Database Develop

[Q] Honeycomb Froyo or Stock?

Ive done a little bit of searching and cant seem to find a thread about this (im sure there is one but i cant find it) so my question is which of the three do you like? i know there are pros and cons to all of them but i dont really know what to go with. any suggestions?

Dragracekid said:
Ive done a little bit of searching and cant seem to find a thread about this (im sure there is one but i cant find it) so my question is which of the three do you like? i know there are pros and cons to all of them but i dont really know what to go with. any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, rooted stock was definitely the easiest. It's the easiest to get working. For me' froyo was still not completely usable as it doesn't include Gapps and it's kinda funky getting them on there. Then nothing really works on honeycomb (and by that I mean downloaded apps) so if you just want to browse the interwebs that's the one for you. Froyo is if you want everything Android offers, but you better know what you"re doing. So IMO stock is the easiest and the prettiest, with honeycomb being second, and Froyo being third.

I can't speak to Froyo, but I've got the HC v04 preview running on eMMC (not SD card), and for me it is very stable.
I've got access to the market, apps seem to install fine (haven't had one fail yet, but I hear some do), and B&N works great.
Even better, the kernal included in the package I used was already OC'd to 1.1Mhz, and I'm consistently getting 1,500 to 1,600 on Quadrant.
Much better performance than I was getting on my stock Nook.
It's not perfect, and I've had to do a few tweaks (found on this site) in order to get the market working, and adhock wireless networks to show up...but for me the total install was really smooth.
The only problem I currently have is that I cannot get applications to transfer from eMMC to my SD card, so I'm running out of space to install more apps.
No way would I go back to stock...what I've got now works really well for everyday use, and will only get netter once Honeycomb goes GA.
If you do decide to "upgrade" your stock Nook, just remember that it's not a "sure deal", and that there are no guarantees things will work. While I haven't had to do so, I understand that restoring your Nook to stock is a bit of a chore, so make sure you read the "back to stock" threads before you decide to modify your Nook.
If you do decide to go with either Froyo or HC...just remember to follow instructions exactly!

DeadlyDa said:
I can't speak to Froyo, but I've got the HC v04 preview running on eMMC (not SD card), and for me it is very stable.
I've got access to the market, apps seem to install fine (haven't had one fail yet, but I hear some do), and B&N works great.
Even better, the kernal included in the package I used was already OC'd to 1.1Mhz, and I'm consistently getting 1,500 to 1,600 on Quadrant.
Much better performance than I was getting on my stock Nook.
It's not perfect, and I've had to do a few tweaks (found on this site) in order to get the market working, and adhock wireless networks to show up...but for me the total install was really smooth.
The only problem I currently have is that I cannot get applications to transfer from eMMC to my SD card, so I'm running out of space to install more apps.
No way would I go back to stock...what I've got now works really well for everyday use, and will only get netter once Honeycomb goes GA.
If you do decide to "upgrade" your stock Nook, just remember that it's not a "sure deal", and that there are no guarantees things will work. While I haven't had to do so, I understand that restoring your Nook to stock is a bit of a chore, so make sure you read the "back to stock" threads before you decide to modify your Nook.
If you do decide to go with either Froyo or HC...just remember to follow instructions exactly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yo, deadly, chill down a bit...nook is very hard to brick and destroy..
Since OP is here, on XDA, I suppose he knows enough to continue...
It is not so hard, trust me, pick one and try, you can start witk stock rooted...Then you will find annoying the way apps are starting, or eclair itself...So, you go and try froyo (on emmc, ofcourse), which is the closest thing to phone froyo feeling, and you'll use it happily until...One day you decide to try something new, and that would be HC...

DeadlyDa said:
I can't speak to Froyo, but I've got the HC v04 preview running on eMMC (not SD card), and for me it is very stable.
I've got access to the market, apps seem to install fine (haven't had one fail yet, but I hear some do), and B&N works great.
Even better, the kernal included in the package I used was already OC'd to 1.1Mhz, and I'm consistently getting 1,500 to 1,600 on Quadrant.
Much better performance than I was getting on my stock Nook.
It's not perfect, and I've had to do a few tweaks (found on this site) in order to get the market working, and adhock wireless networks to show up...but for me the total install was really smooth.
The only problem I currently have is that I cannot get applications to transfer from eMMC to my SD card, so I'm running out of space to install more apps.
No way would I go back to stock...what I've got now works really well for everyday use, and will only get netter once Honeycomb goes GA.
If you do decide to "upgrade" your stock Nook, just remember that it's not a "sure deal", and that there are no guarantees things will work. While I haven't had to do so, I understand that restoring your Nook to stock is a bit of a chore, so make sure you read the "back to stock" threads before you decide to modify your Nook.
If you do decide to go with either Froyo or HC...just remember to follow instructions exactly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, what do you mean that B&N works great? Are you just talking about the Nook app from the market, or the stock B&N apps that come with the Nook when you first get it. I was under the assumption that those would be lost with any install of Honeycomb or Froyo, which has kept me from making that jump.

im leaning toward HC cuz i dont mind difficult because i enjoy doing this kind of stuff but my worry is widgets and a few apps has anyone used circle launcher or gbcoid or gameboid or any other emulator on this?
edit: also any luck on videos working? like rockplayer or yxplayer?

Rockplayer works well , NESoid works well, gonnna try pSX tonight.
Honey 4 on emmc.
@deadly read thru the emmc thread, the answer is there. Root explorer change permissions.

Dragracekid said:
im leaning toward HC cuz i dont mind difficult because i enjoy doing this kind of stuff but my worry is widgets and a few apps has anyone used circle launcher or gbcoid or gameboid or any other emulator on this?
edit: also any luck on videos working? like rockplayer or yxplayer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know none of the alternate builds currently support hardware-accelerated video playback, so your only real option for smooth fullscreen video is the (rooted or not) B&N Nook image. If anyone has gotten this working on a different build please let us know.
Honeycomb has a few issues, for example accelerometer input being rotated 90% in some games, and occasionally tiny hard-to-read onscreen text since it's configured for a non-native pixel density to fit the 1280x800 UI on the Nook's smaller screen. It's fun for testing and ok as a daily environment if your important apps all happen to work, but you should expect things to break.

By "B&N works great", I meant that I'm running the B&N reader from the market. Personally I like it better than the stock Nook reader.
@djurkash: As you say, "It's not so hard...", I was up and running in an hour or so. Sorry if you felt I was trying to scare anyone away. I really like what I've got...but I have also noted a bit of "HC mania", and not everyone bothers to RTFM. If someone reads through this site, and feels comfortable with the process...I hope they go for it! I'm glad I did.
@jonrobertd: I'd read through the emmc thread, and didn't see anything that addressed moving apps. I just went back through and searched on "Root Explorer" and "permissions", but didn't see anything that looked like it would help. I'm probably missing something obvious, but any assistance you could offer would be greatly appreciated (I do have Root Explorer installed and working).

jonrobertd said:
Rockplayer works well , NESoid works well, gonnna try pSX tonight.
Honey 4 on emmc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@jonrobertd, I just tried Rockplayer on HC v4 off SD (not overclocked), it runs at 12-15fps according to its built-in counter for original size, a bit slower for fullscreen video ([email protected], baseline H264 from Handbrake). Is that significantly better with the overclocked version? Currently it's usable but looks noticeably jerky. Of course, dual-booting to use the stock player would be a fallback option.

