Database Develop

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.

[Q] Nook Questions

Hi all,
I'm contemplating getting a nook but I have a few questions first.
When rooted, what exactly is the nook capable of? Aside from angry birds, that is. Can I use it as a doc editor/viewer? Will I be able to track down an app to make it like like the notepad on the ipad (the one were you can write things directly on the screen with a stylsu)? Or something similar, for taking notes.
How does the ereader work? I was curious about how the B&N stuff works on it, specifically the function where you can read books for an hour in the stores with it. Is this an app or something that works throught the browser, that detects the in-store wifi?
That said, I'm most likely going to get one. I just want to make sure it fits my needs and doesn't break my grad-student budget.
Oh, one last thing: does it read comics/graphic novels?
Thanks!
-- Grey

Well it has the market enabled so you can load any app that you want.
You can use it to edit and view documents if you load an app with that ability. (Documents to Go?)
I loaded aldiko for reading books but you should be able to continue using the B&N reader.
Can't answer the question about 1 hour of reading in store.
XDA app, K9 email, winamp, facebook and Dolphin HD web browser are a few of the handy apps I've loaded.

Thanks for the quick reply!
So, in your opinion, is it worth the price?
I've been checking the various fora; I've learned a lot about the nook. I want to ask are there any, let's say, "game-breaking" bugs? It seems like many minor things, but nothing catastrophic.
Thanks,
-- Grey

If you like to tinker, this is a good tablet for you. If your looking for something that just works, and is simple to setup, then you probably want to look elsewhere.
Its worth whatever price your willing to pay.
Is the hardware good? YES
Is the build quality good? YES
Is it missing features of a full tablet? YES
Its up to you if the things its missing is a deal breaker or not. (dedicated hardware keys,bluetooth,gps,etc...
If you don't like it, you can always return it. Thats the beauty of buying from a local store.

If you root it you will open up a lot of possibilities, such as installing apps from the regular market, side loading apps that you have the apk for, etc. From that perspective it can be quite functional...I have Docs to Go and use it in conjunction with my DropBox.
However you will lose in-store features with root...no special coupons, no in-store reading, etc. I don't know anyone rooted who still kept in-store features.
The one ding I give it is that I can't stand typing on it. It's too big to hold "phone style" and I find it awkward to hunt and peck with one hand. This desperately needs Swype, however so far no go with that.
The Nook does magazines with color/graphics so I don't know why it wouldn't do comic books.
The reading experience on it is good in my opinion, and even better I loaded the Kindle App as well so now I have access to the Nook books AND Kindle books. And the Kindle app was just enhanced to allow magazines/newspapers, and I think you can now annotate, etc.
I would say this...if you are buying it as an ereader with the hopes you can do some tablet stuff on it, you'll love it. If you are buying it as a tablet with the thought you might read on it, maybe not so much.
It is wifi only so if you don't have constant access to wifi you are going to need a phone capable of wifi hotspot (or a mifi)...these features cost more money to activate with your cellular company (unless you have a rooted Android phone in which case there is a fix posted in the forums on how to get wireless tether working).

Again, thanks for the advice.
I just played with one in-store. It seems kinda neat, I would say missing features but there wasn't an employee there to show me how to use it. It's possible I overlooked some stuff.
Is there an sd card slot on the device? I didn't see one on the test nook, but perhaps under the back cover. Can the back cover be removed?
I'm going to keep playing with it to see if I like it. And I'm definitely going to keep reading the fora here and at nookdevs to see how this device evolves over time.
Thanks!
-- Grey

greymalken said:
Again, thanks for the advice.
I just played with one in-store. It seems kinda neat, I would say missing features but there wasn't an employee there to show me how to use it. It's possible I overlooked some stuff.
Is there an sd card slot on the device? I didn't see one on the test nook, but perhaps under the back cover. Can the back cover be removed?
I'm going to keep playing with it to see if I like it. And I'm definitely going to keep reading the fora here and at nookdevs to see how this device evolves over time.
Thanks!
-- Grey
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes SDCARD opening is back - bottom left as you face it...Go online to B&N and download the manuals - lots of good info...BTW, before I rooted it took about 3 hrs to charge - wall only - while B&N states NO usb charging after rooting the USB does charge. Yet takes about 6 hrs now on wall, did not see how long on USB next time I will try that. Not sure if I did something or that is the trade-off of rooting...
IMHO, the best bang-for-the-buck...Android, reads various formats, tons of apps and really can replace laptop for web/e-mail/music/pictures and up to 32GB of storage...Plus I can connect to my phone when not around wifi...

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.

[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.
Click to expand...
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. .

