Database Develop

NC taste, thoughts, and bugs

Yesterday I got my NC, I am living in France so have to order it from amazon, takes about 5 days.
1st thing I notice it is much heavier than my sony PRS600, one hand holding is tough for me, for some reasons I need all my handheld dev to be light weight as much as possible, NC is however acceptable.
Screen is great, this is the main reason I pick it, NC doesn't disappoint me, and touch is very sensitive and accurate.
hardware, this isn't much to say, for that price I guess it's a great deal.The issues are buttons and SD slot, no classic android hardware buttons really troubles me after rooting, and which genius come out with that SD slot design?
OS, sort of sucks, don't know it's the 2.1's problem or what, everything is a bit slow and lag, I hope 2.2 will fix them abit like your guys said, I really do.
software: as a ereader it's original softwares work fine, reading is good, pdf is a bit lag, video play back is good, but 720p video can only play smoothy in MP4 format, only problem is my comic books don't works on NC.I guess I need find a good app for this.
So last night I root the NC, using the auto nooter it wasn't hard at all, but there is a strange bug, after I reboot the NC, the Youtube stop working, can't even run it. I do remeber it worked fine just after rooting.
Another thing is some app on my NC have no sounds, sometime they works fine after a reboot, but after a while they always stop making any sounds, the OS sounds are still there, only not works in apps.
Over all I think I am happy with the new toy, gona buy one for my mom too, just wait for I fix the sounds and install Plants vs Zombies for her
Thx for reading this, and sorry for my english.

No android hardware buttons:
- There is an app posted in the nook dev subforum called SoftKeys - works great. It overlays the buttons on the screen.
No comic viewer:
- There's a couple. Search for ACV (Droid Comic Viewer)
Youtube not working:
- Uninstall, then reinstall. Easiest if you have ASTRO file manager or something similar
Audio issues:
- Dunno, haven't encountered the ones you mentioned, so far.
Grats on your new toy!

Where are you getting plants vs zombies? I just looked in the market and its not there. If someone has ripped it from the ipad please post it here I would love to have that game

Just purchased 1 for my wife 2 nights ago. I ended up playing with it too much that she suggested that I go ahead and buy one for myself, so I did. Planning to root it shortly.
I was really looking to get a galaxy tab but after playing with the nook I was pretty satisfied. I just could not justify spending another $300 or so for the tab, considering CES is also around the corner and new products will probably be unveiled. Looking to get a new phone with the $300 I saved. I am using an HD2 on Android at the moment and will wait till after the new year.
The Nook will be used mainly for reading, some surfing, maybe a few movies. Overall, I am happy with the purchase.

starlabs said:
No android hardware buttons:
- There is an app posted in the nook dev subforum called SoftKeys - works great. It overlays the buttons on the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw the post, gona try it soon,
No comic viewer:
starlabs said:
- There's a couple. Search for ACV (Droid Comic Viewer)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried ACV, it always show me run out of memory after a while, and it's really running slow
starlabs said:
Youtube not working:
- Uninstall, then reinstall. Easiest if you have ASTRO file manager or something similar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use astro myself, but strangly I can't find youtube in app folder, all the other app are there....
Novarider said:
Where are you getting plants vs zombies? I just looked in the market and its not there. If someone has ripped it from the ipad please post it here I would love to have that game
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my friend use a HTC desire HD, he gives me that game, don't test it myself, cuz NC is my 1st android dev, I wana install it after all the things are done,besides u need 2.2 OS to run it, it's a port from PC.

Maybe its me but I like the SD card slot. I mean its without a doubt not that easy to put it in and take it out but atleast its better than it being completely in the machine and unable to extract if it doesnt eject
as far as youtube... I think its easier using zeam but thats just me XD
hold it
move it to the trash icon
wait for it to say "uninstall"
uninstall
adb over the apk
enjoy

update: I found the sound is off every time NC goes to sleep mode, when it turns on again, show no sounds at all.