I have only had my nook now for 4 days so I am in no way going to put down any build. But from a new users opinion I have installed and messed with all three releases (stock rooted) (froyo) (honeycomb) And I LOVED honeycomb.
I was happy with it for a short time though due to no flash. Youtube app was a no go and the web youtube worked but was whacky.
I then went back to stock rooted and put on ADW ex. Everything just works! I am completely happy with stock running ADW until honeycomb gets more refined.
And I cant wait for that to happen because it looks very nice and is a much better user experience on the nook.

Rockplayer is much better off of eMMC and overclocked. As to running HC off SD I
can see it being slower, as the card speeds can vary.
For root explorer, I am using version 2.13.3 it works to give R/W permissions. (PM me if needed)
Apps installing to SD, use the following:
Also I follow Samuelhaff's advice and change the permissions on newsf_msdos on the /system/bin and now almost all applications install with few fails. I did it a risky way though, since I don't have ADB access I just rightclicked the file with Root Explorer, chose permissions and click in all 9 boxes, worked for me but it may be risky.
Doing this gave the me option to move to SD. I have ADB working, was just on the nook so I did it with R.E. and it worked.
If you need any more help pm me or ask here.

I have used all three (rooted stock, Nookie Froyo, and Honeycomb v4), and I am currently using a dual boot setup with stock on eMMC and NF on a microSD card. I am using rookie1's awesome multi-u-boot which allows me to choose to boot from either the SD or the eMMC at startup by pressing the home button. Stock is good for daily use, and NF is good for more cutting-edge stuff (Flash being one example). I'll probably use Honeycomb once the biggest bugs are ironed out, which will probably be after HC goes AOSP. In any case, the Nook Color has three great operating systems that you can choose from. It can't hurt to try, even if you decide to burn to eMMC instead of running off an SDcard the Nook Color is [very] hard to brick.

I just installed Sam's custom HC for emmc last night and I have to say that this is my favorite of the three options. It runs much smoother than I expected. Overall, I was not a big fan of froyo, the performance for the most part was great but I always had touch issues and keyboard lag.
1.) Sam's custom HC v4
2.) Rooted Stock 1.1
3.) Nookie Froyo emmc

I like the stock rom better, easier to root too. I've tried the HC on SD works fine but harder to setup for new nookies

i went ahead and went with HC last night and it is great so smooth and so clean the lock screen alone is just so nice, although i wish it had flash and rock player plays really choppy on my .avi anime but thats ok i can watch it on my phone. thanx guys for all you help and suggestions anyone that wants to post suggestions please do im sure there are people just like me looking for the awnsers this topic can provide

I've had my NC for a few weeks now am itching to try Froyo or Honeycomb. Something that is important to me though is the Readtome childrens books. My 3 year old really likes them. Does the market B&N appt work with these books? If not, is there a way to still use them on either Froyo or Hobeycomb (HC preferred)?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

As far as I can tell the Read To Me books only work on the app on the NC. But that's no reason not to try Froyo or HC. Just try one of the SD image versions. That's what I've been doing. Booting off SD doesn't affect whatever you have loaded on the internal memory. Going back to the B&N stock ROM is just as simple as powering down your NC, popping out the bootable SD card, popping back in your regular SD card (if you have one) and powering the NC back on.

fugitoid said:
As far as I can tell the Read To Me books only work on the app on the NC. But that's no reason not to try Froyo or HC. Just try one of the SD image versions. That's what I've been doing. Booting off SD doesn't affect whatever you have loaded on the internal memory. Going back to the B&N stock ROM is just as simple as powering down your NC, popping out the bootable SD card, popping back in your regular SD card (if you have one) and powering the NC back on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not know you can do that with the SD card. Im going to see about doing that when I get home. Thanks.
Sent from my Samsung Captivate running Phoenix

[Q] Thinking about getting a nook color

Hey, I've been considering buying a nook to install android on for home tablet use since I can get one from work for a decent price and my tax return is burning a hole in my pocket.
But as a good consumer I do a little research and I just had a few questions about it first.
How is the battery life on this device?
Is it really worth buying to install android on? (Have not looked at how to do it so I don't know if it's an inconvenience to do.)
Are there cheaper alternatives to an android tablet if android is an inconvenience to install on it?
Thanks!

dietotherhythm said:
Hey, I've been considering buying a nook to install android on for home tablet use since I can get one from work for a decent price and my tax return is burning a hole in my pocket.
But as a good consumer I do a little research and I just had a few questions about it first.
How is the battery life on this device?
Is it really worth buying to install android on? (Have not looked at how to do it so I don't know if it's an inconvenience to do.)
Are there cheaper alternatives to an android tablet if android is an inconvenience to install on it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First Battery life is a good 6-8+ hours depending on what your using. Having Wifi on all the time and running graphical Heavy games will drain the battery faster.
2nd, The Nook Color, already has android 2.1 on it, you can very easily root the device to enable full use of the rom. There are also several Custom Roms you can install on it instead of the Stock rom.
These can all be found in the Developers forum.
Currently you can install
CM7 (Ginger Bread 2.3.2)
Nookie Froyo (Froyo 2.2)
Honey Comb Preview (Based on HC Preview SDK Running A top 2.1 Kernel)
The Nook Color is very Capable Tablet, I have yet to run across a game that it can't handle, you will sometimes find programs that arent designed to run on the inch screen, or you might find apps that wont run on the rom you are using, but over all Most things work perfectly on it.
currently the only thing I really wish it had was Bluetooth, Which it will have when CM7 is fully done for it.

Its great
I like it...I have never run the battery down past 50 even when my phone and Eris was like at 10 so good battery. I dont ever bring a charge for it and dont see a need to do more than a nightly charge.
Very good tablet and works great with Android, the software is new so there are kinks, but they are getting worked out quickly. Overall a great little piece of tech and definitely the cheapest capable tablet.

I just picked up mine on Sunday and I've got to say after rooting it and installing a custom rom I am more than impressed. It's a very good buy for the money.

