Hi wonderful people of XDA!
I just got my Nook Color used on craigslist and now I'm just wondering what to do next. I did a lot of reading up on these forums (and the android development part of the forums) and found out that I could root it with autonooter 3.0 and monster rootpack.
However, is there a benefit of keeping the firmware at 1.0.1 (the way I got it) and rooting it VS updating it to 1.1.0 and rooting it?
What are the pros and cons if any? I see that 1.1 adds a bit of new features to the NC, but I also heard that Clockworkmod Recovery doesn't like 1.1, or something. I remember briefly reading that somewhere on these forums but it could have been old news, or outdated and recently fixed. Regardless, I'm just sort of confused.
And after rooting, what should I do? Is Froyo completely stable and smooth yet?
TIA!
The 1.0.1 version has more support right now but the 1.1.0 support will certainly improve over time. For now i would recommend running nookie froyo off of a bootable sd card and leaving your nook stock. Then if you want to take the next step, do an emmc flash of froyo and never look back...
With that said, the 1.1 version rooted with the scripts on it works really smoothly.
The best thing about the nook color is how easily it can be put back completely stock, so you don't have to worry much about messing it up.
Enjoy
Nice. Thanks for the quick reply!
So I'll update to the 1.1.0 firmware and root. Do you recommend autonooter or monster rootpack? And what scripts are you talking about?
TIA, once again, haha...
I think the autonooter is easier for your first mod. The monster rootpack is a great recovery tool and highly recommended to have on an extra sd card.
Get a few 2-4gb sd cards, class 4 is fine. Should be pretty cheap and easy to find. Then you can make a bunch of bootable cards to play with like honeycomb and froyo.
Alright cool,
autonooter it is. Will I still be able to get CWMRecovery? I still want to overclock and the only way I know how to flash is through cwmrecovery.
Sorry for all these questions!
I've read some folks are having issues getting stuck in CWM on 1.1 but don't remember why. Poke around in the devl threads and see.
Sent from my nootered Nook Color.
I hear the best is to:
run oobe.
turn off wifi
update to 1.0.1 if not already on it (NOT 1.1)
run autonooter 2.3.x
install CWM (or does autonooter do that?)
nandroid restore stock rooted 1.1
then you have working CWM and 1.1 if i am not mistaken? This is my plan, mine is in the box, waiting to open it on my bday!
bandroidx said:
I hear the best is to:
run oobe.
turn off wifi
update to 1.0.1 if not already on it (NOT 1.1)
run autonooter 2.3.x
install CWM (or does autonooter do that?)
nandroid restore stock rooted 1.1
then you have working CWM and 1.1 if i am not mistaken? This is my plan, mine is in the box, waiting to open it on my bday!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, Autonooter does not install CWM. You need to download ROM Manager from Market and install CWM from within ROM Manager. Good luck and happy birthday!
Related
I purchased the NC last week and it came with 1.0 software. I have rooted with the 1.0 software and everything is awesome.
I have been reading feverishly on here but am a little confused. Can someone point me to the steps to go from rooted 1.0 to rooted 1.1. I am looking forward to bringing nook to BN store and use the free in store reading for an hour.
I have been searching on here and just a little confused and how to get to this next rooted software.
Thanks,
Mike
EDIT: IGNORE! I see you want 1.1. Sorry, this can be deleted by mod. This is why they don't let new posters, post links.
you can flash 1.1 right over 1.0 apparently. It didn't work well for me. If I were you, I'd go to 1.0.1 first and then to to 1.1.
mjc8870 said:
I purchased the NC last week and it came with 1.0 software. I have rooted with the 1.0 software and everything is awesome.
I have been reading feverishly on here but am a little confused. Can someone point me to the steps to go from rooted 1.0 to rooted 1.1. I am looking forward to bringing nook to BN store and use the free in store reading for an hour.
I have been searching on here and just a little confused and how to get to this next rooted software.
Thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understand, you need to first update to 1.0.1. Then, auto-nooter. After that's done, you can apply Decadence's 1.1.0 pre-rooted update. You need to be on 1.0.1 to auto-nooter before you update to 1.1.0.
Hope that helps!
