Database Develop

[Q] Should I get a Nook Color?

Hi I have been trying to decide if I should by this myself by reading reviews and such but, I plan on rooting the device and installing different launchers and apps and I realize this completely changes the nature of the beast. If you could answer a few questions for me it would be greatly appreciated.
1. How fast/laggy is it. If I install launcherpro will it still work well.
2. How difficult is it to get movies encoded for it and how do they look.
3. Has anyone tried installing news apps for android (NY Times, BBC,CNN ext.) Also is netlix possible?
Thank you

1. I tried Launcher Pro, ADW, and Zeal and there is no lag in any of them. I did settle on Zeal for now.
2. I have about 10 movies that I had encoded originally for my evo and they all play great! Just the simple settings in handbrake will work fine.
3. I have USA Today on there now as well as the engadget program and both work great. Haven't tried netflix, don't have a account.
S300M said:
Hi I have been trying to decide if I should by this myself by reading reviews and such but, I plan on rooting the device and installing different launchers and apps and I realize this completely changes the nature of the beast. If you could answer a few questions for me it would be greatly appreciated.
1. How fast/laggy is it. If I install launcherpro will it still work well.
2. How difficult is it to get movies encoded for it and how do they look.
3. Has anyone tried installing news apps for android (NY Times, BBC,CNN ext.) Also is netlix possible?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks m8 thats actually a lot of helps a lot. IDK if netflix will work because of all the copyright and DRM but everything else sounds like good news to me. Now if only some could figure out how to get this thing to accept Adhoc networks from my cell phone that eould be great. If anybody else has something to add fell free to go right on ahead.

I actually tried Zeal and didnt like it. I had to put a bunch of icons down in the doc bar to get the doc launcher (the button with all the dots) in the middle where I like it....unless I missed something and dont know how to do it.

I have a huge library of HD (720p BD rips) and SD (DVD rips) movies and TV shows in AVI and MKV containers, will I be able to stream these video files within my home network? (without transcoding)

I'm glad there was already a post for this because I didn't want to create a new thread for it. I was one of the elocity a7 preorders who just had their orders cancelled. (all of us did, elocity insists it's a system error-I call BS) Anyhow i'm trying to decide between the nook color and the gtablet. I really wanted a tegra, but I really wanted a 7 inch device. I know they're not really the same thing, and maybe shouldn't be compared- but can anyone offer some insight as to which they personally prefer? Thanks.

OMG don't get the viewsonic G Tab... I had it for 1 day and had to take it back. Absolutely the worst screen I have ever seen on a device. The worst viewing angles. The nook color is wayyyyy better in my honest opinion and is really fast enough.
xwint3rxmut3x said:
I'm glad there was already a post for this because I didn't want to create a new thread for it. I was one of the elocity a7 preorders who just had their orders cancelled. (all of us did, elocity insists it's a system error-I call BS) Anyhow i'm trying to decide between the nook color and the gtablet. I really wanted a tegra, but I really wanted a 7 inch device. I know they're not really the same thing, and maybe shouldn't be compared- but can anyone offer some insight as to which they personally prefer? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Ok, cool. Thanks alot. I really wanted a tegra...but the NC is the form factor I wanted, and I read nothing but great things about the screen. Just wanted to hear from other geeks whether or not i'm going to end up making a huge performance sacrifice or not.

I had a gtablet too and it really was the worst, even rooted and running a special tegra kernel. The nook is amazing and nearly the perfect tablet for me.

If you are asking yourself this question and seriously considering getting a nookColor, keep in mind that B&N has a deal that ends Sunday if you buy $100 in gift certificates you will get $10 back in gift cards (that are activated the day after christmas). I took advantage of this and bought $300 and got $30 in gift cards back which I'm going to use toward accessories (easel case I'm [email protected]). You may want to double check with your store but the manager at the store I went to allowed me to do this (after reading through the 'terms and conditions' on the website he said there was nothing that said it couldn't be done)
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/gift-card/index.asp?cds2Pid=32280
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/help/help_cds2.asp?PID=32063&popupclose=0
The terms say the gift card has to be bought on b&n.com, but the manager said the promotion was running in-store too so it didn't matter.