To keep my Waranty I just run Froyo off a 4 gb class 6 MicroSD without rooting my Stock and I'm very satisfied. Much more Mobile then an iPad.
____________________________________________________
Sent from Nookie Froyo using Tapatalk

I opted for book color after buying an apad and being incredibly miserable with it. My children have micro cruz tablets and while they are good for the kids, angry birds and a TON of other stuff wont install to cruz. Rooted or not. NC is far enough into development that it is a kicker of a tablet for the price.
Alas apad is a horrible horrible waste of money. Cruz is ok. But doesn't run a ton of apps.
Screen wise the nook is incredible! Good luck to ya!
Sent from my Nook Color using taptalk

OminousJune said:
I opted for book color after buying an apad and being incredibly miserable with it. My children have micro cruz tablets and while they are good for the kids, angry birds and a TON of other stuff wont install to cruz. Rooted or not. NC is far enough into development that it is a kicker of a tablet for the price.
Alas apad is a horrible horrible waste of money. Cruz is ok. But doesn't run a ton of apps.
Screen wise the nook is incredible! Good luck to ya!
Sent from my Nook Color using taptalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ignoring the grammer there I pretty much agrea with him.
____________________________________________________
Sent from Nookie Froyo using Tapatalk

japzone said:
Ignoring the grammer there I pretty much agrea with him.
____________________________________________________
Sent from Nookie Froyo using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahhaa I can't belive i typed nook instead of book.
Lol
Ipad knock off apad is horrible, not sure which grammar you are referring too!
Sent from my Nook Color using taptalk

i bought my wife a NC for christmas and overall think its a fantastic investment. heck you can watch You Tube videos on it running side by side with a Galaxy Tab and it holds its own. the Tab has a faster processor but for the money and the capabilities i would never spend money on a knock off when i can get a NC for 250. It works great for a tab, even if it doesnt have like the camera stuff on it.

If you are anything like me don't do it! You will suddenly spend a lot of time on this forum, your productivity at work will drop and you will piss off you wife!!!
Just joking!!!

jimmyz said:
If you are anything like me don't do it! You will suddenly spend a lot of time on this forum, your productivity at work will drop and you will piss off you wife!!!
Just joking!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish I had seen a warning like this before I took the plunge. Your prediction has come true for me my friend !
Totally loving this thing with Nookie Froyo on it. Not getting much done at home these days . . wife will surely kill me soon!

Bluetooth I thought bluetooth was built in?
Serendipity 5.12 K13A Hardcode SpeedMod @500hz

therealguppy said:
First Battery life is a good 6-8+ hours depending on what your using. Having Wifi on all the time and running graphical Heavy games will drain the battery faster.
2nd, The Nook Color, already has android 2.1 on it, you can very easily root the device to enable full use of the rom. There are also several Custom Roms you can install on it instead of the Stock rom.
These can all be found in the Developers forum.
Currently you can install
CM7 (Ginger Bread 2.3.2)
Nookie Froyo (Froyo 2.2)
Honey Comb Preview (Based on HC Preview SDK Running A top 2.1 Kernel)
The Nook Color is very Capable Tablet, I have yet to run across a game that it can't handle, you will sometimes find programs that arent designed to run on the inch screen, or you might find apps that wont run on the rom you are using, but over all Most things work perfectly on it.
currently the only thing I really wish it had was Bluetooth, Which it will have when CM7 is fully done for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought bluetooth was only built in?
Serendipity 5.12 K13A Hardcode SpeedMod @500hz

hello,
was also thinking about a NC so didn't want to start another thread. Just a few questions.
Is there a way to run the original nook software if running a custom rom? There seem to be additional features that are not present in the standard android nook app.
How does the nook button work? Can you change its assignment or perhaps have short press and long press assignments?
Is there a compass so that google sky would work?
Thanks a bunch

Alex209Cali said:
Bluetooth I thought bluetooth was built in?
Serendipity 5.12 K13A Hardcode SpeedMod @500hz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The nook's WiFi card does have Bluetooth built in(For some reason it's cheaper than a standalone) but it's been disabled in the Firmware and Devs are having trouble enabling it to the point that it could be useful.
____________________________________________________
Sent from Nookie Froyo using Tapatalk

waste55 said:
hello,
was also thinking about a NC so didn't want to start another thread. Just a few questions.
Is there a way to run the original nook software if running a custom rom? There seem to be additional features that are not present in the standard android nook app.
How does the nook button work? Can you change its assignment or perhaps have short press and long press assignments?
Is there a compass so that google sky would work?
Thanks a bunch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can Dual-Boot Rooted Stock and Froyo/Honeycomb but I don't reccomend it for the un-hardcore tech-savy. Better to go the other method which Boots Nookie Froyo or Honeycomb from the MicroSD card. This can even be done without Rooting your Stock(Like I did)
The Nook button in Rooted Stock or Nookie Froyo by default works as follows:
One Tap = Home Screen(Default home screen for Stock or Default Froyo in Nookie Froyo, You can always install a Different one though)
Double Tap = Soft Keys(So you can use Buttons like Menu and Back which the Nook has no Physical Buttons for, Although you can Remap the Volume Keys to Menu and Back and use the Softkeys or other Volume App to change the Volume)
No the Nook has no Compass but you can use Google Sky Maps in Manual mode and it works fine (Bottom-Left Hand Corner)
Just ask if you have any other questions.
____________________________________________________
Sent from Nookie Froyo using Tapatalk

japzone said:
You can Dual-Boot Rooted Stock and Froyo/Honeycomb but I don't reccomend it for the un-hardcore tech-savy. Better to go the other method which Boots Nookie Froyo or Honeycomb from the MicroSD card. This can even be done without Rooting your Stock(Like I did)
The Nook button in Rooted Stock or Nookie Froyo by default works as follows:
One Tap = Home Screen(Default home screen for Stock or Default Froyo in Nookie Froyo, You can always install a Different one though)
Double Tap = Soft Keys(So you can use Buttons like Menu and Back which the Nook has no Physical Buttons for, Although you can Remap the Volume Keys to Menu and Back and use the Softkeys or other Volume App to change the Volume)
No the Nook has no Compass but you can use Google Sky Maps in Manual mode and it works fine (Bottom-Left Hand Corner)
Just ask if you have any other questions.
____________________________________________________
Sent from Nookie Froyo using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
I wouldn't mind rooting really, my g2 is rooted ok, but really this nook isn't for me so I want to leave it simple to use (for my mom). So I may go booting from SD anyhow. Is it just a menu at boot where you choose what to load?
What all can you do extra on a rooted stock? She may not even need a custom rom. Feel free to just link me, but I couldn't find a whole lot other than just enabling market etc. Wasn't sure if there were any gotcha's on what you can & can't install rooted, or even on a custom rom for that matter.
Are those nook key swappable by chance? so where single click brought up the soft menu instead?
thank again

