Barnes & Noble introduces a cheap e-reader to compete with the Kindle

Image: Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble still has a lineup of Nook e-readers. You can pre-order the Nook GlowLight 4e for $119.99. That's about $30 more than Amazon's cheapest Kindle and $20 more than Paperwhite. Unlike Amazon's products, there are no ads you have to pay to avoid.

The Nook GlowLight 4e has 8GB of built-in storage, which is standard for an e-reader at this price. There is a 6-inch E Ink display with illumination. That's better than the $89.99 Amazon Kindle with its 6-inch 167 ppi display, but the same display as the Kobo Nia, which starts at $99.99. The same as the GlowLight 4e, the Kobo Clara HD has a 300 ppi display. The Kobo Clara HD is the best bet if you want sharp text at this price.

The Nook GlowLight 4e has buttons. The Nook GlowLight 4e has page-turning buttons on the left and right of the display, instead of the tap or touch method. Both Amazon and Kobo reserve the right to charge more for certain products.

Barnes & Noble has been slow in competing with the two companies. Amazon has been content to lowball the competition with the cheapest products, while Kobo has a wide range of e-readers to fit a variety of price points. Barnes & Noble has two e-readers, one of which is a relatively low budget $119.99 product. Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said at the time that the company was significantly investing in its Nook lineup.

It is exciting to watch Barnes & Noble compete in a space that has grown stagnant in the US. All kinds of e-readers can be found overseas. Maybe one day that will happen here as well.

The Nook GlowLight 4e will be available for pre-order starting today.