Thanks, and a few things that may help. - Nook Color General

Just wanted to send out a thanks to the site and it's members here for rooting directions, it took a couple of tries (something tells me I should have had power on prior to rooting, and probably cleared cache before attempting...
But, seriously, my lady's nook color is AWESOME now, and I wanted to send on the thanks and tell about a couple of things we are using now for apps on her device. We did use her 16gb card to root after copying it's contents to our pc, and allowed the nc to format it back when we were done rooting- took a bit of searching but thanks to whoever suggested that bit of advice to regain it's full storage potential, as well...
ezpdf reader (awesome, 1000% better than the orig NC pdf format)
dolphin hd browser (mucho awesome, the fave of all we have seen)
angry birds (interesting, though she uses much more for reading)
gmail app is great
raging thunder (1, 2 wouldn't work)
astro for file browsing...
paint joy
beautiful widgets
Zeme works very well!
Youtube, as stated in another thread, did work better once NOT connected to the gmail account (just create a sep user if you have to and if desired, sign in under that sep account)
There's a few more, but seriously, intention in posting this was to send on how thankful we are for the help in tricking out her new device... we have been talking about why the developers didn't just go ahead and allow the device to be like it is now anyway? Oh well, maybe they'll catch a hint and take up doing it, seeing as it is 100% better now rooted, as opposed to non- they'll sell many more that way, and I hope people who are demo-ing it in B&N or best buy understand this can be done safely and successfully, and when you do, it will be MUCH better than it is in the store.
To those thinking of doing it, take your time, follow the directions, search for some good apps, don't give up... it's MUCH worth the time and effort to root it...
Thank you forum.xda-developers.com!!!

Thanks for point out Paint Joy. Been looking for a whiteboard/paint app.

Related

[Q] Should I get a Nook Color?

Hi I have been trying to decide if I should by this myself by reading reviews and such but, I plan on rooting the device and installing different launchers and apps and I realize this completely changes the nature of the beast. If you could answer a few questions for me it would be greatly appreciated.
1. How fast/laggy is it. If I install launcherpro will it still work well.
2. How difficult is it to get movies encoded for it and how do they look.
3. Has anyone tried installing news apps for android (NY Times, BBC,CNN ext.) Also is netlix possible?
Thank you
1. I tried Launcher Pro, ADW, and Zeal and there is no lag in any of them. I did settle on Zeal for now.
2. I have about 10 movies that I had encoded originally for my evo and they all play great! Just the simple settings in handbrake will work fine.
3. I have USA Today on there now as well as the engadget program and both work great. Haven't tried netflix, don't have a account.
S300M said:
Hi I have been trying to decide if I should by this myself by reading reviews and such but, I plan on rooting the device and installing different launchers and apps and I realize this completely changes the nature of the beast. If you could answer a few questions for me it would be greatly appreciated.
1. How fast/laggy is it. If I install launcherpro will it still work well.
2. How difficult is it to get movies encoded for it and how do they look.
3. Has anyone tried installing news apps for android (NY Times, BBC,CNN ext.) Also is netlix possible?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks m8 thats actually a lot of helps a lot. IDK if netflix will work because of all the copyright and DRM but everything else sounds like good news to me. Now if only some could figure out how to get this thing to accept Adhoc networks from my cell phone that eould be great. If anybody else has something to add fell free to go right on ahead.
I actually tried Zeal and didnt like it. I had to put a bunch of icons down in the doc bar to get the doc launcher (the button with all the dots) in the middle where I like it....unless I missed something and dont know how to do it.
I have a huge library of HD (720p BD rips) and SD (DVD rips) movies and TV shows in AVI and MKV containers, will I be able to stream these video files within my home network? (without transcoding)
I'm glad there was already a post for this because I didn't want to create a new thread for it. I was one of the elocity a7 preorders who just had their orders cancelled. (all of us did, elocity insists it's a system error-I call BS) Anyhow i'm trying to decide between the nook color and the gtablet. I really wanted a tegra, but I really wanted a 7 inch device. I know they're not really the same thing, and maybe shouldn't be compared- but can anyone offer some insight as to which they personally prefer? Thanks.
