MASSIVE Improvements (NOOK GlowLight 4 Review)

In today's video, we do an in-depth review of the Barnes and Noble NOOK GlowLight 4. We see how it compares to the older model, and discuss what I like and don't like!
NOOK GlowLight 4: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nook...
00:00 Video Starts
00:33 TL;DR
01:49 Buying Experience
02:11 New Design
04:21 Buttons
06:35 Battery and Port
08:06 Screen
09:58 Unlocking
11:28 Speed
12:39 Ease of Use
15:27 Note-taking
Disclosure: Some links in the description may be affiliate links, which earn me a commission for qualifying purchases. I'm also a participant in the Amazon Associates program. To learn more, you can read my affiliate transparency disclaimer here: go.maneetpaul.com/affiliate-d...
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Hi there! My name is Maneetpaul Singh, but I usually go by Maneet (pronounced muh-neet). I'm based out of NYC and make KZread videos about Kindles and reading books. My mission to help people use Kindles to read more, learn more, and live a more present life.
I'm also a Sikh with a love for blue turbans. If you want to learn more about Sikhi and why I look the way I do, check out this short documentary I made: • THEY CALLED ME OSAMA (...
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Пікірлер: 71

  • @mikexbox1
    @mikexbox12 жыл бұрын

    How many bells does it cost? Get it? Bells? Nook? No? ok.

  • @cortneybowman7297

    @cortneybowman7297

    2 жыл бұрын

    This made me laugh! My island is filled with fish and bugs waiting for Flick and the fish guy!

  • @csanb

    @csanb

    2 жыл бұрын

    Lol Nook Inc. Approves this message

  • @thomasramey5827

    @thomasramey5827

    Жыл бұрын

    🤣

  • @SergioTheSurge

    @SergioTheSurge

    Жыл бұрын

    Made that joke with my wife. She said respect the Nook!

  • @kyrilson71
    @kyrilson712 жыл бұрын

    In my opinion, buttons on both sides is much more convenient than having to turn the device over to rotate the screen. The Kindle Voyage and the older Kindle models had them on both sides. It was very nice to have. I’m still Team Oasis though.

  • @xingyuzhou307

    @xingyuzhou307

    Жыл бұрын

    Kindle Voyage's touch page turn is still my favorite. Not sure why this design has been abandoned in later models......

  • @kano1raider
    @kano1raider2 жыл бұрын

    I find that having buttons on both sides may make the device more convenient. As I hold an eReader I switch hand I use to hold it as arm/hand gets tired, so for me it's not about me being right handed. Double buttons on both sides is a plus!

  • @Maneetpaul

    @Maneetpaul

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's definitely a nice to have! I don't switch hands as much, but I can totally see how useful this would be for people who do. Thanks for watching!

  • @cortneybowman7297

    @cortneybowman7297

    2 жыл бұрын

    I switch hands a lot too.especially if I am drinking tea/coffee. I am right handed so I drink using my right and switch the device to my left. Plus I have a very needy cat and I will switch hands depending on hiw he is laying on me. I love having buttons on both sides.

  • @sasuak

    @sasuak

    2 жыл бұрын

    I often switch too

  • @fxaman

    @fxaman

    Жыл бұрын

    I switch hands all the time. Kindle used to have this as well (page turn buttons on both sides) and I absolutely loved it. I wish more readers had this. It’s way better than auto-rotate.

  • @jamesallen8219
    @jamesallen82192 жыл бұрын

    I have been a kindle person since the original kindle came out, but I just bought this Nook Glowlight 4 and love it! Really great to have an ebook reader dedicated to reading and this is a nice size with a superb battery life!

  • @pcarlson214

    @pcarlson214

    2 жыл бұрын

    I think it all comes down to what you are looking for. I really like the Glowlight 4, because it is all that I want from an e-reader: a device to read e-books. I love to read. I am not interested in taking notes, reading e-comics/magazines etc. I can see that for those seeking other features where it might fall short.

  • @buttercup5470
    @buttercup5470 Жыл бұрын

    When ever there’s a review or news to be had I always turn to your channel. You are the best! Thank you for your content. Keep up the great job. You do.

