Barnes & Noble eReader - NOOK

[lyn_sg]

I've got my hands on my new eReader, Nook - on 29 Jan. 2010. I played around with my new toy for an hour e.g, uploading through the USB cable from my laptop to my Nook - my personal pics for the screensaver and wallpaper, and I also uploaded mp3 to my Nook. The same night, before going to bed - I'm already flipping a few eBooks which I uploaded.

Up-to-date, I've already got around 50 ebooks in my nook to read. And oh my..what a breeze it was: To finally have something so light in the palm of my hand reading while got 'creampied' in the morning and afternoon’s peak hour crowd in the MRT train..

I do very much intend to start this thread – to assist other existing and/or potential Nook owners (in Singapore, particularly) to overcome on issues other new Nook users are facing or worry they might be facing (with the intention to own Nook, but in doubts etc).

Honestly speaking - I have no hiccups at all throughout. Hence, I would like to share.

Let me start with few main factors here (which I was worried myself, even before I decide to own Nook):-

- Registration:
There seemed to be a deep concern for some users (in other forums too) on inputting Credit Card details to do a Registration (technically) onto your Nook In fact, I haven’t got to this trouble. Good news: I don’t have to input my Credit Card details either B&N site or in my Nook, at all. Of course I have no intention of buying any eBooks for B&N, so don’t see I will be providing them my Credit Cards details in the future, in anyway. Besides, there are thousands of free eBooks on the net. So, I don’t see the need to spend a cent on B&N ebooks?

So, what did I do?

On your PC/laptop:
1) Create an account in Vpost Singapore (http://www.vpost.com.sg/). Upon completion of registration in Vpost, you will then have a few US Addresses that is tagged to you.
2) Then, create an Account in the B&N Official site:
Afterwhich, in the Account Settings, under ‘Default Shipping Address’, simply choose either one of your US Address provided by your Vpost Account.

On your Nook:
1) When prompted for Registration, input the exact email address and password you
have provided to B&N.

Afterwhich - your Registration will be successful!

- If you wish to purchase or simply browse eBooks in B&N’s Store, and Wifi connection is required:

- Simply log-on to any wireless broadband connection available around you
e.g, - when am in public, you can access through Wireless@SG or any places
which offers free Wireless Internet Broandband (also known as, Hotspots)
- when in office, I connect through my office’s wireless network
(of course, the WEP is required – in this case)

Another good news: When I need to upload any eBooks to my Nook in the office, I simply use the USB cable of my mobilephone’s (Nokia E63).

So, all Nook owner - let’s share our trouble-shooting here onthis thread, if any.

 

[lorettatay]

welcome to the club. i think u r the 3rd person in here to own a nook besides me.

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showthread.php?t=2599920&highlight=nook

Have u updated to the latest 1.2 yet? Do take note that u need to backup yr My Documents in nook first beside u upgrade cos this fw will wipe out all yr ebooks in that folder and this is what happened to me and majority of nook owners.

After the 1.2 update im loving my nook more and more and neglecting my 505 lol.

u can go to here for more discussion of nook : http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/eBooks-Help-Board/bd-p/eBooks_Help

 

[lyn_sg]

Yes, I did - the same day B&N emailed me to upgrade (around last week), I managed breezely with no problems whatsoever. Significant version upgrade indeed. New interface, faster touch-screen sensitivity etc. I particularly also like the fact, that they sort out on the possibility to set the time according to your 'local' time. (the initial version: was only USA time..as if we really care )

The only thing: Like many B&N users out there, we are only hoping B&N will somehow provide the possibility of their M&W's dictionary, or any dictionary will suffice, really)-
not only for B&N's eBooks BUT also applies the same to any eBooks and PDF files in 'My Documents'.

*fingers-crossed* - for B&N to make this happen...
Hopefully, in the next version upgrade

 

[lorettatay]

Yes, I did - the same day B&N emailed me to upgrade (around last week), I managed breezely with no problems whatsoever. Significant version upgrade indeed. New interface, faster touch-screen sensitivity etc. I particularly also like the fact, that they sort out on the possibility to set the time according to your 'local' time. (the initial version: was only USA time..as if we really care )

The only thing: Like many B&N users out there, we are only hoping B&N will somehow provide the possibility of their M&W's dictionary, or any dictionary will suffice, really)-
not only for B&N's eBooks BUT also applies the same to any eBooks and PDF files in 'My Documents'.