[Q][Nook HD+] Sorry if this is in the wrong place. Difference with App and HD

So most likely friday I am buying a tablet. I want it mainly for internet, ereading, movies, music making notes for class and showing my photography. The thing is there is apps that I want but aren't on the B and N store. Facebook, gmail and pintrest aren't too big an issue because I can go on the website. But some others I am disappointed they don't have. I have been looking at the HD and Nexus 7. My major reason why I am leaning towards the Nook is because it can have an sd card (i am not a cloud storage person right now) and some of the magazines I want say that they can be only used on the Nook. Not to mention the new scapbook thing would be useful. I always find cool things in magazines and forget that would be a nice touch though. I have been reading about a possibility of sideloading apps. Wondering if it would be worth it to get the HD or go with the Nexus. Is there a way to sideload apps without getting rid of the nook interface. I know there is rooting and roms that will probably come but I like how the nook works. Anyhow thanks in advance.

Your reason for picking the Nook HD is the same as mine. I do photography for fun, although I keep hearing only good things about my works. Sideloading isn't hard, but it appear people are having some problem getting ADB to work, which is actually a per-requisite for sideloading. I have the benefit of being a geek first, and photography being second if not third. So, tinkering with the Nook become easy for me. You can side load a lot of app, w/o having to use google app store. To actually use non-B&N app store, you do require more hacking than just sideloading. If you aren't comfortable with it, I would say go for Nexus. That said, I would say both HD and Nexus 7 is actually a wrong choice for what you are looking forward to do with your device. The 10 inches version of them are probably better suited for movie watching and showcase your photo since they at least can display 1080p. And that's the reason I got the Nook HD+. If you can tinker with the Nook, then it's a good choice, otherwise I would say go with the other since the list of apps available on B&N is pretty pathetic.

Thanks for the reply. I thought about the ten inch but I was looking at them both and I actually like the picture on the hd better. It was a slight difference and I like the portability better. I am still undecided on size. I rooted my phone before and I am pretty good with tech stuff. I figure stuff out pretty quick. So I am jot worried about that. I am trying to start a photography business so that is why I need the photos looking good and it seems like the nook has the best screen right now. I have an android phone so its like to me if I cant put it on the nook I can on my phone but something's would be better on the tablet. So if you sideload is it stil on the normal nook interface? Will the apps show up on it?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app

Yes, on the 7-8 inches, Nook is pretty good, but when it come to 10 inches, I heard the Nexus is better. On the other hand, iPad is better at color accuracy as the screen is profile very close to sRGB. That said, the glossy screen is not something I enjoy. The iPad 3 screen is much glossier than Nook. If you are intended to use it for business. If color is critical then you might have to pick up iPad and put a screen protector that minimize the reflectiveness. And yes loading picture would be a pain also since you can't just dump them on the SD and have to use Apple software. Also access picture on NAS/SAN is another problem on iOS. I'm not even aware of any color profile or calibration tool on Android at all.

someone0 said:
Yes, on the 7-8 inches, Nook is pretty good, but when it come to 10 inches, I heard the Nexus is better. On the other hand, iPad is better at color accuracy as the screen is profile very close to sRGB. That said, the glossy screen is not something I enjoy. The iPad 3 screen is much glossier than Nook. If you are intended to use it for business. If color is critical then you might have to pick up iPad and put a screen protector that minimize the reflectiveness. And yes loading picture would be a pain also since you can't just dump them on the SD and have to use Apple software. Also access picture on NAS/SAN is another problem on iOS. I'm not even aware of any color profile or calibration tool on Android at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I refuse to buy an ipad or anything Apple on principle. Lol. It's more of just having it for to show people the stuff I have but yeah it's more for pleasure except for the picture part. I don't know I think I will go for the nook and if I really need something different I can always get something else. I really want the Win 8 pro ones but they a lot more then I can spend right now. I am looking in the 200 - 300 range. Thank you for your help though.

I hate Apple as much as you do, but I buy what works for me regardless of brand. That said if there are choices that inclucde non-apple brand, I most likely go that route. I have absolutely no problem buying an Apple 15" retina MacBookPro and put Windows on it because nobody else making the spec that met my need. Yes I can take advantage of that native high res screen.

dangerousjenny said:
Well I refuse to buy an ipad or anything Apple on principle. Lol. It's more of just having it for to show people the stuff I have but yeah it's more for pleasure except for the picture part. I don't know I think I will go for the nook and if I really need something different I can always get something else. I really want the Win 8 pro ones but they a lot more then I can spend right now. I am looking in the 200 - 300 range. Thank you for your help though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a ElineUSA Prodigy EL908 10 inch (9.7 inch) tablet. Pictures are super sharp on this tablet. It can even play 1080 dpi Hi def videos. It has a micro SD card slot for loading pictures, music, books etc. You can get it in 16gb or 32gb versions. It has 1 gb RAM. Front and back cameras. The glass is IPS laminate (same as IPad). Let me know if you are intrested I can hook you up wth one. Running ICS 4.04 at the moment, but Jelly Bean should be available shortly.

Per my new announcement here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34478962#post34478962
I am closing this thread. Please follow the "Request a new forum" link, and let the staff know a board for the HD is needed.

Per the NEW announcement,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34819554#post34819554
I redeclare this thread open...