Bytion said:
update: I found the sound is off every time NC goes to sleep mode, when it turns on again, show no sounds at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same exact problem. I don't think it's an issue with all of them just some. Does this mean it's a hardware problem?

share your experiances with the nc

i was mislead so im gonna go back and double check at BB to see if what i remember is right or my mind played a trick on me
share your experiances you have had

I rooted mine two hours after buying it, and it's slowly replacing my laptop for web surfing, last.FM, etc
I've wiped mine a few times due to issues i've created tinkering with it....but I love it just the same
Sent from my Nook Color using Tapatalk

As soon as I can get RDP or VNC to work it will replace my laptop when I'm on the move. It is very capable for a tablet.

i just wish it had 3g not every place has free wifi

I used mine about 2 hours total to make sure it was working, then I updated it to 1.0.1, Auto-Nooted it, and have been installing apps and playing with it since. Not a single problem so far except for one which hopefully will get resolved sometime.. I really love my Delicious Bookmarks app, but it requires going into the Accounts and Settings and adding an account, can't do that right now.
I haven't tried the B&N Store or Lend Me since rooting, per http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=873975 <--this thread
Otherwise zero problems, it's working great. I'm using FBReader to read my epubs like I always have. The Softkeys are slightly quirky but I'm getting used to them... and like seems to be totally normal on dual-storage devices, some apps aren't looking in the place I'd expect them to, such as WallSwitch (automatically switch wallpapers) is looking in /system/media and not /sdcard or such like I'd expect it to.. I might wind up pushing my pictures there /system has 160M free, no biggie
EDIT: After running the built-in B&N Gallery app, it seems like it spawned a media search and WallSwitch now shows my Backgrounds folder. Yay.

I have had a very good experience with mine so far- problems, glitches, I have minorly screwed it up a few times.
So far I have not screwed it up totally but I will feel much better when we have a full Recovery.
What I like:
The hardware itself, quality and capability seems quite good. Screen is excellent, especially for such a cheap device. WiFi works well- better signal strength than some expensive laptops I have used.
The mod community for rooting and doing so much excellent work already, and hopefully even greater things to come.
What I don't like:
The crippled version of 2.1 B&N has installed.
The lack of GPS and Bluetooth
the lack of portrait mode in B&Ns included software (eReader and many other sections.)
I knew there were many limitations for the stock NC when I ordered mine so I really am not complaining. I don't even mind the lack of cell service since it is pretty easy to connect to an adhoc wifi tether.
The only reason I considered an NC is because they had been rooted a few days before I ordered.
The whole experience is very familiar to me- I first got a Moto Droid shortly after they were first rooted and spent quite a while happily trying many things - and using recovery often.
It is my fervent hope that the devs are as successful with the NC as they were with the original Droid.
Even as the NC is as I type this it is a very good value and tablet.
If we are lucky, it will be a great one soon.

I bought mine solely for the purpose of reading with the added bonus of web surfing and the occasional movie while on the go. I got mine in November before the root and didn't realize there wasn't flash support until I got it home and started playing, went to youtube and got the crummy "mobile" version where the video looked horrible and audio was out of sync. I stumbled across XDA while looking for some kind of a flash hack and rooted after a week of debating whether I should. I'm glad I did.
Thanks to the root, the NC has gone from mundane to a very worth-while device. I love all the stuff I can do thanks to the app support. The youtube app and Dolphin HD alone make it worth rooting.

I was saying in another thread that I had gotten the NC primarily as a reading device, I love periodicals and the NC is pretty good for those. I was on the fence about getting it for a while, the fact that it could be rooted sealed the deal.
I wound up having to exchange my first NC (thankfully the factory reset went very smoothly) due to serious screen flicker issues when the device was set at a mid-level brightness. My second one is much better, though I can still detect a tiny bit of visual flicker under certain lighting conditions.. not a deal-breaker tho.
Couple issues that I've come across :
1. I screwed up the driver install on my PC the first time I tried it, didn't have the INI file in the right place and couldn't side-load anything on to my NC or access it as a storage device. Totally my fault for botching that one. Second try worked fine.
2. My YouTube app no longer launches, it just flicks on for a sec and goes back to the desktop. Probably need to re-install it.
3. Some memory issues when using ACV (comic viewer) to view CBR files. Frequent issues loading pages from the archive files. No issues at all if I extract the images to folders first and load that way, though so it's all good for my comic reading
4. Some apps that I wanted to download like SwitchPro Widgets don't show up in the market for me. Have to side-load them (which stinks since I paid for it and won't be able to get updates directly from the market).
I haven't had the stones to attempt installing the new market app. The old one works well and I'm not a big risk-taker Other than that, the NC is the little tablet that could! It's a fantastic way to get an Android tablet and very capable e-reading device for an extremely reasonable price.

