* Actual size and weight vary by configuration and manufacturing process.
** In Plane Switching
*** 1GB = 1 billion bytes; Actual formatted capacity is less.
**** Contains Reader® Mobile technology by Adobe Systems Incorporated
***** Battery life depends on device settings, usage, and many other factors. Battery tests are conducted using specific units; actual results may vary.




I've recently purchased the Barnes & Noble Nook Color on my trip to Los Angeles last week, and it proves to a very capable tablet once rooted. For a price of USD249/RM770, and the functionalities of a working tablet running Android 2.1, I'm very much pleased with the device.



Only read the spoilered part of this post if you are also interested in expanding the capability of the Nook Color beyond its eReading feature. Otherwise, if you are more than happy to use it solely as an eReader, read on!

Let's start with the purchase. Point your browser to www.bn.com, and navigate to the Nook Color section. A purchase of theNook Color will run you through USD249 with applicable taxes. I strongly suggest getting a screen protector and some form of case, I picked mine from this Clear Kit screen protector and this Leather Writer Cover case made from rich napa leather embossed with prominent writer names.

During the purchasing procedure, the online store will ask credit card details with billing address. At this point, type in your Malaysian credit card Malaysian billing address. HOWEVER, for shipping address, Barnes & Noble will only ship to the States. This necessitates using mail-forwarding service such as VPost to post your device to Malaysia or get someone coming back from the States to bring it back for you. To repeat, use the Malaysian credit card billing address and American shipping address. Done.

Item will now either ship to your designated US address to be picked up by someone you know, or to a mail forwarding address designated by your mail forwarding service of choice. What's next? IF it has not been done already, you should register/create an account with Barnes & Noble now. This should be prompted during your initial purchase, or right after the purchase. Now, I have yet to find any complaints about activating/registering a Nook Color OUTSIDE USA during the first registration. Registration process will be ON THE NOOK COLOR ITSELF. Either way, register your Nook Color now, or if you come across problems registering your Nook Color, employ the use of VPN services like Hotspotshield, BlackVPN or StrongVPN to spoof your IP address into tricking the registration process being done from a US IP address.

Once that is done, the registration process on the Nook Color will ask if you want to tie a credit card to your BN account. To enable purchases to be made from B&N NookStore to buy your books, magazines and periodicals, you will need to do this. Grab your credit card, and fill in the details of name on card, credit card number, expiration date and CVV number as per your Malaysian credit card. When it asks the billing address, DO NOT PUT IN YOUR MALAYSIAN CREDIT CARD BILLING ADDRESS! The tie-in process will be rejected because of the location not being accepted as being in the States. Fill in the billing address as per your shipping address of your Nook Color, or Google up a valid American address and put it in there. Once this is done and you submitted and clicked it, the tie-in process of credit card will go through! For my case, it did. I used my shipping address of the hotel I'm staying in LA where the Nook Color is shipped.

Voila! You can now buy ALL the available offerings on B&N NookStore from a wide selection of more than 2 million books, and a wide range of magazine subscriptions and newspapers. First 30 days of magazines and newspapers subscription is FREE, but will be charged on your tied-in credit card once the period lapses past 30 days.

What about the purchases, you ask? It will be available for download STRAIGHT INTO YOUR NOOK COLOR VIA WIFI! Or if you're in a place without WiFi, you can choose to download it into your PC/Mac and drag-and-drop it into the Nook Color.

The Nook Color also comes with its own built-in apps of Music Player, Movie player, Web Browser and Pandora. In my rooted Nook Color, my Nook books stay side-by-side with my Kindle books, since I have my Kindle app installed into my Nook Color. This is not possible unless you are willing to root your Nook Color. Now that spoilered section sounds enticing isn't it? Careful though, rooting Nook Color to open up the Android OS running underneath does require a working knowledge of Android Debug Bridge and command line experience. Or you can follow the instructions provided in that spoilered section and hope for the best. I hold no responsibility if you brick your Nook Color.

There you go, the ultimate eReading experience on the Nook Color, how to get one, where to buy one, and how to use one in Malaysia. Any questions pertaining the Nook Color, post them here. I've officially retired my Kindle 2, and now there even more reason not to drag it out of the drawer where it stays.

This post has been edited by stringfellow: Dec 30 2010, 06:46 AM

Some quick Q's

Does the rooted version enable you to play other media files (ie Xvid avi's)? Or at least, once rooted, is there an app for that?

What's the battery life like - ie, for pure reading alone?

There's an app for that. Rockplayer, mvideoplayer or Vplayerbeta does that.

