Kindle DX versus Nook Color

E-readers have grown in popularity recently, as they provide book lovers with a new avenue to enjoy their hobby. As e-reader popularity has increased, so has the competition among manufacturers of the devices. Apple, Sony, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble are the main players, and each is doing its best to come out with devices that are rich in features and competitive in price. In this article, we compare the Kindle DX to the Nook Color. Who wins? Only one way to find out!Price
Price is obviously a major deciding factor when it comes to purchasing any product.  Since e-readers are considered to be luxury items for most, however, price becomes much more important.  An e-reader may or may not be used on a daily basis.  For that reason, you may steer towards a more affordable device.  The Barnes & Noble Nook Color falls into this category, as it costs $249.
On the more expensive end of the price spectrum is the Kindle DX.  It costs $379, which is $130 more than the Nook Color.  Of course, with the higher cost comes more features, which we will discuss in a bit.  Still, if you are looking to sacrifice some bells and whistles for a cheaper price, the Nook Color is the winner here.
Round One: Nook Color

Display
Besides price, display is probably the most important factor to consider when shopping for an e-reader.  After all, your eyes will be concentrated on the display as you read, so you do not want to have a display that makes reading uncomfortable.
In terms of sheer size, the Kindle DX has the upper hand.  It has a large 9.7-inch display, similar to the iPad's size.  The Nook Color has a 7-inch display.  Now, each has features that allow you to customize the font and its size, so you are not exactly limited just because the display is smaller.  Regardless, from the start, you do get a nearly 3-inch advantage with the Kindle DX.
Touch-screen capability is another consideration in the display department.  You may want the added functionality that a touch-screen brings, or you may find it to be unnecessary.  The Kindle DX does not have a touch-screen.  The Nook Color does, and gives its users more flexibility as they read. 
Last, but not least, is color.  Do you want a color display that helps bring magazines and similar media to life?  Or do you prefer the old fashioned black and white ink?  The Nook Color can display over 16 million colors.  The Kindle DX has an E Ink screen that mimics real paper.  With the DX, you can read outdoors and in bright places without having to worry about glare.  Besides the glare issues, some find the black and white E Ink to be easier on the eyes as time passes.  You will have to decide whether you want a more enriched reading experience with color, or a more relaxed one with the Kindle DX.
Round Two: Depends on user preferences.
Overall size
Unless you are a quick reader, you will probably be using your e-reader for extended periods of time.  With that in mind, the device's size and bulk is important.  You may want something smaller that is easy to manage so you won't wear yourself out. 
The larger display of the Kindle DX translates into the device's bulkier dimensions.  It measures 10.4 inches tall by 7.2 inches wide by 0.4 inch thick and weighs 18.9 ounces.  The Nook Color measures 8.1 inches tall by 5 inches wide by 0.5 inch thick and weighs 15.8 ounces.  The Nook is obviously more portable, and its smaller size could definitely draw some buyers who are looking for an e-reader that is less imposing.
Round Three: Nook, for portability.
Connectivity
Connectivity on the go is important for any portable device, and an e-reader is no exception.  If you are on the road and want to download or purchase a new book, connectivity will definitely come into play.  The Kindle DX comes with free 3G access, while the Nook Color only offers Wi-Fi.  The Nook Color's Wi-Fi only status will obviously limit you more than the Kindle DX with its 3G service.  You can circumvent the connectivity limitation by downloading your books prior to traveling, however.
Round Four: Kindle DX.


E-book selection
Your favorite books probably see similar availability among the competing e-book stores.  Regardless, both Amazon and Barnes & Noble like to boast when it comes to their selections.  Nook Color owners supposedly have a library of over 2 million books.  Amazon lists its selection at over 850,000.  It also offers over 1.8 million out of copyright books from the pre-1923 era.  Both stores offer books for around $9.99 or less.  Another thing to consider in terms of e-book selection is the inability of the Kindle DX to read the EPUB format.
Round Five: Draw.
Extras
Despite its lower price, the Nook Color has some nice extras built into its feature set.  It has a web browser, a media player, Pandora internet radio, plus some games.  The fact that it is Android-based also throws in the potential of some app functionality. 
The Kindle DX is more of a dedicated reader, so you won't find many extras.  One reading-based extra that many might find useful, however, is its Read-to-Me feature.  The feature allows the device to read books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs aloud when supported.
Final Round: Nook Color.
Conclusion
As you can see, both the Kindle DX and Nook Color bring different advantages to the table.  The Kindle DX is larger, has a bigger display, and might appeal to more conventional readers.  The Nook Color is smaller, has touch-screen capability, and offers vivid color.  It also includes extras like web browsing and a media player.  Price-wise, the Kindle DX is much more.
In the end, the decision on which e-reader to buy comes down to personal preference.  If you are willing to pay extra for a dedicated, conventional e-reader, the Kindle DX is the best option.  If you want to save some extra cash and are looking for more of an all-around device, the Nook Color is the better of the two.

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