Is the new "nook color" just as good as having a mini laptop? Is it like a little ipad?

[moonfairy]

Is there any advantage to a laptop vs. one of these things if all I mainly do is surf the net and check e-mails? Can I print from one?

[JBere]

I don't believe a nook comes with an online plan. You'd need a wireless connection to use it.

[JaKi]

Hi, moonfairy, Nook Color is Wi-Fi only thus you need a wireless hot spot to get on the web. Examples are any Barnes & Noble store that provides free Wi-Fi to Nook's or any Starbucks or any McDonalds or airport or any other place that provides free Wi-Fi service. Nook Color is something for half the price of iPad but that'll give you all that you need from a tablet - portability, apps, music, video, and a great screen. It's Nook Color from Barnes & Noble that is the best value of the current tablet market at $250. Even though Nook Color has LCD touchscreen, it's a new generation screen which is anti-glare coated and is better performing in sunlight and produces less glare all of which are dooming reading on iPad. The screen is amazing and readable/viewable at wide angles. Nook Color is more than e-Reader as you can also watch video and use Android applications on it. It's a hybrid device, much more than just an e-Reader but not a full tablet as it doesn't have a camera. Nook Color has several apps that already come with the device (Pandora Internet radio, QuickOffice, etc.) and hundreds of other apps are available for download. Also, you can use the Social Settings screen to link your NOOK Color to your Facebook account and your Twitter account. You can also import all your contacts from your Google Gmail account. Once you have linked to Facebook and Twitter and set up email contacts, you can lend and borrow books, recommend books, and share favorite quotes with your friends. When you walk in with the Nook to Barnes & Noble store, you’re allowed to read any available eBook for free while in the store via free provided in the store Wi-Fi. Nooks have USB port and microSD card slot. You can buy Nook’s at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Millon, Walmart, BestBuy, Staples, OfficeMax, Fred Mayer, etc. stores and web sites.