How the Nook Simple Touch Will Change the Market for eBook Readers

eBook readers are one of those tech gadgets that have caught on rather quickly for their ease of use, despite the fact that the technology's not ridiculously impressive. In fact, computers have been able to display books for their users for years, almost since the first home computers were introduced.

Frequent travelers have used PDFs to read books on their laptops for years, and most smart phones have dedicated eBook reader applications that aren't too shabby--some of the apps are even designed by companies like Barnes and Noble or Amazon, and bear the names of each store's physical eBook reader.

Standard eBook readers aren't popular for the functions that they bring to the table. They're popular because they offer a unique experience for readers; they're meant to simulate a book, which is why Amazon's Kindle, Barnes and Noble's Nook and dozens of other readers function in basically the same way. They're a relatively cheap way to get a more convenient reading experience, and for frequent readers, they're incredibly fun and well worth the money.

However, Barnes and Noble has been working to innovate in the field, and the market for eBook readers seems poised to expand. Take their Nook Color. When the Nook Color was introduced, a lot of people quickly pointed out that it looked like an iPad.

That wasn't a mistake. iPads are cool, but they're expensive. When the Nook Color came out, it had a web browser, the ability to use apps (Angry Birds, anyone?) and other additional features that made it a sort of half-tablet, half-reader hybrid.

Of course, the Nook Color is nowhere near as useful as an iPad, because it's nowhere near as powerful. Still, this Nook was actively courting a group of consumers that wanted an iPad but who didn't have the money or the need for speed of Apple's dedicated fanbase.

The Nook Simple Touch is the newest offering from Barnes and Noble, and while it keeps the black-and-white e-ink display of the original Nook, it takes away the buttons and adds a touch screen.

It's important, because the Nook is selling very well and has quickly challenged the Amazon Kindle for market dominance. The Simple Touch shows that Barnes and Noble is taking eBook readers out of their infancy by adding cool technology.

Right now, that just means mirroring the abilities of tablet computers, but with weeks of battery life and clean operation, the Nook Simple Touch has a certain "wow" factor that other eBook readers haven't had.

There are problems, of course, including the slow processor of every Nook device, which can get a bit frustrating at times. Still, the Nook seems to be moving the eBook reader market towards something new and exciting, and in a crowded market, it's good to see an eBook reader manufacturer strive for some product differentiation.

What do you think of the Nook Simple Touch? Post in the comments section below.