  • @oldman3830
    @oldman38302 жыл бұрын

    Honest review! I got the GlowLight 4 on sale and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed reading from it. The ability to highlight and transfer notes to third parties is not a priority for the vast majority of anyone shopping for an ereader. Should note taking and highlighting be important avoid the GlowLight.

  • @Maneetpaul

    @Maneetpaul

    2 жыл бұрын

    I guess I fall under the minority! Never thought about it like that, you're right, most people probably don't care about the highlighting features. For me, it's such a central part of the experience that I sometimes forget most people don't highlight at all. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

  • @Millarayr

    @Millarayr

    2 жыл бұрын

    Same for me. I use to highlight the books I read.

  • @hockeygirl8401

    @hockeygirl8401

    2 жыл бұрын

    That is my thing too. I like to make my own notes. I just do the old-school way. I love books so I never mar them by highlighting. I do read a lot of non-fiction and fiction. I’m kind of a nerd so I get both perspectives but I would say that the whole note highlighting thing means zippo to me.

  • @fxaman

    @fxaman

    Жыл бұрын

    Yeah, I never highlight anything. On the other hand I’m not an English native speaker, so I use the dictionary all the time. So the way Nook does it seems great to me.

  • @Curlylemur

    @Curlylemur

    Жыл бұрын

    They must have added a highlight feature now because they either just purchased a nook and saw that I could highlight, make notes, and bookmark pages.

  • @leet47
    @leet47Ай бұрын

    I know I'm late to the party, but I'm loving your channel, sir.

  • @Tck911
    @Tck911 Жыл бұрын

    Blown away by your review honestly. Very well done and thought out

  • @Shimmy8
    @Shimmy82 жыл бұрын

    Used to have a nook back in the day. I had the white one with the color screen bar at the bottom. Then I bought the nook color, which was just a small tablet. THEN I got the nook glow. But the screen scratched so easily and when it was scratched it illuminated the scratch even more. A year or so later the kindle voyage came out and I jumped ship. Couldn’t have been happier.

  • @Maneetpaul

    @Maneetpaul

    2 жыл бұрын

    The Voyage is such a great device, and I see why you haven't looked back since! Thanks for watching and sharing your NOOK journey withh us!

  • @dominiqueakpore330
    @dominiqueakpore330 Жыл бұрын

    I appreciate the honesty of your review. I just purchased mine and I'm liking it right now. I've been in the eco verse for years so this is perfect for me as most of my books are nook. I do hope they do provide libby access but I have a tablet that my other reading apps are on that works fine for me. Looking into getting a kindle as well and looking forward to watching your reviews of those as well.

  • @javym1431
    @javym14312 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the review. It’s interesting to see what your opinions on different devices are.

  • @Maneetpaul

    @Maneetpaul

    2 жыл бұрын

    I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

  • @fxaman
    @fxaman Жыл бұрын

    I disagree with most things you dislike about this reader. Power button in the center seems great, I just want the button somewhere where I will never press it by accident. So the upper center makes sense. I love page turn buttons on both sides. Most people regularly switch hands while reading and it’s much more convenient than auto-rotate. I have readers with both so I can tell :) I absolutely hate flushed screens. They’re glary, glossy and they give me headaches, because reading on them feels like I need stronger glasses. Indented screens are razor sharp, matte like paper and feel much more premium to me. The UI feels pretty clean compared to the mess full of commercials for trash books (KU) that is on Kindle. Swipe to unlock is actualy a good thing if you don’t use a case, as the reader won’t turn on accidentaly and flip through some pages. But it would be nice if it was possible to disable, I can agree on that :) Overall I thing this device feels superior to Kindle in pretty much everything. Oh and the beard oil… That’s a very specific problem 99.99999999% people don’t have. And oily fingers will make smudges on pretty much any device. I don’t really see this as an issue, but I can see how it is a problem for you. But it probably won’t be for any of your subscribers :)

  • @maycee4888

    @maycee4888

    9 ай бұрын

    Hi. What about the memory partition of nook?

  • @maycee4888

    @maycee4888

    9 ай бұрын

    Thanks for this.. can i ask a question about the ghosting of this nook? I noticed it during the video for example at around 13:33. I think it would make my head ache. Do other ereaders do that too?

