All,
I've only had my NC for about a week.
My first task was to root it, get my applications loaded, bookmarks in my browser, and of course PLAY!
I'm now getting around to downloading some books (especially FREE ones). Picked up a few from B&N, a few in Aldiko, plan to register my library card so I can get some form the public library. Then, amazon's kindle store - OMG - thousands of Free titles to choose from. So, if you're looking for classics. Make sure you get the Kindle app.
I've tried most of the free readers and find them all clunky so I keep coming back to the stock application.
BTW: depending where you live, you may be able to get a free library card in a nearby large city in your state or the capitol.
For example, all Massachusetts residents can get a Boston card and all NY residents can get an NYC card.
Also, for $15/year anyone can get a Philladelphia card.
Kindle for everything I buy. Stock app for anything I have to sideload.
My wife gets nookbooks from the library. Thank god too, I'd be broke with in the month.
I've used the stock app and the kindle one and found them about equal. I guess the preference just comes down to the differences between the catalog selection.
I may actually start reading more now.
Sent from a NookColor using the xda app
Stock here. I have yet to find another app that reads as well.
I use Aldiko Premium. It works better for me than the stock app.
I've tested a lot of readers and I think what FBReader is the most perfect reader for NC. Much better for me than Moon, Laputa, Aldiko etc. Try it, it's free on Market.
Laputa Reader Pro
Thanks for the feedback.
So many books and so little time to read... But, it is great to be able to have a couple thousand books in the palm of my hand.
Hey guys, I am a long time android user, I had the cdma hero for a year until the release of the evo shift and that's where I'm at now. I just convinced my wife she should get an e reader and justified it as both of us being able to use it...
So I have some questions before I pick one up at work (2nd job is at best buy, I only work there for the discount)...
Can the wireless hotspot from the evo shift be used for the nook?
Are there any decent custom roms that also have the ereader feature that reads some childrens books by itself (the nook reads the words to my son)?
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
I use barnacle wifi tether with my Samsung fascinate and it works fine.
There's also a thread with a wifi tether app for certain users... i don't know enough to comment, i know it's for people where the traditional method doesn't work, or ad-hoc doesn't work or something.
As far as the ereader part, you can always boot CM7 or Froyo off SD card and keep the stock rooted ROM with the ereader on the internal memory if you like the B&N version. Or there are reader apps in the market, i don't use them so i can't comment but i've read they are not as good as the stock one for the NC, especially the kid's reader
As stated above, tethering is possible and fairly easy.
Regarding the children's books, there are several stand-alone apps that are children's books that will auto-read the entire book with great pictures accompanying. Oceanhouse Media released several of them - lots of Dr. Seuss books, Little Critter books, Baranstain Bears, and recently a dinosaur book. I would suggest booting Froyo or CM7 from SD and trying these out. If you like them, then you can probably forget about keeping the stock software and just jump to a custom ROM.
Hello Nooksters,
The summer is almost over and I'm about to go into 6th grade. I want to use the Nook for replacing some old-fashioned things (calculator, notebook, scratch paper, etc). Also, I want to read books on it (D'oh) So basically I want to optimize the Nook Color for use at school. The only thing I know for a fact is which ROM I'm gonna use. Which is MIUI. So here is the list that sums up the thread:
What is the best calculator app?
What is the best app to use as a notebook and which stylus should I use to tale notes with the app? This one is the biggy. I need the best Stylus for writing.
What is the best app to read books? (I'm thinking Aldiko Premium.)
What is the best OC settings to not have the NC's battery die?
Any other suggestions to make the Nook awesome?
Sorry if my post is hard to understand. I was in a rush writing this....
Thanks!
ikingblack said:
Hello Nooksters,
The summer is almost over and I'm about to go into 6th grade. I want to use the Nook for replacing some old-fashioned things (calculator, notebook, scratch paper, etc). Also, I want to read books on it (D'oh) So basically I want to optimize the Nook Color for use at school. The only thing I know for a fact is which ROM I'm gonna use. Which is MIUI. So here is the list that sums up the thread:
What is the best calculator app?
What is the best app to use as a notebook and which stylus should I use to tale notes with the app? This one is the biggy. I need the best Stylus for writing.
What is the best app to read books? (I'm thinking Aldiko Premium.)
What is the best OC settings to not have the NC's battery die?
Any other suggestions to make the Nook awesome?
Sorry if my post is hard to understand. I was in a rush writing this....
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow 6th grade! As a college student who is planning on using the nook for school, I too would like to know some suggestions.
As for books, the normal aldiko works great for me. I don't think premium has any real big additions to it.
Oc settings will differ, so place around with them now to get a feel for it now.
Sent from my B&N Nook Color
I like the Notion Ink calculator if you're thinking you need a scientific calculator.
