Hi to all,
Here is my update regarding the replacement of my “cracked screen” 840.
I had several back and forth emails with Oksana Kollmiiets who is the head of PB’s customer service.
All communications were on a very positive level and with rapid replies from PB. The offer was 160.00 Euros for the unit and approx. $30.00 for shipping which would have brought the total to just a little over $200.00 US (converted).
I assumed all was in ready for the transaction and I requested specifics regarding where and how to purchase the new 840 using my Pay Pal Credit account along with requesting the unit be updated with the latest beta software/firmware. I explained that I had been successfully using a beta version (supplied the version number) and would appreciate that being done if at all possible.
That last communication was about 10 plus days ago and then I heard nothing. I sent two more follow-ups and still no further response.
Since PB was clearly no longer responding for reasons unknown to me as all communications in both directions had been positive and quite clear, I was at a loss as to my next move.
I was going through my browser favorites and came across an XDA forum link for the Nook HD+ I still had which was fully converted to Android and used now only for graphic novels and comics. Lo and behold I found a thread that contained very easy instructions on how to update the HD+ to Android 5.1.1!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nook...noble-t3211119
I had stopped rooting and hacking my tablets/smartphones last year when I updated to an LG G3 and LG gPad 8.3. I was quite satisfied with the Verizon Android software “as was” and simply did not feel compelled to hack either unit as I had done in the past so it had been some time since I had done this type of activity.
The instructions were very well laid out (and quite familiar) along with valid links for the four software downloads I would need and suffice it to say all went like clockwork with no hitches and I soon had the HD+ fully operational using 5.1.1!
I then decided to focus the HD+ as an e-reader only using the Prestigio e-reader app for e-books and the Challenger Viewer app for graphic novels and .cbr comics. I proceeded to remove or disable every other app on there that I absolutely did not need in order for the HD+ to function as a dedicated e-reader (all books being sideloaded) with no other bells and whistles. I kept fine tuning this process in order to maximize the battery life so that I could easily get two very full days of reading without recharging.
I highly recommend the Prestigio app for those looking for a good Android e-reader that performs its basic functions well and allows for easy creation of separate libraries and looks great visually.
The plusses here are: the HD+ still has an excellent screen in terms of both viewability and size as it truly approximates a full trade paperback size page, it is quick and very responsive and appears to be totally stable with 5.1.1. The downside is weight (especially in the 360 degree swivel cover I use most frequently), the usual led screen reflection issues even with a top notch anti-glare screen protector, and battery life when compared to the 840.
Overall I am quite pleased with my interim solution which cost me a grand total of $0.00!
I will now wait and see what CES may have in store for new 8 inch or (slightly) larger e-ink readers.