Acer Aspire Iconia Tab A500 vs. Nook Color

Attribute	Acer Aspire Iconia Tab A500	Nook Color
Operating System	Android	Android
Screen Size	10.1 inches	7 inches
Resolution	1280 x 800 pixels	1024 x 600 pixels
Processor	NVIDIA Tegra 2 Dual-Core	TI OMAP 3621
RAM	1GB	512MB
Storage	16GB	8GB
Expandable Storage	Yes (microSD)	Yes (microSD)
Camera	5MP rear, 2MP front	No
Battery Life	Up to 8 hours	Up to 8 hours
Weight	1.69 lbs	0.99 lbs

Design and Display

The Acer Aspire Iconia Tab A500 and Nook Color both offer sleek and stylish designs, but with some notable differences. The A500 features a larger 10.1-inch display, while the Nook Color has a smaller 7-inch display. The A500's larger screen size makes it more suitable for tasks such as watching movies or browsing the web, while the Nook Color's smaller size makes it more portable and easier to hold with one hand.

Both devices have touchscreens, but the A500's display offers a higher resolution and better overall image quality. With a resolution of 1280x800 pixels, the A500 provides sharper and more vibrant visuals compared to the Nook Color's 1024x600 pixel resolution. This makes the A500 a better choice for users who prioritize visual clarity and detail.

In terms of build quality, the A500 feels more premium with its aluminum back cover, giving it a more solid and durable feel. On the other hand, the Nook Color has a plastic build, which may feel less sturdy in comparison.

Performance and Hardware

When it comes to performance, the A500 has the upper hand due to its more powerful hardware. It is equipped with a dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor and 1GB of RAM, allowing for smooth multitasking and faster app loading times. The Nook Color, on the other hand, features a single-core processor and 512MB of RAM, which may result in slower performance and occasional lag when running demanding applications.

Both devices offer expandable storage options, with the A500 supporting microSD cards and the Nook Color utilizing a microSD slot. This allows users to easily increase the available storage space for their apps, media, and documents.

When it comes to battery life, the Nook Color has an advantage. Its smaller display and less powerful hardware contribute to longer battery life compared to the A500. The Nook Color can last up to 8 hours of continuous reading or 5 hours of video playback, while the A500 offers around 6 hours of battery life for mixed usage.

Software and User Interface

The Acer Aspire Iconia Tab A500 runs on the Android operating system, providing users with access to a wide range of apps and customization options. It offers a more versatile and open ecosystem compared to the Nook Color, which runs a modified version of Android specifically designed for e-reading.

The Nook Color's user interface is optimized for reading and offers a seamless experience for accessing e-books, magazines, and newspapers. It also provides a dedicated bookstore and a variety of reading-related features. However, the A500's Android interface allows for a more diverse range of activities, including gaming, productivity, and multimedia consumption.

Both devices support Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to browse the web, stream media, and download apps. However, the A500 also offers the option for 3G connectivity, providing users with internet access on the go.

Multimedia and Entertainment

When it comes to multimedia capabilities, the A500 outshines the Nook Color. Its larger display, higher resolution, and more powerful hardware make it a better choice for watching movies, playing games, and enjoying multimedia content. The A500 also features built-in stereo speakers, providing better audio quality compared to the Nook Color's mono speaker.

While the Nook Color is primarily designed for reading, it does offer some multimedia features such as music playback and video streaming. However, its smaller screen size and lower resolution may not provide the same immersive experience as the A500.

Both devices have built-in cameras, but the A500's 5-megapixel rear camera and 2-megapixel front-facing camera offer better image quality compared to the Nook Color's 2-megapixel rear camera. This makes the A500 a more suitable choice for users who prioritize photography or video calling.

Price and Availability

When considering price, the Nook Color is generally more affordable compared to the A500. The Nook Color is positioned as an e-reader and is priced competitively for its target audience. On the other hand, the A500 offers more advanced features and hardware, which results in a higher price point.

Both devices are widely available, with the Nook Color being sold primarily through Barnes & Noble stores and the A500 being available through various retailers and online platforms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Acer Aspire Iconia Tab A500 and Nook Color are both capable devices, but with distinct differences. The A500 offers a larger and higher-resolution display, more powerful hardware, and a wider range of features, making it a better choice for users who prioritize multimedia consumption, gaming, and versatility. On the other hand, the Nook Color is more affordable, offers a dedicated e-reading experience, and has a longer battery life, making it a suitable choice for avid readers on a budget. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the user's specific needs and preferences.