OMG don't get the viewsonic G Tab... I had it for 1 day and had to take it back. Absolutely the worst screen I have ever seen on a device. The worst viewing angles. The nook color is wayyyyy better in my honest opinion and is really fast enough.
xwint3rxmut3x said:
I'm glad there was already a post for this because I didn't want to create a new thread for it. I was one of the elocity a7 preorders who just had their orders cancelled. (all of us did, elocity insists it's a system error-I call BS) Anyhow i'm trying to decide between the nook color and the gtablet. I really wanted a tegra, but I really wanted a 7 inch device. I know they're not really the same thing, and maybe shouldn't be compared- but can anyone offer some insight as to which they personally prefer? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, cool. Thanks alot. I really wanted a tegra...but the NC is the form factor I wanted, and I read nothing but great things about the screen. Just wanted to hear from other geeks whether or not i'm going to end up making a huge performance sacrifice or not.
I had a gtablet too and it really was the worst, even rooted and running a special tegra kernel. The nook is amazing and nearly the perfect tablet for me.
If you are asking yourself this question and seriously considering getting a nookColor, keep in mind that B&N has a deal that ends Sunday if you buy $100 in gift certificates you will get $10 back in gift cards (that are activated the day after christmas). I took advantage of this and bought $300 and got $30 in gift cards back which I'm going to use toward accessories (easel case I'm [email protected]). You may want to double check with your store but the manager at the store I went to allowed me to do this (after reading through the 'terms and conditions' on the website he said there was nothing that said it couldn't be done)
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/gift-card/index.asp?cds2Pid=32280
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/help/help_cds2.asp?PID=32063&popupclose=0
The terms say the gift card has to be bought on b&n.com, but the manager said the promotion was running in-store too so it didn't matter.
So the nookcolor, rooted, is a pretty decent slate/tablet?
I want the nookcolor mainly as a tablet: surfing the web, reading reddit, loading .pdf's of books/medical journals/textbooks to read and study from.
I was originally waiting for the archos 101 for $300.....but it seems like it's never going to come out.
The other thing is, since the nookcolor's screen is made for reading, will there be less eye-strain than with other tablets ( ipad,gtablet,archos 101?)
noodles12 said:
So the nookcolor, rooted, is a pretty decent slate/tablet?
I want the nookcolor mainly as a tablet: surfing the web, reading reddit, loading .pdf's of books/medical journals/textbooks to read and study from.
I was originally waiting for the archos 101 for $300.....but it seems like it's never going to come out.
The other thing is, since the nookcolor's screen is made for reading, will there be less eye-strain than with other tablets ( ipad,gtablet,archos 101?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering this exact same thing, how does this fare as a cheap tablet?
I've done plenty of tweaking and modding with my nexus one so I'm no noob there - is this the deal of the century for someone like me? From what I've seen with a new launcher this thing turns into a serious galaxy tab competitor.
If anyone has any negatives they'd like to list please let me know - I'll probably be buying one of these in a few days.
We are two peas in a pod my friend.
The archos is only $50 more with HDMI,usb ,and a stand. But isn't available yet.
But if the NC screen is better for long-term reading....... who knows.
aaahhh.
Hi everyone, I am seriously considering buying a Nook Color as I really like it's design (something important for me), and want a Tablet device. And at 250$ it sounds like a really good deal. (The Archos 101 here in Greece costs 330 euro -> 440$, so the Nook is considerably cheaper)
My main usage will be: Reading pdfs and watching some .ppt files (I am a senior electrical & computer engineer student and want the Nook for studying), some Web Browsing, and if it is able for some MSN messaging..
