Ready to give up

deborahjeanne · 01-27-2011, 12:08 AM

I started with the Kobo wireless. It had a few irritants, mostly to do with the navigation button, and the fact that it didn't want to sync properly so my iphone would update. I also would prefer a touchscreen.

A co-worker got a nook color, and I thought my dreams had come true, but I'm frustrated there also. The "special" usb cable means I have to keep unplugging my printer, from behind my computer to plug it in. Also that I have to bring the cable downstairs to hook with the computer, back upstairs for charging (most of the time). I prefer to shop at the kobo store (the prices have been better), but that means I don't get covers displayed on my nook. Or bookmarks updating to my iphone.

I went and looked at a kobo today, and it did seem a little more restful to my eyes. Then I tried to enter a book to search for and had to deal with that navigation button....

Thing is, I like the nook reader, but not the computer "stuff" that goes along with it. For some reason Adobe digital editions won't allow me to add Barnes and Noble books. Says they are for a different acct even though I totally reinstalled ADE. Since I'm on a mac, that means no "desktop" showing my books. then I found nook study. Sort of works. but I have my nookbooks on nookstudy, and my kobo books on ADE. Annoying.

I feel like a total ditz, unable to make up my mind. At this point I'm ready to throw my hands up and stick to reading on my phone, or, heaven forbid, buying actual books.

GA Russell · 01-27-2011, 12:13 AM

Welcome deborahjeanne!

Since prices are falling and new models are being introduced, I always recommend that one not buy more than what one needs. No matter what you get, in a short while you will be able to buy something better for even less money.

boswd · 01-27-2011, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deborahjeanne

I started with the Kobo wireless. It had a few irritants, mostly to do with the navigation button, and the fact that it didn't want to sync properly so my iphone would update. I also would prefer a touchscreen.

A co-worker got a nook color, and I thought my dreams had come true, but I'm frustrated there also. The "special" usb cable means I have to keep unplugging my printer, from behind my computer to plug it in. Also that I have to bring the cable downstairs to hook with the computer, back upstairs for charging (most of the time). I prefer to shop at the kobo store (the prices have been better), but that means I don't get covers displayed on my nook. Or bookmarks updating to my iphone.

I went and looked at a kobo today, and it did seem a little more restful to my eyes. Then I tried to enter a book to search for and had to deal with that navigation button....

Thing is, I like the nook reader, but not the computer "stuff" that goes along with it. For some reason Adobe digital editions won't allow me to add Barnes and Noble books. Says they are for a different acct even though I totally reinstalled ADE. Since I'm on a mac, that means no "desktop" showing my books. then I found nook study. Sort of works. but I have my nookbooks on nookstudy, and my kobo books on ADE. Annoying.

I feel like a total ditz, unable to make up my mind. At this point I'm ready to throw my hands up and stick to reading on my phone, or, heaven forbid, buying actual books.

why not just pick up a powerstrip to plug your computer, printer , nook color etc in. you can get a basic one for about $10

also your nook color will show bookcovers of books bought outside of BN you just have to make sure the jpeg is included when sideloading your book. It just won't be on the main home page but it will show up in your library and on your 'Shelf"

also why not head over to the nook sub forum here. There are some fantastic experts on it who will be able to answer your questions

deborahjeanne · 01-27-2011, 12:23 AM

As far as I could figure for the covers to show the nook had to be rooted. It seemed very complicated.

Its not the power that is a problem, it is the usb access to my computer. I tried plugging directly into the hub, and that worked, but the next time I did it I had to restart my computer as the keyboard quit working.

