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I have a question that is eating at me to no end. Every android device (this is my 6th) I've rooted. I tried to use the devices without root and hesitated somewhat to do so, but rooting was inevitable with all of them.
I just received (from a lovely wife) a Nook Color for my birthday. I intend to use this solely as an e-reader. In that, I also like to diversify my e-book collection by using multiple providers (you can see where this is going, I'm sure). I would really like to be able to use B&N, Amazon, and Google Books to download content.
However... I've seen that there are a few things that don't work as they should after rooting. I'm not sure I'm willing to live with that.
After all of that said, how many of you have the same intentions I have? How many of you intend to use this as an e-reader and an e-reader only? I ask because I've seen several threads discussing different uses that clearly go beyond what the device was intended to do. Don't get me wrong. I'm not knocking what you are doing. I'm only trying to find out if these additional functions (I also believe in the beauty of open source;-)) serve as additional incentive for you guys to root. If this is the case, is using it as a multi-provider e-reader enough incentive to root? Is is enough incentive to "suffer" with what does not work after rooting?
Please chime in! Thank you for you input. I would really like to root this thing, but I just want to make sure it's worth the hassle.
93 views and no one has an opinion? Is everyone using this device as everything but an e-reader? At least tell me it is a dumb question if you think that.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium
Pretty much everyone here uses the nook as a full android tablet that also reads books. I use CM7 myself and i would have never bought the nook if it didn't have any custom roms. I do not know any negatives to rooting the stock OS as I never used it. I would say go for it and if you don't like it you can go back to stock in <5 minutes.
Sent from my LG Optimus V using Tapatalk
I'm probably the only one here that recently changed my configuration.
I've been a NC user with CM7 nightly builds installed to the emmc (that's right a bold user willing to risk a brik).
However, over time I'd had the opportunity to pickup another tab for the geek (HP Touchpad for that oh so low price).
Since the Nook Color is now really being used as a e-reader only again (with a few Apps from the BN app store), I've restored it to stock with the 1.3 update.
No root, nothing except a blank SD card for extra content.
The BN stock Nook reader software is night and day in terms of stability and performance in comparison to the "Nook for Android" application. It doensn't have that cool page turn animation, but why does the "Android" app pale in comparison when both technically are Android apps?
Granted, I don't have Amazon or Google book content access any longer, but I can use them on the other tab if I desire. But I've been finding that I prefer to purchase my books on BN and Amazon/Google vendors have only gotten my "Free" book purchases in the past.
I can also get my enhanced books again.
If BN decides it needs to add some services to help compete with the forth coming Amazon Tab, like video and audio rentals/purchases, you might see official support for NetFlix or Hulu as a counter. Reason is that BN would need to build that infrastructure, but providing NetFlix or Hulu Plus might be good enough to compete with Amazon Prime.
I really do like my NC again on stock. Without another tab to root/mod, I'd still be on CM7 (the beauty is I'm watching the CM7 development for the HP, so soon).
perknite said:
I just received (from a lovely wife) a Nook Color for my birthday. I intend to use this solely as an e-reader. In that, I also like to diversify my e-book collection by using multiple providers (you can see where this is going, I'm sure). I would really like to be able to use B&N, Amazon, and Google Books to download content.
However... I've seen that there are a few things that don't work as they should after rooting. I'm not sure I'm willing to live with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had my NC for about six months, and have used rooted stock (versions 1.01, 1.1, and 1.2) and am now almost exclusively using CM7 on the SD card. I use it for a lot more than an e-reader, but I do read a lot on it.
1) The stock reader software is much nicer than any Android reader apps out there. That was why I stuck with the stock software for so long.
2) I don't know of anything that's working on an unrooted Nook that is broken by rooting. Can you elaborate on what you meant by that?
3) If you really want to have an ebook collection that isn't dependent on a single vendor, you should look into Calibre and the tools that are available to strip DRM from books you buy. Then you can buy a book from, say, Amazon, strip the DRM, load it into Calibre, and convert it to any format you wish. This involves a bit of work on the PC side, so you're not able to just download directly to the reader, but it's one way to keep your stock unrooted Nook and still use Google or Amazon to buy books. And it means you'll always be able to read those books, not just when Amazon or Google or B&N decides you can.
I've been running rooted stock 99% of the time since I got the device. I did hammer it very early on (I think I tried installing one of the SD-card targeted froyo builds to emmc) and just so I could at least fiddle, ran the honeycomb off sdcard for a look. I've run cm7 and miui off sdcard, but I've never liked the alternate roms more than I like the stock, enough to flash them to emmc and certainly not enough to run them as daily drivers off of sdcards, since then my sdcard slot is obliged to be full.
I'm not clear on what, in the current rooted stock, isn't working that the OP refers to. For me, all the stock apps work fine, and I have access to Netflix and the free fridays books.
My preferred reader is fbreader - I like true night mode and landcape, and I have no problems with that reader crashing.
