What's a good choice for a second hand nook🤔

[Scoob]

I'm looking to add another symmetrical button ereader to my line up with a budget of 30$. I'd like it to sideload books as simply as it is to do with my Kindles. If it helps, I use Calibre on Windows 10 and am decently tech savvy. Moreso if I have directions to follow. I am undecided if it needs to have a backlight or not. Storage wise I always like to have most storage possible on my other devices but I'm in the dark when it comes to e readers. Also preferably a device in the 6in size please.
Those are really my only parameters but feel free to tell me if I should be asking more things to get a better pick. I've never used a Nook before but if the software or reading ui has quirks that's okay.

[Sirtel]

I'm not a Nook user, but from what I've read in this forum, a good choice would be Nook Glowlight 3 from 2017.

No idea if you can get it for 30$, though.

[Tarana]

Nook Glowlight 3 is excellent. The amber lighting is also good for bedtime reading. I've had no problems sideloading.

[RWTS]

I concur. The Glowlight 3 is a great device. Comfortable to hold, a nice screen and the adjustable warm light is wonderful. If you can snag one in good condition for under $30, I'd say it's a steal.

[Scoob]

I did take a look at the glowlight 3 as recommended. It ticks a lot of my boxes unfortunately its more than double my budget I did find Nook Simple Touch with and without glowlight at my price point though. Other than those models being older that the glowlight 3 I imagine the ease of use and the like will be similar right?

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by Scoob

I did take a look at the glowlight 3 as recommended. It ticks a lot of my boxes unfortunately its more than double my budget I did find Nook Simple Touch with and without glowlight at my price point though. Other than those models being older that the glowlight 3 I imagine the ease of use and the like will be similar right?

The software should be similar, yes.

[Scoob]

I did see that old nooks aren't supported now which isn't a problem. What might be a little bit of a problem is I read that an unregistered nook will have increased battery drain. Is there something I can do to stop that?

[RWTS]

Originally Posted by Scoob

I did take a look at the glowlight 3 as recommended. It ticks a lot of my boxes unfortunately its more than double my budget I did find Nook Simple Touch with and without glowlight at my price point though. Other than those models being older that the glowlight 3 I imagine the ease of use and the like will be similar right?

I purchased the Simple Touch when it first came out and it's still going strong with a family member (and on the original battery!). It's a rock solid device and I personally think it's one of the best ereaders B&N ever made.

That said, there are three points I'd be wary of. The first is that after all this time the soft touch/rubberized finish is beginning to break down, giving the Simple Touch a sticky feel. This may or may not be an issue for you.

Second, while my ST's battery is still going strong, keep in mind these things are over a decade old. The battery may need replacing, adding to the cost.

The third is more problematic. B&N no longer supports the Simple Touch. Even though you plan to sideload and my family member primarily sideloads library books, it can't be registered. So if the seller factory resets the device or you want to do a factory reset after receiving it, you won't be able to start from scratch... unless there's a way to bypass registration. I recall reading of a way to do it years ago, but I'm not sure the method would still work today. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable on the subject will chime in.

Just some things to consider.

Originally Posted by Scoob

I did see that old nooks aren't supported now which isn't a problem. What might be a little bit of a problem is I read that an unregistered nook will have increased battery drain. Is there something I can do to stop that?

I was typing when you posted this. That's good if registration isn't a problem. Sorry, but I'm afraid I don't know anything about increased battery drain with unregistered Nooks. Hopefully someone else knows more about that.

[nmyshkin]

Originally Posted by Scoob

I did see that old nooks aren't supported now which isn't a problem. What might be a little bit of a problem is I read that an unregistered nook will have increased battery drain. Is there something I can do to stop that?

For registered clones of the NST and additional variations, see The Phoenix Project: https://xdaforums.com/t/nst-g-the-ph...oject.4673934/

As for the bezel, I have six devices. Some are fine, one is brittle--not good if you're hooked on buttons--and one is gooey at one of the buttons. Who knows what the factors are.

The other thing to bear in mind is that the early run of NSTGs have noticeably grayer screens, at least when side-by-side with an NST. Also, the light dispersing layer was pretty fragile and poor handling often resulted in "tears" which showed up as bright little streaks when the light is on.

Toward the end of the manufacturing run these issues were much improved, but there's no knowing what you'll get. One of mine is perfect, the other two have minor tears.

[Scoob]

Originally Posted by nmyshkin

For registered clones of the NST and additional variations, see The Phoenix Project: https://xdaforums.com/t/nst-g-the-ph...oject.4673934/

I will be sure to check that site out thanks nmyshkin.

The other thing to bear in mind is that the early run of NSTGs have noticeably grayer screens, at least when side-by-side with an NST. Also, the light dispersing layer was pretty fragile and poor handling often resulted in "tears" which showed up as bright little streaks when the light is on.

A slightly gray screen won't mess with me too much but if it has bright streaks thats all my eyes will gravitate towards. That's something I'll ask the seller if I find a STG.

[Scoob]

Yeah that's a problem. I am not too bothered by the feel of things but constantly touching something sticky will get to me in time. That would also explain a cheap ST I saw on ebay today that looked like someone used a chisel or knife to remove the finish.

I don't mind replacing a battery. I looked up prices and not too expensive so I can still come in under budget if I go the ST route.

[JSWolf]

The nook software is garbage. B&N never could do good software. And supposedly on the latest firmware for the models that it supports, they've removed hyphenation.

[Scoob]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The nook software is garbage. B&N never could do good software. And supposedly on the latest firmware for the models that it supports, they've removed hyphenation.

I don't think I have to worry about that on these old nooks I'm looking at. But that's something I'll keep in mind if I ever make the jump and splurge on the new glowlight.

[RWTS]

Originally Posted by nmyshkin

For registered clones of the NST and additional variations, see The Phoenix Project: https://xdaforums.com/t/nst-g-the-ph...oject.4673934/

Neat! I've bookmarked this page for future reference if ever needed. Thanks!

Scoob, it seems like you've been shopping primarily online. If you have any thrift stores nearby and are able to visit, you might want to check them out. For the average person an ereader is almost a novelty device. It's often easier to donate them than to go through the hassle of selling. You might score a better deal locally.

But do let us know which device you choose.

[Scoob]

Originally Posted by RWTS

Scoob, it seems like you've been shopping primarily online. If you have any thrift stores nearby and are able to visit, you might want to check them out. For the average person an ereader is almost a novelty device. It's often easier to donate them than to go through the hassle of selling. You might score a better deal locally.

I've been looking at my usual thrift shops and they have a bunch of color nooks and nook tablets(?) right now. Even they noticed when B&N ended service as they had a big influx of nooks. Usually all I'll see are Kindle and the occasional Kobo. I'll keep hitting the shops and web markets though.