Available today for $200, the Nook GlowLight 4 Plus eReader combines modern features with big bezels and physical buttons. While competitors like Kindle and Kobo continue making their eReaders more complicated, Barnes & Noble’s Nook is sticking to an old-school design philosophy that’s very appealing, even if the pricing is a bit rough. Nook GlowLight 4 Plus previously opened to pre-orders in July of 2023.
The Nook GlowLight 4 Plus features a 7.8-inch 300PPI display, which is larger than any previous Barnes & Noble eReader, and it has a higher resolution, too. Adjustable GlowLight Illumination technology allows you to comfortably read in the dark, while a totally flush and waterproof (IPX7) construction protects the eReader against the elements. A USB-C port is used for charging, and because this is the first Nook with audiobook playback, it sports a 3.5mm headphone jack and Bluetooth transmitter.
Of course, this eReader is most notable for its “outdated” look. The Nook GlowLight 4 Plus is like something out of the early 2010s, with a proper set of large page-turning buttons and a dedicated home button. Some other eReaders at this price, including the Kobo Libra 2 and Kindle Oasis, also offer physical buttons, but not in a way that’s truly prominent or “old school.” Nook GlowLight 4 Plus has a touchscreen that you can use for navigation, though I think that most customers will use it for typing.
The only oddity is the device storage. Nook GlowLight 4 Plus comes with 32GB of storage—a major upgrade from the original 8GB GlowLight 4, presumably to accommodate audiobooks. But if you’re absolutely addicted to audiobooks, 32GB of storage is a bit cramped. And you can’t expand the GlowLight 4 Plus’ storage space with an SD card. It’s not a big deal for some people, but it seems like a missed opportunity, given that this is the first Nook with audiobook support.
You can buy the Nook GlowLight 4 Plus today for $200. While the pricing isn’t very competitive, it’s about what you’d pay for a similar-sized Kindle or Kobo eReader. And, of course, Barnes & Noble is offering a uniquely “old-school” design that you won’t get anywhere else.
Source: Barnes & Noble via liliputing
Nook Glowlight 4 Plus eReader
The Nook Glowlight 4 Plus features a 7.8-inch display with customizable front lighting, plus physical page-turn buttons and audiobook compatibility.