I have yet to use a stylus on a capacitive screen so I have no idea.
Aldiko seems to be pretty good.
Ezpdf and docs2go have been a big help to me. The docs2go powerpoint viewer works beautifully in landscape. I use jorte as my calendar/scheduler/to do list. It syncs with google calendar and tasks.
I'll have to check out that calculator.
Impressed that you guys are looking into this technology (6th Grade and checking out XDA). I remember when I tried looking at this for my university studies on the old Windows Mobile 6.x platform. Technology has come a long way but not seen 'decent' stylus notetaking capabilities. I got my wife a stylus for the iPad and even that did not allow real notetaking. Used on the nook and was even worse.
An alternative suggestion (especially for apps) is to use Thumb Keyboard. I have used this to quickly write up information and the keyboard layout, especially in landscape, makes for easier typing. Marry this with Dropbox and Documents2Go and you have all your notes, presentation files, reader and spreadsheet capabilities. I understand these are paid apps (except for Dropbox) but these are good tools to have for anyone with info on the go. Also great to start notes on tablet, then finish off report/presentation on a laptop.
I think Google Apps has everything you need in terms of calendar/email/tasks to keep you on track. I don't have any suggestions as far as calculator apps go but spreadsheets will be the way you will likely end up (you do need to know the basics and be able to calculate by hand but spreadsheets are the way to go).
I really think the Nook (tablets in general) are best used for viewing information at the moment but am keen to see where technology goes in the future so was interested in your thread (so Thanks).
Thanks for all the replies, heres what I got:
Targus Stylus w/ Handrite to take notes
Aldiko Premium (already had it)
I grabbed Notion Ink's Calculator app, works awesomely, saved me from buying a new calculator!
Fooled around and decided to settle with 1.1 GHz on Powersave governor in class, 1.2 GHz w/ performance at recess.
I got QuickOffice HD so I can make Documents, will try out the other apps suggested though.
Once again, thanks for everything guys!
Update: Install Jorte. Works awesome! Thank you!
Notion Ink's Calc app no longer works anymore. I re installed and wiped data and stuff. So no go. Is there any other good-looking scientific calculator out there? Thanks.
Over Docs2Go, I picked QuickOffice HD like I said. It can make + read Word, Powerpoint, and Excel. Pretty nice.
Droid48, HP 48GX, best calculator ever made. You'll never run out of things you can do on it, and on the NC's screen it's gorgeous and fast.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/droid48/org.ab.x48
Back when I was in college a million years ago I used it to keep notes on, track assignments and grades, wrote a dozen little nifty utilities to do random things for engineering school, etc.
Of course most of that you'd do in the NC directly these days, but there's a million tools out there for the HP48 if you're doing algebra, calculus, engineering, etc.. http://www.hpcalc.org/
I don't know how many times ALG48 (serious Algebra tools) and QPI (reduces number, such as 3.333333 = 10/3, or 1.25663706144 = (2/5)*pi )
Dont forget Wolframalpha. It requires a wireless link. Its more for a high school or college student.
Sent from my NookColor using XDA Premium App
I think I'll stick with SOWGcalc. Thanks though. Anything else I can do?
Realcalc is a great scientific calculator
Sent from my NookColor using XDA Premium App
Will check out....
Edit: Works well, but kinda hate the UI.
Don't waste your time looking for a stylus. The Nook screen does not respond to capacitive styluses well at all. I cannot be used for note taking that way. If you need to take notes with a stylus you're going to have to drop $580 for an HTC Flyer.
Just grabbed the Targus stylus... work pretty nice. It won't be a hardcore notebook, but it works. And the Flyer is know only $500 @ best buy., Magic Pen included. Whoop de doodle dim!
Download the new evernote app for tablets. Its in beta. It would work good for typed notetaking.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
Alright, I downloaded that. Works nice! Thanks!
What about a small fold up or roll up bluetooth keyboard?
ikingblack, I know you said you've already gone with (and paid for) QuickOffice HD because it can create Word, Excel, and Powerpoint files but for other users info I want to point out that Documents2Go can also do all those in old and new document formats (.doc and .docx for example). It also includes a pdf viewer but ezpdf is better since it can reflow text and place multiple named bookmarks.
I'm interested in hearing about your experience taking notes with the stylus. Can it keep up? I can't help but think a keyboard would be faster but I haven't tried. It would certainly be very convenient for math to use a stylus but does handrite allow symbol and diagram input?
I actually had tried a bluetooth keyboard on my old iPaq (yes, that is HP iPaq using windows mobile 6.1). Just not as instantaneous and took up space. Remember, note taking is quick and instantaneous. I know the tech has come along way but don't underestimate the time it takes to bring out the keyboard, unfold, pair, etc., you would have lost the thought. This was always my problem which stopped me from using it. Just look around at how many people are using fold up keyboards as there primary input device. I'm struggling here to remember seeing any fold out keyboards compared to laptops or iPads.