I was trying to find prices on getting the extra cable, but there don't seem to be any.

boswd · 01-27-2011, 12:31 AM

oh no, my nook color isn't rooted and all my covers from kobo bookstore and fictionwise etc all show up.

www.monoprice.com this is the greatest website for cables

i recommend this for all your cable needs. Great quality and prices that are insane, ( I feel like Crazy Eddie now LOL)

also when you connect your nook color to your computer you have to make sure the nook color is unlocked ( like when you first turn it on and swipe the unlock key) I remember my first day with it, I did not do that I was ready to pull the hair out my head, luckily my wife was there

she said make sure it's unlocked. and that was it.

deborahjeanne · 01-27-2011, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boswd

oh no, my nook color isn't rooted and all my covers from kobo bookstore and fictionwise etc all show up.

www.monoprice.com this is the greatest website for cables

i recommend this for all your cable needs. Great quality and prices that are insane, ( I feel like Crazy Eddie now LOL)

also when you connect your nook color to your computer you have to make sure the nook color is unlocked ( like when you first turn it on and swipe the unlock key) I remember my first day with it, I did not do that I was ready to pull the hair out my head, luckily my wife was there

she said make sure it's unlocked. and that was it.

My mistake. Its not rooted, its that it seems to involve calibre. I have had absolutely no luck figuring that program out, and figured it was because all my books have drm (they're from kobo or B&N)

Thanks for the hint, maybe thats why I can't get the update to work.

boswd · 01-27-2011, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deborahjeanne

My mistake. Its not rooted, its that it seems to involve calibre. I have had absolutely no luck figuring that program out, and figured it was because all my books have drm (they're from kobo or B&N)

Thanks for the hint, maybe thats why I can't get the update to work.

you don't "need" Calibre, to have books sideloaded or even just show your covers, just make sure you download Adode Digiatal Reader, set up a user and password, and should be good to go.

Calibre is just a great way to keep your sideloaded books organized, etc.

deborahjeanne · 01-27-2011, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boswd

you don't "need" Calibre, to have books sideloaded or even just show your covers, just make sure you download Adode Digiatal Reader, set up a user and password, and should be good to go.

I am using ADE. Doesn't help.

viviena · 01-27-2011, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deborahjeanne

For some reason Adobe digital editions won't allow me to add Barnes and Noble books.

ADE won't read B&N ebooks. B&N books use a DRM scheme that ADE doesn't support, so that B&N ebooks will only work on the Nooks and the Jetbook Lite. EPUBs purchased through Kobo will work with your Nook as well as any other EPUB-capable ereader, but any books that have to be synched through the Kobo desktop software will work with Kobo only.

It's all a bit confusing, so if you have more questions, do continue to ask.

deborahjeanne · 01-27-2011, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viviena

ADE won't read B&N ebooks. B&N books use a DRM scheme that ADE doesn't support, so that B&N ebooks will only work on the Nooks and the Jetbook Lite. EPUBs purchased through Kobo will work with your Nook as well as any other EPUB-capable ereader, but any books that have to be synched through the Kobo desktop software will work with Kobo only.

It's all a bit confusing, so if you have more questions, do continue to ask.

Ok, obviously I am much more out of my depth than I realized. I thought somewhere it told me to use ADE for my nook. I'm getting more confused and longing for the simplicity of Kobo, but I don't want to give up my pretty screen.

On the bright side, I seem to have made some progress in understanding calibre. Just a little.

wallcraft · 01-27-2011, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deborahjeanne

Ok, obviously I am much more out of my depth than I realized. I thought somewhere it told me to use ADE for my nook. I'm getting more confused and longing for the simplicity of Kobo, but I don't want to give up my pretty screen.

B&N ePubs use B&N DRM, but the B&N Reading devices can also read ePubs with Adobe DRM bought from other stores. These are the ones that you typically download to your PC using ADE and then sideload onto your Nook.

It is also possible to download B&N ePubs to your PC, but they can only be read there with the Nook apps.

Ripplinger · 01-27-2011, 03:15 AM

Something that might help you out if you really love the Nook Color would be to purchase a powered USB hub (such as this model). Then plug this into the back of your PC since you don't seem to have any front USB slots, and plug in your printer and anything else into the hub and not the back. As long as the hub is powered, you should be able to plug any device into it without any issues.

The hubs that are not powered will be touchy as to what they'll correctly run or not, usually anything that requires power (such as the Nook Color) will not play nice with non-powered USB hubs. Any device that has its own power source (such as your printer, some external drives, etc.) will operate just fine on the non-powered hubs. Maybe you can swap around some USB connections and leave the Nook cable plugged into the back if you already have a non-powered USB hub.

