[geertm]

If you really had that many lock-ups there is something wrong with your Nook. You should phone customer service and exchange it for a new one. Your battery usage was also much to high when just letting the Nook sleep. It seems you received a lemon.
I have had my Nook since December last year and have only had one lock-up in all that time. I can usually read 3 to 4 days before having to charge my Nook.

Updating the firmware is very easy.
Just put the firmware file in the root of the Nook and eject it. The firmware install will then start. You probably changed the original filename of the firmware or put it in the wrong location.
If you have a Wifi connection just look for new B&N content, and the new firmware will install.

You do not need to go the B&N for Wifi. You can use your home Wifi network to connect the Nook. Because of the Nook browser you can now also use most public Wifi hot spots.
So you can buy books from B&N and download them everywhere where you have a Wifi connection, without needing a PC.

As for the long boot time. Your not supposed to turn the Nook off and on every time. Just let it go to sleep.

Like CastMeow already said you can also swipe the tochscreen to turn pages. I like that much better than using the buttons.