  • @CoyKiyote
    @CoyKiyote Жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much sir, this was an excellent review!

  • @DuckingAround58
    @DuckingAround58 Жыл бұрын

    I have always been a kindle guy, but with Amazon ending the Newsstand I am looking for other options. I still value being able to walk into my local Barns and Noble and browse the shelves. Barns and Noble needs my money more than Amazon that alone or a valid reason to switch devices

  • @shethewriter
    @shethewriter2 жыл бұрын

    So glad to get a review on this! It seems like an improvement, though I do wish they would go back to having overdrive support like Kindle amd Kobo have now

  • @niluferwajeeh4352
    @niluferwajeeh43522 жыл бұрын

    The best thing I like are the page turn buttons. Very convenient.

  • @thecollector77
    @thecollector77 Жыл бұрын

    I agree with the power button and home button lol because I was confused when I first opened 😅 it

  • @mingistech
    @mingistech2 жыл бұрын

    I actually love having the physical page turn buttons on both sides. I am ambidextrous and know how to hold a book with either hand. Shocking right.

  • @janamalene0129
    @janamalene0129 Жыл бұрын

    I had the 2nd Gen Nook until it died a few years ago. I don’t mind the button locations since they are in the same place as earlier versions. The one bad thing is the my library’s digital selections are only available through the Libby app on my phone or computer (which I struggle to use as a reader) or a kindle. So, for my purchased books I need a nook, but for my library books, I have to get a Kindle. My personal choice is physical books, but until I buy a house with enough room for a full library, I need both.

  • @hockeygirl8401

    @hockeygirl8401

    9 ай бұрын

    Physical books will always win for me. I have a Nook to prevent me books from getting damaged when traveling.

  • @wade196840
    @wade1968402 жыл бұрын

    I have a glowlight 3 it's fast turning pages and navigating the system. The old 3rd gen and 4th gen kindles had page turn button on both sides. I prefer my glowlight 3 over my 10th gen kindle because it's easier to use and downloads books faster and has a white display even while reading in bed unlike the kindles that are dark and yellow looking. No offense but taking notes I chose not to relive school I prefer to read for my enjoyment. I turn off other people's notes and highlights they bother me when I'm reading I'll decide what part of the books are note worthy in me head.

  • @pcarlson214
    @pcarlson2142 жыл бұрын

    Oh, not true at all on the dual page buttons! I frequently read one-handed and switch hands often. Having page turn buttons on each side are great for me - much preferred than having to re-orient the screen when I switch hands.

  • @Maneetpaul

    @Maneetpaul

    2 жыл бұрын

    They're really convenient to have for that use-case!

  • @chrisconnors7418
    @chrisconnors74182 жыл бұрын

    The kindle 2 DX (I think) had page turn buttons on both sides. But I assume you were talking about current models. I find kobo Libra a bit clunky at times. When I try to use overdrive I have to watch that it is still selected when I do a book search; otherwise it brings up books from their store. I shouldn’t have to keep selecting overdrive. But just a minor issue.

  • @Maneetpaul

    @Maneetpaul

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, I was referring to current models. But good to know about the Kindle 2 DX. I'm going to be looking more into Overdrive soon, I just recently got my library card, so I can finally start using those features 😅

  • @Millarayr
    @Millarayr2 жыл бұрын

    Good review, as always, thanks. Have you considered to make a review of the Onyx Boox ereaders? They use Android as a OS, which I think make them great.

  • @jamieburch6796
    @jamieburch67962 жыл бұрын

    Also the power button on the Onyx Boox Poke 2 color is on the top right corner of the device. I like it because it's an android based color eink reader. I especially like this because I get books from other apps not just Amazon.

  • @jamieburch6796
    @jamieburch67962 жыл бұрын

    You can also use the power button to unlock the nook.