No idea on the second Q. I've yet to do just pure reading on this.

Two videos uploading as we speak, one showing the general overview of the device and the other showing the Nook reader app running side by side with the Kindle reader app. Only available if you root the device.

This post has been edited by stringfellow: Dec 30 2010, 03:16 PM

Here are 3 videos showing the Nook Color overview running on Eclair with Zeam launcher and Nook overlay playing nice with each other, Nook Color running Kindle app, and Nook Color ingenious packaging box that doubles as a stand, complete with magnetic latchings at the back of the box and a slot to put your Nook Color in.

eh?! this thing is emits light?!

Hmmmm.... wonder if can find someone selling a rooted nook then.....

I'm currently using Sony Reader PRS-600. The battery lasts 2 weeks. And e-ink display doesn't strains my eyes.

Now, I'm hoping that the next generation nook will have colour e-ink option. Now that's an upgrade.

This is awesome. I'm always interested with e-book reader devices but could not get a good solid reason to purchase any due to the availabilities of tablet devices like Ipad, Galaxy Tab etc.

The fact that, better reading experience with E-Ink technology is still not enough. LOL.

Maybe Nook Color will change that but with a challenge; rooting it.

Thanks stringfellow for the review.

8 hours? thats less than 2 seats of reading time
and somehow the lighted screen makes me think nook is not targeting serious readers. more like they are targeting ppl who are on the fence about ebook readers, or targeting the group that thinks ebook readers = ipad

IPMart is selling it for RM 979.17 excluding shipping fees.
http://www.ipmart.com/main/product/Nook,Co...php?prod=281255



This post has been edited by EightPhantomz: Feb 12 2011, 02:45 AM

I've been doing reading, tweeting, web-surfing, and typing emails on this, and still have 35% battery life at the end of the day. WiFi is on all the time, connected to YES 4G. Reading mainly 70% most of the time, I' trying to juggle between "Sh*t My Dad Says" and Stephen King's "Full Dark, No Stars" reading whenever I can.

There was a test drive session at MacStudio today in Low Yat Plaza, and after intense scrutiny by the folks there, the MacStudio boss went straight to his iMac, punched up www.bn.com, and ordered four units of Nook Color for himself and his family. Kinda speaks for itself now doesn't it?

Will be around MidValley tomorrow after lunch, if anyone wants a look-see with the device, hit me up on PM or email.

Read your tweets that you had convinced 4 ppl(if I'm not mistaken) to buy Nook Color yesterday.

I would love to go to MV to meet you up later but my car would be stuck at the "open air" parking here in Damansara Heights. Maybe some other time.
I'm not in the rush to purchase any.

---

Added on January 3, 2011, 8:42 amSay stringfellow, how is the backlight? Since you're shifted from Kindle to Nook Color. It's already two different devices.

This post has been edited by EightPhantomz: Jan 3 2011, 08:42 AM

The boss of MacStudio got 4 for his family. So that's 4 people, yes.

No, I shifted long time ago from Kindle to the iPad. The backlight isnt that different from the iPad. What I do is turn the brightness all the way down, and read it that way.

Alright. Anybody else bought Nook Color? Any reviews?

Hello,

I am one of the proud owner of Nook Color. I just got mine on this Monday.
OK lets start with my short review of this device.

At first when I got it out from the box, my impression would tell me that this device doesn't feel solid in my hands. Yet I was wrong, the device really feels solid built and not to mention the back are rubberized. This makes it not easily to slip out from your hands even with a single handed on this device.

About the display, the color are vivid and sharp. I had to say that it is comparable sharpness and clarity with those iPhone4/iPad(s). The display are also amazing for those who prefer bed reading with it's adjustable brightness. Right now I just using the lowest brightness and it doesn't gives me any problem with it or eye strain.

How about the e-books? the Device is equip with Barnes and Noble (BN) app that you can easily purchase those e-books over the Wifi connection. The best thing is, the purchased books are stores in your BN account. In case your device's firmware is corrupted, your purchases books are still there in your account

Overall, it is a good/cheap decent e-reader or some says Android tablet
BTW, I just installed Angry Birds on my device. Makes people around me jealous with the 7" display with Angry Birds (hahaha)

Recommend to get one if you are living in the States.



This post has been edited by Doomsday: Jan 8 2011, 11:39 AM

Sweet. Its already on my wishlist. Wanted to order last night but I held on. LOL. Need to sort other stuff first.

/Sings Its all about the money

@EightPhantomz, I think you should get it..put away other stuff first. hahaha

@Doomsday, haha its ok. It can wait. Missus will mad at me if I buy it first.

