nook: Wi-Fi access

[TheBigCheese]

Dave421, apparently you do not know that Amazon has an ebook reader called the Kindle.  The Kindle does have internet browsing and it is not for browsing color graphics sites but for sites that can accomodate a mainly text B&W device like Wikipedia and many email sites such as GMail.  Being able to get your email and search Wikipedia and new sites is a very valuable option and is a deal killer for me when it comes to considering the Nook.

[ps56k]

tnx for the clarification -

I think some of the confusion with any new product launch is that the "features" are usually created by marketing and listed from the vendors point of view (connect in any BN store) vs what the customer is really looking for (connect at home WiFi in place of ATT)...

[Kendrea]

That is the million dollar question: is the access free or is there a charge/fee for using AT&T to connect to and download books from B&N. So I'll ask the question again.

If I am in one of AT&T's 3G areas can I instantly connect to B&N for free and download books without any extra charges?

For me, this is a major selling point that will determine whether I buy a Nook or a Kindle. (Amazon plainly states no hidden fees to connect and download materials.) If there is a charge and the cost is relatively inexpensive - say no more than a $1.00 to connect and download - I might still consider the Nook.

[JimM]

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Kendrea wrote:

If I am in one of AT&T's 3G areas can I instantly connect to B&N for free and download books without any extra charges?

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Yes, the 3G connection is provided for free.  There are no additional charges for connecting via AT&T's 3G network.

[Trevor_A]

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Kevin wrote:

There have been a lot of questions about Wi-Fi.

Here's the story: nook is programmed to automatically connect to the free AT&T Wi-Fi in any Barnes & Noble store.

When you're in the store with nook, you'll be able to read any eBook we stock, and we'll be able to send you special content and promotions.

You can also use nook on any 802.11b/g Wi-Fi access point. So, you can connect wirelessly at home, or whereever you have a preconfigured Wi-Fi connection.

EDIT: We see there are lingering questions about Wi-Fi ... So, for a point of clarity, you can connect on any 802.11b/g Wi-Fi hotspot, or wherever you have the SSID password. The exception to thie is Wi-Fi hotspots that use proxy settings (like you typically see in a hotel), where you have to enter a password or some other information before you can connect.

Regarding AT&T 3G coverage: You can connect for free anywhere on AT&T's 3G network.

Hope this helps.

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This might be a stupid question, but if the 3G network is not available in my area, does the Nook fall back to a slower network?

[carolina-girl]

I browse the web quite a bit on my Kindle. It could use a better browser, but I can google anything, check email, and as long as you use the mobile application, it works very well. I agree they should have web browsing.

[BlueHairBob]

I really like the idea of being able to read/browse the entire book while in a BN store.  That also means being able to read full books at many of the Starbuck's I go to (which are attached to a BN store).  It seems to me that BN is hitting the nail on the head as far as a feature set for BN customers.  I think their research as far as what a BN customer wants in an eReader seems pretty well done.

[kitap]

When will you have a nook that can be used internationally?

[RaAusar]

Thank you Kevin for the clarification about connecting the Nook to WiFi access points.

[Doc_R]

I have to agree with the BigCheese.  To me, the lack of any web-browsing capability is a deal killer.  I was ready to pull the trigger and pre-order a Nook, but the lack of any browser to check email or rudimentary surfing, especially when the device is WiFi compatable has me on the sidelines. 

Message to B&N - give it a browser even if you have to limit it to WiFi only.  Heck, open up the 3G and make even more $ by selling air time in addition to the content.

[AK_Reader]

Thanks for asking that.  I have ATT for my Iphone but do not get G, just Edge.  Will nook work for me?

[spthomas]

A lot of folks seem most upset about the lack of web browsing, and I admit that's an issue.  But to me the bigger issue is that, no matter how you connect (wifi or AT&T), you can only connect to the BN bookstore and your BN Ebook library.  You can't connect to Ebooks.com or any of a zillion other online content providers.  Online= BN.Com, period.