We have 2 of these at home. It has already replaced my laptop at home, Using it mainly for web surfing and reading. I don't mind too much that it does not have 3g since I use my phone to tether when I am on the go. The screen size is just perfect. I just can't see myself trying to carry around anything larger, I love the portability of this thing. I don't know what Steve Jobs meant by saying that people don't want 7" tablets
The rooting process was simple enough and the only problems I had was youtube not working. I did a command in adb that was posted in another thread for the fix. I don't know about the problems with the lend me feature since I have not tried.
I went to my local best buy and barnes and noble yesterday and they are all sold out of the nook color. The nook color seems successful only being launched a month ago, I would not hesitate in getting one. I am very pleased also with the support that it is getting here on XDA.
My wife's NC is still stock but after I showed her what it can do rooted she is thinking about it. It was her idea in the first place to get these things. I was really looking to get a Galaxy Tab but the NC has satisfied my needs @ only $250. I guess I will spend the money I saved on a new Android phone after CES

wendellc said:
The screen size is just perfect. I just can't see myself trying to carry around anything larger, I love the portability of this thing. I don't know what Steve Jobs meant by saying that people don't want 7" tablets
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he meant was that he doesn't want to sell one, therefore nobody should use them.
And remember, you are talking about the guy who tells people how they are supposed to hold their phones.

I bought one last night fort my wife.rooted it right away and toyed around with for a little bit before bed..
What directory do downloaded files from the internet go to? my evo downloads go to a download folder on sd card but I couldnt find it on the NC. Bash me if you must but give me an answer. TIA

I picked mine up on Black Friday. Had to do some sweet talking... the ones in the store were spoken for already. Well, needless to say I got it, and it's saved my shoulders. Using my 15.6 inch laptop during the 40 min train commute was nice and all but hauling it from car to train, train to office and vice versa wasn't exactly ideal. I'm not a small guy or anything, but HP sure doesn't make things light
So far my NC has been a very worthy companion. It's gotten plenty of looks, comments, oooohhhhs and aaaahhhhhs after I show them Angry Birds and other things. I tether it to my TP2 and I've got internet. I use it in the coffee shops, during lunch to read, at home for a quick browse, at work as a file transfer medium, all in all it has become an indispensable companion. And that's even without BT and Flash. It would be nice if it had a GPS but quite irrelevant really... my TP2 covers that function very nicely. Nedless to say I'm extremely happy with it. One of the best purchases I ever made!

It's great and very encouraging to read all these positive comments about the NC. I have been lurking here since soon after the NC came out and was very happy to hear when it got rooted.
So far I have only played with a stock version in BB, but I'm about 99% sure there is one wrapped and already under the xmas free for me. Thx wifey! Can't wait to officially join the NC group on Xmas day.

AZBrauMeister said:
It's great and very encouraging to read all these positive comments about the NC. I have been lurking here since soon after the NC came out and was very happy to hear when it got rooted.
So far I have only played with a stock version in BB, but I'm about 99% sure there is one wrapped and already under the xmas free for me. Thx wifey! Can't wait to officially join the NC group on Xmas day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your wife will regret the purchase when your attention span is completely on the NC and not her, lol...
Its a sweet device that will only get better form here on out. Once bluetooth, nav, and a nice EQ music app (like powerAmp) are up and running, this device can become a phone companion (for roaming wifi), nettop replacement, and even a capable a carputer - nav, OBD2 reader/code clear app, and audio source (bt calls and music).

norkoastal said:
snip*
Its a sweet device that will only get better form here on out. Once bluetooth, nav, and a nice EQ music app (like powerAmp) are up and running, this device can become a phone companion (for roaming wifi), nettop replacement, and even a capable a carputer - nav, OBD2 reader/code clear app, and audio source (bt calls and music).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How will peripherals be connected? Does the hardware support USB to go, or do you think there is a BT chip onboard but inactive? Because that would be sweet!

