When the Nook was first announced a year ago, Barnes & Noble promised that it would VGP-BPS13 push over-the-air updates to enhance the eReader's functionality. Since that time there have been at least three major firmware updates that have not only VGP-BPS13A/B added new apps and upgrades, but have also significantly improved the Nook's speed. On top of improving performance, the bookseller also dropped the device's price to $199 (from $259) and released an even less expensive Wi-Fi only version ($149). VGP-BPS9/S In our original review, we praised the hardware but wished for speedier software. Now that we have both and a lower price, we've decided to revisit VGP-BPS9A/B the Nook and give it a second look.

At 7.7 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches, the Nook is fairly slim and sleek and VGP-BPS9/B not much bigger than the Kindle 3G (7.5 x 4.8 x 0.34 inches). At 12.1 ounces, it's almost 50 percent heavier than the Kindle (8.7). Still, even after reading with it for hours, we never experienced major wrist VGP-BPS9 fatigue.

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We're mostly fans of the Nook's dual-display concept--a standard 6-inch E Ink screen VGP-BPS10 above a 3.5 x 1-inch LCD­--as it allows for a more robust feature set. The half-inch thick white plastic bezel that frames the two displays is slick and vgp-bps8 smooth except for slightly matte areas where the Next/Previous page turn buttons are. The only other physical button on the Nook is the power/sleep control on top. The stylized n between the two displays serves as a capacitive Home button. Two small speakers vgp-bps13b/q flank the headphone jack and miniUSB port on the bottom. The back of the device feels slightly rubbery and keeps the Nook from sliding too much on vgp-bps13a/q smooth surfaces.

Interface
The Nook's user interface has gone through some vgp-bps13/b minor facelifts since its initial release, but it remains essentially the same. It's based on Google's Android operating system, but heavily modified. The home screen offers nine icons: The Daily, My Library, Shop, Reading Now, Games, Wi-Fi, Audio, vgp-bps13/q Web, and Settings. With this, Barnes & Noble brought to the forefront functions and settings that previously were two or more taps away. We definitely approve, VGP-BPS2A particularly when it comes to Reading Now and accessing Wi-Fi controls.

In the latest update, the company added some features VGP-BPS2C to the original Nook that debuted on the Nook Color. In the Library, users now have the ability to create custom Shelves (or groupings) of books. However, on the Nook, the Shelves don't appear on-screen by themselves, just as groupings within VGP-BPS2 the larger Library list. Users can shelve both B&N titles and files found in My Documents, but they won't appear together, even if they're added to the VGP-BPS2B same shelf.

The Nook also has new security features. Users can add a pa3535u-1brs passcode to the Nook that they'll have to enter whenever waking it up from Sleep. Also, B&N added a setting that requires the account password each time a purchase is PA3534U-1BRS made.

Still, controlling the Nook isn't as intuitive as we'd like. It takes time to get used to moving the cursor and making selections on the vgp-bps21a electronic paper display by using touch buttons on the LCD. Our eyes were drawn to the LCD when we needed to look to the EPD to see vgp-bps21/s our options.

Overall, performance is much improved and the vgp-bps21b Nook's interface is noticeably faster. However, one feature remains slow: the on-screen keyboard. Though it recorded our swift keystrokes, letters took time to appear on the vgp-bps21 screen.

Unfortunately, none of the social networking features made it into this update. Given the slowness of the keyboard and the vgp-bps21a/b less-than-stellar notes and highlighting interface, we suspect most Nook users wouldn't have taken much advantage of it, Lenovo 3000 v100 battery anyway.

Instead of completely enveloping the iPad, Lenovo 3000 v200 battery the Zaggmate is designed to cover just the screen when stowed. When traveling, simply insert the iPad, face-down into the case. As it's the same color as the iPad, it looks like you're carrying around a hunk of aluminum. Just keep in mind that this case doesn't Lenovo 3000 n100 battery protect the back of Apple's tablet.

The iPad Bluetooth keyboard/case race is starting to heat up. The newest entrant, the Zaggmate, Lenovo 3000 n200 battery features a sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum shell, responsive keys, and a thin and light design. But is this $99 accessory Lenovo 3000 c200 battery worth the effort it takes to use?

Design and Setup
The Zaggmate is barely larger than the iPad itself, and at 12.8 ounces, is about 4 ounces lighter than the KeyFolio. You'd be surprised, Lenovo 3000 y410 battery but that makes a lot of difference. The device has a power switch and a Bluetooth button for easy pairing. A small microUSB port on Lenovo r51e battery the left side is used to recharge the device.

In order to use the keyboard, you must pry the iPad out Lenovo r50e battery of the case, lift open the plastic tab and bring it forward, then rest the iPad vertically in a slot above the keyboard. That's a pretty lengthy process just to use a physical keyboard. You can use this accessory in your lap, but the whole thing bounced around as Lenovo x300 battery we typed; the Zaggmate just doesn't feel secure when not being used Lenovo x200 battery on a desk.

Unfortunately, our fingers brushed up against the metal case when pressing keys positioned on the outer edges Lenovo thinkpad r61 battery of the keyboard (such as the Fn, Control, and arrow keys). You'll definitely make some errors until you get the hand Lenovo thinkpad t400 battery of the layout.

Zagg says that the Zaggmate should last several weeks Lenovo thinkpad t500 battery without charging.

Keyboard Features
Like the Kensington Keyfolio, we liked Lenovo thinkpad t61 battery that the Zaggmate reversed the function keys and let us perform tasks, such as controlling the volume, without having to press the Fn key first. Other useful shortcuts include buttons to launch a slideshow, Search, and return to the Lenovo thinkpad t60 battery Home screen.

Typing Experience
Unlike the KeyFolio, the Zaggmate's keys are not covered in a rubber membrane. Lenovo thinkpad t60p battery It's more like a traditional keyboard, which made this layout easier to type on. The keys were responsive and snappy, not to mention in the Lenovo thinkpad r60 battery right place. However, the keys are smaller than those found on a typical netbook.

Verdict
Like the tablet category itself, the tablet accessory market is in its nascent stages, and companies are apt to get as much right as they IBM thinkpad r60e battery do wrong. The $99 Zaggmate, like the similarly priced Kensington KeyFolio, is a perfect example. While we like the Zaggmate's sleek and Lenovo thinkpad x60 battery sturdy design, not to mention its responsive keys, we were put off by the fact that you can't use this combo good battery securely in your lap, and that the layout feels cramped. Although our hunt for the ideal iPad keyboard continues, the Zaggmate gets the job done.