---

Added on January 8, 2011, 4:32 amBtw, issit rooted? How did you buy it? vpost? I'm currently checking on the cheapest and easiest way to get it.

This post has been edited by EightPhantomz: Jan 8 2011, 04:32 AM

yeah, it is rooted.. I get it from a private seller in Singapore.

Does the seller deal in rooted nooks or was this a one off? Tempted to throw some business his way if it's an ongoing thing....

Nope, the seller sell in complete sealed box. So rooting would have to be done personally.

*OFF-TOPIC*
I am letting go my Nook Color for some financial problem. Any takers?

Wah so fast. Too bad.

Btw, wondering if we have sufficient ppl owning a Nook Color to at least form a group. LOL just saying.

I'm joining this club soon Hope can learn many things here

Yeah, organize a Nook Color gathering would be awesome. Perhaps, I will get another Nook Color after CNY (got extra cash yay!)

@themanwithnoname, how was the Nook Color?

Nook Color gets overclocked, further blurs the line between tablet and e-reader - Engadget

Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20030002-1.html




Honeycomb for Nook Color. I can't wait for my another Nook Color arriving in these 3 days. YAY!!!!!!!

This post has been edited by Doomsday: Feb 2 2011, 06:48 PM

Honeycomb on my Nook

@Doomsday: How much do you want to sell your NookColor?

Doomsday,
The nook application still can be use?

Sorry ya, not selling at the moment..

yeah, the Honeycomb is in uSD... I can switch between Honeycomb and original rooted Nook Color

Ordered mine last night after so many delays. Now waiting for the shipment.

I'm gonna get one in March when my friend can bring it back for me from the States!

@doomsdau, where u bought i?

Got mine at last. Using VPost. Ordered on the 12th Feb, arrived at my doorstep at 26th Feb. 2 weeks. Oklah not bad. First time using VPost.

How to use Vpost? Is it www.vpostasia.com ? Any taxes applicable for this Nook Color?

This post has been edited by dh3x: Mar 1 2011, 11:45 AM

https://www.vpostasia.com/malaysia/

Didnt see any tax. Just straight forward conversian for the USD249 pricetag.
Then shipping fees from VPostUSA.

Ok thanks bro. Just placed an order.

Welcome to the club! Do let us know what u think of it and what u have done to it.

Can any owner here let me know the shipping weight and box dimensions?
Want to ship from US...
Thanks a lot!

Below was measured by VPostUSA.

Dimension: 30 X 21 X 12cm, 1.5kg
Actual Weight: 1.5
Chargeable Weight: 1.5

Thanks a bunch dude,
BTW how much did it cost you?
I mean with US sales tax and what not...

The NookColor costs me about RM780.96 (USD249).
I bought the NC together with Leather Writer's Cover+screen protector (RM178.46 (USD56.90)).
So they summed the shipping fees together; RM197.33 (Sing$81.74).
Overall I've paid RM1156.75. Still cheaper compare to IPMart.com's device only plus shipping; RM1076.30.

from a private seller in SG

Hi Everybody!! I'm a new user here who's gonna get a Nook Color !!

Just a question for all those pros out there,
which type of microSD card is suitable for Nook Color?
16gb can work? Need at least how many class so tat won't hav problem?

I'm really confused which choice of SD card out there...so many variants @_@

hi there welcome.
Supported size is up to 32GB.
From what i read, the device can only take advantage of speed up to class 6.
Class 10 can use also no problem.

Personally I'm just using class 4.

This post has been edited by dh3x: Apr 4 2011, 12:06 PM

So buy class 6 then can adi ah? makes sense oso...tatz wat the seller told me too ^^
Anyway, dh3x, can u tell me wat capacity u using? Coz i read online tat 16gb has a lot problem, but is it true or not?

I'm using 4GB and 8GB. Both class4. Both working great. No issues at all.

Ok, i see, then for memory cards which brand recommended? Any significant difference in brands since some brands the pricing r so different?

Most of us are using SanDisk brand. Avoid Kingston. The guys at Nookdev did complain about that brand.

Do hover down to:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=860

ok, 1 more question, which type of rooting method did u guys use? (cyanogen,Honeycomb, nookie froyo?)

***Just read this post, it's really helpful for starters like me !!

http://quinxy.com/guides/how-to-pick-your-...nstall-options/

This post has been edited by SJ Chua: Apr 6 2011, 05:41 PM

Mine is the basic rooting, Auto-Nooter 3.0 (Eclair). Stable.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=942424

Tried Froyo and HC on SD but didnt like it.