CBJamo said:
How will peripherals be connected? Does the hardware support USB to go, or do you think there is a BT chip onboard but inactive? Because that would be sweet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1a. By BT (once unleashed)
1b. ?? The BT chip is there (multi function chip), but needs some ROM goodness to "enable."

norkoastal said:
1a. By BT (once unleashed)
1b. ?? The BT chip is there (multi function chip), but needs some ROM goodness to "enable."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be fair, the BT **SHOULD** be there, based on the listed specs, but custom hardware for things like this is not uncommon, so i won't dream about BT until we really get it.

wendellc said:
I love the portability of this thing. I don't know what Steve Jobs meant by saying that people don't want 7" tablets
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RoboRay said:
What he meant was that he doesn't want to sell one, therefore nobody should use them.And remember, you are talking about the guy who tells people how they are supposed to hold their phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I predict that in 2011 Jobs will announce a new breakthrough in Apple engineering, and will release a 7" tablet. At that time he will also rename the two tablets; MINiPAD and MAXiPAD... I'm just sayin'...

Oh you mean the nanopad... I have that already trademarked... Jobs, we know you're lurkin.. Call me up to negotiate leasing rights.
On that note B&N should let XDA release NC2... Nothing but free droid books loaded upon purchase.

Picked mine up last night and the root process went very well. Couldn't be easier -- thanks to all the hard work by the guys here and at NookDev.
I picked up a Galaxy Tab but returned it before I opened it. I just couldn't justify $600 for that device so, while the Tab has a few more features (2.2, GPS, etc.) this is an awesome little tablet for the money.
Couldn't be happier.

Read 90% of time, stock, root to 2.1 or froyo?

Just bought a NC. Thought about a gtablet, but the complaints about the screen were too hard to ignore.
I plan on surfing the web and reading books about 90% of the time. Watching a flash video on espn.com here and there would be nice, but not essential since I always have a laptop and droid x with me. No interest in playing games or watching movies on it.
Should I just stick with stock or root it? And if rooting is the way to go, will my 2gb class 2 Sandisk microsd card do, or do I need something else?
And is the market nook app the same as the stock reader or worse?
Thanks.

I would root it, do some of the mods....you really will enjoy it.

You can root it and still use all of the stock B&N software. Rooting it will give you full access to the Android market and allow you to install apps such as Dolphin Browser (much better than the stock one IMHO). Alas it still will not have flash support, but B&N is supposed to be adding it in an update before too long.
A two gig card should work fine for rooting your NC just be sure to read all of the instructions and cautions thoroughly.

I would definitely root it. I use my Nook for reading about 90% of the time as well, but rooting definitely improves the functionality aspect of the reading experience, such as being able to read comic books, download library books directly to the device, putting your sideloading books directly on the homescreen, etc.
Not to mention you'll still have full access to all of your BN features.

I assume you mean go with 2.1 for now instead of froyo?
Thanks.

Travels said:
I assume you mean go with 2.1 for now instead of froyo?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, in other words, root the ROM as-is, so you have all of the B&N functionality, plus you can add to it. My wife uses her Nook for Facebook and reading.
I updated to 1.0.1, nooted, installed ADW, Facebook, some misc other stuff. Her softkeys are set up the same way as I suggest to everyone (see signature), ADW is the default launcher WITHIN Softkeys. She hits the button in the status bar to get to the B&N apps, otherwise she launches Facebook or what not from ADW Launcher.
It's simple and works great for her.

Go 2.1. There are fewer caveats and its a tad more stable. You can always go 2.2 after its up to snuff.
Sent from my Droid using XDA App

Go for ooted 2.1, doesn't break B&N reading software and adds lots of features.
And yes to root even a 1 GB sd card would do, autonooter image is like 40 Mb.

You'll be amazed with what you can do with just the plain ROOT

If you only really want to read or surf, the Nook is terrific at those things. However, maybe one of the cheaper tablets would also do well at these? Like Pan Digital Novel, or a Coby or something? Or am I being a crazy person?

Root it! I thought BN interface was painfully slow. Us zeam, launcherpro or adw launchers and then just put the library and shop icons on your home screen. I like that setup much nicer and easier to use.

I use it as a reader about 80% of the time now, and I'm still glad I rooted. It means I can use the Kindle app or the Alkiko app, it means I can customize my homepage much better, it means I can download apps that allow me to transfer files wireless etc.

Just rooted, thanks all

markiejones said:
If you only really want to read or surf, the Nook is terrific at those things. However, maybe one of the cheaper tablets would also do well at these? Like Pan Digital Novel, or a Coby or something? Or am I being a crazy person?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@markiejones: lol it seems you are indeed being a crazy person.
the Pandigital novel is pretty much junk. It is low quality materials at a bargain price. Browsing the web or reading is not a very pleasant experience on the device.
The Kobo is another bargain reader. It has no web browsing whatsoever and is limited severely by it's eInk screen in terms of capability, and has a fairly small storage capacity.
Both devices also run on a pretty meager processor, contributing more to their inefficiencies.