*fingers-crossed* - for B&N to make this happen...
Hopefully, in the next version upgrade

they emailed u to upgrade? so good service cos i did not receive anything from them lol...maybe i ordered the nook via 3rd party lol...btw did u get any cover for it?

 

[lyn_sg]

In your B&N (after you log-in in the official website, that is), go to
1) 'My Accounts' then click
2) 'Account Setting' then click
3) 'Communication Preferences' then
4) under the: 'Contact me by', checked on the radio-button 'Email'

And B&N will update you for any upgrade, news, promotions, etc. Basically, everything got to do with our Nook

 

[almerickso]

glad to see some happy users in Singapore.

Now that the nook's are in stock prolly time to get one!

@lorettatay i remember in your post, you were able to use a Singapore credit card with a US address to purchase books from B&N. Is that still possible now?

and could you guys share which case you got for the nook? any other accessories would be great too

 

[lyn_sg]

Cover for Nook

@ lorettatay: Sorry, forgot your other question on Nook's cover hehe
BTW, I got mine from Challenger @Tiong Bahru Plaza.
I bought iRiver's white cover (great that its dimension fits my Nook perfectly, and it's slim too). Can't remember the price I paid. Approximately SGD 40, I think.

Of course, you guys can opt for thicker covers..But for someone like me who already have to carry my other stuffs daily to work, the iRiver cover for my Nook - is perfect!

Update: I just captured these for you all to see my Nook cover

Image 1: http://i46.tinypic.com/27wwy6f.jpg
Image 2: http://i47.tinypic.com/2meu71c.jpg
Image 3: http://i45.tinypic.com/rkzi10.jpg
Image 4: http://i45.tinypic.com/2z9mz36.jpg
Image 5: http://i45.tinypic.com/2ivmkk1.jpg

 

[lorettatay]

glad to see some happy users in Singapore.

Now that the nook's are in stock prolly time to get one!

@lorettatay i remember in your post, you were able to use a Singapore credit card with a US address to purchase books from B&N. Is that still possible now?

and could you guys share which case you got for the nook? any other accessories would be great too

last mth i tried and it still works...purchased too many ebooks from b&n since i got the nook so this mth need to cut down lol...

i got the alice in wonderland case and a bit regret cos after using it with the nook, the nook + cover is so heavy lol...

get the screen protector also...

i am thinking of getting a light weather proof case cos it will making the whole thing lighter. any idea got this kind of stuff exists or not lol...

 

[lyn_sg]

Check out the images I just captured... You should go grab like mine @Challenger to solve the bulkiness problem you're facing

 

[lorettatay]

Check out the images I just captured... You should go grab like mine @Challenger to solve the bulkiness problem you're facing

thanks very much. white i scare will be dirty but u really protect yr nook well lol...

 

[lyn_sg]

As you can see on the pics, there's a ziplock cover on the white cover. This actually already comes with the cover when you purchase it. So , don't worry too much lah...

BTW, the ziplock case on top of the cover, is - PLASTIC.
So, by any chance you're caught in the rain with your nook, that plastic case works
like a 'raincoat' to your white cover..

 

[lorettatay]

As you can see on the pics, there's a ziplock cover on the white cover. This actually already comes with the cover when you purchase it. So , don't worry too much lah...

BTW, the ziplock case on top of the cover, is - PLASTIC.
So, by any chance you're caught in the rain with your nook, that plastic case works
like a 'raincoat' to your white cover..

whaha i tok the ziplock is u ownself put lol...now i intend to take my nook out to read in train liao...so much lighter lol...

btw how did u all get yr nook from? 3rd party or go US lol...