So the nookcolor, rooted, is a pretty decent slate/tablet?
I want the nookcolor mainly as a tablet: surfing the web, reading reddit, loading .pdf's of books/medical journals/textbooks to read and study from.
I was originally waiting for the archos 101 for $300.....but it seems like it's never going to come out.
The other thing is, since the nookcolor's screen is made for reading, will there be less eye-strain than with other tablets ( ipad,gtablet,archos 101?)

noodles12 said:
So the nookcolor, rooted, is a pretty decent slate/tablet?
I want the nookcolor mainly as a tablet: surfing the web, reading reddit, loading .pdf's of books/medical journals/textbooks to read and study from.
I was originally waiting for the archos 101 for $300.....but it seems like it's never going to come out.
The other thing is, since the nookcolor's screen is made for reading, will there be less eye-strain than with other tablets ( ipad,gtablet,archos 101?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering this exact same thing, how does this fare as a cheap tablet?
I've done plenty of tweaking and modding with my nexus one so I'm no noob there - is this the deal of the century for someone like me? From what I've seen with a new launcher this thing turns into a serious galaxy tab competitor.
If anyone has any negatives they'd like to list please let me know - I'll probably be buying one of these in a few days.

We are two peas in a pod my friend.
The archos is only $50 more with HDMI,usb ,and a stand. But isn't available yet.
But if the NC screen is better for long-term reading....... who knows.
aaahhh.

Hi everyone, I am seriously considering buying a Nook Color as I really like it's design (something important for me), and want a Tablet device. And at 250$ it sounds like a really good deal. (The Archos 101 here in Greece costs 330 euro -> 440$, so the Nook is considerably cheaper)
My main usage will be: Reading pdfs and watching some .ppt files (I am a senior electrical & computer engineer student and want the Nook for studying), some Web Browsing, and if it is able for some MSN messaging..
Also, I wanted to ask you if it is capable of doing something:
Let's say you are reading a .pdf on your Nook. Is it possible to "handwrite" anything on the .pdf, like you are writing on a piece of paper, and save the file? That would be extremely helpful when studying.
Is there any application that does this?
Thank you very much for your time and help.

noodles12 said:
So the nookcolor, rooted, is a pretty decent slate/tablet?
I want the nookcolor mainly as a tablet: surfing the web, reading reddit, loading .pdf's of books/medical journals/textbooks to read and study from.
I was originally waiting for the archos 101 for $300.....but it seems like it's never going to come out.
The other thing is, since the nookcolor's screen is made for reading, will there be less eye-strain than with other tablets ( ipad,gtablet,archos 101?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
darx said:
I was wondering this exact same thing, how does this fare as a cheap tablet?
I've done plenty of tweaking and modding with my nexus one so I'm no noob there - is this the deal of the century for someone like me? From what I've seen with a new launcher this thing turns into a serious galaxy tab competitor.
If anyone has any negatives they'd like to list please let me know - I'll probably be buying one of these in a few days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
noodles12 said:
We are two peas in a pod my friend. The archos is only $50 more with HDMI,usb ,and a stand. But isn't available yet. But if the NC screen is better for long-term reading....... who knows. aaahhh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While the NC supplier (B&N and it's mfg'er) have a limited track record, the record of Archos is pretty clear ... roll out products that target the 'latest trend' with software that is usually not ready and move on to the next latest thing within a very short time leaving a trail of unsupported devices. If you can live with buying a new thing from Archos every 9-12 mos and knowing support will be GONE after that then go for it.
As said the Nook may not turn out better, but it can't be worse. It has an up-to-date system now, larger memory, better viewing for it's primary mission. (A70 just getting 2.2 and who know what bugs with it; A101 still not available, what does THAT tell you?)
If you want an android multimedia device then the Archos family may be a way to go, but evaluate it against multimedia devices since that is Archos' focus (assuming they have one), not reading and/or tablet functions.
Probably most people on this thread have reading as a primary, tablet second and entertainment third. The screen is really great, pdf reading is real good other than the swipe down instead of swipe sideways, with the Dolphin browser, root, su, multitouch what's not to like? ... did I mention the screen is great?