You mean people actually buy these things to read with them?

You're probably right, but the second device i was referring to was a Coby Kyros 7015 which is an actual tablet and considered" not bad"
Sent from my Nookcolor

Advice: Wife Approval Factor

My wife would like apps on her NookColor.
My thought was just autonootering her Nook.
Can anyone think of a compelling reason to use Froyo, HC etc for her.
Thanks in advance

rgreenpc said:
My wife would like apps on her NookColor.
My thought was just autonootering her Nook.
Can anyone think of a compelling reason to use Froyo, HC etc for her.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No... just keep Eclair if its for your wife, everything works ... if we ever get 2.2 then upgrade to a rooted 2.2... IMO

mutant13 said:
No... just keep Eclair if its for your wife, everything works ... if we ever get 2.2 then upgrade to a rooted 2.2... IMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree 100%, messing with froyo, cm7, hc is good but you lose the great nook reader apps, (theres an market version but its not as good) and there not working perfectly yet.

Thanks guys...
I can still replace her launcher etc with zeam/launcher pro on a rooted nook correct?
I get my own NC soon (which I will be playing with).
I have also noticed the work on porting the stock app.

Yep, my wife (and myself too!) still on Auto Nootered 2.1 stock B&N because it's the most robust solution right now. No /boot eating itself, no market problems, the B&N Software works right, etc..
For the wife primarily, since she has purchased several childrens books and such, plus for her I like to Keep it Simple.
For me, I just like that it "just works" and no fuss. Would I like 2.2? Sure. The speed bump from 2.1 to 2.2 on my Nexus One was nice, but it's not worth the little annoyances and problems that happen randomly.

Dualboot to save your marriage! worked for me.. lol

khaytsus said:
Yep, my wife (and myself too!) still on Auto Nootered 2.1 stock B&N because it's the most robust solution right now. No /boot eating itself, no market problems, the B&N Software works right, etc..
For the wife primarily, since she has purchased several childrens books and such, plus for her I like to Keep it Simple.
For me, I just like that it "just works" and no fuss. Would I like 2.2? Sure. The speed bump from 2.1 to 2.2 on my Nexus One was nice, but it's not worth the little annoyances and problems that happen randomly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 to this post exactly! Do autonooter up to 1.1 with a replacement launcher and disabled updates. My wife LOVES her 2.1, 1.1 B&N NC and has had zero complaints with watching movies, reading books, playing games, etc. She's not tech savvy at all either, so that's a testament to the NC's solidness running eclair. However this did require me tweaking a great deal of things overtime. If suggest you spend the first week with it in your arsenal tweaking it as need be so that when you five it to your wife it runs smoothly.

sonatacreative said:
+1 to this post exactly! Do autonooter up to 1.1 with a replacement launcher and disabled updates. My wife LOVES her 2.1, 1.1 B&N NC and has had zero complaints with watching movies, reading books, playing games, etc. She's not tech savvy at all either, so that's a testament to the NC's solidness running eclair. However this did require me tweaking a great deal of things overtime. If suggest you spend the first week with it in your arsenal tweaking it as need be so that when you five it to your wife it runs smoothly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you replace the stock launcher and still get B&N stock reader and in-store experience?

rgreenpc said:
Can you replace the stock launcher and still get B&N stock reader and in-store experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems like with 1.1.0 autonootered you can still get the instore stuff, although I haven't tested it myself (even though I live less than a mile from a B&N). Mine is straight stock 1.1.0/autonooter with the zeam launcher and it's damned near perfect. It actually works better than my first one (my wife's 1.0.1 unfortunately!) where the reading icon doesn't seem to work.
But on this one, all the functionality works perfect from what I can see. As a matter of fact, with the basic nook wallpaper background and zeam, you can't really tell it's rooted on first glance. As a matter of fact, my daughter got a big kick out of the 'read to me' book that comes on it, which she used after rooting.
It's the perfect solution, as far I'm concerned.

Just realized you were asking a more refined question: after rooting, is stock launcher required for in store experience. I want to try this today and will let you know.

