Barnes & Noble unveils budget e-book reader

By Trevor Mogg Published May 26, 2022

Barnes & Noble has just taken the wraps off a budget version of the Nook GlowLight 4, the e-book reader that it launched last December.

Barnes & Noble's new Nook GlowLight 4e e-book reader. — Barnes & Noble’s new Nook GlowLight 4e e-book reader. Barnes & Noble

The 6-inch Nook GlowLight 4e, unveiled by Barnes & Noble on Wednesday, May 25, retails for $120 — that’s $30 cheaper than the Nook GlowLight 4.

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So, what are the mains differences between the two devices?

First up, the new e-book reader comes with 8GB of onboard storage, while the pricier model offers 32GB. Even with 8GB, you’re going to be able to load up a ton of books, and definitely way more than you’ll get through in a single vacation, so no worries there.

The Nook GlowLight 4e also has a slightly inferior display, offering 212 dots per inch compared to 300 with the GlowLight 4. Still, both are designed to cut glare and come with scratch-resistant properties that should ensure a comfortable reading experience.

Battery life appears to be more than adequate for the new device, with Barnes & Noble saying a single charge will last for “weeks,” while the GlowLight 4 will run for “approximately one month.”

The Nook GlowLight 4e tips the scales at 6 ounces and also comes with a built-in dictionary, bookmarking, and sharing features.

Commenting on the launch of the new e-book reader, Barnes & Noble executive Susan McCulloch said: “Encouraging browsing and helping book lovers discover their next favorite read is at the heart of Barnes & Noble. We are excited to deliver this latest experience in time for Father’s Day gift-giving and summer reading.”

The Nook GlowLight 4e is available for pre-order now and will start shipping on June 7. Cases for the new device are also available in a range of colors.

At $120, the GlowLight 4e is $30 more expensive than Amazon’s base Kindle e-book reader, though that particular device is currently showing as out of stock on Amazon’s website.

If you want to find out more about the popular e-book readers currently on the market, this handy Digital Trends guide can help you out.

This article has been updated to include the weight of the GlowLight 4e.

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Contributing Editor

Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…

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