I would rather use the Nook for Android app, for the same reason that I like fbreader and for the additional benefit of very simple cross-device sync. I also have an ST, and am using fbsync and fbreader on both in conjunction with Tasker to sync reading positions.
I'm very unimpressed with the 1.3 firmware. In my hands, the device is more sluggish when running it than when running 1.2, but I know there are some folks that it helped to have (networking issues in 1.2.)
But overall, I can't think of anything that doesn't work on rooted stock that does work on vanilla stock, so more input on that would be helpful.
The only thing I'm aware of that doesn't work on rooted stock is the reading now button. I haven't tried the latest enhanced books for 1.3 yet, but everything else I've tested successfully.
My family has 3 nooks - my wife and me, plus my mom. My mom is a voracious reader and has literally read at least 100 books since Mother's Day. I offered to turn it back to stock for her, but she told me that there just a handful of android apps (not available through B&N) that she wants to keep. So she stays rooted.
For my wife, she's a big reader too (not as much as mom) but she has more than a handful of apps she wants, particularly a host of free games from either the market or android appstore, so she stays on rooted stock. Both have zero complaints. Both are also overclocked to 1200 using Dalingrin's OC kernel.
For me, I've been toying with CM7 on sd card for about 2 months now. I love how smooth it runs and I'm extremely satisfied with it. My only knock is the reader. As others have said, the stock nook reader is still the best, although both fbreader and moon reader are very good as well. I'm probably 50/50 on reading vs other stuff on my nook.
Thanks for all of your replies! I saw somewhere (I believe the ManualNooter thread) that there might be crashes with apps that required imei (forgive spelling). I have no idea what apps might require that. I went ahead and took the plunge. So far I like it! I have not figured out how to turn off gmail email sync yet, but I really like being able to access books from all three major providers!
Thank you all for your input!
Sent from my NOOKcolor using xda premium
Perknite, also take a look at using Calibre for book management, and the tools for managing the security of your ebooks discussed at apprenticealf.wordpress.com.
You can read books from each of the vendors both on your computer and in any app you like on the NC, if you configure the tools and have the computer app from the vendor plus a program called Calibre on the PC.
I used to do a lot of this manually, and recently learned that Calibre will do huge amounts of it automatically if it has access to the install data from BN and Amazon.
Information security is a triangle: availability, confidentiality, integrity. DRM breaks your control over availability and integrity in order to deliver confidentiality - not to you, but to the vendor of your files. The tools discussed in the Apprentice Alf blog let you manage the availability and integrity of your data for yourself. You owe it to your ebook vendors to maintain confidentiality -- but you owed them that to start with, and it was in the agreement as you purchased the books.
All,
I am from India and seriously considering buying KF.
Only issue is that I am doubtful as to how much of the device's capability would I be able to utilize being outside US.
Also, Would I be able to purchase apps through KF?
What about books and magazines?
Would love to hear from people outside US who have bought KF.
Thanks!
You should adjust your title to ask about whether you should buy it as you live outside the US.
Your thread is right next to another thread with the EXACT same title and about something completely different.
Thanks a lot for the suggestion. Edited the title. Hoping to get a better response this time
Sent from my GT-I9001 using XDA App
Using a Kindle outside of the US is not a problem if you are happy to do a little work.
It is possible to buy apps and watch moves via Amazon prime using a vpn.
It is also relatively easy to side load apps from other sources by literally searching for the apk file and then download and install them directly to the Kindle.
Again it is not too difficult to root the device and install a different launcher and the full Android Market, you will lose the ability to stream from Amazon prime but to be honest you won’t be losing much.
Ive gone through all the above and am now running the CM7 Rom which again completely changes the device to a fully unlocked working Android tablet which is not pad for 200 dollars.
The only downside I have found is nothing to do with geological location, for me a tablet this size is just too small.
duquesa said:
Using a Kindle outside of the US is not a problem if you are happy to do a little work.
It is possible to buy apps and watch moves via Amazon prime using a vpn.
It is also relatively easy to side load apps from other sources by literally searching for the apk file and then download and install them directly to the Kindle.
Again it is not too difficult to root the device and install a different launcher and the full Android Market, you will lose the ability to stream from Amazon prime but to be honest you won’t be losing much.
Ive gone through all the above and am now running the CM7 Rom which again completely changes the device to a fully unlocked working Android tablet which is not pad for 200 dollars.
The only downside I have found is nothing to do with geological location, for me a tablet this size is just too small.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said. It's still a great device to use outside the U.S. If you don't plan on messing with it (rooting, installing another launcher or CM7/9) and want to keep it on stock like its meant to be used, then don't buy it.
i'm using kindle fire on europe (portugal), and with the stock rom.
I can watch movies on prime, listen to music, buy books, install apps (free on amazon store and sideloaded the other ones).
So i will keep stock room, cause i can do everything.
therethere said:
i'm using kindle fire on europe (portugal), and with the stock rom.
I can watch movies on prime, listen to music, buy books, install apps (free on amazon store and sideloaded the other ones).
