Instead of me typing I copied and pasted a reply I made to a different thread. You don't need to root to install apk's. You just need to enable unknown sources. I have the HD+ so you would have to use the appropriate download to create the sdcard.
I used this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2062613
I downloaded sdformatter from the web to format an old sdcard that I had in the closet.
I also downloaded Win32DiskImager from the web and installed it on my computer and used it to install the following image file onto the sdcard
http://forum.xda-developers.com/atta...6&d=1368660885
after that was created I just drag and dropped the following zip onto the sdcard
http://forum.xda-developers.com/atta...4&d=1367889100
My nook was powered down and I inserted the card and let the Nook boot up and installed the zip. It is not complicated at all. Most people think that they need "root" to enjoy their Nook. I had to root my old nook tablet to get it like I wanted it but the new Nook HD and HD+ are much better(IMHO)and don't need it.
Penny