Also, you might check if your cell phone adapter fits the Nook Color and you can use that for recharging. I just purchased a Sony 350 and was thrilled I could use the same USB cable and adapter for it as my cell phone uses.

deborahjeanne · 01-27-2011, 10:18 AM

Thank you all so much for your feedback. I see now I can quit frustrating myself trying to "fix" ADE.

Ripplinger our hub is plugged into the wall, so I assume it is powered. For some reason it seems to me that the printer won't work if not connected to the computer directly. (we went through a bit of this getting space for the iphone and camera to have easy access hookups. The back of the computer isn't that hidden, I'm being a princess about having to unplug and fiddle around with it. (we have an imac)

I tried my iphone charger first thing, and it won't charge the nook. (using the nook cable in the cell phone usb adaptor).

Am I crazy if I consider a Sony touch?

My poor husband is so patient.

boswd · 01-27-2011, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deborahjeanne

Thank you all so much for your feedback. I see now I can quit frustrating myself trying to "fix" ADE.

Ripplinger our hub is plugged into the wall, so I assume it is powered. For some reason it seems to me that the printer won't work if not connected to the computer directly. (we went through a bit of this getting space for the iphone and camera to have easy access hookups. The back of the computer isn't that hidden, I'm being a princess about having to unplug and fiddle around with it. (we have an imac)

I tried my iphone charger first thing, and it won't charge the nook. (using the nook cable in the cell phone usb adaptor).

Am I crazy if I consider a Sony touch?

My poor husband is so patient.

It wil be the same with the sony as well. ePub with ADE is the same with the Kobo, the nook , nook color, the sony's etc etc. the procedure is the same.

I think what you might be confused on by one of the post's is ADE does not read books sold by Barnes and Noble (nookbooks) but the nook and nook color read books from ADE epub.

I would suggest going to the nook sub forum here. there are some tremedous people on this board who could basically walk you through this.

Also there is even a sticky thread for tips on making sure your book cover art shows up on your sideloaded books.

jocampo · 01-27-2011, 11:13 AM

debora,

Tell us what are you expecting from an ereader, what your reading habits are, what do you usually read, when and where, so we can give you advices.

You should buy a device based on what you read and your preferences. There are tons of alternatives outside but not all will fit your own needs.

01-27-2011, 12:08 AM	#1
deborahjeanne Zealot Posts: 108 Karma: 456 Join Date: Jan 2011 Device: Nook Color. Kobo Touch (died 2014). Kobo Glo.	Ready to give up I started with the Kobo wireless. It had a few irritants, mostly to do with the navigation button, and the fact that it didn't want to sync properly so my iphone would update. I also would prefer a touchscreen. A co-worker got a nook color, and I thought my dreams had come true, but I'm frustrated there also. The "special" usb cable means I have to keep unplugging my printer, from behind my computer to plug it in. Also that I have to bring the cable downstairs to hook with the computer, back upstairs for charging (most of the time). I prefer to shop at the kobo store (the prices have been better), but that means I don't get covers displayed on my nook. Or bookmarks updating to my iphone. I went and looked at a kobo today, and it did seem a little more restful to my eyes. Then I tried to enter a book to search for and had to deal with that navigation button.... Thing is, I like the nook reader, but not the computer "stuff" that goes along with it. For some reason Adobe digital editions won't allow me to add Barnes and Noble books. Says they are for a different acct even though I totally reinstalled ADE. Since I'm on a mac, that means no "desktop" showing my books. then I found nook study. Sort of works. but I have my nookbooks on nookstudy, and my kobo books on ADE. Annoying. I feel like a total ditz, unable to make up my mind. At this point I'm ready to throw my hands up and stick to reading on my phone, or, heaven forbid, buying actual books.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Just about ready to give up on Kobo WiFi reader	jean_wat	Kobo Reader	9	02-05-2011 03:26 AM
Pandigital: We'll give you Android, you give up your warranty	RockdaMan	Android Devices	6	01-12-2011 12:17 AM
OK I give in . . . here I are	diggozo	Introduce Yourself	3	12-09-2009 12:21 PM
Getting ready to give up on Sony PRS-505, the list of problems keep growing...	ru_bianca	Sony Reader	29	11-01-2009 06:24 PM
So is the Iliad really production ready and is the market ready for e-readers?	pdam	iRex	28	09-14-2006 05:24 PM

01-27-2011, 12:13 AM	#2
GA Russell Montreal wins Grey Cup! Posts: 7,583 Karma: 31484197 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	Welcome deborahjeanne! Since prices are falling and new models are being introduced, I always recommend that one not buy more than what one needs. No matter what you get, in a short while you will be able to buy something better for even less money.