Also, I wanted to ask you if it is capable of doing something:
Let's say you are reading a .pdf on your Nook. Is it possible to "handwrite" anything on the .pdf, like you are writing on a piece of paper, and save the file? That would be extremely helpful when studying.
Is there any application that does this?
Thank you very much for your time and help.
noodles12 said:
So the nookcolor, rooted, is a pretty decent slate/tablet?
I want the nookcolor mainly as a tablet: surfing the web, reading reddit, loading .pdf's of books/medical journals/textbooks to read and study from.
I was originally waiting for the archos 101 for $300.....but it seems like it's never going to come out.
The other thing is, since the nookcolor's screen is made for reading, will there be less eye-strain than with other tablets ( ipad,gtablet,archos 101?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
darx said:
I was wondering this exact same thing, how does this fare as a cheap tablet?
I've done plenty of tweaking and modding with my nexus one so I'm no noob there - is this the deal of the century for someone like me? From what I've seen with a new launcher this thing turns into a serious galaxy tab competitor.
If anyone has any negatives they'd like to list please let me know - I'll probably be buying one of these in a few days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
noodles12 said:
We are two peas in a pod my friend. The archos is only $50 more with HDMI,usb ,and a stand. But isn't available yet. But if the NC screen is better for long-term reading....... who knows. aaahhh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While the NC supplier (B&N and it's mfg'er) have a limited track record, the record of Archos is pretty clear ... roll out products that target the 'latest trend' with software that is usually not ready and move on to the next latest thing within a very short time leaving a trail of unsupported devices. If you can live with buying a new thing from Archos every 9-12 mos and knowing support will be GONE after that then go for it.
As said the Nook may not turn out better, but it can't be worse. It has an up-to-date system now, larger memory, better viewing for it's primary mission. (A70 just getting 2.2 and who know what bugs with it; A101 still not available, what does THAT tell you?)
If you want an android multimedia device then the Archos family may be a way to go, but evaluate it against multimedia devices since that is Archos' focus (assuming they have one), not reading and/or tablet functions.
Probably most people on this thread have reading as a primary, tablet second and entertainment third. The screen is really great, pdf reading is real good other than the swipe down instead of swipe sideways, with the Dolphin browser, root, su, multitouch what's not to like? ... did I mention the screen is great?
Thank you for the very helpful info zdrifter.
Could you also answer this?
I wanted to ask you if it is capable of doing something:
Let's say you are reading a .pdf on your Nook. Is it possible to "handwrite" anything on the .pdf, like you are writing on a piece of paper, and save the file? That would be extremely helpful when studying.
Is there any application that does this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And something very important: Barnes & Noble doesn't ship NookColor internationally. Which eshop would you suggest so I can buy NC and the send it to me here in Greece? amazon.com perhpas? Is there another good eshop maybe?
Thank you for your time.
thereddog said:
I have a huge library of HD (720p BD rips) and SD (DVD rips) movies and TV shows in AVI and MKV containers, will I be able to stream these video files within my home network? (without transcoding)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone answer this for me? Streaming from a Windows PC, of course.
thereddog said:
Can anyone answer this for me? Streaming from a Windows PC, of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is this possible on your phone? I'm asking to verify if you want to know if the hardware is capable or if you're looking for an android app that enables you to do it.
Babis_ECE said:
<snip>Also, I wanted to ask you if it is capable of doing something:
Let's say you are reading a .pdf on your Nook. Is it possible to "handwrite" anything on the .pdf, like you are writing on a piece of paper, and save the file? That would be extremely helpful when studying.
Is there any application that does this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Babis_ECE said:
Thank you for the very helpful info zdrifter.<snip>Barnes & Noble doesn't ship NookColor internationally. Which eshop would you suggest so I can buy NC and the send it to me here in Greece? amazon.com perhaps? Is there another good eshop maybe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know of any android apps that allow document editing, however if I wanted to annotate a pdf doc, I would put it in my Calibre library, convert it to ePub, load it on the NookColor and annotate away ... .. Calibre is a free program and VERY useful for ereading.