So i will keep stock room, cause i can do everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here from germany, it works fine!
well am also in India and just ordered mine. will get it in 10 days. I already have amazon account with fake US address and some 200 apps collected by me. Also I plan to root it and use some other launcher and maybe install cm7 too. I have no intention of watching videos on Amazon prime and only want to use to read a few ebooks, play games and movie which I can load on the storage. At the price and for the quality it serves this purpose great in my opinion. Depending on your needs this might vary.
you can do that with the stock room.
i mean, install apps (the free ones at amazon app store) or install from unknown sources. or sideload them.
kindle fire outside us
I am living in germany. Yes, small money for a great tablet once its rooted and you side loaded whatever you are interested it. Without routing it, its a crippled and restricted amazon content using device only.
But rooting it its really easy, if you are able to read and understand a little bit.
I now can watch movies, listen music, read colored ebooks or any pdf file and play games like nova2 or other stuff. the tablet runs smooth and imho its the best bang for the buck available on the market.
I am not interested in amazon content a lot, but i can buy books or videos there if i really want to or use the amazon services while being temporarily "unrooted".
I didnt made it possible to view streamed videos and using the cloud, but to be honest, i dont like the idea to put personal data on a public server or show people what i like to read and view, i am happy to be private. I am using my pc as a streaming server or just download some videos into the storage every now and then. Its good enough for 5-6 videos plus a ****load of books and music.
But look around.. there is so much other content availabe on the internet, you will not get bored in 10 years, so who really needs amazon?
I really prefer to sideload anything via wifi or usb cable which works great and isnt that difficult. I have a lot of fun and for sure I saved a lot of money not buying an expensive high end tablet.
The kindle fire just dont have gps, vibrator, camera, microfon and bluetooth. If you really want that dont buy the kindle fire.
I personally have a small mobile phone just for that so i dont need to use a tablet as a phone and i also have a highend digital camera so wtf why i need a camera on my tablet ? (google for wifi tethering, works great). They are not good anyway even on the most expensive tablets on the market compared to a real one.
But i am pretty sure someone will find a solution for that somehow.
I have it and I love it. I live in Bosnia and have no problems with it. Great little thing for a good price.
usurpine said:
I am living in germany. Yes, small money for a great tablet once its rooted and you side loaded whatever you are interested it. Without routing it, its a crippled and restricted amazon content using device only.
But rooting it its really easy, if you are able to read and understand a little bit.
I now can watch movies, listen music, read colored ebooks or any pdf file and play games like nova2 or other stuff. the tablet runs smooth and imho its the best bang for the buck available on the market.
I am not interested in amazon content a lot, but i can buy books or videos there if i really want to or use the amazon services while being temporarily "unrooted".
I didnt made it possible to view streamed videos and using the cloud, but to be honest, i dont like the idea to put personal data on a public server or show people what i like to read and view, i am happy to be private. I am using my pc as a streaming server or just download some videos into the storage every now and then. Its good enough for 5-6 videos plus a ****load of books and music.
But look around.. there is so much other content availabe on the internet, you will not get bored in 10 years, so who really needs amazon?
I really prefer to sideload anything via wifi or usb cable which works great and isnt that difficult. I have a lot of fun and for sure I saved a lot of money not buying an expensive high end tablet.
The kindle fire just dont have gps, vibrator, camera, microfon and bluetooth. If you really want that dont buy the kindle fire.
I personally have a small mobile phone just for that so i dont need to use a tablet as a phone and i also have a highend digital camera so wtf why i need a camera on my tablet ? (google for wifi tethering, works great). They are not good anyway even on the most expensive tablets on the market compared to a real one.
But i am pretty sure someone will find a solution for that somehow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it isnt possible sideload without root?
I cant still play all the movies, music, etc i want with a unrooted kindle fire. And i really enjoy the curated amazon app store. If i need any other app i just download it on fire and install. or sideload.
So if i just want to play movies, listen music, read books watch docs, why i need to root my kindle?
@therethere. You do not need root to sideload. I upload my apks to dropbox and then download to Kindle. The only reason I might decide to root is to change lockscreen and perhaps use a different launcher.
I'd really love a thread in this forum with everything you need to know to run your Kindle Fire outside US without rooting
LilaLurch said:
Same here from germany, it works fine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How that? I can't get it to work. Is there a chance to do it without rooting?
I'd prefer to sideload what I need, but it doesn't work.
Any tips?
Thanx in Advnce..
Dirk
dmenker said:
How that? I can't get it to work. Is there a chance to do it without rooting?
I'd prefer to sideload what I need, but it doesn't work.
Any tips?
Thanx in Advnce..
Dirk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you cant follow the tipps here in this forum, try with watching this videos from here: http://www.kindlefirewire.com/2011/11/16/how-to-root-kindle-fire-video-tutorial/
Not necessary to root.
Use a usb cable to sideload android apps. Most apps work.
Usa account and credit card(sample) for free Amazon apps.
Vpn for streaming.
Go launcher makes Fire a "real"Android.
