of hands-on reviews?

The Barnes & Noble Nook reviews have been pouring in today and so far the reports have been rather mediocre. For all of the hype this eBook reader has received the tech industry was expecting to see fireworks—but instead, the intriguing device left most reviewers a little “underwhelmed.” Most reviews draw the inevitable comparisons to Amazon’s Kindle since it was the first device to bring eBooks into the mainstream.

Recommended Videos

The reviews weren’t bad, there were actually many positive aspects to the Nook reader such as its large eBook library, built-in free wireless data network, Wi-Fi connectivity, and its color touch-screen pad. The major complaint about this device is it can be a little sluggish in booting up and accessing a book. This is natural with all new devices—the Nook has kinks—and those will soon be revised and worked out. But for now, here are what expert reviews have to say about the Nook.

CNET says the Nook is in need of some software updates to improve the navigation features and to speed up browsing—but, they were pleased with the Nook’s lending of e-books and all of Barnes and Noble’s in-store options for its new e-reader.

Check our CNET’s Review of the Nook

Engagdet seems fairly disappointed in the performance they received from the Nook, noting that it was slow and fell “short on delivery.” In contrast, Engadget also praised the Nook for its LendMe feature and thinks that some software revisions will speed things up for future users.

Check out Engadget’s Hands-on Review of the Nook

Gizmodo has a similar take: They said the Nook’s Android software is definitely in need of an update, but they believe these fixes will come fast and that the future looks hopeful for the e-reader.

Check out Gizmodo’s Nook Review

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Haole built. O'ahu grown

Topics

Emerging Tech

Cars

The Ioniq 5 is once again eligible for the $7,500 tax credit

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5

After a brief and confusing absence, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is once again eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit — and this time, it's sticking around (at least for now). So, what happened? Let’s unpack the ride.

The Ioniq 5, a sleek and tech-savvy electric crossover, initially made headlines not just for its design, but for being built at Hyundai’s brand-new Metaplant in Georgia. That domestic assembly qualified it for the EV tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which requires vehicles to be made in North America with batteries sourced from trade-friendly countries. But early in 2025, the Ioniq 5 vanished from the list. Why? Likely due to its battery packs, which were then still being sourced from SK On’s Hungarian facility.

Entertainment

Sebastian Stan lays out Bucky’s future after Thunderbolts

Sebastian Stan in Thunderbolts.

There are some spoilers ahead for the ending of Marvel's Thunderbolts. Stop reading now if you don't want to be spoiled.

Earlier this year, Captain America: Brave New World briefly introduced a new direction for James "Bucky" Barnes, a character Sebastian Stan has been playing since 2011 in Captain America: The First Avenger. In Brave New World, the former Winter Soldier apparently retired from being a reformed hero and went into politics by running for Congress. Thunderbolts reveals that Bucky won his election to the House of Representatives. But his stay in Congress was short.

Cars

Jeep Compass EV breaks cover—but will it come to the U.S.?

jeep compass ev us newjeepcompassfirsteditionhawaii 4

Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
This is a brand new electric version of the Jeep Compass, and being built on Stellantis' STLA platform—the same architecture underpinning models like the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008—it looks much slicker and packs a lot more inside than previous versions of the Compass.
Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
But here’s the thing: even though production starts soon in Italy, Jeep hasn’t said whether the Compass EV is coming to America. And the signs aren’t promising.
Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.