Preview: The Barnes & Noble Nook (Wi-Fi) is the cheapest model in Barnes & Noble's ebook reader lineup, along with the upcoming Nook Color and the Nook (3G + Wi-Fi). Nearly everything is the same on the Wi-Fi + 3G and Wi-Fi-only versions, with a couple of minor tweaks—read our Barnes & Noble Nook (3G + Wi-Fi) review for plenty more on the Nook. Most notably tweaked is the price: the Nook (Wi-Fi) is only $149, placing it firmly within range of the budget-minded buyer.

A couple of things are changed on the Wi-Fi only version. First, the back of the Nook is white, instead of the gray on the Wi-Fi and 3G model. Personally, I like the white better—it's the same color as the front panel, and makes for a sleeker and more attractive device. It's also a hair lighter, weighing in at 11.6 ounces to the 3G version's 12.1. Otherwise, the two devices are cosmetically identical.

Functionally, the lack of 3G changes a few things about how the Nook is used. The absence of 3G, which allows wireless downloading of books and browsing the Web from anywhere there's cell phone service, means that downloading periodicals, books, and Web pages is only possible where there's a Wi-Fi connection. Barnes & Noble offers free Wi-Fi in all its stores, and the Nook (Wi-Fi) connects for free at all AT&T hotspots, but it could potentially be harder to get the paper every day, or start a new book, since you'll need to track down a wireless hotspot.

If you're budget-minded, though, or don't need to constantly be connected, the Nook (Wi-Fi) might be more than enough for you. Read our full review of the Nook to find out if it's the ebook reader for you.