I couldn't be happier with mine. In barely a month since release, it's now overclockable, CM7 running near perfectly, and a touch recovery coming tonight.
Since I got mine at release, my grandparents are buying three as gifts, my Dad might get one and I'm getting one for my Mom for Christmas.
Kindle Fire is easily one of the best value tablets out there. It's freakin awesome.
it shouldn't matter if your in India or anywhere. get one.
Chiwaz said:
I'd really love a thread in this forum with everything you need to know to run your Kindle Fire outside US without rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There aren't really a lot of steps:
-Just enable install from unknown sources in the Kindle settings
-Install a file manager from the browser: search for and download the .apk of any known android file manager
-Copy the desired apps via USB
-Install via file manager
What you can do with the Kindle outside the USA without rooting is:
-Browse the web
-Buy and read Kindle books
-Copy via USB and read documents (.DOC and PDF)
-Everything else that allows the apps installed by yourself
I just love my kindle(/s), even I'm not able to use unblock-us properly to see Prime videos.
I don't care about gps, camera or 3g (even with it, I'd never make another contract, tethering is enough for me). All things I already have on the phone.
I just miss bluetooth, because I'd like to use a keyboard with this device and that's the only way to plug one, so far.
- Reading pdf (for simple books I usually use the other kindle);
- Newspapers;
- RSS, web browsing;
- Listen some music, radio or watching some TVs when I'm cooking, shaving or taking a shower;
- And yes, play some games sometimes (Tetris is freaking me out );
All stuff I was already able to do with the phone, but way more enjoyable on a tablet, without concern about battery life, on a big and beautiful screen, and better speakers.
And finally, I love the fact I don't need to carry it in a bag or a nerdy cover. Just my freaking pocket.
is amazon's solution to unauthorized purchases by kids, etc. to put a password on wifi?
What do you want them to do?
They are your kids.
Wifi
If that is their solutions, then it doesn't seem very good since the Fire to be useful normally needs WEB access. Our kids like to visit sites with Flash videos and games.
Just go buy a $10 prepaid visa card from Wal-Mart and use that on the account or buy one of those dog shock collars to put on the kids and if they make a purchase without permission give them a 2 second shock eventually they will learn.
asb2164 said:
Just go buy a $10 prepaid visa card from Wal-Mart and use that on the account or buy one of those dog shock collars to put on the kids and if they make a purchase without permission give them a 2 second shock eventually they will learn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a great app idea - if one of the kids hits the buy button a signal is sent to the dog collar - ZAP!
One Click
You can remove your credit card from one click shopping, but then it becomes a pain in the neck to even get the "free" apps.
GBH2 said:
That is a great app idea - if one of the kids hits the buy button a signal is sent to the dog collar - ZAP!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...even when they aren't making the purchases! Mommy or Daddy sits in the recliner with the Kindle Fire making purchases and the kids by the fireplace start writhing in agony.
asb2164 said:
Just go buy a $10 prepaid visa card from Wal-Mart and use that on the account or buy one of those dog shock collars to put on the kids and if they make a purchase without permission give them a 2 second shock eventually they will learn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GREAT IDEA!! lol
As a parent myself OP, i would tell you not to expect many adult responses here. No offense to the members, but most of the people here are far from caring about parenting responsibilities. Heck, most of them are still almost "children" themselves.
As a parent, who just gave his 10yr old a Fire for Christmas, I will say I left WiFi on, went through it with her for a while to make sure she understood how to look for stuff, then I connected a pre-paid payment card to my one-click account. Sort of like giving an allowance....
Now, I do think they need to give parents the ability to create sub-accounts (on the computer only) where I can give my daughter access to her own account, on her Fire, and I can simply click a "filter adult content" or choose a "rating" like PG13. While I am not a big fan of censorship at the same time the problem is Amazon gives equal access to adult porn type stuff as childrens book. So if she inadvertently is doing a search for "big black socks" and accidentally types "*****" then Houston we have a problem.
That is the thing Amazon needs to do to help the situation. Make it where, even as an adult, if I don't want to have adult content come up in the search results of my device, give me that choice. Right now as it is their solution is an afterthought and unacceptable at best. I don't care if she has access to WiFi, I care about the content and ability to order. Using a prepaid card is a workaround, not a solution. I am a real parent who doesn't just hand my kid off to a device. Hell, my wife hasn't worked for over 10 years, a decision we made a long time ago, to stay home with the kids so we were the ones raising them, not some nanny. But Amazon has not taken responsibility yet on the Kindle as a family device.
1. Download ZDbox from the appstore
2. Set up applock pin
3. Pick which apps to protect
4. YOU SHALL NOT PASS!
Sent from my BAMForever Thunderbolt
jamesnmandy said:
But Amazon has not taken responsibility yet on the Kindle as a family device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Short of turning off WiFi, there is little Amazon can do that would make many happy. With WiFi on, there is no real content control on the Silk Browser assuming you even use that. And any type of control that you might think they should make would be unacceptable to other parents and a no win solution.