I just wondering, example if u rooted the nook color then B&N release an update wat will happen eh?
Do we hav to :
• root again?
• no changes?
• there's a fix for tat?

Ha anyone selling theirs? pm me

Maybe u can consider shinogawa in Garage Sales section, I buy from him too

I have no idea. Will just wait and see.

I'm on autonooter 3.0 too. Been itching to flash in the latest CM7... but don't like lower battery life.

Just for knowing, on average how much battery life do u guys get for each type of rooting method in normal usage?

I just got one. Have to say it's amazing. Installed cm7 and got some ereaders. Yay to carrying around those thick medical textbooks in such a small package!

Guys, anyone out there to give me a clue on the battery life for each mod please?

Btw, anyone experienced this power cable trouble?

http://www.the-digital-reader.com/2011/01/...-supply-faulty/

After root, you can manually stop the auto update from B&N too.

I still using 1.0.1 version...

Average for normal internet browsing + gaming + reading will charge after 5 - 6 hours of usage.


Haha, one of my friend was saying quite handy for LAW students too. All text books in one tablet

Just curious how many NookColor users in LY Forum since B&N is not selling NC outside US.

Anyone of u try chinese PDF ? Considering of getting one ...

Thanks.

nope never tried before.

Just read online that Nook Color might get Froyo update on April 25

New update is here 1.2.0
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/nookcolor-...date/379002520/






Anyone has upgraded to this firmware?

This post has been edited by Doomsday: Apr 25 2011, 10:10 PM

I'm thinking of getting one when my parents go to the US.

Is the charger compatible with our voltage? Or do we need a transformer?

---

Added on April 26, 2011, 6:06 pmU guys think anti glare film or clear will be more useful?

I'm using anti glare on my iPad coz the huge screen's glare is a killer for me... Not too sure how it is on the nook

Btw, is it redundant to get the nook if I already have an iPad?

This post has been edited by Gilthoniel: Apr 26 2011, 06:06 PM

yes the charger is compatible with our voltage. But you have to get a converter plug to convert the US plug to our conventional 3 pin plug.

As far as I use, I doesn't apply any screen protector as I can adjust the brightness to the max to overcome the glare issue. If you are using it for reading purposes, I think Nook is a redundant to you. As iPad can do what the Nook can do too for normal reading basis. But if you are looking for inexpensive Android hackable tablet, then Nook is the answer

great! the converter plug is no problem since I have some of those lying around

hmm... the thing that attracted me towards the nook was the words 'custom ROM' and 'root'... and also it's an inexpensive way to have another tablet in the house so the missus doesn't hog my ipad all the time

hehehehehe.

---

Added on April 26, 2011, 7:55 pmoh another question, which case did u buy? I'm looking at this - http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Color-Fiel.../?cds2Pid=35616

or this - http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Wren-Quote.../?cds2Pid=35616

prefer the first one since the thickness is only .75" which doesn't add much to the .48" of the nook

This post has been edited by Gilthoniel: Apr 26 2011, 07:55 PM

I'm using anti-glare screen protector since it's anti glare & scratch (so far no scratch, my phone's clear screen protector get scratched very soon since I play a lot of angry bird & fruit ninjas...)
Speaking of cover, I asked my seller to help me get a cheap china one from eBay. Works fine but the rubber smell is unbearable, had to soak it with soap & detergent overnight to kill off the weird odor, haha XD

This post has been edited by SJ Chua: Apr 26 2011, 08:31 PM

Ur anti glare screen can get locally? Should be same size as
Galaxy tab's?

yeah the custom rom like CM is available to port into Nook Color, hacks and etc.

For the case, I had 2 case to pair with my daily wears
http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Brunel-Cov.../?cds2Pid=35616
http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Lautner-Bo.../?cds2Pid=35616

One thing funny when I take my Nook Color out for email checking or web surfing at nearby cafe with Wifi access. People would ask, "eh is that Galaxy Tab?" LOL

hmm don't those covers add to the thickness?

The thickness doesn't effect much.. it still looks like a diary/organizer with the case

icic... coz even with my iPad, I'm still stuck using the Apple original case coz the others just add bulk!

i wonder if i order the Nook now, will it come with the latest firmware... if it does then rooting will prove to be difficult

If you order now, you will get the 1.2.0 firmware.
Rooting for 1.2.0 is still in progress, perhaps give some time to the Nook community to finalize the nooter for Nook

ok sounds ok to me...

think i'll go for this cover = http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/search/ima...1&imid=82357032

if i don't like it, i'll go naked when the nook is in use at home and cover only when on the move

will decide on the anti glare later... i think i can get it from our local stores since nook and galaxy tab should be similar in screen real estate

---

Added on April 26, 2011, 11:32 pmbut then again, maybe the anti glare properties of the nook's screen is brilliant enough

This post has been edited by Gilthoniel: Apr 26 2011, 11:32 PM

I plan to get that case last time... but you know with sweat and such would stick on the edges of those wordings, so end up getting the 2 case I have right now.

