Database Develop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just rooted, thanks all

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

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

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

Nook features on Honeycomb?

do the honeycomb roms still retain the original eReader apps that came with the nook? Like the library and whatnot?

No.
Homer

Crap... so is the nook app on the market the same thing?

The Nook for Android app on the market is basically the same except I believe it doesn't have the magazines and newspaper part.

Nook app same thing as stock reader?
kingkurry said:
Crap... so is the nook app on the market the same thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[strikethru/]Not really. It only reads BN ePubs. Also, I'm having no luck getting Nook.apk to recognize any non-BN ePubs. Is this common for others? [/]
edit: MNMichael is correct. I figured out a while ago how to sideload other books; forgot to update post. Thanks for pointing it out.

Is there any way to dual boot honeycomb and the stock nook rom? Honeycomb doesn't work too well from my class 4 SD card, so I was considering this. I don't really want to lose all the B&N features of the nook.
I guess the other option is to boot a stock from from an SD card.

wpnyc2009 said:
Not really. It only reads BN ePubs. Also, I'm having no luck getting Nook.apk to recognize any non-BN ePubs. Is this common for others?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so. Other than the loss of magazines and newspapers, you can still sideload other publications.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=11816161
I actually like the reader for Android better than the stock Nook reader.
You'll also lose the read in store ability, and no more free books, at least not from B&N.

Hey guys,
Do you know where could I download the Nook app? Im currently living in the Netherlands and its not appearing on my market

What's the better way to have the tablet/ereader combo?

So I want to use my Nook as an ereader but I also want to use it as a tablet. I quite like the ebook reader on the stock firmware but if there's a standalone app that's just as good I wouldn't see a reason to not use CM7. I guess my real question is should I use the stock firmware to have the best ereading experience I've had and have it rooted to run different apps or use CM7 with some other ereading app that will give me good experience reading while being a "full" Android tablet?

The Nook App with CM7 is really a nice experience. I, for one, really dig the page turn animations on the Nook App.

dsf3g said:
The Nook App with CM7 is really a nice experience. I, for one, really dig the page turn animations on the Nook App.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a nice experience but it still has it's bugs and serious ones at that. You have to be prepared for occasional freezes.

use CM7 off a SD card...That is what I do and it works really well. I like the stock nook for reading, looking at color mags and for going into BN store to read the freebies...

jacjar1 said:
use CM7 off a SD card...That is what I do and it works really well. I like the stock nook for reading, looking at color mags and for going into BN store to read the freebies...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I finally surrendered with the CM7 on SD, a few bothersome bugs; I went with the rooted Ver 1.2.0 which gives me the advantages of stock and lots of enhancements, and the battery lasts longer too.
jim

Running Phirrmod 6.2 with Nook app and have no issues.Page turn animations actually work unlike the stock reader.In my opinion this is by far the most stable rom for the Nook.Reading,games,Netflix & movies.No force closes or freezes.
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk

Let me make sure I have this right

OK, I am going to be getting a couple NCs for the wife and I. So I have been doing a lot of reading and want to make sure I have a handle on evrtything. I have decided that CM7 is the way to go. If I am understanding correctly I basically create a CM7 image on an SD Card (cheap Sandisk seems to work best???) and then I can run it from the SD card without installing it on the internal memory of the NC. That way I can pull the SD card, reboot and have a stock NC. Is that right? Will the performance suffer from running it from the SD card? Are there benefits to installing on the internal memory? Also, if I do install it to the internal memory, how do you use it as a normal NC? Do you just get the Android Nook app? How does that compare to the actual Nook software? Do you lose any functionality? My wife will use hers primarily as an e reader whereas mine will be a tablet first. Does anyone have experience using different browsers like Skyfire and Opera? Those are what I use a lot on my phone. I have seen the name Dolphin HDused alot, but I don't know anything about it. I am sorry for all the questions and if my terminology is not 100% accurate. I am, as the welcome video says; a noob.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