01-27-2011, 12:23 AM	#4
deborahjeanne Zealot Posts: 108 Karma: 456 Join Date: Jan 2011 Device: Nook Color. Kobo Touch (died 2014). Kobo Glo.	As far as I could figure for the covers to show the nook had to be rooted. It seemed very complicated. Its not the power that is a problem, it is the usb access to my computer. I tried plugging directly into the hub, and that worked, but the next time I did it I had to restart my computer as the keyboard quit working. I was trying to find prices on getting the extra cable, but there don't seem to be any.

01-27-2011, 12:31 AM	#5
boswd Banned Posts: 2,391 Karma: 1001781 Join Date: May 2010 Device: The Nook, Nook color and Droid X	oh no, my nook color isn't rooted and all my covers from kobo bookstore and fictionwise etc all show up. www.monoprice.com this is the greatest website for cables i recommend this for all your cable needs. Great quality and prices that are insane, ( I feel like Crazy Eddie now LOL) also when you connect your nook color to your computer you have to make sure the nook color is unlocked ( like when you first turn it on and swipe the unlock key) I remember my first day with it, I did not do that I was ready to pull the hair out my head, luckily my wife was there she said make sure it's unlocked. and that was it.

01-27-2011, 03:15 AM	#12
Ripplinger 350 Hoarder Posts: 3,574 Karma: 8281267 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Midwest USA Device: Sony PRS-350, Kobo Glo & Glo HD, PW2	Something that might help you out if you really love the Nook Color would be to purchase a powered USB hub (such as this model). Then plug this into the back of your PC since you don't seem to have any front USB slots, and plug in your printer and anything else into the hub and not the back. As long as the hub is powered, you should be able to plug any device into it without any issues. The hubs that are not powered will be touchy as to what they'll correctly run or not, usually anything that requires power (such as the Nook Color) will not play nice with non-powered USB hubs. Any device that has its own power source (such as your printer, some external drives, etc.) will operate just fine on the non-powered hubs. Maybe you can swap around some USB connections and leave the Nook cable plugged into the back if you already have a non-powered USB hub. Also, you might check if your cell phone adapter fits the Nook Color and you can use that for recharging. I just purchased a Sony 350 and was thrilled I could use the same USB cable and adapter for it as my cell phone uses.

01-27-2011, 10:18 AM	#13
deborahjeanne Zealot Posts: 108 Karma: 456 Join Date: Jan 2011 Device: Nook Color. Kobo Touch (died 2014). Kobo Glo.	Thank you all so much for your feedback. I see now I can quit frustrating myself trying to "fix" ADE. Ripplinger our hub is plugged into the wall, so I assume it is powered. For some reason it seems to me that the printer won't work if not connected to the computer directly. (we went through a bit of this getting space for the iphone and camera to have easy access hookups. The back of the computer isn't that hidden, I'm being a princess about having to unplug and fiddle around with it. (we have an imac) I tried my iphone charger first thing, and it won't charge the nook. (using the nook cable in the cell phone usb adaptor). Am I crazy if I consider a Sony touch? My poor husband is so patient.

01-27-2011, 11:13 AM	#15
jocampo Layback feline Posts: 3,034 Karma: 6980745 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: USA Device: Oasis 2nd gen, Sony DPTS1, iPad Pro 10.5"	debora, Tell us what are you expecting from an ereader, what your reading habits are, what do you usually read, when and where, so we can give you advices. You should buy a device based on what you read and your preferences. There are tons of alternatives outside but not all will fit your own needs.