As for foreign sales, don't know a thing ...
Did you read the post from gtablet? There is a wifi suplicant file. I don't have a nook yet but will root and post.
Sent from my Tazz Vanilla using XDA App

[Q] Nook Questions

Hi all,
I'm contemplating getting a nook but I have a few questions first.
When rooted, what exactly is the nook capable of? Aside from angry birds, that is. Can I use it as a doc editor/viewer? Will I be able to track down an app to make it like like the notepad on the ipad (the one were you can write things directly on the screen with a stylsu)? Or something similar, for taking notes.
How does the ereader work? I was curious about how the B&N stuff works on it, specifically the function where you can read books for an hour in the stores with it. Is this an app or something that works throught the browser, that detects the in-store wifi?
That said, I'm most likely going to get one. I just want to make sure it fits my needs and doesn't break my grad-student budget.
Oh, one last thing: does it read comics/graphic novels?
Thanks!
-- Grey
Well it has the market enabled so you can load any app that you want.
You can use it to edit and view documents if you load an app with that ability. (Documents to Go?)
I loaded aldiko for reading books but you should be able to continue using the B&N reader.
Can't answer the question about 1 hour of reading in store.
XDA app, K9 email, winamp, facebook and Dolphin HD web browser are a few of the handy apps I've loaded.
Thanks for the quick reply!
So, in your opinion, is it worth the price?
I've been checking the various fora; I've learned a lot about the nook. I want to ask are there any, let's say, "game-breaking" bugs? It seems like many minor things, but nothing catastrophic.
Thanks,
-- Grey
If you like to tinker, this is a good tablet for you. If your looking for something that just works, and is simple to setup, then you probably want to look elsewhere.
Its worth whatever price your willing to pay.
Is the hardware good? YES
Is the build quality good? YES
Is it missing features of a full tablet? YES
Its up to you if the things its missing is a deal breaker or not. (dedicated hardware keys,bluetooth,gps,etc...
If you don't like it, you can always return it. Thats the beauty of buying from a local store.
If you root it you will open up a lot of possibilities, such as installing apps from the regular market, side loading apps that you have the apk for, etc. From that perspective it can be quite functional...I have Docs to Go and use it in conjunction with my DropBox.
However you will lose in-store features with root...no special coupons, no in-store reading, etc. I don't know anyone rooted who still kept in-store features.
The one ding I give it is that I can't stand typing on it. It's too big to hold "phone style" and I find it awkward to hunt and peck with one hand. This desperately needs Swype, however so far no go with that.
The Nook does magazines with color/graphics so I don't know why it wouldn't do comic books.
The reading experience on it is good in my opinion, and even better I loaded the Kindle App as well so now I have access to the Nook books AND Kindle books. And the Kindle app was just enhanced to allow magazines/newspapers, and I think you can now annotate, etc.
I would say this...if you are buying it as an ereader with the hopes you can do some tablet stuff on it, you'll love it. If you are buying it as a tablet with the thought you might read on it, maybe not so much.
It is wifi only so if you don't have constant access to wifi you are going to need a phone capable of wifi hotspot (or a mifi)...these features cost more money to activate with your cellular company (unless you have a rooted Android phone in which case there is a fix posted in the forums on how to get wireless tether working).
Again, thanks for the advice.
I just played with one in-store. It seems kinda neat, I would say missing features but there wasn't an employee there to show me how to use it. It's possible I overlooked some stuff.
Is there an sd card slot on the device? I didn't see one on the test nook, but perhaps under the back cover. Can the back cover be removed?
I'm going to keep playing with it to see if I like it. And I'm definitely going to keep reading the fora here and at nookdevs to see how this device evolves over time.
Thanks!
-- Grey
greymalken said:
Again, thanks for the advice.