Thank you for the very helpful info zdrifter.
Could you also answer this?
I wanted to ask you if it is capable of doing something:
Let's say you are reading a .pdf on your Nook. Is it possible to "handwrite" anything on the .pdf, like you are writing on a piece of paper, and save the file? That would be extremely helpful when studying.
Is there any application that does this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And something very important: Barnes & Noble doesn't ship NookColor internationally. Which eshop would you suggest so I can buy NC and the send it to me here in Greece? amazon.com perhpas? Is there another good eshop maybe?
Thank you for your time.

thereddog said:
I have a huge library of HD (720p BD rips) and SD (DVD rips) movies and TV shows in AVI and MKV containers, will I be able to stream these video files within my home network? (without transcoding)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone answer this for me? Streaming from a Windows PC, of course.

thereddog said:
Can anyone answer this for me? Streaming from a Windows PC, of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is this possible on your phone? I'm asking to verify if you want to know if the hardware is capable or if you're looking for an android app that enables you to do it.

Babis_ECE said:
<snip>Also, I wanted to ask you if it is capable of doing something:
Let's say you are reading a .pdf on your Nook. Is it possible to "handwrite" anything on the .pdf, like you are writing on a piece of paper, and save the file? That would be extremely helpful when studying.
Is there any application that does this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Babis_ECE said:
Thank you for the very helpful info zdrifter.<snip>Barnes & Noble doesn't ship NookColor internationally. Which eshop would you suggest so I can buy NC and the send it to me here in Greece? amazon.com perhaps? Is there another good eshop maybe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know of any android apps that allow document editing, however if I wanted to annotate a pdf doc, I would put it in my Calibre library, convert it to ePub, load it on the NookColor and annotate away ... .. Calibre is a free program and VERY useful for ereading.
As for foreign sales, don't know a thing ...

Did you read the post from gtablet? There is a wifi suplicant file. I don't have a nook yet but will root and post.
Sent from my Tazz Vanilla using XDA App

share your experiances with the nc

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In store with a rooted NC

FWIW, and to provide a semi-definitive answer to questions some people have posed: I am currently in the cafe of my local Barnes & Noble, enjoying a coffee, a biscotti (two, actually... bad, bad boy) and borrowing a book with my Autonootered (3.0) Nook Color. The store Wifi did recognize my NC when I powered up.
Only change I've made to the system is turning off auto updates with sqlite.
(Update: I may have broken the in-store function. More when I get home. zGotta run)

OK, so here's the full story:
Went to B&N to verify for myself whether rooting Nook Color (Autonooter 3.0) locked you out of in-store goodies such as browsing books for an hour.
To my delight, I was able to borrow a book and browse, no problem. So I figured: hey, let's press my luck and see what sort's of activities could potentially kill that ability. First thing I did was launch Opera 11 and start surfing. Came back to the book I was browsing and all was still good. Then I decided to download an app from the Android App store. So I downloaded Autodesk Sketchbook Mobile (OMG, I cannot believe this wonderful app runs a mere .99 cents. Bargain of the century, if you ask me.) So far so good. Everything is still working. I can still browse the book in-store. But at one point Opera started feeling a bit sluggish. I decided to use Advanced Task Killer Free edition to free us some resources. I went ahead and nuked a couple of processes and then tried to come back to the borrowed book using the "keep reading" icon in the task bar. Now I got a message saying "this resource is no longer available" or something to that effect. So launched the Barnes and Noble hoping to browse another book. Now, however, none of the books had the "in-store" label on them. So I restarted the Nook (turned it off and back on). When the Nook re-connected to WiFi I was recognized as a Nook, and books in the store did show the "in-store" label, but when I tried to browse one I was stock at the "processing" screen and saw no movement on the progress bar. That's when something came up and I had to go.
Now, coming back home I decided to launch the store again and see if I could buy a title. I tried a magazine, but this time, even buying the magazine I was stuck at the "processing" screen with no movement on the progress bar. So I re-booted the Nook and tried again. First time it failed, but the second time it downloaded the magazine. I suspect that the first time I may simply have entered my password wrong.
Next I'll try going back to Barnes and Noble and see if I'm still locked out of in-store browsing.
The lack of in-store browsing is not a huge deal, to be honest. But if I'd managed to break the store altogether (not be able to buy books) that would be a stock-rooted deal-breaker for me. I'd probably dump the stock image and start playing with some of the fancy new ROMs that people are developing over in the development forum. no way would I go back to stock un-rooted, though. This device is just astonishingly cool once you've got full access to the Android Market and the myriad applications available there. I used to think that I'd be happy with Barnes and Noble's offerings once they opened their store, but honestly, I doubt they're going to offer stuff like the "IPCONFIG" and "PING" apps, or half the games I've downloaded.