Nard Dog said:
OK, I am going to be getting a couple NCs for the wife and I. So I have been doing a lot of reading and want to make sure I have a handle on evrtything. I have decided that CM7 is the way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only stupid question is the one unasked.
Nard Dog said:
If I am understanding correctly I basically create a CM7 image on an SD Card (cheap Sandisk seems to work best???) and then I can run it from the SD card without installing it on the internal memory of the NC. That way I can pull the SD card, reboot and have a stock NC. Is that right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct; with one exception. CM7 will mount the "Media" partition, and changes there will be reflected on the stock OS (this partition just stores your files, pictures, music, etc; nothing related to the system).
Nard Dog said:
Will the performance suffer from running it from the SD card? Are there benefits to installing on the internal memory?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, performance will suffer. I used to run from SD card, until i finally gave up and tried internal. Internal is much faster, and of course makes it easier to use you SD card for pure storage.
Nard Dog said:
Also, if I do install it to the internal memory, how do you use it as a normal NC? Do you just get the Android Nook app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normal NC? You mean as just an eReader? Yes, you would just use the market version of the nook app.
Nard Dog said:
How does that compare to the actual Nook software? Do you lose any functionality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what i have seen, you will lose the "Read to me" functionality, and the look and feel of the market version is different of that of the stock version. But, by using CM7 (or rooting stock), you can gain access to Kindle and Google books, which kind of makes up for it.
Nard Dog said:
My wife will use hers primarily as an e reader whereas mine will be a tablet first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say for you, CM7 internal would be good (remember, you can always put the stock OS back on if you change your mind), and the stock OS best for you wife.
Nard Dog said:
Does anyone have experience using different browsers like Skyfire and Opera? Those are what I use a lot on my phone. I have seen the name Dolphin HDused alot, but I don't know anything about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Opera is by far the best browser; it is the only browser with renders web pages with the GPU; this is what allows smooth scrolling and page views (like the iPad has). Dolphin is nothing more than a skin of the stock browser, and isn't worth worrying about.
Nard Dog said:
I am sorry for all the questions and if my terminology is not 100% accurate. I am, as the welcome video says; a noob.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember, we are ALL "noobs" at one point in our life. Being willing to ask and learn is how you stop being one.

Nard Dog said:
Also, if I do install it to the internal memory, how do you use it as a normal NC? Do you just get the Android Nook app? How does that compare to the actual Nook software? Do you lose any functionality? My wife will use hers primarily as an e reader whereas mine will be a tablet first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Android Nook app loses:
* Read To Me
* Shelves
* A quick shortcut to the current book you're reading
It gains a couple of features: a fancy page-turn animation, and a true black & white "night" mode. (The stock reader's night mode is more of an off-white on dark gray, if I remember right.)
If your wife has a lot of nook books, she may really miss the shelves feature. Without it all books are listed on one page, ordered by Title, Author or Most Recent. That's most recently purchased, not most recently read.
With no shortcut, every time you return to the app you have to scroll through all the books you have downloaded to find the one you're currently reading. That could be annoying if you've got a few dozen or more loaded.
I get around both problems by using a third-party reader. But to use it, I have to strip the DRM from the books I own, which is at best a gray area legally.
Most people who read a lot will probably get more out of a stock nook, or better still, a nootered nook. If it's nootered (rooted), you get all the features of the stock reader, as well as the ability to download any number of other applications including Kindle and Overdrive (the library lending app.)

Divine_Madcat said:
I would say for you, CM7 internal would be good (remember, you can always put the stock OS back on if you change your mind), and the stock OS best for you wife.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the input. Your answers have highlighted the fact that I need to do a lot more research. I am not even sure what the NC can do out of the box. While the wifey will use it primarily as a reader, she also wants to be able to play games and download apps. Can this still be done on the stock OS? Can you install a different browser (opera) on the stock OS? I've seen the term "rooted stock" but haven't read up on it much since I figured I'd just have to root them to do what we both want. I'm guessing "rooted stock" is somewhere between being rooted and keeping the stock OS. Would this allow using the native reader intetface while still allowing access to apps via the Android market? If I can get it so she has a nice browser, can play games (Angry Birds, etc) and keep the native reader (which she really likes) that would be perfect. BTW, before anyone starts yelling "USE THE SEARCH NOON" like they do on some forums I have visited, I know these answers are probably all on this forum somewhere and I am continuing to research on my own. I have been and will be reading a ton of old posts, etc. But, it is also helpful to have one thread to list all of the questions that pop into my head.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

I was new to Android a couple months ago and hesitant to root so I decided to put CM7 on an sdcard. I bought a cheap card and the thing worked but it was agonizingly slow. I bought a Sandisk 8GB class 4 and it works GREAT - very fast. I have never overclocked (haven't gotten the nerve for that yet) and it is very speedy for my needs. I later rooted stock which is what I recommend for your wife. You put a launcher on (I like zeam) and then you have your B&N shelves and access to the Android market as well. BTW, you can also get the Amazon Appstore and check it out daily because they put up a free app every day - very cool.
Good luck with your decision. I love my Nook!