Fact is, an Internet accessible device is not a good idea of a child who is not under observation but that depends a great deal on how the child deals with responsiblities, following directions and rules.
I know that some adults that can't be trusted with an Internet device let alone children.
As for limiting damage for unauthorized purchases... these is already a solution for that (Pre-Paid Credit Card) which puts the control in your hands without involving Amazon in the process.
Amazon is in a no win situation when it comes to children as what they should or should not be allowed to do or access, is a Parent thing, not an Amazon thing.
jamesnmandy said:
As a parent myself OP, i would tell you not to expect many adult responses here. No offense to the members, but most of the people here are far from caring about parenting responsibilities. Heck, most of them are still almost "children" themselves.
As a parent, who just gave his 10yr old a Fire for Christmas, I will say I left WiFi on, went through it with her for a while to make sure she understood how to look for stuff, then I connected a pre-paid payment card to my one-click account. Sort of like giving an allowance....
Now, I do think they need to give parents the ability to create sub-accounts (on the computer only) where I can give my daughter access to her own account, on her Fire, and I can simply click a "filter adult content" or choose a "rating" like PG13. While I am not a big fan of censorship at the same time the problem is Amazon gives equal access to adult porn type stuff as childrens book. So if she inadvertently is doing a search for "big black socks" and accidentally types "*****" then Houston we have a problem.
That is the thing Amazon needs to do to help the situation. Make it where, even as an adult, if I don't want to have adult content come up in the search results of my device, give me that choice. Right now as it is their solution is an afterthought and unacceptable at best. I don't care if she has access to WiFi, I care about the content and ability to order. Using a prepaid card is a workaround, not a solution. I am a real parent who doesn't just hand my kid off to a device. Hell, my wife hasn't worked for over 10 years, a decision we made a long time ago, to stay home with the kids so we were the ones raising them, not some nanny. But Amazon has not taken responsibility yet on the Kindle as a family device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Way to go man now every time someone does a Google search for "Big Black Co***" your post will show up.
asb2164 said:
Way to go man now every time someone does a Google search for "Big Black Co***" your post will show up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Much better than the alternative, imho.
Although I'm kind of curious what ten year old would be searching for "big" socks, our even boring black ones...never mind not know what is likely to show up with a weird search like that.
Damn you Swype!
Droidificator said:
Much better than the alternative, imho.
Although I'm kind of curious what ten year old would be searching for "big" socks, our even boring black ones...never mind not know what is likely to show up with a weird search like that.
Damn you Swype!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe the 10 year old has big feets
krelvinaz said:
Short of turning off WiFi, there is little Amazon can do that would make many happy. With WiFi on, there is no real content control on the Silk Browser assuming you even use that. And any type of control that you might think they should make would be unacceptable to other parents and a no win solution.
Fact is, an Internet accessible device is not a good idea of a child who is not under observation but that depends a great deal on how the child deals with responsiblities, following directions and rules.
I know that some adults that can't be trusted with an Internet device let alone children.
As for limiting damage for unauthorized purchases... these is already a solution for that (Pre-Paid Credit Card) which puts the control in your hands without involving Amazon in the process.
Amazon is in a no win situation when it comes to children as what they should or should not be allowed to do or access, is a Parent thing, not an Amazon thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the marketplace all they have to do is categorize all the adult content as adult content, and then provide a setting in the dashboard to allow or not allow adult content in search results.
I am not asking for a web browser filter. I can provide that through my router, which is only good while at home but that's where it will stay anyways.....
Already ahead of you on the pre-paid card option but that's a workaround. I am the account holder. I should be able to manage my devices if they can charge to my account.
I think it's inexcusable that device makers and programmers of all types continually fail to consider and accomodate multiple user scenarios, but I find it even worse that power users make excuses for them. I find it an endless source of frustration when I accidentally post as my brother on the HP TouchPad because logging out and in is such a pain. Rather than considering having *TWO* complete WebOS installs in addition to CyanogenMod7 Android 2.3 Gingerbread, I should have a simple user account dialog.
Remember when 2KGames had to perform damage control after one of their forum employees asked a forum employee why his brother thought he could play Bioshock for free? All the user had asked was why he needed to use two of a limited number of total activations on the same machine for two different Windows users to play. It's all a matter of perspective: They would not have dared to ask a console user that question if a family were sharing the console. Now, instead of getting up-in-arms like the PC gamers who were being treated like second-class gamers, we make excuses for Amazon and act like our workarounds are primary solutions just because they exist. Not everyone has a pre-paid card or temporary card (I don't) and not everyone is willing to give up the system-wide convenience of having their information on file just so that a specific device can function as they desire.
I installed the Google Market on a coworker's Kindle Fire and user my Google account to test and load a few apps. When I was done, I tried to delete my Google Account and it said I needed to go to Settings>Device>Erase All User Data. @!$!#!