Button repacement
Hi,
I find 'Button Savior' (from market) a better replacement for the buttons that
Android is expecting. It displays a small 'icon' on the selected side of screen, after
touching the icon, the home/back etc. buttons display as an overlay. It has been
very reliable for me, and easy to click 'back' and home for me.
When I read in bed at night, the 'nook' button is loud and bothers my wife too!
P

waste55 said:
Thanks!
I wouldn't mind rooting really, my g2 is rooted ok, but really this nook isn't for me so I want to leave it simple to use (for my mom). So I may go booting from SD anyhow. Is it just a menu at boot where you choose what to load?
What all can you do extra on a rooted stock? She may not even need a custom rom. Feel free to just link me, but I couldn't find a whole lot other than just enabling market etc. Wasn't sure if there were any gotcha's on what you can & can't install rooted, or even on a custom rom for that matter.
Are those nook key swappable by chance? so where single click brought up the soft menu instead?
thank again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting the Stock allows you to do anything you want (Installing Android Market, Adding almost any App You want, ect...) The only real Limitations are made by the Nook's Hardware and the Fact that NC Stock is Android 2.1.
If someone else is going to be using Stock just for Normal Features I recommend not Rooting it. Instead going the SD card Boot method is better for you.
Going the SD card way gives you two OS options:
Nookie Froyo = Android 2.2
Nookie Honeycomb = Android 3.0 (Pre-Release, iereview/Demo Version)
When wanting to boot to stock, you can simply remove the MicroSD and it'll boot to Stock. Or if you wish you can Modify the MicroSD's boot file so Holding down the Home button changes what boots (see this Thread for details: [Project] Dual-Boot between NF SDcard and Stock No-Rooting)
If you install Nookie Froyo it comes with "SoftKeys" (which I like better than "Button Savior") "SoftKeys" has several ways of use:
1) Can be set to appear by Pressing the Home button Once or Twice (Home Will Appear on Second Press or First Press)(This is the Default setup and it will be 1Press:Home 2Press:SoftKeys)
2) Have a Floating Button that you can Press and make Floating Controls appear. It can be customized by changing transparency, adding a Floating D-Pad, adding Custom Buttons, and Choosing what Buttons appear.
3) or Have Both
Also in Froyo if you wish you can Remap the Menu and Back buttons to the Volume Keys on the Nook and then use "SoftKeys" or some other Volume app (Volumer++ is a great one) to change the Volume (I did this)
If you install Nookie Honeycomb it has Built-In Softkeys in the form of a Permanent Bar at the Bottom of the Screen that includes Back, Home, Task Switch, Menu, and your Notifications.

I think I may go pick one of these up in the next week or 2

[Q] What to do with Shrink-Wrapped NC for Teenager?

Hi folks. Yes, I'm another newb but not quite an idiot, and I would love your advice. We've got a new NC for a teenager who loves books but would also appreciate videos and some applications. It's just out of shrink wrap.
From my preliminary reading it sounds as if (a) only NookieFroyo provides Flash support including Flash video, and (b) B&N may be pushing Froyo shortly as stock ROM.
1. Is there any likelihood that B&N will or could in some way use this update (or any update) to prevent subsequent rooting or other hacks?
2. Are all the various mods reversible? Our concern is being able to, at worst case, revert to stock in order to have all original Nook functionality restored, including brick-and-mortar store compatibility (e.g., in-store borrowing) and especially warranty service.
3. Regarding the B&N store, the AutoNooter threads recommend registering with B&N before beginning any changes. Is this necessary, and/or absolutely required, and why? If you register and then root, will that allow you to purchase books, whereas you would not otherwise have been able to?
4. Is there a substantive difference (look, feel, or function) between the process of buying books on the original stock NC versus installing the Nook app for Android on a rooted or modded NC?
5. If one "merely" roots the device and doesn't install CM or NookieFroyo or other ROMs, can one still install apps at will? I'd be fine with sideloading if no Market app were functional.
6. My impression is that the stock NC supports very few applications but that with the upcoming upgrade B&N may be featuring a store. Is it accurate to say that in its stock form the NC is not (yet) much more than a book reader?
7. Regarding AutoNooter, it seems to have forked based on the 1.1 B&N update. Is it better to start at 1.0.1 with the original AutoNooter or to allow the 1.1 upgrade and use the GMPower fork?
8. Is an AutoNooter or other rooting procedure required before CM is applied? I assume so, but only ask because the CM procedure at Cyanogenmod.com (I can't post links yet) doesn't have a rooting step. Maybe it's the case that AutoNooter is for rooting the existing B&N image but that other ROMs can be independently booted from SD? (Told ya I'm a newb.)
9. What, if any, of the stock device's capabilities are lost (reversibly or irreversibly) by rooting and/or modding? (One I wonder about is in-store "free" reading at B&N locations.)
Obviously I'm all over the map, and I apologize. Just trying to figure out the best approach to make the kid happy (e-reading, Youtube, and web browsing would probably suffice) and not end up with a funked out device that can't be used or supported for its original purpose.
Thanks very much in advance.

1. Is there any likelihood that B&N will or could in some way use this update (or any update) to prevent subsequent rooting or other hacks?
To be honest, maybe. But, once you autonooter or install a custom rom B&N cannot OTA update your nook.
2. Are all the various mods reversible? Our concern is being able to, at worst case, revert to stock in order to have all original Nook functionality restored, including brick-and-mortar store compatibility (e.g., in-store borrowing) and especially warranty service.
Yes, there are flashable images that will revert the nook back to out-of-the-box state. look through the Dev forum.
3. Regarding the B&N store, the AutoNooter threads recommend registering with B&N before beginning any changes. Is this necessary, and/or absolutely required, and why? If you register and then root, will that allow you to purchase books, whereas you would not otherwise have been able to?
I think it's something to do with being able to connect to google's services. yes it's necessary when you stay with eclaire, not wirh froyo/CM7/honeycomb. yes, the store works with rooted eclaire.
4. Is there a substantive difference (look, feel, or function) between the process of buying books on the original stock NC versus installing the Nook app for Android on a rooted or modded NC?
you use the store the same way on a rooted-stock nook as you would on a stock one. I don't know how the look feel or function is for the b&n app, I have an original nook for reading.
5. If one "merely" roots the device and doesn't install CM or NookieFroyo or other ROMs, can one still install apps at will? I'd be fine with sideloading if no Market app were functional.
The market works with rooted-stock, but you'll eventually want to install CM7 or Honeycomb, trust me.
6. My impression is that the stock NC supports very few applications but that with the upcoming upgrade B&N may be featuring a store. Is it accurate to say that in its stock form the NC is not (yet) much more than a book reader?
A stock NC is pretty useless for anything other than reading/web surfing
7. Regarding AutoNooter, it seems to have forked based on the 1.1 B&N update. Is it better to start at 1.0.1 with the original AutoNooter or to allow the 1.1 upgrade and use the GMPower fork?
Auto-nooter 3 works just fine for 1.1.0 thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=942424
8. Is an AutoNooter or other rooting procedure required before CM is applied? I assume so, but only ask because the CM procedure at Cyanogenmod.com (I can't post links yet) doesn't have a rooting step. Maybe it's the case that AutoNooter is for rooting the existing B&N image but that other ROMs can be independently booted from SD? (Told ya I'm a newb.)
No, you do not need to root to install Froyo/CM7/HC. The nook is hard wired to boot the SD-card first if able. You can go straight from stock to CM7 with one flashed micro SD-card.
9. What, if any, of the stock device's capabilities are lost (reversibly or irreversibly) by rooting and/or modding? (One I wonder about is in-store "free" reading at B&N locations.)
This I don't know. I don't use the NC as a reader at all. My Original nook takes care of that.
Hope this helps. Happy modding.