Ok, quick update: I'm back at Barnes& Noble. It's not the same store, but FWIW, in-storr borrowing is working for me. In addition, I was able to buy a book (Works of David Hume, in case you're curious.) So, yeah, rooting by itself will not compromise your ability to enjoy in-store features.
That's all. Bye, bye.

Thanks for the write up. Just got mine on Saturday. That was one thing I was wondering about with rooting it. What all I can't do. I know there's alot I can't do now unrooted, but I didn't get this for a tablet, I wanted an e reader. I live around the corner from B&N, and have been a member for a couple yrs. Just having fun now unrooted still learning this thing.

boborone said:
Thanks for the write up. Just got mine on Saturday. That was one thing I was wondering about with rooting it. What all I can't do. I know there's alot I can't do now unrooted, but I didn't get this for a tablet, I wanted an e reader. I live around the corner from B&N, and have been a member for a couple yrs. Just having fun now unrooted still learning this thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can wait a couple of weeks, you should be able to start buying Apps from the Barnes & Noble app store. Should suffice for most casual users.

dsf3g said:
If you can wait a couple of weeks, you should be able to start buying Apps from the Barnes & Noble app store. Should suffice for most casual users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, so far a couple games and dolphin hd are about all I miss from my phone. I can do anything I want on my phone. But dam do I hate the stock browser on this thing. I'll see what the update brings.

dsf3g said:
So I downloaded Autodesk Sketchbook Mobile (OMG, I cannot believe this wonderful app runs a mere .99 cents. Bargain of the century, if you ask me.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been searching for an app like this! Thanks for mentioning it!!!
Now to get a proper pen/stylus and I can do some great work!

dsf3g said:
FWIW, and to provide a semi-definitive answer to questions some people have posed: I am currently in the cafe of my local Barnes & Noble, enjoying a coffee, a biscotti (two, actually... bad, bad boy) and borrowing a book with my Autonootered (3.0) Nook Color. The store Wifi did recognize my NC when I powered up.
Only change I've made to the system is turning off auto updates with sqlite.
(Update: I may have broken the in-store function. More when I get home. zGotta run)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread has the answer for rooted stock NC
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=12053605&postcount=213

jonstar said:
I've been searching for an app like this! Thanks for mentioning it!!!
Now to get a proper pen/stylus and I can do some great work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when you find one let us know! I've got boxwave stylus, which I think is the same as the one sold by griffin and targus and it's just not that great for detailed work.

n8w said:
when you find one let us know! I've got boxwave stylus, which I think is the same as the one sold by griffin and targus and it's just not that great for detailed work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off-topic question for you: Is it good enough for hand writing? I want a stylus to go with a notepad app (really just a glorified paint I guess), to make taking notes easier, but I am hesitant to buy one from all the negative reviews I've seen here and elsewhere. Thanks!
Craine

I bought a cheap $4.00 capacitive stylus off ebay and it's basically worthless. So I'm on the hunt for one also.

I'm confused if I want to invest in a nook. Help me!

I love Android. I started with my G1, have a had a hero, incredible and am on an EVO.
I'm cutting down on having a smartphone since I can't use it at work, so I'm considering purchasing a nook to fill that Android need in my life.
I can easily find a local nook color for around $200, but will I be happy? I flash roms all the time, and would love to have something I can read in bed our play some games with my 3 year old daughter. I figure if I break something or my kiddo gets a little too aggressive, I won't be too upset.
She loves her grandparents ipad (her granddad is a hardcore mac guy) I just want something fun for us.
Do you all think the nook will fit my needs? Do any of you have children that are in that 3-4 year range? If so, how do they take to the device? I'm thinking books and coloring games could be very fun even though there will be write a bit less than she pass used to from her grandparents ipad.
Thanks xda, I've grown to respect you over the years.
Cheers!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