I just played with one in-store. It seems kinda neat, I would say missing features but there wasn't an employee there to show me how to use it. It's possible I overlooked some stuff.
Is there an sd card slot on the device? I didn't see one on the test nook, but perhaps under the back cover. Can the back cover be removed?
I'm going to keep playing with it to see if I like it. And I'm definitely going to keep reading the fora here and at nookdevs to see how this device evolves over time.
Thanks!
-- Grey
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes SDCARD opening is back - bottom left as you face it...Go online to B&N and download the manuals - lots of good info...BTW, before I rooted it took about 3 hrs to charge - wall only - while B&N states NO usb charging after rooting the USB does charge. Yet takes about 6 hrs now on wall, did not see how long on USB next time I will try that. Not sure if I did something or that is the trade-off of rooting...
IMHO, the best bang-for-the-buck...Android, reads various formats, tons of apps and really can replace laptop for web/e-mail/music/pictures and up to 32GB of storage...Plus I can connect to my phone when not around wifi...

[Q] Ready to get a NC next week...I think :)

I think I am ready to make the leap. I've been reading reading and reading some more. I will root it of course. My main objective is to have a tablet-like device, running a droid os. I am priced out of the "real" tablet market. Waiting for a tablet with Honeycomb might cost me 3x what a NC will cost. From what I've gathered on xda, I can make my NC function as a tablet (for the most part).
One of my concerns/questions is - I am actively searching for a job. I need to be able to send out my resume, go to job applications, fill in forms, etc. I have my resume saved as a google document. Will I be able to open and edit my google documents? I am currently running Froyo on my Evo and am able to do so there. It's a huge plus that my Evo can serve as a wifi connection to a NC as well.
Any tips, cons, "be careful of..." tips you care to share would be much appreciated. It appears as though there are two ways to root?
I've used Google Docs on my NC just fine.
Sent from my Nook Color
eyecrispy said:
I've used Google Docs on my NC just fine.
Sent from my Nook Color
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been able to access google docs, but haven't figured out how to edit. Forms haven't been an issue so far.
I believe the only thing the NC lacks is camera and GPS, having said that the the NC is an awesome cheap powerfull tablet. Drop one of those swipe keyboards it would be great for editing documents. When it comes to rooting I would suggest the autonooter for 1.0.1, couldn't be any easier.
Sent from my rooted Nook Color
To slugbug2010:
If you're serious to actually bring Droid 2/X Android 2.2.x (or maybe even AOSP 2.3.x) to NookColor, don't forget to port their "hardware" accelerated 2D/3D drivers and overlay.
Though I suspect it's exactly what CM7 for NC team is struggling with since January 10 (when NC was reported as booting and running CM7).
aludal
----------------------------
fineoils.blogspot.com
slugbug2010 said:
I think I am ready to make the leap. I've been reading reading and reading some more. I will root it of course. My main objective is to have a tablet-like device, running a droid os. I am priced out of the "real" tablet market. Waiting for a tablet with Honeycomb might cost me 3x what a NC will cost. From what I've gathered on xda, I can make my NC function as a tablet (for the most part).
One of my concerns/questions is - I am actively searching for a job. I need to be able to send out my resume, go to job applications, fill in forms, etc. I have my resume saved as a google document. Will I be able to open and edit my google documents? I am currently running Froyo on my Evo and am able to do so there. It's a huge plus that my Evo can serve as a wifi connection to a NC as well.
Any tips, cons, "be careful of..." tips you care to share would be much appreciated. It appears as though there are two ways to root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only tip I can think of, right now, is to either order one now (they're still backordered on BN.com at least from my browser. And most BB's and Wally world's are sold out). Try to find a place local, that has some left.
I take that back. Some of the Walmarts that were showing out of stock back when I got mine are now showing as stocked. Meh.
Dang. My local b&n had tons left. Im sure your local store will have some in stock.