I think all of your questions are easily answered by the FroYo SD card image. You can keep the Nook stock for reading books and warranty purposes and if you want the extras, stick the SD card in. Basically, if you haven't come across this one yet, the NC will boot off of the SD card first, then internal second. So if there's an SD card with a bootable image, you're up and running in froyo. If no SD card you're booting stock. It's a beautiful thing I tell you

So it really is that easy? It will just boot off the SD card out without any modification? Amazing.
That's the kind of thing I'd be worried about them changing or locking (vis a vis my question #1 above). My anxiety is whether to hack NOW to prevent future lockdown, or try to hack LATER after the authorized Froyo push.
Obviously the hacker community has made the NC a very hot item, but if the history of every other repurposed device (video games, DVRs, etc.) is any precedent B&N may not see it as valuable to encourage or allow it to continue.
Edit: But I'm also seeing reports that you do need to root the device in order to boot off the SD?
Thank you for the feedback, woot1524 and devis.

Running any version of android off of an sd card is EXTREMELY slow. You can reverse any hack root or mod made to the nook.. as long as the mod isnt physical ie. You scratch your name into the back of the nook no teenager will want to wait for the time it will take to run it off the sd card.. theyll just get frustrated and give up.
Nookie Froyo 0.6.8 (zoom2)/Tapatalk Pro

woot1524 said:
1. Is there any likelihood that B&N will or could in some way use this update (or any update) to prevent subsequent rooting or other hacks?
To be honest, maybe. But, once you autonooter or install a custom rom B&N cannot OTA update your nook.
2. Are all the various mods reversible? Our concern is being able to, at worst case, revert to stock in order to have all original Nook functionality restored, including brick-and-mortar store compatibility (e.g., in-store borrowing) and especially warranty service.
Yes, there are flashable images that will revert the nook back to out-of-the-box state. look through the Dev forum.
3. Regarding the B&N store, the AutoNooter threads recommend registering with B&N before beginning any changes. Is this necessary, and/or absolutely required, and why? If you register and then root, will that allow you to purchase books, whereas you would not otherwise have been able to?
I think it's something to do with being able to connect to google's services. yes it's necessary when you stay with eclaire, not wirh froyo/CM7/honeycomb. yes, the store works with rooted eclaire.
4. Is there a substantive difference (look, feel, or function) between the process of buying books on the original stock NC versus installing the Nook app for Android on a rooted or modded NC?
you use the store the same way on a rooted-stock nook as you would on a stock one. I don't know how the look feel or function is for the b&n app, I have an original nook for reading.
5. If one "merely" roots the device and doesn't install CM or NookieFroyo or other ROMs, can one still install apps at will? I'd be fine with sideloading if no Market app were functional.
The market works with rooted-stock, but you'll eventually want to install CM7 or Honeycomb, trust me.
6. My impression is that the stock NC supports very few applications but that with the upcoming upgrade B&N may be featuring a store. Is it accurate to say that in its stock form the NC is not (yet) much more than a book reader?
A stock NC is pretty useless for anything other than reading/web surfing
7. Regarding AutoNooter, it seems to have forked based on the 1.1 B&N update. Is it better to start at 1.0.1 with the original AutoNooter or to allow the 1.1 upgrade and use the GMPower fork?
Auto-nooter 3 works just fine for 1.1.0 thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=942424
8. Is an AutoNooter or other rooting procedure required before CM is applied? I assume so, but only ask because the CM procedure at Cyanogenmod.com (I can't post links yet) doesn't have a rooting step. Maybe it's the case that AutoNooter is for rooting the existing B&N image but that other ROMs can be independently booted from SD? (Told ya I'm a newb.)
No, you do not need to root to install Froyo/CM7/HC. The nook is hard wired to boot the SD-card first if able. You can go straight from stock to CM7 with one flashed micro SD-card.
9. What, if any, of the stock device's capabilities are lost (reversibly or irreversibly) by rooting and/or modding? (One I wonder about is in-store "free" reading at B&N locations.)
This I don't know. I don't use the NC as a reader at all. My Original nook takes care of that.
Hope this helps. Happy modding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your answer for number 1 and 8 apply to each other. Since the Nook is hardwired to boot from uSD, there will almost surely be rooted ROMS for it. Hope that helps clarify this point.

Oh yea, and as far as what to do for a teen...
I would go with Nookie Froyo 0.6.8 eMMC. Download and have the image to return to stock ready to go, just in case. And then be patient for when CM7 is finally cooked.
Be prepared to do most of the tinkering with NF to get it right BEFORE you give it to your teen. Once you get everything working(market, youtube, etc), then it should be ready for him/her. I have been using NF for a bit now, and once I got everything working it is great. read the forums here for a bit and you will get an idea of just how good these babies can be.
be prepared for the usual ....it's not the Xoom, an ipad, etc arguments and complaints...it's a teen you are dealing with(basing from my experiences only, with my daughter...aren't they great?).

luciferii said:
Running any version of android off of an sd card is EXTREMELY slow. You can reverse any hack root or mod made to the nook.. as long as the mod isnt physical ie. You scratch your name into the back of the nook no teenager will want to wait for the time it will take to run it off the sd card.. theyll just get frustrated and give up.
Nookie Froyo 0.6.8 (zoom2)/Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not for me. I find it quite fast and very usable. No issues whatsoever with it being slow.
One thing to do is to install LCD Density and change the screen density to 200 or 220 for added smoothness. It doesnt change the resolution, just the size of items on the screen to bigger and everything flows together very nicely.
The SD card 0.6.8 is my daily driver lately, I use it for work and personal email, news, reading, games, Slingbox watching... it's great. not sure what is this slowness you're talking about.

xdabr said:
So it really is that easy? It will just boot off the SD card out without any modification? Amazing.
That's the kind of thing I'd be worried about them changing or locking (vis a vis my question #1 above). My anxiety is whether to hack NOW to prevent future lockdown, or try to hack LATER after the authorized Froyo push.
Obviously the hacker community has made the NC a very hot item, but if the history of every other repurposed device (video games, DVRs, etc.) is any precedent B&N may not see it as valuable to encourage or allow it to continue.
Edit: But I'm also seeing reports that you do need to root the device in order to boot off the SD?
Thank you for the feedback, woot1524 and devis.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to root to run it off of SD. Just pop it in and go.