 

[almerickso]

thanks for the pics!

the case looks nice but can it work without the plastic cover?
and how does the ziplock thing work?
oh and one last thing, how did u mount the nook to the case?

haha sorry for the volley of questions just quite curious

 

[lyn_sg]

You'll have to figure out yourself to be able to mount the Nook IF you were to go without the plastic cover, that is. But anyway - why not use it? So..if you use it, putting aside it gives extra coverage to your Nook from wetness..you can also use the side slot of the plastic cover to mount your Nook.

FYI, the plastic case it's actually 2 layers.

To give you an idea of what I meant -
View this I just took: http://i49.tinypic.com/o8whdz.jpg

To have even a clearer idea, go to Challenger and see for yourself

 

[almerickso]

thanks for the pics!

i can picture it better now.

i'm actually looking for a case which isnt too bulky that just protects the screen from rough objects or from being pressed on in my bag. (short of putting a sheet of aluminum in my bag to protect it )

 

[lorettatay]

You'll have to figure out yourself to be able to mount the Nook IF you were to go without the plastic cover, that is. But anyway - why not use it? So..if you use it, putting aside it gives extra coverage to your Nook from wetness..you can also use the side slot of the plastic cover to mount your Nook.

FYI, the plastic case it's actually 2 layers.

To give you an idea of what I meant -
View this I just took: http://i49.tinypic.com/o8whdz.jpg

To have even a clearer idea, go to Challenger and see for yourself

i got a very very stoopid qn to ask : will the words be blocked out if the ziplock or plastic cover cover the screen???

 

[lyn_sg]

Aluminium?! You would bring your Nook for marathon, mountain-hiking, or hunting in the forest? hehe

BTW, I have other stuffs in my handbag to work daily - that could actually easily cause scratches on my Nook..but am doing fine, really - for using the cover I've using now.

Anyway, I think you may be having these worries coz you haven't own Nook,
so I can understand your concerns.

Wait till you lay your hands on it - you'll realize it's no big deal.. the Nook's e-ink surface & white side frame is actually - 'scratch-proof'. Of course, am not talking about the kind of scratch you would get if it comes from a saw or an extremely sharp knife lah...

 

[lorettatay]

Aluminium?! You would bring your Nook for marathon, mountain-hiking, or hunting in the forest? hehe

BTW, I have other stuffs in my handbag to work daily - that could actually easily cause scratches on my Nook..but am doing fine, really - for using the cover I've using now.

Anyway, I think you may be having these worries coz you haven't own Nook,
so I can understand you concerns.

Wait till you lay your hands on it - you'll realize it's no bis deal.. the Nook's e-ink surface & white side frame is actually - 'scratch-proof'. Of course, am not talking about the kind of scratch you would get if it comes from a saw or an extremely sharp knife lah...

but the case will be perfect if it can hook to the nook...

 

[jenny22]

Hi - am so glad to see there are Nook owners! I'm actually seriously considering a nook. I've given up on the sony 600 and since i didnt like the glare factor there the 900 is a no-go for me too. But on the Nook - I know this qn was asked before - is there a workaround on purchasing ebooks with Spore credit card? Has anyone tried posb? (which works on Sony bookstore)? I tried a trial download, as my credit card details are there (Citi) since I've purchased B&N normal books in the past. But the system barred me for the usual reasons - ebooks and copyright issues etc bla bla nonsense. I just dont see the logic that if BooksonBoard accepts foreign credit cards, why can't B&N or Sony??

Also, I've read that the colour panel below can be rather unresponsive? Can someone comment? or perhaps the latest firmware upgrade fixed that?

Have you tried using wifi to actually buy a book? ie at the Sonybookstore, and does it download into Nook through the Nook itself. Or do you have to go the long way - download into sony library on computer and use usb to transfer?

Are you able to underline passages on Nook? or highlight?

Presumably library books no problem right - drm epub file format..

Thanks so much in advance

 

[almerickso]

haha i mean its a small sheet of alu

just to protect the screen from compression not from scratches haha for that, i couldnt care less.

cuz i carry around my macbook and the carger isnt flat cuz of singapore's giant 3-prong plug. so odd-shaped things like that are "bulges' in the bag. i'm afraid that, if i accidentally knock my bag or if put a load on it, the charger will press on the screen and crack it.

haha hopefully you get the picture.