With all the different formats out there, the devices should be able to access a wide variety of content providers.  This lock-in is overly restrictive, reminiscent of the OTHER restrictive locked in monopoly we gleefully line up for:  The cellphone handset market in the US, where you can use each phone ONLY on one carrier, EVER. 

Think about it.  Microsoft would LOVE to make you only buy their software, only connect to their search engine, only use networks they own.  But we wouldn't stand for it, and the entire heritage of the internet is a more open architecture.

For me, this is like the old "get the razor free, and buy the blades" marketing strategy.  Only, it's "Buy the Razor at OUR price, then buy the blades at OUR price, and like it.  Or else.

And yes, Kindle does that too, as does Sony (though Sony is talking about opening up to other content, but only via USB). 

Microsoft has always (more or less) had to deal with the "chinese wall" between the device (Windows) and the applications (like Office).  When we get that in the Ereader world is when I'll consider them a legitimate platform.

[Carmita87]

your wi-fi explanation still does not answer my question, will I be able to use my wi-fi connection at home, I do not have AT&T, I have COMCAST high speed internet at home. Will I be able to downlowad ebooks at home with my

wi-fi???

thanks for your prompt response, and this is the only thing holding me back from pre-ordering.

[Carmita87]

the sentence AT&T network keeps coming up regarding wi-fi and it is still very confusing.

NOT EVERYONE HAS AT&T.

people have other internet providers!!!

can we connect using wi-fi at home with COMCAST high speed internent?????????????????

[Carmita87]

how else but wi-fi would you download the ebooks without having to connect to a computer???

so wi-fi is important, at least to me, and I do not have AT&T as an internet provider I have

COMCAST high speed internet and a wi-fi connection at home which is what I would like to use

[Carmita87]

still not helpful. can people with other internet providers, say COMCAST HIGH speed internet, use their wi-fi connections at home to purchase an ebook???

this is the only thing stopping me from pre-ordering.

[JimM]

Carmita87,

The admins have stated definitively that yes, you can use WiFi on your home network.  Your Comcast WiFi should not pose any problems.

Here are Kevin's exact words: "You can also use nook on any 802.11b/g Wi-Fi access point. So, you can connect wirelessly at home, or whereever you have a preconfigured Wi-Fi connection."

[EdwardRad]

The point in having both Wi-Fi and AT&T 3G connectivity on the Nook is because there are some areas in the country that are seriously lacking in AT&t 3G connectivity. (For example, almost my whole state.) Which is also why the IPhones don't work everywhere.

[RaAusar]

Yes, excellent news indeed. I get great 3G coverage everywhere in the city except it's spotty in my house.

I have my WIFI secured using WPA2. I sure do hope the nook will support that protocol. I would hate to have to downgrade my WIFI security to WEP.  

Something tells me that won't be an issue since the WPA  security protocol for WIFI has been out for years.  

[JeevesMom]

Edward Rad beat me to the comment: I live in the middle of nowhere. There is no 3G available from any carrier within a 250 mile radius; however, WiFi is somewhat easily accessed.

Unlike some of the other people here, I want a good e-reader with the ability to adjust the text size for clear reading and transfer content to my computer.  I don't want to pay the extra price for another internet web browser when I already own 3 electronic devices that have internet capabilities nor do I want to subsidize the cost of unlimited wi-fi use when what I want is a book reader. (I wouldn't even consider a $400 book reader.)  It's no big deal for me to carry 2 devices if I need to do net research and check e-mail while away from home. My experience (I'm old so I have a lot of it.) has been when something tries to be all things to all people it ends up pleasing very few.

However, Spthomas raises a very valid point. My question is: Is there any reason I can't download books from another source to my computer (assuming a compatible file type), load them on an SD card, and read them in the nook? Yeah, it's a minor nuisance but it's the not the end of the world if it'll work.