Two New Faster, Sharper 'Nook' Tablet Computers Unveiled
By Technology Editor Ian Bush
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The tablet wars are heating up once again.
Bookstore chain Barnes & Noble has taken the wraps off two new models of their "Nook" device, featuring sharper screens and a lower price than competing models.
There's the seven-inch diagonal Nook HD, and the nine-inch diagonal Nook HD+.
"These are basically Barnes & Noble's answer to the Amazon Kindle Fire," says CNET executive editor David Carnoy.
Carnoy says that at $269, the HD+ beats the high-definition version of the Fire by $30.
Barnes & Noble says their offering is faster than the Google Nexus 7. And compared to Apple's offerings, notes Carnoy, "It's appealing to someone who doesn't want to spend $500 on an iPad."
The Nook HD adds access to Barnes & Noble's new video service, allowing users to buy or rent TV shows and movies.
"The performance has gotten a lot better on these," Carnoy tells KYW Newsradio. "The display on it is very crisp. These are becoming more usable -- especially for the person who wants to sit in bed and view content just around the house."
Apple is expected to announce a cheaper iPad mini in the coming weeks.
"It's going to be a very interesting holiday season," says Carnoy.