I think the light selection (and obviously arm angle) plays a large part on the screen coverage. I've seen photos that looked horrible, but have no problems with mine.
And I don't get the Nook Color either. If I wanted a LCD I'd get a iPad or wait for future Android tablet. Can't imagine the market for color required (photo heavy mags or graphic novels - neither of which are obviously concerned with long text) above $249, but below $499 would be huge. Course if they create a foothold (as full Android tablets are seemingly taking forever to market), then expand functionality, they could have a brand to fight with.