My wife had a Nook Tablet a while back and I believe it was the 8gb version, but I could be wrong. We had returned it for personal reasons. We are now looking to get her another reader. First off here's a few bits of info:
1. She will be using it primarily as a book reader.
2. She may use some apps but not many.
3. We will not be rooting it.
As far as apps go she will use whatever she can get from the B&N store. With the tablet she had previously she bought some Susan Salon game and the Angry Birds games. She would also use weather apps, Facebook if it's available, and possible Netflix. It comes with a free month of Netflix I believe and she has expressed interest in that, but not sure whether it will be long term or not. She does have a Macbook to use for everything that this device can't.
So with all that said is the performance gain from the dual core processor in the Tablet worth the extra $50 for what she would be using it for?
mhuffman_81 said:
My wife had a Nook Tablet a while back and I believe it was the 8gb version, but I could be wrong. We had returned it for personal reasons. We are now looking to get her another reader. First off here's a few bits of info:
1. She will be using it primarily as a book reader.
2. She may use some apps but not many.
3. We will not be rooting it.
As far as apps go she will use whatever she can get from the B&N store. With the tablet she had previously she bought some Susan Salon game and the Angry Birds games. She would also use weather apps, Facebook if it's available, and possible Netflix. It comes with a free month of Netflix I believe and she has expressed interest in that, but not sure whether it will be long term or not. She does have a Macbook to use for everything that this device can't.
So with all that said is the performance gain from the dual core processor in the Tablet worth the extra $50 for what she would be using it for?
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Given how you plan to use it, I would say yes it is worth it.
Yes, the Nook Tablet is definitely better at running video. However, I'm not sure how much better the 8GB Tablet is since it has the dual core processor but only 512MB of RAM. On my 16GB Tablet with the 1GB of RAM the video performance is clearly better and the overall speed just a little faster.
Although you say you will not be rooting I would highly recommend running a bootable SD card on either. The changes to being a real tablet are significant. You are also able to access the Google Play store, Amazon App store and others where there are many more apps than B&N has and you can even find the same ones for free or for as little as 1/4 of the price that you will be charged in the B&N app store.
Books and Magazine subscriptions through B&N are still readable using their Android app. Even if it is mainly for reading and only a few apps are downloaded these and other reasons make using something other than the stock OS highly compelling. Since you can do it from a bootable SD card that leaves the internal Nook OS totally stock why wouldn't you give it a go?
JP
If you're not going to root it, you're probably asking the wrong forum. This is XDA; the whole purpose of these forums is for development There's plenty of enthusiast sites out there with users more like you.
Get the regular Nook Color. Even if you get the Nook Color with rooting should be sufficient. Nook Color vs Tablet is speed/ram different. Good Luck.
Id like to make a suggestion for the Galaxy Tab 2 7inch model. It's only 250$ like the Tablet and you will get a far more complete tablet/ereader device than the nook tablet/color.
crimson12 said:
Id like to make a suggestion for the Galaxy Tab 2 7inch model. It's only 250$ like the Tablet and you will get a far more complete tablet/ereader device than the nook tablet/color.
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Seconded. No working around what B&N think you should be able to access. Ability to access both Google Play Store and Amazon App Store at will. No need to dread OTA updates.
I've got 3 NC and a NT in the family, but am now very happy that I have my own SGT2.
mhuffman_81 said:
My wife had a Nook Tablet a while back and I believe it was the 8gb version, but I could be wrong. We had returned it for personal reasons. We are now looking to get her another reader. First off here's a few bits of info:
1. She will be using it primarily as a book reader.
2. She may use some apps but not many.
3. We will not be rooting it.
As far as apps go she will use whatever she can get from the B&N store. With the tablet she had previously she bought some Susan Salon game and the Angry Birds games. She would also use weather apps, Facebook if it's available, and possible Netflix. It comes with a free month of Netflix I believe and she has expressed interest in that, but not sure whether it will be long term or not. She does have a Macbook to use for everything that this device can't.
So with all that said is the performance gain from the dual core processor in the Tablet worth the extra $50 for what she would be using it for?
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Click to collapse
Item 1, where do she get the book from? Buying directly from B&N?
If so, get the refurbished NOOKColor, not new one, not Nook Tablet for roughly $100, $120. It will do just that.
I bought a nook color as a fun toy when it came out for me to learn about android and tablets. My wife ran off with it and used it as a reader. The nook color turned her into an e-book enthusiast from a skeptic.
We got her a nook simple for xmas and she is way happier with that. Why are you looking at the tablet instead of the simple w/light if she doesn't use apps much? The simple has a great form factor, no glare screen, and weighs less than half of a color plus GREAT battery life.
I still like my nook color but the batter life is still suboptimal if you are using it as a reader only. I couldn't buy myself a simple because I just like the extra bells and whistles, but for her needs it rocks. Just double check your wife's needs/perspective before you lay down the cash.
my 2 cents
I hope this doesn't side track this thread. Is it as easy to get the tablet to run on a bootable SD as the color is?
calixt0 said:
I hope this doesn't side track this thread. Is it as easy to get the tablet to run on a bootable SD as the color is?