So it has to be a specific 1.1 right? I have a 1.0.1 rooted and tried to install the 1.1 from the B&N site, but nothing happened. My nook just restarted and deleted the zip file from the nook's root directory with no update taking place.
If you want 1.1 AND be rooted, then you'll need to start with a rooted NC that is on 1.0.1 or 1.0.0. Then flash 1.1 with the file provided in the thread below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=932145
Rooting 1.1 nook color
I just got my Nookcolor (with 1.0.1) and was planning on rooting it, when a couple days ago I turned it on and it upgraded itself to 1.1. I just tried to use the instructions to root it using the SD card img (for 1.0.1), and no huge surprise that it did not seem to work.
I am assuming the procedure at this point (until someone comes out with a 1.1 .img) that I need to downgrade back to 1.0.1 before I have can root it.
Is this possible? Is there a procedure for it?
I also have seen very touchy typing on the virtual keyboard, and would like to use instructions I have seen to recal the touchscreen (but it requires root, of course). If I don't have a way to do this I might just return it to B&N.
I do like it a lot better than my eInk nook.
Tonkabot
Yes. You have to revert back to 1.0.1 first. Lots of threads that tell you how. I'm about to turn in for the night so don't feel like searching. But go to the development forum and find the 1.0.1 recovery and then use that to revert back. PM me if you need help.
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using XDA App
Thanks to all. I will give this a try and report back.
Can I do this process with 2 gb micro sd
mjc8870 said:
Can I do this process with 2 gb micro sd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what I did.
UPDATE: IIRC the pre-requisite is to be on 1.0.1.
Homer
1.0.1? I thought I could use this from rooted 1.0? If not, how do I get to 1.01?
mjc8870 said:
1.0.1? I thought I could use this from rooted 1.0? If not, how do I get to 1.01?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See this thread for a couple different approaches
Just looking to confirm I can go from 1.0 to 1.1 . I thought I have read some posts indicating that. If anyone has done this, please let me know if I am on right track.
Thanks,
Mike
I am sorta lost also, I have read a few threads and each one says a different thing. I have a stock 1.0.0, what would be the absolute easiest of doing this, also do I need to leave the SD card in the nook? (borrowed it from my Verizon fascinate)
To go from stock 1.0.0 to 1.1:
Download 1.0.0 to 1.0.1 patch http://images.barnesandnoble.com/presources/download/nookcolor/v1.0.1/Sideload_update.zip Source: http://nookdevs.com/NookColor_Rooting
To use patch, follow directions here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/noo...igLink-_-k244266-_-j12871747k244266-_-Primary It says 1.1.0 but it's the exact same steps
You now have 1.0.1 no root.
Download Automooter 2.12.25 and follow directions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=872490 THIS WILL DELETE EVERYTHING ON THE SD CARD
You now have 1.0.1 rooted NC.
To go from 1.0.1 to 1.1.0 go here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=932145
There may be better ways, do everything at your own risk, hopefully it won't cause a natural disaster, etc.
Note: I only have experience going from 1.0.1 to 1.1.0. But going from 1.0.0 to 1.0.1 seems trivial.
After you do all that download "ROM Manager" from the Market. Open it. First option is Flash ClockworkMod Recovery, click it if you don't have a current recovery (Can't remember if one of the above steps installs it...). ClockworkMod makes it easy to backup and restore your setup. Click on Backup Rom, it will reboot and backup the rom to the sd card. If you ever mess something up, you can recover that rom so you won't have to go through 1.0.0 to 1.1 again.
I tried updating to 1.01 per directions and nothing happened. I then tried to install zip through clockwork recovery and it started but said installation aborted.
I am having a tough time upgrading from 1.0 root to 1.01 root. I have followed directions and struggling. The update zip say's installation aborted when tried thorough rom manager sd card. Nothing happened when I transferred to nook drive via usb cable. I am at a complete loss now.
Are you sure the NC is 1.0.0? Look under Settings > Device Info > About Your NookColor
The file is exactly named as above? Not Sideload_update-1.zip? It's in the root (not in any subfolder) of the NC, not on the sd card?
Try rebooting, then poking around the menus to see if it updates. Reboot as in hold power button down till it says "Do you want to turn your device off?", hit yes, it's off, then turn back on.
