Check me if I'm wrong:
I've researched what's available in Android-based tablets, all the way from the direct-from-Hong Hong variety to the Galaxy Tab. I don't want an Ipad, although it's a slick and nicely conceived device. I hate Apple's proprietary approach.
I hadn't even thought of the Nook Color as an option until finding this forum. After reading a bit about the device I stopped by a B&N store and played with one. Solid build, great capacitance-based screen, etc. Interface is a bit rough in places, but this is a new device.
I don't care about GPS or a built in camera. I have a Droid X in my pocket for that sort of thing. What I do care about is a nice clean reading experience, the ability to access the web from something other than my big laptop or my little Droid X and the ability to run Android apps.
The clincher is this: The price of the Nook Color is great, given it's features and build quality. I can only assume that B&N's pricing is based in part on the fact that if you buy a Nook your going to become a repeat customer buying books, magazines and eventually apps. In other words, the price (when compared to other devices) seems at least partly subsidized.
Then there's the brick and mortar presence of B&N. Part of what I do is systems support, and I absolutely hate most customer service telephone systems. The only really good one I've dealt with recently is Verizon Wireless (and I don't work for them). The idea that I can walk into a store and deal with a knowledgeable person at a Nook kiosk is very appealing to me. Without even looking I'm sure the Nook itself is built offshore, but at least the B&N stores are employing local folks and giving back something to the community.
Further, B&N is showing a major commitment to this device -- and that means that it's likely to get updates and increased functionality as time goes by.
I will definitely root the thing once I get it. I will then root my Droid X so that I can use it as a wi-fi/3G connection for the Nook. I love real bound paper books, but I live on a boat, and even though it's a really big one books take up a lot of space!
Does that sound right? And, I'm sure I'll be back soon, with questions and maybe even some answers! Oh yeah, those who are working on activating the bluetooth function, keep at it! I'd love to be able to use a small portable keyboard someday.
Robert
I've researched what's available in Android-based tablets, all the way from the direct-from-Hong Hong variety to the Galaxy Tab. I don't want an Ipad, although it's a slick and nicely conceived device. I hate Apple's proprietary approach.
I hadn't even thought of the Nook Color as an option until finding this forum. After reading a bit about the device I stopped by a B&N store and played with one. Solid build, great capacitance-based screen, etc. Interface is a bit rough in places, but this is a new device.
I don't care about GPS or a built in camera. I have a Droid X in my pocket for that sort of thing. What I do care about is a nice clean reading experience, the ability to access the web from something other than my big laptop or my little Droid X and the ability to run Android apps.
The clincher is this: The price of the Nook Color is great, given it's features and build quality. I can only assume that B&N's pricing is based in part on the fact that if you buy a Nook your going to become a repeat customer buying books, magazines and eventually apps. In other words, the price (when compared to other devices) seems at least partly subsidized.
Then there's the brick and mortar presence of B&N. Part of what I do is systems support, and I absolutely hate most customer service telephone systems. The only really good one I've dealt with recently is Verizon Wireless (and I don't work for them). The idea that I can walk into a store and deal with a knowledgeable person at a Nook kiosk is very appealing to me. Without even looking I'm sure the Nook itself is built offshore, but at least the B&N stores are employing local folks and giving back something to the community.
Further, B&N is showing a major commitment to this device -- and that means that it's likely to get updates and increased functionality as time goes by.
I will definitely root the thing once I get it. I will then root my Droid X so that I can use it as a wi-fi/3G connection for the Nook. I love real bound paper books, but I live on a boat, and even though it's a really big one books take up a lot of space!
Does that sound right? And, I'm sure I'll be back soon, with questions and maybe even some answers! Oh yeah, those who are working on activating the bluetooth function, keep at it! I'd love to be able to use a small portable keyboard someday.
Robert
