Everyone may want to talk about tablets these days, but e-book readers can still generate some excitement.

On Monday, Barnes and Noble slashed the price of its Nook 3G + Wi-Fi (or what was formerly called just the "Nook") to just $199 and released a Wi-Fi only version of the product that will sell for just $150, about the price of the Kobo. Not to be undersold, Amazon dropped the price of its Kindle to just $189.

We obtained one of the Nook Wi-Fi's in the Labs today and put it through its paces. It's pretty much exactly like the original Nook, but, you know, without 3G. But that isn't a bad thing, especially at this price.

The 11.6-ounce Nook Wi-Fi looks almost exactly like the 12.1-ounce Nook 3G + Wi-Fi, so I guess now we know how much a 3G modem weighs. The back of device is white, as opposed to the grey back that comes with the 3G version. Other than that the interface is exactly the same, running the latest 1.4 version of the Nook software.

To get online, you just tap the Wi-Fi button and let the device scan for networks. We were able to access the open Wi-Fi network of a certain media company that works on the floor below us. This company requires a click-through agreement before it grants Web access. Usually, that is a big problem for connected consumer electronics. Fortunately, the Nook's primitive browser automatically opened, let me click through, and gain access. In addition to your own Wi-Fi network, you can also connect to any of AT&T's Wi-Fi hotspots and at all Barnes & Noble Stores for free. We will test that when work hours are over.

Other than that, using the Nook Wi-Fi is essentially the same as using the Nook Wi-Fi + 3G. The Kindle is undeniably the leader in the e-reader market, but with a tolerable Web browser, 500,000 more books, a handy color mini-display, and a custom in-store experience, the Nook is catching up. Amazon will need a lot more than a price cut if it wants to keep the Kindle cutting edge. In the meantime, you can read our full Nook Wi-Fi +3G review for more details.