There are now widespread reports of B&N updating the stock NC to 2.2 with Flash and B&N Market in a couple of weeks.
Waiting until then is probably the best bet for those who like the B&N features.
But admittedly the ability to wait a couple of weeks is probably rare these days.
Also, the OP stated:
My wife would like apps on her NookColor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, the stock Nook Color already has "apps".
Perhaps there is a specific app that she wants ?
Considering that most apps already run on the NC with Nookie Froyo installed, then it seems likely that the B&N Market will attract most of the popular apps, since they won't have to change anything in the code.
About the only apps that you will definitely not see is Reader Apps.
Lastly, "Wife Approval Factor" is a term that describes your wife's approval of something that you bought for yourself - 51 inch plasma TV, 4 foot high stereo speakers, etc.

mutant13 said:
No... just keep Eclair if its for your wife, everything works ... if we ever get 2.2 then upgrade to a rooted 2.2... IMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You gentleman do realize that sometimes it's the WIFE who wants the complicated stuff and the husband who is still running stock, right? I had to configure tasker this morning on my husbands nexus one so that it would turn the sound off during meetings and back on afterwards, than installed CM7 on my nook color for kicks.
Having said that the stock is the most stable right now, and there are very few apps you can't install. (The only problems I had were with 2.2+ apps [stupid zombies] and things that required the phone stack [swype].)

doncaruana said:
It seems like with 1.1.0 autonootered you can still get the instore stuff, although I haven't tested it myself (even though I live less than a mile from a B&N). Mine is straight stock 1.1.0/autonooter with the zeam launcher and it's damned near perfect. It actually works better than my first one (my wife's 1.0.1 unfortunately!) where the reading icon doesn't seem to work.
But on this one, all the functionality works perfect from what I can see. As a matter of fact, with the basic nook wallpaper background and zeam, you can't really tell it's rooted on first glance. As a matter of fact, my daughter got a big kick out of the 'read to me' book that comes on it, which she used after rooting.
It's the perfect solution, as far I'm concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you do something in particular to get the reading icon to work again? I've been on nootered 2.1 for a while now and the reading icon hasn't worked since I rooted it. I just assumed it was an issue with the 2.1 port.
Also, in regards to the OP, keep it stock 2.1 for your wife. I have yet to find an app that doesn't work on it, it's extremely stable, and the stock reader app is almost too bad ass to give up for 2.2, cm7, or the buggy as all hell HC.

doncaruana said:
It seems like with 1.1.0 autonootered you can still get the instore stuff, although I haven't tested it myself (even though I live less than a mile from a B&N). Mine is straight stock 1.1.0/autonooter with the zeam launcher and it's damned near perfect. It actually works better than my first one (my wife's 1.0.1 unfortunately!) where the reading icon doesn't seem to work.
But on this one, all the functionality works perfect from what I can see. As a matter of fact, with the basic nook wallpaper background and zeam, you can't really tell it's rooted on first glance. As a matter of fact, my daughter got a big kick out of the 'read to me' book that comes on it, which she used after rooting.
It's the perfect solution, as far I'm concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually thats the next big test. Does using another launcher still permit in-store abilities?

elwopo said:
Did you do something in particular to get the reading icon to work again? I've been on nootered 2.1 for a while now and the reading icon hasn't worked since I rooted it. I just assumed it was an issue with the 2.1 port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it has to do with where you start. On my wife's nook, which was autonootered from 1.0.1, the reading icon doesn't work. On my nook, autonootered from 1.1.0, the reading icon does work. Simple as that. I'd love to be able to offer some slick thing I did to get it to work, but I didn't. Probably try and see if the 1.1.0 r2 thing will fix it for her but she's operational right now anyway.

rgreenpc said:
Actually thats the next big test. Does using another launcher still permit in-store abilities?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tested this morning. Works perfectly. As soon as I connected to the B&N network, the shop popped up and had the banner with free books, etc. I even downloaded the Oprah biography to "start reading" for free. I use Zeam as my default launcher.

My daughter rooted her 1.1 color nook and is thrilled with the 'cool apps'
She hasn't tested the instore functionality, but she did install the home switcher so she can switch back to the B&N home. I think that should allow instore functionality.
She posted a youtube video of how she rooted it. Thanks to everyone here for making it so easy!

[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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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. .