I had a fold out IR keyboard for my Palm PDA years ago. Besides the keys being recessed into the case itself, making typing the Space key a pain, the alignment of the IR sensor and the battery seemingly always being dead.... Makes me cringe thinking about external keyboards.
I'd think they've gotten better. I actually saw someone with a better version doing the same thing taking notes in some classes, but I guess I went cheap. But I've never tried to take notes in class electronically, as I'm a tactile learner I suppose. Plus if I write the notes then transcribe them electronically it gives my cinder-block brain two attempts to learn it.
irisclara said:
ikingblack, I know you said you've already gone with (and paid for) QuickOffice HD because it can create Word, Excel, and Powerpoint files but for other users info I want to point out that Documents2Go can also do all those in old and new document formats (.doc and .docx for example). It also includes a pdf viewer but ezpdf is better since it can reflow text and place multiple named bookmarks.
I'm interested in hearing about your experience taking notes with the stylus. Can it keep up? I can't help but think a keyboard would be faster but I haven't tried. It would certainly be very convenient for math to use a stylus but does handrite allow symbol and diagram input?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. Other users might want to use Docs2Go, but I already paid for QuickOffice HD. The Stylus cannot be used for full and hardcore note taking, but neither can the Flyer's Magic Pen. It is for simple scratch paper when you don't want to get up and get some. I am very happy with my stylus, it performs better then I expected. I don't need a BlueTooth Keyboard, I doubt the teacher would let me use it in class. The new TouchPal beta is great for me. All in all, I recommend this for school:
1 Targus Stylus for iPad (DO NOT get the one for tablet, it doesn't work well)
1 Nook Color (duh)
1 Copy of either QuickOffice HD, or Documents2Go + EZPDF
1 Copy of Handrite free from the Market
1 Copy of Jorte, for task management.
1 Copy of SOWGcalc (awesome UI, but not to advanced. Good for simple calculations.) and RealCalc, for more scientific stuff.
That's it. I am sure school will be great when it starts in 2 weeks with all of this stuff.
Hi guys,
I just thought I share my Galaxy Note experience with you, i m happy with the device but just wondering if someone else also come across the same problem similar to mine.
We all know Galaxy Note doesn't come with book reader out of the box, than comes the question of best Android book reader, on the very forum most of the users recommend Alido book reader among others.
Let me cut to the chase so here is my question, is there any way I can install Honeycomb stock book reader on my Note coz having installed all the recommended readers none of them get any close to the Honeycomb default reader, I m sure some if not most will agree.
I don't have the answer to your question, but thought I'd point out that my Note came with a book reader out of the box, simply called 'eBook'
I mean it's terrible, and I use aldiko, but it was there as stock
It probably depends on the country and distribution: mine had both Reader's Hub (linked to Zinio and Kobo) and Nexto.pl (linked to the most popular ebook-shop in my country), preinstalled and ready to use.
I installed Moon+ Reader and it seems good enough for some epub files I have lying around. There's also Kindle reader app that I use a lot, but this is because I own a Kindle, so most of my current reading is in Kindle's .azw (aka .mobi) format.
There's also Mantano reader, which I haven't tried, but judging from reviews it is one of the best. It is a paid app.
Isilo for Android also exists (this reader remembers the times of PalmOS, WinCE and other grandfather mobile OS's), but this would be of use only if you already have lots of books in the old PDB format.
In my experience, Aldiko is one of the best book readers for Android.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
macminer said:
It probably depends on the country and distribution: mine had both Reader's Hub (linked to Zinio and Kobo) and Nexto.pl (linked to the most popular ebook-shop in my country), preinstalled and ready to use.
I installed Moon+ Reader and it seems good enough for some epub files I have lying around. There's also Kindle reader app that I use a lot, but this is because I own a Kindle, so most of my current reading is in Kindle's .azw (aka .mobi) format.
There's also Mantano reader, which I haven't tried, but judging from reviews it is one of the best. It is a paid app.
Isilo for Android also exists (this reader remembers the times of PalmOS, WinCE and other grandfather mobile OS's), but this would be of use only if you already have lots of books in the old PDB format.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably right, I m in South Africa, that might be the reason as the firmware differs based on region...
Further to my initial post regarding ebook reader, I used Galaxy Tab 7.0 plus P6300 and the stock book reader is something I have never seen before, very simple much better then any book readers out there, I have all the new highly rated book reader like Alido but I still feel the lack of one touch access to all the features and the layout and the beauty... I m a reader and to be honest but I dont feel like reading on these book readers anymore...
That brings us to the basic question: Is it possible to install Honeycomb stock ebook reader on NOTE?