BARNES AND NOBLE NOOK COLOR MAKES DEBUT

We have had a few days of rumor surrounding the launch of Barnes and Noble's (B&N) Nook Color.  Today they officially announced the device and it was pretty much what had been expected.

The new device is Android powered with a 7-inch color LCD display.  Because of the Android OS running it, it is more than an ereader, but less than a tablet.  B&N has added access to social networks like Twitter and Facebook.  B&N wants users to share quotes and even books with their friends across social networks in what they are calling Nook Friends.

Besides the social aspects the new Nook Color also has an array of other apps including Pandora, games, access to Google and Wikipedia, a contact manager and more. There’s even a full-featured magazine reader that will probably be highly advertised.

On the hardware side the Nook Color is devoid of any buttons, instead opting for a 7-inch LCD touchscreen.  The screen is laminated to reduce the glare LCD screens are notorious for (looking at you iPad!).  It also comes with a MicroSD slot and Wi-Fi.  The Nook Color is only 0.48 inches thick and weighs in at 15.6 oz, that is just 0.12 inches thicker and 5.4 oz heavier than the category leading Amazon Kindle.

B&N is pricing the device at $249, right where the rumors pegged it.  This is half the price of the iPad and only $100 more than the Wi-Fi only Kindle.  Tell us what you think of the new Nook Color in the comments. [Crunchgear]