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No. The Nook Tablet has a locked bootloader. The devs have found a loophole that makes it work, but it is not as straight forward as the Nook Color. But for the user, it is probably transparent and you would not know the difference.
Sent from my Nook Color running ICS and Tapatalk
I was following ouya development but I have to say its a surprise for me that I will not be allowed to play already bought games.
For me ouya was a nice looking google tv with pads, probably it will end up that way since devs will hack the living **** out of it Anyway the freemium/microtransaction model might be in conflict with the whole sourcy openness.
Who prefer cm based ouya rather than stock ouya market thingy?
I'm not to worried about it. The Kindle Fire have a closed system, but was able to get Play Store sideloaded. The Ouya is most likely going to get CM ported to it.
Sent from XDA app
yeah but the whole issue is to tweak pads controls so it will be useful on touch controlled apps. not sure if it will worm
It has sideloading, you just install Play like any other app. It's probably the 2nd or 3rd thing I plan on doing when I eventually get mine in
noted for future reference on my Note 2
This is going to be a great device to tinker with :victory:
Would just sideloading the play store .apk work?
From what I remember, the OUYA will only be running on Android - it won't have the Google apps framework. If that's the case, I think the Play Store by itself won't work unless gapps are installed as well. I'm sure that won't be hard to overcome (simply flash gapps.zip from recovery or something) but it's worth thinking about.
And on that note, if it's possible and/or necessary to flash gapps, do you think that will open up (easy) access to all Google apps on the OUYA? I'd love to see some kind of in-game chat through Babel or something. (Of course, that could be what's coming with the android games code found in the MyGlass app...)
GAPPS is just Google apps you can't download.
It may be possible to load the Play stare. Just depends all what it required to it to work. I don't know if there is something that has to be installed within the framework or not.
The bigger problem I see is that Google Play may not have listing for the Ouya and thus not a lot of apps will show up or be downloadable within Google Play if it did install.
lovekeiiy said:
GAPPS is just Google apps you can't download.
It may be possible to load the Play stare. Just depends all what it required to it to work. I don't know if there is something that has to be installed within the framework or not.
The bigger problem I see is that Google Play may not have listing for the Ouya and thus not a lot of apps will show up or be downloadable within Google Play if it did install.
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I think the other problem is that the controller may not play well with most of the apps on the market.
madmofo145 said:
I think the other problem is that the controller may not play well with most of the apps on the market.
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that may be an issue for anything not delivered through the Ouya Store. I think if you want an idea what may happen, if you have another android device, rooted, and have Sixaxais App installed and Playstation3 synced, try running the app with it turned on.
.
Just get an mk908 Android mini pc, run all of the emulators, XBMC, Play Store, and Bluetooth PS3 controller. Oh, an air mouse also.
I have to say I am very underwhelmed and disappointed by my OUYA. Besides the fact that I had to look online to see how to even install the batteries in the controller because there was ZERO instructions in what's laughably called a manual, I had completely forgotten about the touch pad and spent a while trying to figure out why I couldn't play Saturday Morning RPG on it. I was really hoping to better the experience by either grabbing apps from GPS or worse case sideload them, but after reading the comments here and elsewhere I think I'm best off just using my phone and tablet for Google gaming and sell this so I can put the $ towards an Xbox One....now THAT is a "smart device" if I've EVER seen one!! :good:
sternrulez said:
I have to say I am very underwhelmed and disappointed by my OUYA. Besides the fact that I had to look online to see how to even install the batteries in the controller because there was ZERO instructions in what's laughably called a manual, I had completely forgotten about the touch pad and spent a while trying to figure out why I couldn't play Saturday Morning RPG on it. I was really hoping to better the experience by either grabbing apps from GPS or worse case sideload them, but after reading the comments here and elsewhere I think I'm best off just using my phone and tablet for Google gaming and sell this so I can put the $ towards an Xbox One....now THAT is a "smart device" if I've EVER seen one!! :good:
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I'd suggest you're the only person on earth who thought that the Xbox one looked like a smart device, it's been the laughing stock of the internet.
Ouya has it's own store, having the google play store would bankrupt the company being they would make no money and google would make it all...
I'm sorry you had so much trouble, but I can't say anyone else had issues figuring out these basics, what you have is not a retail product, you got an early version that is not ready for prime time on a software/manual level, so it's rather silly to expect a retail quality manual when it does not ship for another month to retail... we are beta testers, and I thought the fact that we were paying to BUILD it clued everyone in on that.
misfit410 said:
I'd suggest you're the only person on earth who thought that the Xbox one looked like a smart device, it's been the laughing stock of the internet.
Ouya has it's own store, having the google play store would bankrupt the company being they would make no money and google would make it all...
I'm sorry you had so much trouble, but I can't say anyone else had issues figuring out these basics, what you have is not a retail product, you got an early version that is not ready for prime time on a software/manual level, so it's rather silly to expect a retail quality manual when it does not ship for another month to retail... we are beta testers, and I thought the fact that we were paying to BUILD it clued everyone in on that.