So I'm picking up a Nook tomorrow and have been doing some research on the available hacks. It seems like for me, for the time being, a rooted 1.1 is going to work best. Once honeycomb (or cm7) are stable daily drivers, I'll be switching to one of them.
Anyway, I wanted to run my upgrade plan by everyone to make sure it sounds okay. I'm not new to android hacking (have a DInc and a DX) but this will be my first nook. Here's what I'm thinking:
1) Fire up and run through OOBE - Register device with BN
2) Once the OOBE finishes, immediately turn off wireless.
3) If not already on 1.0.1, download updates and install.
4) Apply audonooter 2.12.25
6) Install ROM Manager and Clockwork Recovery
5) Apply Decad3nce's V1.1.0_r2 ROM
Does that sound right? Am I missing anything?
After everything I've read, what you got seems to be the most reliable method. Except your number order is a little out of whack. Steps 1-4 are best done following http://nookdevs.com/NookColor_Rooting.
In fact, I'm going through this exact method to do a fresh install on my NC to try to eliminate quirks I have with wireless and the Gmail app on my current 1.1 install. But if this fresh install still has the quirks, I'm going back to 1.0.1 and the block patch found at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=922870&highlight=cwm to prevent 1.1 being pushed automatically to my NC.
Why not just get updated to 1.1.0 and use Autonooter 3.0?
thanks fug!!!
how about OC'ing. after all said and one... i was thinking of then applying dalingrin's 950 OC. safe to do when not on froyo?
jerrykur said:
Why not just get updated to 1.1.0 and use Autonooter 3.0?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've read there's problems running CWR when using autonooter 3. i don't mind spending a little extra time to make sure CWR works properly.
byproxy said:
thanks fug!!!
how about OC'ing. after all said and one... i was thinking of then applying dalingrin's 950 OC. safe to do when not on froyo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem!
Honestly, I think there is no reason not to just go for the 1.1 GHz OC (the kernel-1100mhz-omap3630.zip file). I was running 1.1 GHz before my fresh install (which I've already finished) and I'll soon be running at that speed again. I guess if you want to go to 950 MHz and "break in" your new NC, then by all means. But at the time before I OC'd, I felt there was enough people that were able to go to 1.1 GHz without issues. Then again, I had my NC for 2 weeks before I tried OC'ing.
Also, a few friendly tips. Open up and power up your NC in the store and make sure there aren't any issues with your unit. Also, bring a pair of headphones with you to the store. Around the time I bought mine (just after Xmas), I read posts about headphone jack issues, dead pixels and other weirdness out of the box. I don't know if those quality issues are still out there but you never know.
jerrykur said:
Why not just get updated to 1.1.0 and use Autonooter 3.0?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
byproxy is right about the feedback that Autonooter 3.0 is not compatible with CWR. There are enough posts confirming that. It's not worth the trouble. The method laid in the OP is the best way to maximize the NC, in my opinion.
I just Updated to 1.1 via B&N normal update path, used Autonooter 3.0 and then Used a CWR SD Card to flash the 1.1ghz Kernel . Easy as Pie.
I'm currently using 2 NC's. I've messed around with some of the different options out there. This week I tried hard to make Nookie Froyo 0.6.7 my preferred hack for day-to-day use but there are too many things I can't get working right. Anyway, I'm going back to the combination of Auto-Nooter 2.12.25 and Decad3nce's V1.1.0_r2 ROM for the time being.
Thanks again! Maybe I will go right to 1.1. Honestly my concern wasn't stability. It sounds like for someone who's experience and comfortable hacking an android device like this - they're pretty unbrickable.
My concern actually was the potential to fry the CPU. Has anyone run temp readings across different OC's levels to see how much hotter the CPU is getting at the higher speeds?
A crash is no problem... easy to fix. A cooked processor is $250 down the toilet!! LOL
fugitoid said:
No problem!
Honestly, I think there is no reason not to just go for the 1.1 GHz OC (the kernel-1100mhz-omap3630.zip file). I was running 1.1 GHz before my fresh install (which I've already finished) and I'll soon be running at that speed again. I guess if you want to go to 950 MHz and "break in" your new NC, then by all means. But at the time before I OC'd, I felt there was enough people that were able to go to 1.1 GHz without issues. Then again, I had my NC for 2 weeks before I tried OC'ing.