Cool, so it looks like it'll be CM7 for me and nootered for her.
One more question since I have your attention. Is there a way to tether the NC to my Droid X and connect to the internet? My Droid X is totally stock and I have no desire to root it or mod it in any way. I have used PDAnet to tether to my laptop, so I'm looking for something similar to that.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

I can tether my Win Mobile phone (getting an Android phone as soon as my contract runs out!) to my NC. My phone creates an ad hoc connection and I had to make a small change on the Nook to get it to work. I'm pretty sure you will have no problem. Just search and you will find the details specific to your phone.

The only (wireless) tethering you can do WITHOUT rooting is the paid Verizon service. No other wireless rooting will work (all need superuser). I gotta ask though - any reason you don't want to root the X? Its not really anything different from rooting your nook..

Divine_Madcat said:
I gotta ask though - any reason you don't want to root the X? Its not really anything different from rooting your nook..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess it's really just fear. If I brick my phone, I am royally screwed. If I brick the Nook, it would suck, but it's more of a toy anyway. I know it's probably very safe and easy, but I just keep thinking of the horror stories I read when I thought about rooting my Q9m back in the day. That said it is very likely that once I root the Nook, I will end up rooting my phone. Baby steps
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

Nook VS Asus Honeycomb Tablet

I currently have an ASUS Transformer Tablet running Honeycomb 3.2. My wife is interested in the Nook for reading, magazines, etc.
I think there is a Nook app for android as well. Can anyone help me decide if it's worth it to buy her the Nook, or not?
What does the nook have or not have that a full honeycomb tablet has?
What does the Nook app for android have/not have that the Nook may have?
Pro's/Con's for each way?
Not looking to Root the nook either to put full android on it, unless its easy and pretty much harmless.
Thanks for the help all!

p.s., how to i add my signature? i cant find it anywhere!

I have had both (returned the tf101 due to a hw bug - not a fault of the transformers design, just a normal qa bug). The current nooo application now has everything. Even magazines, which I remember being absent when I triedthe nook android app a while ago.
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk

pros: $250.00 cons: $350.00
to edit your signature, just go into private messages

dandunn98 said:
I currently have an ASUS Transformer Tablet running Honeycomb 3.2. My wife is interested in the Nook for reading, magazines, etc.
I think there is a Nook app for android as well. Can anyone help me decide if it's worth it to buy her the Nook, or not?
What does the nook have or not have that a full honeycomb tablet has?
What does the Nook app for android have/not have that the Nook may have?
Pro's/Con's for each way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock nook reader can do the children's books (lots of animation and "read to me"), the Android app can't. Otherwise, for grownups, they're pretty much equivalent.
The Nook doesn't have a phone, cell network, camera, microphone, video out, or bluetooth with reasonable range. These are some of the reasons that the price is so good.
When you run CM7, it does have host-mode USB (albeit a little hacky at the moment).
Not looking to Root the nook either to put full android on it, unless its easy and pretty much harmless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Booting CM7 off the SD is absolutely harmless, and very easy the third or fourth time you do it...

If the goal is to end up with a device that is good for reading books the Nook Color is a great solution. You might want to root it, very easy, and leave it running the stock OS. That will open up the NC to running apps and getting to the standard Market, but leaves the unit with the reader centric interface. I have mine this way and prefer that to a generic Android experience such as CM7. I usually prefer the bigger screen of the Transformer to the NC for general tasks like web browsing.

so what in lieu of the missing hardware (camera, gps, etc), what software limitations is on the stock nook color? Can you install apps from android market?