TooSlo said:
I love Android. I started with my G1, have a had a hero, incredible and am on an EVO.
I'm cutting down on having a smartphone since I can't use it at work, so I'm considering purchasing a nook to fill that Android need in my life.
I can easily find a local nook color for around $200, but will I be happy? I flash roms all the time, and would love to have something I can read in bed our play some games with my 3 year old daughter. I figure if I break something or my kiddo gets a little too aggressive, I won't be too upset.
She loves her grandparents ipad (her granddad is a hardcore mac guy) I just want something fun for us.
Do you all think the nook will fit my needs? Do any of you have children that are in that 3-4 year range? If so, how do they take to the device? I'm thinking books and coloring games could be very fun even though there will be write a bit less than she pass used to from her grandparents ipad.
Thanks xda, I've grown to respect you over the years.
Cheers!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine for the same price, and I'm very happy with it thus far, considering that the device is that price range, you get a whole lot. Just like you, I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. Below I'll itemize some features that I use for myself and for my son.
***Me:
- task and organize manager
- read eBooks (ezPDF reader)
- watch youtube in HQ, and you can watch HULU if you're using CM7 build (link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1040971)
- catch up on videos (MoboPlayer)
- browse on internet (Dolphin HD is awesome, and SkyFire is fairly snappy as well)
- I'll occasionally play some some games (i.e Nesoid, etc.)
***Kiddies:
- read to him (i.e. OceanMedia and StoryChimes is really good, highly recommend)
- educational and developmental games (i.e. IntelliJoy Games, also highly recommend)
- movies for him on long trips, this is also a big help
I mean these are just a couple of things, I'm certain their is more... also, you mentioned you have an android device, so you can wifi/tether and connect the NookColor on to your android device (that's what I do) and the NC will have constant internet access and the screen on the NookColor is very crisp IMHO, very good buy for what the device does.
I hope this short summary points you to the direction you're looking for! Good luck!

I can't vouch for the part about how kids will take to it, but I imagine they would really enjoy it. But if you're like me and are really into Android and the customization and ROM flashing that it allows then the NC is perfect. I first looked for the generic Android tablets on ebay.
I ended up with the Zenethink ZT-180; no offense to anyone on here who finds that device to be great, but I sure didn't. I had it less than a week. Bottom line it didn't do anything right, it FC'ed all the time with a lot of apps and a lot more apps weren't even comaptible at all. Plus, I paid more for it than I did my NC, and I bought it NEW from B&N!!! That alone sold me on the NC. Affordable, yet a quality product that can do anything I want it to on Andoid and has a great potential for future development. I have had my NC for several months and I have loved it, actually, it is running these ROMS and tweaks far better than I ever imagined it could.
My opinion is to go for it, save the cash for something else, and enjoy this surprise hit that is one heck of an Android tablet.

unbrickable
The Nook is great for installing mods, it's hard-set to boot off the SD card first, so it's practically unbrickable. Keep checking XDA regularly for new developments, it just keeps getting better and better

I bought NC with my 5year and 3year olds in mind. have it 1 month now.
NC is cheap and handing it over to kids gives me less of a headache than giving a xoom would.
it's light, 5year can hold it, 3year puts it besides him.
I boot it from sd and leave emmc stock. kids love coloring, puzzles, easy learning like memory or math. angry birds too but not for more than half an hour, which is just fine by me.

i have a 3 year old and she calls it my big phone... we read (using the native b&n book app) the elephant story and the i love you book (both free). they have an option to have a narrator read to you, and she loves to do this every night.
she also likes playing the bubble app with her cousin and shooting angry birds the wrong way. hehe... she also likes fruit ninja quite a bit. it's a nice size for her.

lalleyne said:
The Nook is great for installing mods, it's hard-set to boot off the SD card first, so it's practically unbrickable. Keep checking XDA regularly for new developments, it just keeps getting better and better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. It's a fantastic device and is a total bargain. If you are an Android pro, you have the option to skip B&N altogether and go straight for a custom ROM or you can boot a custom ROM for yourself from the SD and let the nooblings in your family use the stock/rooted setup from eMMC.

Well, I made the jump and picked up a 1 month old NC from Craigslist. I'm now going through the process of reading up on what I need to do to root it and throw a custom ROM on there.
I'm far from an Android noob, so this sounds like it should be fairly painless compared to old school rooting of devices.
Can't wait to get it up and running!
EDIT: Looks good so far. Did a backup of the stock image and managed to forget to re-copy it to my desktop. D'oh! Will report back after I get some more done to it, but I'm excited so far!
EDIT2: How do you manage to get this to toggle USB storage so I can move .apk files to the SD card? This seems quite confusing compared to Myn's Warm Z for my EVO. Usually when I plug in USB I get a toggle to turn on USB storage. Am I missing something?

to connect NC to a computer as a USB storage, use samuelhalff's provided utility called nookcolorUMS. Search for it in development forum. Works perfect for me.