devis said:
Not for me. I find it quite fast and very usable. No issues whatsoever with it being slow.
One thing to do is to install LCD Density and change the screen density to 200 or 220 for added smoothness. It doesnt change the resolution, just the size of items on the screen to bigger and everything flows together very nicely.
The SD card 0.6.8 is my daily driver lately, I use it for work and personal email, news, reading, games, Slingbox watching... it's great. not sure what is this slowness you're talking about.[/QUOTE
You don't have issues with the sleep of death and wifidisconnects?
That is what turned me off of froyo for Nook
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

i would just root it and leave it stock.
if the teen wants to learn how to flash let 'em have at it. you can't brick a nook

xdabr said:
Hi folks. Yes, I'm another newb but not quite an idiot, and I would love your advice. We've got a new NC for a teenager who loves books but would also appreciate videos and some applications. It's just out of shrink wrap.
From my preliminary reading it sounds as if (a) only NookieFroyo provides Flash support including Flash video, and (b) B&N may be pushing Froyo shortly as stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well im a teenager and i can tell you that if said teen wants full video support said teen should stick on stock nook OS but rooted but if said teen wants something that runs well but with an amazing UI i recommend HC
as a teen i dont really need flash to much but it is nice to have but pretty much i used flash for youtube on the web but now that youtube streams in HTML5 on their mobile site i feel like i didnt need it as much

Beat them with it.

Canadoc said:
devis said:
Not for me. I find it quite fast and very usable. No issues whatsoever with it being slow.
One thing to do is to install LCD Density and change the screen density to 200 or 220 for added smoothness. It doesnt change the resolution, just the size of items on the screen to bigger and everything flows together very nicely.
The SD card 0.6.8 is my daily driver lately, I use it for work and personal email, news, reading, games, Slingbox watching... it's great. not sure what is this slowness you're talking about.[/QUOTE
You don't have issues with the sleep of death and wifidisconnects?
That is what turned me off of froyo for Nook
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SOD nope... not at all. Have yet to experience it. WIFI disconnects, yes... well, mostly the WIFI dance when it switches itself from off to on and to off and back to on again. But a reboot fixes it, so no biggie. There is actually a fix for it but me being the lazy bum that I am haven't gotten around to fixing it. And i'm reluctant to change to the newer image because this one runs so well why fix what ain't broke.
to OP... if you still dont know what to do with it, give it to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Btw, not all sd cards are alike. The ones who are complaining about Froyo running slowly off the sd card are probably not using a fast enough sd card. I suggest getting the Transcend 8 gb class 6 microSDHC card. I'm getting 13 MB/s write and 15 MB/s read speeds which is above class 10 specs.

I'm still in slight shock that you can dual boot without making ANY changes at all to the device, without so much as a BIOS tweak.
So it sounds as if you could even grab the display model or a friend's device, boot it off your SD to use Android for a while, and then just hand it back COMPLETELY unchanged, with all original functionality and data intact. That's just too easy!
The gist I'm getting is that even if B&N root locks the internal storage's OS in future updates, it's unlikely the SD card boot option will go away?
Thanks to everyone for all the feedback. (I ran out of Thanks credit.)

[Q] What rom are you running and why?

What rom are you running and why not a different one? Forgot Honeycomb

Can a admin please add honeycomb to my poll?

Rooted stock eclair. It's doing everything I need it to do right now....no need to change just yet. Slingplayer and Youtube for me, angry birds and nook kids books for my son.

CM7 nightlies.
I have tried quite a few of the other Roms and appreciate all the work involved, but CM works better than anything else for me.
And by the time it hits stable.....yeah, a great piece of work.
Navigating with GPS and Google in my car on a big screen....
Streaming video (still choppy but getting BETTER)
Web browsing
And the occasional game, of course.

I am running Nookie Froyo because it is more stable for me than CM7 at the moment.

stock rooted eclair
tried phiremod but 3 hr battery life is a no go.
tried HC but didn't have market and haven't tried to add market to try again
stock kernel too. the OC ones make my nook very laggy

Running Nookie Froyo on eMMC using an older OC kernel (2.6.29-omap1 [email protected] #44). VERY stable, albeit without interactive govenor on the CPU, with stable wifi performance as well. Installed status bar mod that's available on the dev forum which adds shortcuts to the status bar.
I like Nookie Froyo because I'm able to get flash working on it. As of right now its the most useful to me of all the options until CM7's fully developed and HC beyond that.
I haven't tried CM7 on eMMC but have tried it on microSD and it's way too sensitive on the screen sensitivity for my taste. Makes typing a chore. Most likely the newer kernels have improved this though.

I can't say enough about Nookie Froyo. I have it installed to the EMMC with the latest status bar hack. It is really close to perfect for me. Honestly, I don't do a ton with my NC. Surf the 'net, Tweetdeck, Pulse and Gmail make up 99% of my use. I can do all of those without fault (though I do suffer sometimes launching WiFi after a reboot but from sleep - no problems). I also need to try the Ad-Hoc fix so I can tether to my rooted Droid 2 but it isn't a priority.
The work that has gone into this ROM has been astounding to me and it is so very close for primetime. Love it!

i use stock rom, but i would use nookie froyo but im scared im going to mess something else because i dont know how to burn the image to sd.

Running stock rooted, mostly because I like the status/navigation bar in the stock rom. I did try and install rom manager and recovery, and it stuck and boot to recovery all the time. Luckily I found a file to remove it, but I don't think I'll be flashing anything for a while.
The stock rom does most of what I need anyway, I don't much care for flash. I'm only hoping for honeycomb now.

CM7 because Honeycomb is not available.

Honeycomb, mostly for kicks, I have a phone for stability and honeycomb is sweet and meeting my needs

Im running stock 2.1 from my autonooter it does everything that i actually need like doc to go youtube and all my 16bit emulators run great also it impresses everyone i show it all my apps look great on it so ill just wait until they figure out froyo or gingerbread in autonooter format its th safest and easiest to install
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using XDA App

CM7 nightlies and dalgrins OC kernels.
For me eclair was lame. I was tracking NookieFroyo but when I saw that its primary dev (cicadaman) was abandoning his creation to contribute to CM7, I moved to CM7. I took the plunge and blew away my eMMC and all is great! (I still use NF068 as a flasher when I want to dd something into the eMMC). CM7 is *almost* perfect at this point. BTW newbies, its almost impossible to brick your Nook. DD'ing stock back on to your eMMC is child's play.

I'm running Froyo because (in no particular order):
I broke gmail in rooted Eclair and had to restore to stock so I figured I might as well upgrade to Froyo while I'm at it
Changing LauncherPro shortcuts was painful in rooted Eclair
Froyo has better memory management than Eclair
A stable build of CM7 isn't out yet
A stable build of Honeycomb isn't out yet

CM7 nightly because I am using CM7 on Nexus One for nice features and up to date ROM.