dandunn98 said:
p.s., how to i add my signature? i cant find it anywhere!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
couldn't find the signature under private messages

dandunn98 said:
so what in lieu of the missing hardware (camera, gps, etc), what software limitations is on the stock nook color? Can you install apps from android market?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock is crap IMO. Its only good if your just going to be reading books. Cm7 makes this thing the best tablet for your money. It is crazy easy to install and you get the full android tablet experience for less than half the price of the big boys. Yes it is missing a camera and GPS but why would you ever need that on a tablet?
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk

And there is no market access on stock unless you root it.
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk

I have both and each has its place in my tablet world. I like the portability of the Nook and its gorgeous screen. The Transformer screen is equally impressive looking. Would highly recommend CM7 for Nook as others have suggested. When I need to use an app like Google Goggles, or other apps that use camera/video capabilities, the Transformer is the obvious choice and is quite capable. I have not yet had success with USB camera or headset with Nook but still have hope thanks to the devs continuing work. I have used GPS with both (using bluetooth GPS on the Nook). I use the Transformer as my "cell phone" now with my 3G mifi device (using the GrooVeIP app). I believe your household would enjoy having both.

With the nook app you have access to a lot less magazines because of liscense agreements. On the stock nook you have access to all magazine subscriptions like GQ and Vanity Fair.
Sent from my NookColor using XDA Premium App

soo much good info so far. i'll have to investigate this CM7. don't know much about it at all

I also have both Transformer and Nook.
They each have their place. I almost always have the rooted nook with me. Keep in mind that you can find refurbs for $180 to $200.
Also, when you root to a sd card, you don't change the underlying software in the main memory of the nook. If you have a problem with your nook, just pull the sd card out and reboot it to stock.
Once rooted, you can add the software reader from Kindle and Sony. This means you can comparative shop to find the book you want. When it is stock, you can only buy from BN or borrow from your library.

advocate2 said:
I also have both Transformer and Nook.
They each have their place. I almost always have the rooted nook with me. Keep in mind that you can find refurbs for $180 to $200.
Also, when you root to a sd card, you don't change the underlying software in the main memory of the nook. If you have a problem with your nook, just pull the sd card out and reboot it to stock.
Once rooted, you can add the software reader from Kindle and Sony. This means you can comparative shop to find the book you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This all sounds great, and i like the SD card root you guys are talking about. I haven't rooted an android device before so it's new to me, and i know theres TONS of posts regarding it as well. I have jailbroken iphones/ipod touches so i know the concept of it all.
With root, can you obtain paid programs at no charge, like jailbreaks?

dandunn98 said:
With root, can you obtain paid programs at no charge, like jailbreaks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please don't go there.
Rodney

rhester72 said:
Please don't go there.
Rodney
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
understood. I'm all for giving credit to people for apps, and all. I just enjoy testing them before buying.

With the cost of most android programs being low, there should never be a reason to look at pirated software. The software development we have today is a testiment to the hard work of many talented developers who would not continue if their work was not appreciated.
The Nook color , like most any tablet/reader device, should be considered for purchase based on filling a specific need. For reading, I have not found another device that provides anything close to the experience of the nook. For less than $250.00, you have a color screen that rivals tablets costing 2-3 times the nook. The fact that the nook boots from an sd card allows you to have a full android experience while retaining the stock nook reader.
For those wishing to expand the stock nook, cm7 provides a rich android experience with multimedia and the (almost) entire android market for apps. The market is now "device aware" and will only allow download of apps compatable with the device.
As for USB use, I am using a logitech bluetooth keyboard to type this message and use USB host mode to connect my digital camera to the nook to transfer photos directly for better viewing.
If you require all the functions of a full tablet (camera, GPS, ect:.) The nook might not be for you but if it is a secondary device that you can use to enrich your life with it's many capabilities, you will not find a better value on the market.
I'll get off my soapbox now and let you get on with that nook purchase.
Sent from my Wonderful Nook Color using Tapatalk

dandunn98 said:
With root, can you obtain paid programs at no charge, like jailbreaks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you mean to "sideload" apps then yes

A few weeks ago Staples had a coupon for $100 off all tables, including the Asus Transformer. This week Target is giving a $100 gift card to anyone who purchases an Acer Iconia (effectively making the price $299). For just $50 more than the cost of a new Nook Color, it's a no-brainer to get the Honeycomb tablet.
Both of the deals mentioned above seem indicative of price drops in the Android tablet market. Anyone who missed out on the above deals, just wait, and you'll see more like them.