shamo75 said:
to connect NC to a computer as a USB storage, use samuelhalff's provided utility called nookcolorUMS. Search for it in development forum. Works perfect for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like something completely fried my 8gb microsd card. I scoured around and found the stock 8gb card I had from my EVO when I bought it so I threw that in there and I'm getting the proper prompt to mount to USB.
Now I'm just getting things sorted out. Some people may be offended that I use the term toy with this device, but I'm really excited to have it. My daughter is going to LOVE being able to play Angry Birds at home now instead of it being a "grandpa's house" treat.
I'm also looking forward to some of the kids books as well, though I may end up running the standard NC firmware from the internal memory, then run CM7 from my class 6 card. I think that's a project for the weekend though, and a nandroid backup will DEFINITELY be done beforehand.
Thanks so much for the help guys, I greatly appreciate it, as well as the many who have kids who encouraged me to make the jump into the NC family!

My girls like playing puzzle game and such on it...and Angry Birds before it got too hard for them (they're 3 & 5).
I just flashed CM7.0.2 on it...My youngest will miss the talking books which she really liked...hopefully B&N gets them in the Nook app eventually...

greenmky said:
My girls like playing puzzle game and such on it...and Angry Birds before it got too hard for them (they're 3 & 5).
I just flashed CM7.0.2 on it...My youngest will miss the talking books which she really liked...hopefully B&N gets them in the Nook app eventually...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any suggestions for kids games? The ones I found were coloring ones, which my kiddo loves, I just know she's great at things like puzzles, and has some iOS versions that she loves at her grandpa's place.
She's incredibly bright (all parents say that I think) but I'm always surprised how quickly she has picked up things like the iPad and the old iPod touch that we used to let her play with.
I'm also having a ton of fun

TooSlo said:
Do you have any suggestions for kids games? The ones I found were coloring ones, which my kiddo loves, I just know she's great at things like puzzles, and has some iOS versions that she loves at her grandpa's place.
She's incredibly bright (all parents say that I think) but I'm always surprised how quickly she has picked up things like the iPad and the old iPod touch that we used to let her play with.
I'm also having a ton of fun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My youngest loves puzzles, so she likes stuff like the Hello Kitty Puzzles. There's a pretty good handful of puzzle apps. I'm too cheap to BUY games on it (I almost never buy apps).

TooSlo said:
It looks like something completely fried my 8gb microsd card. I scoured around and found the stock 8gb card I had from my EVO when I bought it so I threw that in there and I'm getting the proper prompt to mount to USB.
Now I'm just getting things sorted out. Some people may be offended that I use the term toy with this device, but I'm really excited to have it. My daughter is going to LOVE being able to play Angry Birds at home now instead of it being a "grandpa's house" treat.
I'm also looking forward to some of the kids books as well, though I may end up running the standard NC firmware from the internal memory, then run CM7 from my class 6 card. I think that's a project for the weekend though, and a nandroid backup will DEFINITELY be done beforehand.
Thanks so much for the help guys, I greatly appreciate it, as well as the many who have kids who encouraged me to make the jump into the NC family!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000957
I used these instructions from this form to create a bootable CM7 platform from SD, was very helpful and straight forward. Congrats on the purchase, you won't regret it, it's one of the best things I've ever purchased for this price.

I appreciate the links and positive responses. Man, this is what makes me love XDA so much!
I have CM7 running pretty well so far, aside the fried sdcard. Really having fun with the little tablet. Seems great for web browsing, and I've used Calibre to convert some .pdf to more friendly epub files.
Overall my impression is positive. I like the look/feel of the NC, I'm having to remember that there is internal storage that can be used as well, I just need to figure out what has access to that storage.

@TooSlo, if you are using CM7, it comes with with a "File Manager" app or if you have a preferred file explorer, but if you go to this file path /emmc/.... anything within that directory you have access too. like for me, i leave my eBooks there, so it loads up a little quicker than when my app tries to access my external sd card. Just some friendly suggestions from my part. Good luck.

i am a noob to both flashing roms and android, and this is the best 250 bucks I've ever spent!!
I too was going to buy a cheap chinese tab, but am sooo glad I found out about the nook

My three year old daughter loves the Monkey Preschool Lunchbox game. The best thing about the nookcolor is a the dual boot option. It's nice to be able to have both the stock and a custom rom on the same device.

indagroove said:
My three year old daughter loves the Monkey Preschool Lunchbox game. The best thing about the nookcolor is a the dual boot option. It's nice to be able to have both the stock and a custom rom on the same device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, I didn't know they had monkey preschool lunchbox! My daughter loves that for iOS!
You sir, have made my day!