[Q] New Nook owner questions

I searched the forums for this, but I never found any straightforward (or in plain and simple English) answers that helped me. I don't know how to root or how to mod my devices or even some of the terminology. I also know that some of you might laugh at me for my lack of knowledge, but I get that anyway for how I walk sometimes (I have MS) LOL.
I just bought a New Nook Color today (yay for me!). I have a Samsung Epic 4g. I used an app called Application backup that gets all of the APK files into a zip file on the SD card. I have a 16gb SD card. I transferred my info from my 16 GB card to another 16 GB card via my computer. I put the 2nd SD card into my Nook and the Nook did not recognize any of the Apps from my phone. I figured that since they are both running Froyo, that it would work. What did I do wrong?
Also, I figured that since I upgraded the Nook to B&N's new Froyo, that I would be able to get onto the Android Market, not just B&N's somewhat crappy App store. How can I access the Market from my new Nook Color?
Also, can I run Google Voice and make calls from my new Nook? Just wondering, it's not necessary, but I would like to at least text message from it, if possible. Also, can I really get that Playon app and play Netflix and Hulu content as well? That would be amazing!
Thank you in advance for taking the time to help this big ol' dummy!
There's plenty of easy to follow guides about how to root, flash custom ROMs, etc all over this part of the forum, just gotta go looking. You'll need root to watch the Netflix app on your NC, same with getting the market.
There's an easier way to install the apps on your NC. Just download the Appbrain app on both NC and your phone, then you can see the list of apps on your phone and install them on your NC as well.
I've got a rooted NC with phiremod installed, so I can't tell you how to access the market on any unrooted device. Hope someone else can help you with that.
holgalee said:
There's an easier way to install the apps on your NC. Just download the Appbrain app on both NC and your phone, then you can see the list of apps on your phone and install them on your NC as well.
I've got a rooted NC with phiremod installed, so I can't tell you how to access the market on any unrooted device. Hope someone else can help you with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A completely stock NC can't access the marketplace.
OP, look for the "manual nooter" thread, probably in the Dev subforum. Nootering is the closest to stock you can be and use the non-B&N marketplace.
so i just got a gtab and was playing around with it. got a custom mod on there(vegan 5.1.1, love it) and my mom saw me saying "is that an ipad?". told her no, showed her some of the features and she suggested we get something like that for my grandma. without knowing really much about the nook color at all i do know this would probably be a better option for her than an ipad or gtablet.
just wondering if there are stable enough roms out there where i could do everything at once when i buy it and kind of show her how to navigate websites, email, watch videos, etc(pretty much basic computing, shes old lol) over a weekend when shes here(she lives 6 hours away and coming to visit next week)? because once she leaves i won't be able to update or help her troubleshoot it till like Christmas.
nuttybardude said:
so i just got a gtab and was playing around with it. got a custom mod on there(vegan 5.1.1, love it) and my mom saw me saying "is that an ipad?". told her no, showed her some of the features and she suggested we get something like that for my grandma. without knowing really much about the nook color at all i do know this would probably be a better option for her than an ipad or gtablet.
just wondering if there are stable enough roms out there where i could do everything at once when i buy it and kind of show her how to navigate websites, email, watch videos, etc(pretty much basic computing, shes old lol) over a weekend when shes here(she lives 6 hours away and coming to visit next week)? because once she leaves i won't be able to update or help her troubleshoot it till like Christmas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This might be better in its own thread if you want more replies, but I can tell you my own experience with customized tech devies as gifts to people who aren't tech savvy and can't or have no interest in learning. Never works out well, for me.
If your grandma likes to keep up with and learn about the latest gear, or if she's interested in starting, a rooted or moded NC would be good. But if she's not, you need a device you can set up for her once and have it run without need for updates or maintenance for a long period of time. Something she can just use. In that case the extra expense is worth it.
Also, a screen larger than the NC's would probably be easier for her, depending on her sight.
