Nook Simple Touch Teardown: A Comprehensive Analysis
The Nook Simple Touch is a popular e-reader designed by Barnes & Noble, released in 2011. It was a significant upgrade to the original Nook, offering a capacitive touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity. In this teardown, we'll delve into the device's design, hardware, and features to understand what makes it tick.
Design and Build Quality
The Nook Simple Touch has a sleek and minimalist design, with a 6-inch E Ink display and a compact body made of plastic. The device measures 6.5 inches tall, 5.3 inches wide, and 0.48 inches thick, making it easy to hold and carry. The weight is approximately 6.1 ounces, making it a lightweight option for reading on the go.
Display and Screen
The Nook Simple Touch features a 6-inch E Ink display with a resolution of 800x600 pixels. The screen is designed to mimic the look of paper, with a high contrast ratio and a wide viewing angle. The capacitive touchscreen is responsive and accurate, allowing for smooth navigation and page turns.

Hardware and Performance
Under the hood, the Nook Simple Touch is powered by a 400 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor, 256 MB of RAM, and 512 MB of storage. The device also features a microSD card slot for expanding storage capacity. The battery life is estimated to be up to 50 days on a single charge, making it an ideal choice for long trips or extended reading sessions.
Connectivity and Storage
The Nook Simple Touch offers Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to access the Barnes & Noble bookstore and download e-books directly to the device. The device also supports Bluetooth 2.1 for wireless connectivity with other devices. The microSD card slot allows users to expand storage capacity up to 32 GB, providing ample space for storing a large library of e-books.
Software and Features
The Nook Simple Touch runs on a customized version of Android 2.1, with a user-friendly interface designed specifically for reading. The device features a built-in dictionary, thesaurus, and a built-in light for reading in the dark. The device also supports PDF and EPUB file formats, making it a versatile option for reading a wide range of e-book formats.

Comparison to Other E-Readers
When compared to other e-readers on the market, the Nook Simple Touch stands out for its capacitive touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity. While other devices may offer similar features, the Nook Simple Touch's sleek design and user-friendly interface make it a compelling option for readers looking for a hassle-free reading experience.
Conclusion
The Nook Simple Touch is a well-designed e-reader that offers a seamless reading experience. Its capacitive touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and expandable storage make it a versatile option for readers. While it may not offer the latest and greatest features, the Nook Simple Touch remains a reliable and user-friendly choice for those looking for a dedicated e-reader.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | 6-inch E Ink display, 800x600 pixels |
| Processor | 400 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 |
| RAM | 256 MB |
| Storage | 512 MB (expandable up to 32 GB via microSD card) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 days on a single charge |