TooSlo said:
Ahh, I didn't know they had monkey preschool lunchbox! My daughter loves that for iOS!
You sir, have made my day!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

[Q] New Nook owner questions

I searched the forums for this, but I never found any straightforward (or in plain and simple English) answers that helped me. I don't know how to root or how to mod my devices or even some of the terminology. I also know that some of you might laugh at me for my lack of knowledge, but I get that anyway for how I walk sometimes (I have MS) LOL.
I just bought a New Nook Color today (yay for me!). I have a Samsung Epic 4g. I used an app called Application backup that gets all of the APK files into a zip file on the SD card. I have a 16gb SD card. I transferred my info from my 16 GB card to another 16 GB card via my computer. I put the 2nd SD card into my Nook and the Nook did not recognize any of the Apps from my phone. I figured that since they are both running Froyo, that it would work. What did I do wrong?
Also, I figured that since I upgraded the Nook to B&N's new Froyo, that I would be able to get onto the Android Market, not just B&N's somewhat crappy App store. How can I access the Market from my new Nook Color?
Also, can I run Google Voice and make calls from my new Nook? Just wondering, it's not necessary, but I would like to at least text message from it, if possible. Also, can I really get that Playon app and play Netflix and Hulu content as well? That would be amazing!
Thank you in advance for taking the time to help this big ol' dummy!

There's plenty of easy to follow guides about how to root, flash custom ROMs, etc all over this part of the forum, just gotta go looking. You'll need root to watch the Netflix app on your NC, same with getting the market.

There's an easier way to install the apps on your NC. Just download the Appbrain app on both NC and your phone, then you can see the list of apps on your phone and install them on your NC as well.
I've got a rooted NC with phiremod installed, so I can't tell you how to access the market on any unrooted device. Hope someone else can help you with that.

holgalee said:
There's an easier way to install the apps on your NC. Just download the Appbrain app on both NC and your phone, then you can see the list of apps on your phone and install them on your NC as well.
I've got a rooted NC with phiremod installed, so I can't tell you how to access the market on any unrooted device. Hope someone else can help you with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A completely stock NC can't access the marketplace.
OP, look for the "manual nooter" thread, probably in the Dev subforum. Nootering is the closest to stock you can be and use the non-B&N marketplace.

so i just got a gtab and was playing around with it. got a custom mod on there(vegan 5.1.1, love it) and my mom saw me saying "is that an ipad?". told her no, showed her some of the features and she suggested we get something like that for my grandma. without knowing really much about the nook color at all i do know this would probably be a better option for her than an ipad or gtablet.
just wondering if there are stable enough roms out there where i could do everything at once when i buy it and kind of show her how to navigate websites, email, watch videos, etc(pretty much basic computing, shes old lol) over a weekend when shes here(she lives 6 hours away and coming to visit next week)? because once she leaves i won't be able to update or help her troubleshoot it till like Christmas.

nuttybardude said:
so i just got a gtab and was playing around with it. got a custom mod on there(vegan 5.1.1, love it) and my mom saw me saying "is that an ipad?". told her no, showed her some of the features and she suggested we get something like that for my grandma. without knowing really much about the nook color at all i do know this would probably be a better option for her than an ipad or gtablet.
just wondering if there are stable enough roms out there where i could do everything at once when i buy it and kind of show her how to navigate websites, email, watch videos, etc(pretty much basic computing, shes old lol) over a weekend when shes here(she lives 6 hours away and coming to visit next week)? because once she leaves i won't be able to update or help her troubleshoot it till like Christmas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This might be better in its own thread if you want more replies, but I can tell you my own experience with customized tech devies as gifts to people who aren't tech savvy and can't or have no interest in learning. Never works out well, for me.
If your grandma likes to keep up with and learn about the latest gear, or if she's interested in starting, a rooted or moded NC would be good. But if she's not, you need a device you can set up for her once and have it run without need for updates or maintenance for a long period of time. Something she can just use. In that case the extra expense is worth it.
Also, a screen larger than the NC's would probably be easier for her, depending on her sight.