I'm a newbie with the nook, I just got it a couple of days ago, but I have done a fair amount of experimenting. I have tried rooted stock, Nookie Froyo, Honeycomb, and CM7. So far, Nookie Froyo off of the eMMC works best for me. I want to use the Nook as part of job everyday (I'm in field sales), so it needs to be responsive and stable. I also like to watch videos a lot and need great video performance. I also use launcher pro and have my Nook set up to mirror the setup on my phone.
CM7 is a great user experience, but the choppy video is a deal breaker for me.
Honeycomb looks to be a great option in the near future when the source code becomes available and I'm looking forward to that.

rooted stock in emmc, cm7 on sd card.
Stock is stable, video works. The rooted keyboard is hoooorrible though, even worse than the default.
CM7 has a better keyboard, even without attaching my apple keyboard with bluetooth. After attaching it though...so much better, even as glitchy as it is.
So stock for consuming content, CM7 for producing it.
Probably switch to CM7 full time once the video kinks and the sleep kinks are worked out.

Stock on emmc and CM7 on sdcard....will like to update to the latest build though.....

eMMC: Rooted stock eclair, I still need the kid books feature.
uSD: CM7 nightlies. This is really good to try.

New to NC, not to technology. Advice needed.

Forgive me for the intrusion, but I have a question for you all. Looking at the various threads and screen shots, it appears that most are using a rooted nook rather than honeycomb or froyo; is this accurate?
My story:
I was in Best-buy the other day shopping tablets (Xoom, Galaxy, iPad, etc) and someone was walking by and said "Hey, save money, get a NC." Of course I was like, what? I'm no stranger to Linux, servers, and basic programming but tablets and android is uncharted territory for me. So, after this guy did some basic explaining I was like "half price, and near limitless customization? Yeah thats for me!"
So here I am, been browsing this website for a few days trying to decide how I should go about 'unlocking' my NC. Do I use some sort of root kit to just unlock the 'stock' system? Do I use 'Froyo' on a SD card? What about this honeycomb thing, should I use that?
Like I said, it appears from screenshots most people are still using the basic NC system, that has maybe just been rooted to run apps and such from the market? I'm sorry for sounding dumb, I'm really not, just not sure what route is best for me, or the best choice. I am a fast learner, I just don't want to spend weeks learning something only to realize I was learning the wrong thing for what I need.
What I've gathered so far:
Stock rooted NC - will do fine for most users. Launcher Pro, Pandora, YouTube, browsing, games, gmail, etc. What about GPS? Google Maps?
Froyo - Same as above, some cosmetic differences, bells and whistles only advantage?
Honeycomb - Culmination of the previous two lists?
Insight welcome please?
Signed,
Work in progress.

It may be a little over half the price... But the Nook color is half the speed of the Motorola Xoom. So if you really have the money, I would return the nook color and just get a xoom, you'll be happier with it. If you're looking for just something to surf the net, and play a few games or programs, then the NC is a decent choice.
I use CM7 nightlys. CM7 is in my opinion the best rom, it allows bluetooth support and flash. It can be overclocked to 1190mhz. And has a lot of options for customizations.
HC is limited to a preview sdk build until google decides to let others have the final source, which could be a while... (Motorola Xoom comes with it installed)
Froyo is limited in a lot of regards, and CM7 is far better and offers a lot more support for programs and hardware. That said... Some people feel Froyo is better than CM7, but they're essentially the same underlining OS.

Individuals requirements vary, but since you asked I will give my two cents:
CyanogenMod 7
While it is currently not released as "stable" but only nightly builds, the nightlies are extremely good. Phiremod is based on the nightlies and adds some nice stuff, but is also slightly behind since the nightly has to be released before it can be customized.
The latest is CM7 nightly 32 right now (http://download.cyanogenmod.com/?type=nightly&device=encore) but it changes almost every day.
A Video Test build was just released that has YouTube working in all its glory (? Did I really type that?) so the video issues should be a thing of the past in a few days. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=960537
The same dev has an overclock kernel which gets the cpu up to 1100mhz and adds the interactive governor- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=925451
And another guy took a great idea and ran with it: adding Tablet Tweaks to CM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1002000
I generally run the latest nightly with an oc kernel but now that the Tablet Tweaks has made so much progress, my routine is like this:
Flash latest nightly
Flash Tablet Tweaks
Flash OC kernel
Don't let the "nightly" status of CM7 put you off too much- the CyanogenMod team are perfectionists and won't call a rom Stable until it is PERFECT.
Right now the nightlies are better than any fresh install of Windows I have ever seen, for example....

I wouldn't go to honeycomb as a permanent solution now - it is reasonably good but still experimental with problems running full tablet applications.
I'm using Froyo but will switch over to CM7 shortly. At one point, froyo was more stable (two weeks back - things change fast) with working video and flash. CM7 has come along quickly and its time to move on. Having said that - both of these require some fiddling to get working properly. This is not a no-frustration experience - if you are comfortable with sorting out linux-like issues it won't be too bad. Fun if you like tinkering with gadgets.
Rooted stock is stable, adds the open android market to the the stock B&N experience which includes a very nice reader. If you upgrade beyond stock you will lose the reader which has some desireable features like "borrowing a book" in the store, magazines and newspapers. Not working on froyo, cm7, or hc.
I'd agree that cm7 is probably the best compromise at this point - at least for me. You will still be flashing gapps and wondering where certain apps or wallpapers are in the market.
Xoom or galaxy tab actually work (largely) without customization today. Closer to an ipad experience in that it works out of the box. Nook color can largely replicate those functions but you'll do a little work setting it up.
Peter

I would not trade the NC for the Xoom just because the Xoom is so ridiculously overpriced IMO. Personally, I would go with stock rooted. If you find that you are wanting to do something with it that you cannot do on stock rooted, then look for something else like Nookie Froyo or Honeycomb (which is still a little half baked on the NC IMO).

Wonderful advice and well said. Thank you much for everyone's time, I above anyone else know how precious every second is.
'Sorting out linux and tinkering' is exactly on point, I've been doing that very thing for about 12 years now. I like to consider myself an avid enthusiast rather than full throttle geek. Anyway, I think I'll study the route of stock rooted and further my knowledge on full flash before taking that plunge.
That being said, one more question and I'll let you all get back to more important things. I should be right in assuming just follow the steps in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=872490 or the v3.* thread to fully root the stock NC and have google apps, market, etc up and running? From what I've read, this auto-nooter has pretty much all of it built in already; Gmail, Market, root-kit etc.
PS: Wonderful site, very informative.
Signed,
Work in Progress.