Also, a few friendly tips. Open up and power up your NC in the store and make sure there aren't any issues with your unit. Also, bring a pair of headphones with you to the store. Around the time I bought mine (just after Xmas), I read posts about headphone jack issues, dead pixels and other weirdness out of the box. I don't know if those quality issues are still out there but you never know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Buy your nook color
2. Turn it on, and register the device
3. Update to 1.1 using Sideload or wait for your device to update itself
4. Use AutoNooter 3.0 to root it
5. Enjoy yourself until CM7 comes out
therealguppy said:
I just Updated to 1.1 via B&N normal update path, used Autonooter 3.0 and then Used a CWR SD Card to flash the 1.1ghz Kernel . Easy as Pie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
However, can you backup your NC with that bootable CWR? If you used one of the images from Monster RootPack 0.5, backup is not working yet.
Still, I rather have CWR right on the NC instead of having to keep a separate bootable CWR handy.
fugitoid said:
However, can you backup your NC with that bootable CWR? If you used one of the images from Monster RootPack 0.5, backup is not working yet.
Still, I rather have CWR right on the NC instead of having to keep a separate bootable CWR handy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay...noob question again...what is CWR and what does it do?
Omega Ra said:
okay...noob question again...what is CWR and what does it do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries.
CWR is short for ClockworkMod Recovery. It's basically a recovery platform for many, such as the NOOKcolor, but not all Android devices. A very watered down analogy is CWR is like using a Windows Repair CD (or better yet Hiren's Boot CD, if you're familiar with that) for Android devices.
A lot of the modifications (such as dalingrin's overclocking kernels) and development ROMs (such as cicada's Nookie Froyo) use CWR to make mod'ing much easier.
CWR is a must have tool for those who root and flash frequently. It will get you out of a lot of jams.
oh okay, so since I only really plan to root once and more or less leave it at that it shouldn't be that important for me then.
Omega Ra said:
oh okay, so since I only really plan to root once and more or less leave it at that it shouldn't be that important for me then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'd still do it. something may get screwed up and it would be nice to have a nandroid available to restore.
I have heard there are problems with CWR and AutoNooter 3...so we'll see.
Omega Ra said:
I have heard there are problems with CWR and AutoNooter 3...so we'll see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah its not Autonooter 3 its the 1.1 update, if you flash CWR to your device instead of using a stand alone card, you will get stuck in the CWR next time you boot and you will have to re-flash your boot partition before you can boot normally again.
You can still use the Stand alone CWR SD card to use the tool.
So, picked up the ol Nook this evening and proceeded with a very slightly modified version of my afore mentioned steps (thanks to fug for the input!). Here's what I did exactly:
1) Fired up and ran through OOBE - Registered device with BN
2) Once the OOBE finishes, immediately turned off wireless.
3) If not already on 1.0.1, download updates and install (I was already on 1.0.1 so was able to skip this step).
4) Root using audonooter 2.12.25
6) Fired up wireless again and installed ROM Manager and Clockwork Recovery via market.
5) Flashed Decad3nce's V1.1.0_r2 ROM
7) Created nandroid (CWR backup)
6) Flashed 1.1ghz OC Kernel
So far so good! Will report any problems if if/as I encounter them!!
I bought a nook color yesterday so I could get in on the rooting and roming fun as well. It came with 1.0, which I've already rooted and am now running HC from an SD card. A bit slow, so I'm planning on trying to install it internally. 2 Questions:
1. Is their any reason I should stay at 1.0? Or should I upgrade to 1.01 or 1.1? Will I be able to go back to 1.0 if I want using the 8 reboot method?
2. If I install HC to the internal memory, will I be able to restore to stock? I'm not sure I'm going to keep this device yet so I don't want to do something that will make it impossible to return to stock.
Thanks
1: No, there is no benefit to staying at 1.0.0. If you want to stick with stock eclair then upgrade to 1.1.0, the update fixed some WiFi issues. To revert back to an older "save" install clockwork mod via rom manager and make a backup. That backup can be reflashed whenever from whatever.
2:I don't know what you're confusing GB for but so far only Eclair/Froyo/HoneyComb currently run on the nook color. Yes you can revert back to any older CWM backup from any install on your eMMC. There are stock flashable images in the dev forum, so don't worry about not being able to go back to stock.