Maybe we should organise a teh tarik session for Nook Color owners someday..

Thanks for the tip. I still hv time to decide so I'll keep staring at the B&N site first. Hehe

Might decide not to get it since I have the iPad already

This post has been edited by Gilthoniel: Apr 27 2011, 04:36 AM

Can we share out what apps everyone runs on nook color?
so far I can run zenonia 1 & 2, angry birds, some SNES & GBA emulators, crystal defenders
raging thunder 1 & 2 not running fullscreen, slice it in portrait mode

This post has been edited by SJ Chua: Apr 27 2011, 11:31 AM

No problem

Running rooted Nook with Zeam launcher, Minimalistic Text, TypoClock and of course, Live wallpaper .

Many more to be listed..

Have u tried CM7? If yes, can u tell me the difference between rooting & CM7?

Nope I didn't tried out CM7.

SJ Chua,

I notice that you bought ur NookColor from Shirogawa.

I have few questions, hope u don't mind to answer
1. screen protector anti glare
- is the screen become dim?
- easy to put on the screen protector?
- affect the sensitivity of touch screen?
- is it from B&N?

2. Nook COLOR Skin Case Cover Clear
- may i hv a look of the picture of the cover?
- from B&N also?

Thanks.

kbengmy,

1.
**unfortunately, yes, anti-glare does cause some dimness due to the texture of the protector itself. I have an iphone with clear screen protector n all i can say is tat it definitely looks better than the nook color, but the fingerprint is too much to handle (i have to constantly wipe my screen!!) i dun think i can stand tat with a 7" screen.
**sensitivity not affected, feels smoother to touch than clear screen protector for me personally (no scratches too as compared to my iphone's which got scratched after playing fruit ninja)
**screen protector quite troublesome to install, dust sticks very easily...
it is from china one, i think so (no idea from where since i dun really care about it) all in, i take around 30 mins to install in a satisfactory way, another 1 hour to perfect it...
*****update : u see the "picture from my service" spoiler no. 5 in shirogawa's nook color & kindle selling topic, the white cover is mine =)

2.
**[URL=http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A4978&rt=nc&_nkw=Case%20nook%20Silicone&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1513&_pgn=1]
---> this type reveals out the nook handle at the bottom, easy for me to take out the microsd
**nope, all ebay (i guess mostly made in china)
in fact mine had a very strong rubber smell initially, i soaked it in Dynamo overnight to kill off the smell (cheap one is like tat one la...)


Anything can ask me further =)

Cheers


This post has been edited by SJ Chua: Apr 30 2011, 11:27 AM

SJ Chua,

Thanks for your time to answer all my questions. Thanks for ur PM also.

My objective for Nook Color is reading some eBooks mainly in PDF format (majority in ENGLISH but some in CHINESE), magazine in mandarin wording and comic (in jpeg format).

I shortlisted Nook Color because of its price & size. Plan to get one unit in another month or two.

Thanks again.

How do you crack it or download the adobe reader? i have one (its for my mother-in-law) and i want to crack it (if it possible) but i dont know how,can anyone help?

Have u tried looking for tutorials or guides from android central or XDA forums? I think these sites can help a lot (provided u follow the instructions clearly though)

The thing is i dont know where to begin,if you have any site that can help me do recommend to me? I not sure what to do and how to download adobe reader into nook color..

for this I'm unsure oso...
Needs more deep-finding first (maybe other forumers here might know)
perhaps try google for such stuff first as a start? =)

What i know is that we can download Adobe Reader and install it into Nook Color,how do i do that?

PDF files can be viewed immediately on the Nook Color since it has already have Adobe installed.

Ok but since i strolling around here,is it can be hacked? I mean jailbreak it?

The Adobe or Nook Color? Can u explain more on what u're planning to do?

This post has been edited by EightPhantomz: May 3 2011, 04:31 PM

If nook color, u can root it with a variety of choices & custom roms

"ROOTed" is the correct term of getting privilege access for the Android system

And to answer another question, Nook Color already has a native pdf reader. So no need any additional Adobe reader to read your pdf files.