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ha yeah, i hope he was being sarcastic. Xbox One is a joke....to gamers anyway
it looks good on the surface until you get to the details they didnt share at the conference
a few thoughts
- when i'm gaming, i'm gaming. i'm not switching to TV or Movies or IE every few minutes.
- not always online....but it has to check every 24 hrs (according to one report). what if u have no internetz or are in the military or my bro in law who cant get internet at his house (without paying thousands to have lines run)?
- pay a fee on top of the price you paid for a used game (need to hear gamefly & gamestops reaction)
- kinect always has to be connected. (also what if someone comes in the room & says "turn that XBOX OFF" there goes your progress.
- the exclusives are probably kinect titles for kids
- non-removable HDD (should be just in case of failure)
- indie developers cant self publish
- for our fellow earthlings, a lot of this wont work outside of US
- it's GINORMOUS!
- the XBOX ONE is so forward-thinking, it's not even backwards compatible with gamers.
anyway, finally got my distribution center email for my OUYA today.
reading up on all this stuff while bored at work.
I've shown a lot of people the Ouya, most of them actually wanted one after seeing all of the things it would do. I've had a few who just don't get it and I understand it's not for everyone, but what does kill me are the ones who are like "ok so it plays movies at 1080P and XBMC is nice and all, but why would I pay $99 for something to watch movies and play a few phone games".. .the facepalm comes in when I find out they say this while owning an AppleTV.
misfit410 said:
I've shown a lot of people the Ouya, most of them actually wanted one after seeing all of the things it would do. I've had a few who just don't get it and I understand it's not for everyone, but what does kill me are the ones who are like "ok so it plays movies at 1080P and XBMC is nice and all, but why would I pay $99 for something to watch movies and play a few phone games".. .the facepalm comes in when I find out they say this while owning an AppleTV.
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hah, thats hilarious.
i actually asked for a refund last friday, but heard nothing until the distribution center email today. ha. oh well.
we'll see if i actually have any time to mess with it.
I'm of the tinkering type so it was a no brainer for me, but I found I'm enjoying it even more than I thought I would, there are so many games out there I don't even want to throw down $2 for because they just don't look good... but here everything can be played for free, so I find myself trying every single game out there, I've gotten so many gaming time for nothing... and i found I loved some of these games I would have otherwise passed over.
misfit410 said:
I'm of the tinkering type so it was a no brainer for me, but I found I'm enjoying it even more than I thought I would, there are so many games out there I don't even want to throw down $2 for because they just don't look good... but here everything can be played for free, so I find myself trying every single game out there, I've gotten so many gaming time for nothing... and i found I loved some of these games I would have otherwise passed over.
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cool.
so what all have you tinkered with so far, just trying games or some other more complicated things.
basically i want to know where to start when i get mine. should i try some games or sideload some other stuff on it, etc
Sideloaded Emulators, Web Browsers, Onlive, etc..
put the Amazon app store on so I could load up Opera Mobile, Dolphin and Maxthon browser, as well as file explorer..
you can sideload apps without any external tools if you just use the built in browser to download then go to the settings menu, storage, downloads and you can launch an APK from there.
the one thing to know is that all sideloaded apps go to the developers MAKE section.. but most stuff I've loaded runs well, still hoping to get my hands on a generation 2 googletv netflix apk.
misfit410 said:
Sideloaded Emulators, Web Browsers, Onlive, etc..
put the Amazon app store on so I could load up Opera Mobile, Dolphin and Maxthon browser, as well as file explorer..
you can sideload apps without any external tools if you just use the built in browser to download then go to the settings menu, storage, downloads and you can launch an APK from there.
the one thing to know is that all sideloaded apps go to the developers MAKE section.. but most stuff I've loaded runs well, still hoping to get my hands on a generation 2 googletv netflix apk.
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Click to collapse
sweet, thanks yo.
i'll be reading up on everything on these forums for the next 2 weeks.
thanks for the head start
misfit410 said:
I'd suggest you're the only person on earth who thought that the Xbox one looked like a smart device, it's been the laughing stock of the internet.
Ouya has it's own store, having the google play store would bankrupt the company being they would make no money and google would make it all...
I'm sorry you had so much trouble, but I can't say anyone else had issues figuring out these basics, what you have is not a retail product, you got an early version that is not ready for prime time on a software/manual level, so it's rather silly to expect a retail quality manual when it does not ship for another month to retail... we are beta testers, and I thought the fact that we were paying to BUILD it clued everyone in on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree 100% in that the op will be indicative of most general consumers that buy this at retail stores. That said, common sense suggests the retail units will have clear and concise guides as soon as you open the box. None the less, most retail buyers are going to balk at a proprietary market.
Their model depends on it, but most consumers will not care about that and will expect a simple, easy to start experience.
The bubble of this forum is not the best sample of tech knowledge level for mass market game systems. Lower the bar. If Ouya assumes otherwise, they may see good sales followed by a lot more returns than expected.