  • @imisyeu
    @imisyeu Жыл бұрын

    i used to own a nook simpletouch and loved it solely because of the dual page turning buttons on both sides, as i like to read laying down, and just switch hands when i turn over. i've since upgraded to a kobo libra 2 (laughed about what u said about the buttons lmao so true. they're pretty bad on kobo). I was eyeing the limited edition pink glowlight 4 because i love white devices and was excited a new nook came out in that colorway. however, the ui/software experience on nooks seems to have worsened. my simpletouch still works well, and sometimes feels less laggy than my kobo. the lack of overdrive support can be big for some ppl, although i mostly sideload all my books, so that's not a huge issue for me. overall, im kinda disappointed to see the outdated clunky ui on the glowlight. i also read online that nook used to partition the internal storage to give majority to nook products only and saved only a small fraction for sideloaded books? i think they've changed that for the glowlight 4 but I can't confirm this as I don't own one to see. do you know if the storage partition is still a problem? otherwise great review! if someone already loved the nook ecosystem, i would recommend this e-reader. but otherwise, i'd suggest the libra 2 for anyone who wants a similar experience (page turn buttons) but don't want to deal with kindles.

  • @marktabla5434
    @marktabla5434 Жыл бұрын

    I've already bought multi-volume reference works on my Nook that are tens of thousands of pages long but can't figure out the digital navigation equivalent of skimming the table of contents or master index, then pulling the appropriate volume off the shelf and flipping to the desired book/pamphlet, lecture/essay or article. All I know how to do is tap on the reference work cover from my library home screen to open it, then my Nook says in effect, "10,000+ pages? Here ya go. Have fun." Very frustrating.

  • @maycee4888
    @maycee48889 ай бұрын

    When you click on 13:33 and onwards, the ghosting is just too unbearable for me. Does it always do that? Does kindle, kobo, etc do it too?

  • @alaura2589
    @alaura25896 ай бұрын

    If you read a lot, you get tired of holding the e-reader or the book in one hand, so you change it to the other. Buttons on both sides are extremely convenient.

  • @thecollector77
    @thecollector77 Жыл бұрын

    One thing I can't figure out is I use to have a bunch of books on my nook that I purchased I use to have a nook like 10 years ago and I can't figure out how to recover those old books from my Nook account. Another thing I kindve wish it had was color. But for 150$ can't complain. I actually just bought this nook today to read books while I'm at work on lunch. I'm watching this video to see all that it is capable of. Sounds like people love theirs in the comments.

  • @jamieburch6796
    @jamieburch67962 жыл бұрын

    All kindles from the kindle 5 and before had page turn buttons on both sides.

  • @hockeygirl8401
    @hockeygirl84012 жыл бұрын

    Yeah I’m deciding right now whether to buy a nook or a kindle. I guess maybe it’s a generational thing. Some of the things that you deem as old fashion or behind are actually attractive to some people. No I don’t think it’s attractive when something takes too long to load but seconds are not a big deal to me. Having to slide my fingers for three seconds is nothing. Perhaps this is an issue for people who are used to instant things and state of the art things. I literally did my high school homework on typewriters. Moreover the extra price that has to be paid to get a 32 gig Kindle does mean something to some people. I appreciate your great review because it gave me a perspective for someone who’s not a fan. It actually solidifies for me that I need to pick this machine. Thank you. Also I used to date a Sikh man so I totally get the beard thing🤣🤦🏾‍♀️

  • @maycee4888

    @maycee4888

    9 ай бұрын

    Hi! May I ask if you ever bought the Nook and how was it for you? Thank you

  • @hockeygirl8401

    @hockeygirl8401

    9 ай бұрын

    @@maycee4888 yes I loooooove my nook. It is light years ahead of the old one I used to have. I literally have taken it all over the world. I have taken it camping or to the waiting room at the hospital, you name it. It’s slim and does everything I wanted it to do. I didn’t really want a tablet. I wanted a reader, so I’m happy. Also, can we just talk about the battery? This thing lasts forever 👍🏾

  • @maycee4888

    @maycee4888

    9 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the reply! Im still on the fence whether to buy this or the kindle Oasis or the kobo libra 2... what im sure of is i want those damn page turn buttons!!!

  • @sylwuskak7065
    @sylwuskak70652 жыл бұрын

    Nook is not the only device with buttons on both sides. inkBook eReaders (like Calipso Plus and Focus) has them too. However I think inkBook isn't very popular in USA so I understand you could not know about it.

