An engineer noted that the circuit layout of the device closely resembles the design concept of a mobile phone, with the processor and 3G communication module neatly arranged. This is very similar to the design of Amazon’s Kindle 2.
However, upon closer inspection of individual components, some subtle differences between the two models were identified. These include (1) different battery placements, (2) variations in antenna size, and (3) differing methods for securing the electronic paper display.
Regarding the battery location, the Reader Daily Edition places it at the bottom of the device, while the Nook has it in the middle (Figure 6). The batteries are relatively heavy, weighing around 32g to 35g. One engineer remarked that this placement significantly affects the feel of the device.
On the performance parameter sheet, the Reader Daily Edition weighs 361g, while the Nook is slightly lighter at 343g. Despite being heavier, the Reader Daily Edition actually feels lighter due to the lower center of gravity caused by the battery placement.
In contrast, the Nook places its touch screen LCD panel at the bottom, where users primarily interact. However, the battery is located on top of it, which contributes to the overall heaviness of the device.
Figure 6: Different battery locations
The Reader Daily Edition places its battery at the bottom, while the Nook positions it above the touch panel.
Designing for an advanced exterior comes with challenges.
(2) The antennas differ significantly in size. The Reader Daily Edition features a larger, more rugged antenna, while the Nook uses a simpler, smaller one.
This difference is partly due to the exterior design. Sony's Reader Daily Edition uses an aluminum front cover, giving it a premium look. However, aluminum can interfere with antenna reception, leading to the need for a larger antenna.
According to Sony's Noguchi, “When I asked the designer to use an aluminum casing, he was taken aback. It’s not possible to attach the antenna to the back of an aluminum case like in a phone. But he understood the importance of design. After several iterations, we increased the antenna size and positioned it as far from the outer casing as possible.â€
Figure 7: Advanced appearance with an aluminum casing
The Reader Daily Edition uses an aluminum case for a high-end look. Copper foil is found inside, possibly to reduce noise from 3G communication.
The upper part of the e-paper module’s back is covered with copper foil (Figure 7). “This is clearly an added noise-reduction component,†said one engineer. Since the antenna is installed nearby, this measure helps prevent communication-related interference.
To prioritize aesthetics, more complex solutions were required. The Nook, however, does not feature such elements.
Improving impact resistance is another design focus.
(3) The method of securing the electronic paper differs greatly. The Reader Daily Edition uses a complex three-dimensional chassis to assemble the e-paper mold, aiming to prevent distortion of the outer casing. One engineer even questioned, “Is this level of complexity really necessary?â€
Figure 8: Different methods of fixing electronic paper
The Reader Daily Edition’s e-paper is mounted on a complex 3D frame, while the Nook simply clips the module between a metal plate and a protective layer.
The Nook’s e-paper module is sandwiched between the back metal plate and the front protective case, and then glued to the outer shell.
This difference may be due to varying priorities in impact resistance, such as drop protection. One engineer stated, “The Reader Daily Edition is clearly more impact-resistant.†A display manufacturer mentioned that some e-readers currently on the market have broken e-paper displays. This could reflect the experience gap between Sony, a veteran in e-books, and Barnes & Noble, a newer player.
Screen brightness remains an issue.
We found that the touch panel on the Reader Daily Edition partially blocks the display’s brightness. When the touch panel is removed, the e-paper display appears much clearer, unlike the actual product screen (Figure 9).
Figure 9: Touch panel reduces display brightness
The Reader Daily Edition uses a resistive film touch panel, which has a transparency of about 95%. Because the e-paper is reflective, light passes through the touch panel twice, making the image appear dimmer and blurrier than it should be.
Sony chose this approach to improve usability, even if it means slightly reduced display quality. Noguchi of Sony Electronics said, “We selected the best touch panel available in terms of sensitivity, and improving brightness is something we plan to address in the future.†Other manufacturers using similar designs will likely face the same challenge.
Android is stored on an SD card.
The Nook runs Google’s Android platform, which includes almost everything needed for an e-reader, beyond just the e-book application and its own UI. One reason Barnes & Noble might have chosen Android is to shorten the time to market.
Android is stored on a microSD card (Figure 10). Normally, the operating system is stored in flash memory and not easily accessible. An engineer involved in disassembling the device said, “This is a practical approach for easy OS upgrades or improving the efficiency of the SD card, which is now very affordable.â€
Figure 10: Core Confirmation
Android is stored on a microSD card. The boot core of the Linux-based Android OS is read from the memory card (marked by the red line).
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