LarcenQ said:
Stock rooted NC - will do fine for most users. Launcher Pro, Pandora, YouTube, browsing, games, gmail, etc. What about GPS? Google Maps?
Froyo - Same as above, some cosmetic differences, bells and whistles only advantage?
Honeycomb - Culmination of the previous two lists?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in your same boat (I recently started with Nookie Froyo on SD so I can leave the Nook alone, but am just learning what else needs to be done to fix some buggy behavior.)
One thing to understand is that there are multiple versions of Android. The Nook Color still ships with Android 2.1 (Eclair). They are supposed to be pushing out 2.2 (Froyo) in a few days. The Cyanogenmod (CM7) people are using 2.3 (Gingerbread). And the NookieFroyo folks are of course using 2.2. I have no idea what Phiremod is. As expected, the later versions of Android tend to have more features/work better.
The 3.0 version of Android, Honeycomb, is still the most experimental and apparently doesn't work that well with the Nook Color yet. Worse, Google has decided to hold back the latest source code of this "open source" project for now, meaning that only the Xoom can run the thing. But it's the only Android version with true tablet support.
As to GPS,the Nook Color does NOT have a GPS chip, so regardless of Android version you can get GPS coordinates only by rough calculation based on a WiFi database or by tethering to a GPS device or GPS-equipped cell phone.

xdabr said:
I have no idea what Phiremod is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phiremod is based on CM7 nightlies with some very nice customizations.

Yup -- Xoom overpriced. Unless you've a burning desire to be on the cutting edge, I'd go with the Nook Color and wait out the pricing on Android tablets. They are bound to come down.
Also, a couple of key points:
Barnes & Noble is theoretically going to push an upgrade sometime in April that will include Flash capability and some sort of Market. No details on the market. However if they're smart there will be a host of apps available that we all know will run on the Nook (because we've rooted and downloaded them). This new stock configuration may be all that a lot of people want or need.
If you are determined, however, remember that this forum is like a big toy store and can be confusing. You can run stock internally and dual boot into a fast SD card to run virtually any other configuration. Or, you can flash the internal rom and run most of these variation on the OS internally.
Here's the relevant point: When booting, the Nook Color looks first at the SD drive. That's very cool, because it allows us to do a whole bunch of fun stuff.
I'm currently running rooted stock internally and CM7 (the version with working Bluetooth) off a SD card. Truth be told I typically boot into CM7 because it works so well -- even for reading B&N Nook books. I use a little variation that allows hard key dual booting. There is a brandy new release of CM7 that resolves some video issues and I'll update to that.
However, the CM7 releases do not include the Google stuff, including the Market, so you have to load those via ADB (Android Development Bridge) which means setting up your computer with an Android development environment -- something very doable and free, but it takes some time to get it all working right.
The holy grail is probably Honeycomb, the Android version specifically designed with tablets in mind. There is a development version of Honeycomb that actually works pretty well, but it's not fully fleshed out just yet. I've got it running on a separate SD and it's very cool, but lacks some functionality. Once it's fully developed that will be my daily OS for sure.
One of my wants and needs is to be able to use an external folding keyboard. The only version floating around right now that supports the Nook's built-in Bluetooth (unused by B&N) is a release of CM7 -- and it works. I can use the nifty Freedom Pro keyboard and it's really pretty good -- no excessive lag.
Hopefully that's enough to get you going. I'd say -- given the overwhelming wealth of information on this forum -- keep your Nook stock until after B&N pushes the update. In the meantime, get a good fast SD card and use that to mess with your pick of Android versions offered here. Pick just one and than tunnel down into the forum to work with it at first.
Happy Nooking!

robedney said:
I'm currently running rooted stock internally and CM7 (the version with working Bluetooth) off a SD card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I wanted to try this CM7 tonight when I got home, however, I do not want to wipe/tamper with my onboard nook, and everything I've read about CM7 you have to install on internal memory. Is there a link to the instructions on booting CM7 from the sd card?
Thanks in advance!
Signed,
Getting somewhere.

Yup -- I'll track it down. Stay tuned.

Here's a thread that sets up a SD card to run CM7 with working Bluetooth. Read the whole thread before you start (some good simple instructions are in there):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=989637
Be aware that Google stuff and the Market are not included -- you'll have to install those via ADB (and there are full instructions on how to set up and do that on this forum.

Or -- a newer option that looks pretty cool (and avoids having to use ADB to get the Market):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000957
I think I'll try this on a spare SD card and see how it all works out.

There are hardware differences to consider too.
NC is 7 inch screen, vs 10 inch for XOOM and some other tablet.
Then size and weight.
Also NC doesn't have cameras, the others may have one or two...
And NC doesn't have mic, although bluetooth headset may work.
I am happy with my NC for its price and what I need.

robedney said:
Here's a thread that sets up a SD card to run CM7 with working Bluetooth. Read the whole thread before you start (some good simple instructions are in there):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=989637
Be aware that Google stuff and the Market are not included -- you'll have to install those via ADB (and there are full instructions on how to set up and do that on this forum.
Or -- a newer option that looks pretty cool (and avoids having to use ADB to get the Market):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1000957
I think I'll try this on a spare SD card and see how it all works out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Much obliged! I'll give this a try tonight once I get home from work. God I love mature people instead of 'scr3w yu n00b!'.
Signed,
Getting there.

Just make your of which Stock ROM you have (1.0.0, 1.0.1, 1.1.0). Each Nooter is made specifically for each ROM.
Also, as far as Gapps is concerned, there is no need to use ADB. All of it can be installed easily via ClockworkRecovery. ADB stuff is fun, but not needed to get full blown CM7 w/gapps and everything else.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-1000957.html
just used this for a SD bootable CM7. I'm running rooted 2.1 for daily use and testing out the different options via SD bootable builds. fyi, this also allows the install of google apps without ADB.

HI,
One question for you:
What do you want to use the Nook for mainly?
Toy/Playing/learning/Android Apps/Web/eBooks... CM7 (Nightlies)
eBook reader mainly... Perhaps stock rooted.
Lots of video/Flash? Not sure which, perhaps Froyo. CM7 soon.
Require bluetooth? CM7
One immediate advantage for rooting is access to other eBook reader
applications, such as Kindle.
Don't forget to look at/select a soft button approach that you like,
Android is expecting more than the one button at the bottom. I like
Button Savior from the market, but there are a variety of other solutions.
It is handy to have a bunch of SDcards on hand too, I never seem to have
enough of them. Don't forget that when you move to an internal memory
version of, say, Cyanogenmod7, that you need a SD card for data too.
Good luck, the NC is a fun toy!
Peter

envygreen said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-1000957.html
just used this for a SD bootable CM7. I'm running rooted 2.1 for daily use and testing out the different options via SD bootable builds. fyi, this also allows the install of google apps without ADB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're in dire need of a single (maintained) collection of all these pre-built SD card images -- is there such a posting?
Hunting through the forum is not as much fun as it seems.
EDIT: Looks like there's a list of ROMs at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=872003

DOH!
Read post carefully BEFORE replying!
lol