New Nook eReader adds "glowlight" for reading in the dark

Nook Simple Touch GlowLight for reading in the dark

Barnes and Noble's (B&N) new Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight solves one of the biggest downsides of e-ink eReaders - reading in the dark. The device, which will be available in May, features a 6-inch touchscreen, which is illuminated by 8 LEDs embedded in the bezel at the top of the display screen. This creates an even, soft glow which enables the user to continue reading in low-light.

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The new Nook eReader features much the same specs as its predecessor, the Nook Simple Touch Reader, including a touch sensitive 6-inch display with 800 x 600 resolution and dimensions of 6.5 x 5 x 0.47 inches (165.4 x 126.6 x 12 mm). Despite the introduction of the GlowLight, however, B&N has made the device even lighter, with it tipping the scales at 6.95 ounces (197 g).
The built-in reading light allows you to enjoy a good book without annoying everyone around you by using additional clip-on lights. “GlowLight lets you stay up late reading in total comfort - while your partner stays asleep in the dark,” says B&N. The GlowLight turns on with a push of the button below the display, and can be adjusted through an onscreen slide control to customize the brightness. The anti-glare screen also gives the e-ink display the ability to be read in brighter conditions, including outdoors in the direct sunlight

The e-Reader supports both PDF and ePub formats and JPG, PNG, BMP or GIF graphics. The company also boasts that the new Nook Simple Touch’s long life battery will allow you to use the device for over 1 month, based on half an hour of reading time per day. If the GlowLight stays turned off, this battery life could be extended to 2 months.
The product is priced at US$139 and is available for pre-order with a release date of May 2012.

Source: Barnes & Noble