  • @Maneetpaul

    @Maneetpaul

    2 жыл бұрын

    Haven't heard of that one! Thanks for the insight 🙌

  • @cortneybowman7297

    @cortneybowman7297

    2 жыл бұрын

    The kindle voyage had to capacitive touch on both sides. I miss that device!

  • @letty88
    @letty882 жыл бұрын

    I have a question for anyone that wants to answer. So I have a nook that has been given to me 9 years ago. I have to turn on my lamp to read at night. If I buy this glowlight 4 will I still need to use my lamp??? Sorry for the silly question. But I would like to know. Lol

  • @Maneetpaul

    @Maneetpaul

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hey! No you won’t. There is a built in light inside the Glowlight 4 🎉

  • @maxx1mus1041
    @maxx1mus1041 Жыл бұрын

    The nook glow light 4 plus is on pre order

  • @jessicacollins8049
    @jessicacollins80492 жыл бұрын

    My glow light 3 is so clunky. The buttons on the side are annoying. Im not sure if it supports libby. My device has less than 8 gb of memory and its almost full. I archived half of my remaining library and it made no difference. Barnes and Noble claims that it could hold “thousands of books.” Their “thousands” translates to 415 books.

  • @hailnaryproductionz3661
    @hailnaryproductionz36615 ай бұрын

    I think it’s a nice build compared to the kindle paperwhite.

  • @rufustf
    @rufustf3 ай бұрын

    I had models that were quite a bit older and eventually had to get the glow light. And I think it SUCKS! Terrible design for the page turn buttons, no options to disable the top or bottom ones, no options for separate right/left button commands. It is as if the company took every good design aspect from the old nook, got rid of them, and purposely made it much, much worse. The page turn buttons are right where you’d grab it to pick it up so you wind up accidentally scrolling ahead every time. The lack of an actual button on the bottom truly sucks as well, and the sensor is unreliable and only seems to work intermittently. It is a massive design failure in every way. At some point I will either get used to the crap design or wind up chucking it into a bonfire. I really don’t want to pay Jeff Bezos and money for anything but I am afraid the kindle is now the superior product as Barnes and Noble has really blown it with the glow light 4. Worst e-reader ever.

  • @CoyKiyote
    @CoyKiyote Жыл бұрын

    You have a great voice but I'm an accent nerd and I can NOT pin your's down... I'm going to guess Toronto!? Ok your profile says New York City but you hold your Os longer than most Americans do-- I'm still hearing Canada.

  • @Jasonlovesmusic559
    @Jasonlovesmusic559 Жыл бұрын

    All of the new nooks are way too small

  • @kristianrosales8772
    @kristianrosales87722 жыл бұрын

    Why not build your own ereader since you are too nitpicky with stuff such as position of the power button, (and you don't even justify why you don't like it) the "non premium" quality feel, (for something worth $150?) Swiping to unlock, the logo, the fingerprints caused by your beard oil (you can just wash your hands after putting on the oi) etc. Also, why not chage the title to "things i do not like about the nook"

  • @Maneetpaul

    @Maneetpaul

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi there, thanks for watching, Kristian! Here's a response to the points you mentioned: 1. A centered power button is not a natural placement for your finger to easily press 2. Premium feel is a personal preference. The plastic used on the NOOK is not as high quality as the Kobo or Kindle, which cost around the same price. It feels cheaper, but also softer, which is a plus (I mention the comfortable design in the video too) 3. Swiping to unlock is slow and takes an extra few seconds every time you pick up your NOOK to use it. I stand by my annoyance on this one. 4. Do you have a beard? My beard is much longer than most people, and the oil stays in it all day from morning to night. Even a slight touch will transfer oils from my fingers to the NOOK (this is true with most electronic devices, but the NOOK is more visible due to the plastic they use). This is also true for people who regularly use lotion, moisturizer, etc. 5. Reviews are meant to capture the good and bad of products. I try my best to be honest with my thoughts. I own several e-readers and have a good understanding of what's available on the market. I love Barnes and Noble, but their NOOK lineup needs a lot of work to compete with other options people can buy.

  • @maycee4888

    @maycee4888

    9 ай бұрын

    @@Maneetpaulso which one is your fVorite?