Nora D said:
Also, a screen larger than the NC's would probably be easier for her, depending on her sight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a very good point. I thought about getting a tablet for my dad, and the same considerations occurred to me. If your grandmother is using it primarily to read books, then the small screen isn't as much of an issue, since the fonts can be sized up in the reader app without much detrimental effect. But scaling up a large font in the web browser will likely make the web browsing experience painful, since many websites are so tightly formatted. "Zoom in and pan around" is a horrible way to use the web... Also, the smaller the screen is, the finer the motor control necessary to operate the touch screen controls, which may be another issue for an older person.
I came to the conclusion that a 7-inch tablet just isn't going to be very useful for an elderly person, and the Nook has enough little quirks when used as a tablet that it would likely be a frustrating experience for a non-techie person.
I really would not recommend CM7 NC or even rooted stock NC for an elderly person or technologically illiterate person for a couple of reasons:
1. The default UI is nowhere near as non-techy-user-friendly as iOS (I'm OS-agnostic, hate proprietary software, but hey, it's true) and there's no locking down of features (admin mode vs limited user, etc) to prevent someone accidentally damaging the install or removing something they shouldn't. Maybe you could find a heavily modded theme to be friendlier.
2. The screen is, at 7", perfect for me as a reader but my (elderly) mother complained about the small screen size (needing much bigger fonts). You can fix that somewhat by (obviously) using bigger fonts in CM7 and also by editing the lcd density, but the latter can cause issues with some apps. It's not exactly difficult to fudge fingering through the menus and opening apps by accident, or just mistyping because of the smaller keyboard.
I told my mother, who was liking my (CM7) Nook despite complaining about eye strain and fingering issues, that she was probably better off spending $100 more on the upcoming 9.7" Amazon tablet this fall if she could wait. While it's probably going to be as locked down as the iPad to begin with, I won't have to worry about bugs in nightlies (or even stables, e.g., no deep sleep in pre-.32 releases) or whether or not she'll accidentally break some app etc. While it sucks to be limited to 1 ereader store (technically), if Amazon allows generic ereader apps like Bluefire or Aldiko she could still have access to epubs from competing stores if she needed it. If it ends up being rootable to allow 3rd-party apps and Google Android Market then it's a win-win with a polished, user-friendly modded android OS from Amazon.
I'm not bashing the Nook or CM7 - I love mine and I love being able to tweak and experiment with it, but it's not something that a non-techy would be able to tread fearlessly in -- look how many threads here are posted with people being lost about doing a basic SD CM7 install or following one of the step-by-step rooting guides.
Responding to the grandma tangent, I think everyone is underestimating the appeal of the stock Nook Color for people who don't know what they're doing. There are plenty of non-tech-savvy people over at mobileread (well, tech savvy enough to post on a forum, but otherwise...) who are thrilled with their stock NCs. Three-million-plus of these things have sold, and most of those people are not rooting them or putting on custom ROMs.
Someone familiar with Android devices who goes into it expecting an Android device might find it limiting, but for someone with no clue, the fact that it only does a few things is a pro, not a con.
Skunkeye said:
But scaling up a large font in the web browser will likely make the web browsing experience painful, since many websites are so tightly formatted. "Zoom in and pan around" is a horrible way to use the web...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't remember just how the NC stock browser works, but most Android browsers are smarter than that. Often a double-tap on a column of text will get it centered at a manageable size, and if not you can zoom to the desired text size and double-tap again to reflow it just like a book. Whenever I come to an article of more than a few paragraphs on my PC, I stop and pick up the NC for a more comfortable reading experience (or send the link to the NC for later, depending on what I'm doing).
I don't think anyone is underestimating the stock Nook Color for what it is. But the original question was about "stable ROMs" and the comparison of the Nook vs. a full Android tablet or iPad. I'd have no problem giving almost anyone a Nook Color if it was left as an unrooted, stock device (because tech support would then be B&N's problem!), with the understanding that it was going to be used as intended: as an excellent e-reader that happens to do a little bit of internet stuff sort of passably well.