Good luck. Have fun.
woot1524 said:
1: No, there is no benefit to staying at 1.0.0. If you want to stick with stock eclair then upgrade to 1.1.0, the update fixed some WiFi issues. To revert back to an older "save" install clockwork mod via rom manager and make a backup. That backup can be reflashed whenever from whatever.
2:I don't know what you're confusing GB for but so far only Eclair/Froyo/HoneyComb currently run on the nook color. Yes you can revert back to any older CWM backup from any install on your eMMC. There are stock flashable images in the dev forum, so don't worry about not being able to go back to stock.
Good luck. Have fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, typo, i meant HC not GB. who can keep them straight these days? thanks for your answers. i've read reports of people having various problems with 1.1.0, it seems the consensus is 1.01 is the version to be on.
OneStepAhead said:
sorry, typo, i meant HC not GB. who can keep them straight these days? thanks for your answers. i've read reports of people having various problems with 1.1.0, it seems the consensus is 1.01 is the version to be on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the problems you're talking about stem from upgrading an already rooted 1.0.0 or 1.0.1 with clockwork mod installed. If you start with a fresh(no root/CWM) 1.0.0 install then upgrade to 1.1.0 via b&n, then root it; you're in the clear.
But why bother with all of that when nookie Froyo 6.8 on eMMC is stable and performing beautifully.
OneStepAhead said:
I bought a nook color yesterday so I could get in on the rooting and roming fun as well. It came with 1.0, which I've already rooted and am now running HC from an SD card. A bit slow, so I'm planning on trying to install it internally. 2 Questions:
1. Is their any reason I should stay at 1.0? Or should I upgrade to 1.01 or 1.1? Will I be able to go back to 1.0 if I want using the 8 reboot method?
2. If I install HC to the internal memory, will I be able to restore to stock? I'm not sure I'm going to keep this device yet so I don't want to do something that will make it impossible to return to stock.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. none that I could ever see... must've fixed something to warrant two updates although I believe that both were mostly for WiFi but I never had problems with 1.0 or 1.01...
...now I'm just wondering where the new B&N updates are as IIRC they had TWO slated for February and it's getting to be kind of late in the month to push out two updates... might just as well do one big one now... hope that they're skipping Android 2.2 and going straight to 2.3 or 3.0...
woot1524 said:
I think the problems you're talking about stem from upgrading an already rooted 1.0.0 or 1.0.1 with clockwork mod installed. If you start with a fresh(no root/CWM) 1.0.0 install then upgrade to 1.1.0 via b&n, then root it; you're in the clear.
But why bother with all of that when nookie Froyo 6.8 on eMMC is stable and performing beautifully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the only reason I bought a Nook Color was to play with Honeycomb, dont have much interest in running Froyo, I can do that on my EVO already
One reason to stay with one of the stock ROMs is if you want to use the B&N reader and B&N kids functionality, which are not part of the froyo or HC ROMs. I personally use it a lot and hope they'll get ported over.
eyecrispy said:
One reason to stay with one of the stock ROMs is if you want to use the B&N reader and B&N kids functionality, which are not part of the froyo or HC ROMs. I personally use it a lot and hope they'll get ported over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sure thats important to many people, although I strictly bought this to play with Honeycomb. Now that I've got it running, I'm wondering what I'll actually use this device for? I can already do all this stuff on my EVO and the screen size isn't that much bigger. It sure had been fun messing with it though! Why B&N didnt enable some of this functionality out of the box I'll never understand!
Hey Guys, i am new and not very knowledgeable in the android world i tried searching but the more i search the more confused i get, i finally got my hands on a nook color (got a brand new in box nook from a place called mardens for 156$ taxes in i was stoked) and rooted it but i think i want to go further then just a root because i don't use the nook as an e reader , here are my questions:
1. I would love to install froyo on my device but i can't seem to find a step by step guide on how to do it
2. I also see that there is 2 froyo builds and was wondering which one is better.
3. Also is Froyo stable on the nook or is it really glitchy? Compared to the stock rooted nook?
4. Once you install froyo is it reversible (go back to the stock build?)
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks
Gunner
Gunner86 said:
Hey Guys, i am new and not very knowledgeable in the android world i tried searching but the more i search the more confused i get, i finally got my hands on a nook color (got a brand new in box nook from a place called mardens for 156$ taxes in i was stoked) and rooted it but i think i want to go further then just a root because i don't use the nook as an e reader , here are my questions:
1. I would love to install froyo on my device but i can't seem to find a step by step guide on how to do it
2. I also see that there is 2 froyo builds and was wondering which one is better.
3. Also is Froyo stable on the nook or is it really glitchy? Compared to the stock rooted nook?
4. Once you install froyo is it reversible (go back to the stock build?)
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks
Gunner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not received my nook yet, but doing some prep for installing nookie froyo, it just takes a bit of time and searching to find the info you're looking for (some of it external to XDA)
1. http://forum.androidcentral.com/barnes-noble-nook-color/ check the stickies for how-tos
2. i believe there is an "official" one and a customized one that someone built from the official 0.6.8 version. I'm going to use the customized one as it comes with the oc kernel
3. From what I read, auto-nooter would be the MOST stable but Nookie Froyo is almost as stable and gives you the benefits of Froyo instead of Eclair. The other ones (HC and CM7) are coming along but aren't quite there yet.
4. Yes you can go back. With the Nook Color being able to boot from SD card, it's unlikely to ever be "stuck" on something.
Again, that's just from what i read i have no experience (yet). hope to get the nook color this week or next.
If you want to use the B&N stock apps, stay on stock eclair and just root that because you will lose all that functionality when you flash NF or CM7 or any other variations. I haven't used NF but from what I read, it's second most stable next to rooted stock eclair.
barrist said:
I have not received my nook yet, but doing some prep for installing nookie froyo, it just takes a bit of time and searching to find the info you're looking for (some of it external to XDA)
1. http://forum.androidcentral.com/barnes-noble-nook-color/ check the stickies for how-tos
2. i believe there is an "official" one and a customized one that someone built from the official 0.6.8 version. I'm going to use the customized one as it comes with the oc kernel
3. From what I read, auto-nooter would be the MOST stable but Nookie Froyo is almost as stable and gives you the benefits of Froyo instead of Eclair. The other ones (HC and CM7) are coming along but aren't quite there yet.
4. Yes you can go back. With the Nook Color being able to boot from SD card, it's unlikely to ever be "stuck" on something.
Again, that's just from what i read i have no experience (yet). hope to get the nook color this week or next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link i finally got froyo on my nook, but i can not for the life of me figure out how to get the market and the google apps on it, everytime i try to run the commands i get errors
Im pretty new to it too. got mine about a week ago. some of the stuff is pretty overwhelming at first, especially anything to do with adb. cant figure that out for the life of me.
anyways, the easiest way ive found so far is this thread
[ROM] Customized Nookie Froyo 0.6.8 Image for SDcard Updated (2/25)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=922324
its a custom build of froyo and already has everything needed installed. its fast, and so far, very stable. im running an 8gb class 4 sd card. it does seem to matter what you use.
here is a thread that has a small list of cards known to work and not work
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=946896
pretty much everything you need is in the instructions. use any of the programs they tell you to use for things. it justs makes it easier, even if there are alternatives.
good luck. its not that bad.
Hello all. I just bought my NC a few days ago and it is running 1.1.0. Do I want to update it if I want to throw Honeycomb or Gingerbread on it and overclock? Basically, does 1.2 cripple the NC when it comes to doing the things I want to do to it?
No. You can try out 1.2 safe in the knowledge that you can wipe the machine and apply any rom you want afterwards.
You also might want to consider keeping it stock at 1.2 and running something else from a SD card -- easy to do. Once you've found a rom you like (CM7 stable is really very good) you can flash it internally if you like.
I run CM7 from my SD card because I bought the extended warranty on the Nook and I wanted to keep it stock. You don't even need to root it.
By the way, 1.2 is an upgrade, but it's certainly not stunning. CM7 is far more advanced and stable.
There's an excellent thread for setting up and SD card -- search under "Size-agnostic" to find it.
try out stock 1.2 first. it's much better over 1.1, but u will still want to root it. u might stick with 1.1 because 1.2 root still has some minor issues. fwiw read thru the MN thread.