Nora D said:
Also, a screen larger than the NC's would probably be easier for her, depending on her sight.
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Click to collapse
This is a very good point. I thought about getting a tablet for my dad, and the same considerations occurred to me. If your grandmother is using it primarily to read books, then the small screen isn't as much of an issue, since the fonts can be sized up in the reader app without much detrimental effect. But scaling up a large font in the web browser will likely make the web browsing experience painful, since many websites are so tightly formatted. "Zoom in and pan around" is a horrible way to use the web... Also, the smaller the screen is, the finer the motor control necessary to operate the touch screen controls, which may be another issue for an older person.
I came to the conclusion that a 7-inch tablet just isn't going to be very useful for an elderly person, and the Nook has enough little quirks when used as a tablet that it would likely be a frustrating experience for a non-techie person.

I really would not recommend CM7 NC or even rooted stock NC for an elderly person or technologically illiterate person for a couple of reasons:
1. The default UI is nowhere near as non-techy-user-friendly as iOS (I'm OS-agnostic, hate proprietary software, but hey, it's true) and there's no locking down of features (admin mode vs limited user, etc) to prevent someone accidentally damaging the install or removing something they shouldn't. Maybe you could find a heavily modded theme to be friendlier.
2. The screen is, at 7", perfect for me as a reader but my (elderly) mother complained about the small screen size (needing much bigger fonts). You can fix that somewhat by (obviously) using bigger fonts in CM7 and also by editing the lcd density, but the latter can cause issues with some apps. It's not exactly difficult to fudge fingering through the menus and opening apps by accident, or just mistyping because of the smaller keyboard.
I told my mother, who was liking my (CM7) Nook despite complaining about eye strain and fingering issues, that she was probably better off spending $100 more on the upcoming 9.7" Amazon tablet this fall if she could wait. While it's probably going to be as locked down as the iPad to begin with, I won't have to worry about bugs in nightlies (or even stables, e.g., no deep sleep in pre-.32 releases) or whether or not she'll accidentally break some app etc. While it sucks to be limited to 1 ereader store (technically), if Amazon allows generic ereader apps like Bluefire or Aldiko she could still have access to epubs from competing stores if she needed it. If it ends up being rootable to allow 3rd-party apps and Google Android Market then it's a win-win with a polished, user-friendly modded android OS from Amazon.
I'm not bashing the Nook or CM7 - I love mine and I love being able to tweak and experiment with it, but it's not something that a non-techy would be able to tread fearlessly in -- look how many threads here are posted with people being lost about doing a basic SD CM7 install or following one of the step-by-step rooting guides.

Responding to the grandma tangent, I think everyone is underestimating the appeal of the stock Nook Color for people who don't know what they're doing. There are plenty of non-tech-savvy people over at mobileread (well, tech savvy enough to post on a forum, but otherwise...) who are thrilled with their stock NCs. Three-million-plus of these things have sold, and most of those people are not rooting them or putting on custom ROMs.
Someone familiar with Android devices who goes into it expecting an Android device might find it limiting, but for someone with no clue, the fact that it only does a few things is a pro, not a con.
Skunkeye said:
But scaling up a large font in the web browser will likely make the web browsing experience painful, since many websites are so tightly formatted. "Zoom in and pan around" is a horrible way to use the web...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't remember just how the NC stock browser works, but most Android browsers are smarter than that. Often a double-tap on a column of text will get it centered at a manageable size, and if not you can zoom to the desired text size and double-tap again to reflow it just like a book. Whenever I come to an article of more than a few paragraphs on my PC, I stop and pick up the NC for a more comfortable reading experience (or send the link to the NC for later, depending on what I'm doing).

I don't think anyone is underestimating the stock Nook Color for what it is. But the original question was about "stable ROMs" and the comparison of the Nook vs. a full Android tablet or iPad. I'd have no problem giving almost anyone a Nook Color if it was left as an unrooted, stock device (because tech support would then be B&N's problem!), with the understanding that it was going to be used as intended: as an excellent e-reader that happens to do a little bit of internet stuff sort of passably well.
But if you're talking about putting Cyanogen or something on the thing and sending it to grandma's house six hours away and hoping for everything to go smoothly (which was, I think, nuttybardudes's intent), I think that's very likely to end up in frustration for everyone involved.

Agreed. I'm saying he's overthinking it--just buying a NC and handing it to her (well, maybe helping her register it) may be his best option. .