But if you're talking about putting Cyanogen or something on the thing and sending it to grandma's house six hours away and hoping for everything to go smoothly (which was, I think, nuttybardudes's intent), I think that's very likely to end up in frustration for everyone involved.
Agreed. I'm saying he's overthinking it--just buying a NC and handing it to her (well, maybe helping her register it) may be his best option. .

Need advice for expectations on Nook HD for very un-tech savy father

My 73 year old dad is a proud new owner of a new Nook HD tablet. I am not sure if the gift was a mistake for him because it's just too big a leap of technology at this point. He just asked me, what is WiFi? Lol. I also unfortunately bought this with very little knowledge myself of nook and their OS, so that doesn't work in our favor either.
I still think there's going to be at least a few things he'll be able to do on it that will make his life better. My main thoughts are: reading, playing bridge, checking email, Facebook, browse the web. Any other easy things he "should" do on it, I would love to hear.
Since I won't be able to help support this very much after I set it up for him, I am wondering what experienced users on this tablet recommend doing with it visa vi setup? Should I leave it stock or flash an android ROM to it? Whatever is going to function the best and not cause him to deal with ANYTHING he might have to troubleshoot is what I think would be best for him. He's obviously going to be confused at times, and I just want to be able to show him how to do as many basic things as possible that keeps him using the device and makes it something useful for him.
Any advice at all greatly appreciated, since I don't own a nook myself educating me to help him will go a long ways for him too.
Thanks for your time!
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Honestly, if your dad is not tech savvy then I'd suggest leaving it as stock. It's a perfectly fine tablet as is for an entry-level use, certainly enough to read, check e-mail/Facebook, browse web, etc.
Plus if anything goes wrong with it, then he can always take it in to a B&N store and they can troubleshoot for him without any confusion about ROMs and such.
My 70 year old mother-in-law has a Nook HD Plus and has no issues now. She was a bit confused at first but now she gets it. She rarely asks me anything now. I left her stock she doesn't know it can run faster and if there are any issues I don't have to worry about her walking into a Barnes and Nobel with a rooted system.
Great, stock it is! Thanks
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Dillsnik said:
My 73 year old dad is a proud new owner of a new Nook HD tablet. I am not sure if the gift was a mistake for him because it's just too big a leap of technology at this point. He just asked me, what is WiFi? Lol. I also unfortunately bought this with very little knowledge myself of nook and their OS, so that doesn't work in our favor either.
I still think there's going to be at least a few things he'll be able to do on it that will make his life better. My main thoughts are: reading, playing bridge, checking email, Facebook, browse the web. Any other easy things he "should" do on it, I would love to hear.
Since I won't be able to help support this very much after I set it up for him, I am wondering what experienced users on this tablet recommend doing with it visa vi setup? Should I leave it stock or flash an android ROM to it? Whatever is going to function the best and not cause him to deal with ANYTHING he might have to troubleshoot is what I think would be best for him. He's obviously going to be confused at times, and I just want to be able to show him how to do as many basic things as possible that keeps him using the device and makes it something useful for him.
Any advice at all greatly appreciated, since I don't own a nook myself educating me to help him will go a long ways for him too.
Thanks for your time!
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I set one up very recently for a friend's dad who had suffered a stroke . I've set up countless Android tablets but not a nook before. I basically left it stock but I installed Nova launcher prime as I didn't like all the junk BN had put on the home screen. I didn't like the carousel and I didn't like that you could not create folders on the screen. After installing the launcher, I left on the home screen a five day HD weather widget, an internet folders containing Chrome and one other back up browser, Facebook, email, radio and you tube. a second folder with various type of games. Third folder with reading apps which could access his e-books. There is nothing else he need to know about. Showed him to press the n button should he find himself in a strange page or settings.

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