New Pandigital White owner

morepansies · 02-12-2011, 11:41 AM

I bought a Pandigital White on final clearance at a Kohl's last week and heard about it being upgraded a to an Android tablet. I would like to be able to have Cool Reader on it and a couple of games and media player. I"ve read a couple of threads in here, but honestly got pretty lost in which upgrade installation to use. Could someone point me in the right direction for a simple firmware upgrade that will allow Android apks to be installed ps.. I couldn't understand the posts on Slatedroid at all, some using terms that only a tech would understand and it seemed that some upgrades were still awaiting final fixes and some were ok and some crashed the tablet. As I' m rather fond of it, I dont' want that to happen. Thankyou

RockdaMan · 02-12-2011, 12:06 PM

Go to Pandigitals site and find the updater. It will put the latest firmware on there and turn it into a tablet. Easy, no warranty busting, go for it.

bookratt · 02-12-2011, 05:26 PM

These links are for the Pandigital Novel Android Open Platform kit. (White version):

You might want to update your microSD card or external SD to 16 GB. The device will take up to 32 GB. I put a 16 GB card in both places.

http://www.pandigital.net/android

http://www.pandigital.net/?PageID=335

I have some pretty easy to follow instructions if you are interested in a different andriod tablet modification, which was found from the slatedroid forum. My PDN works great with this modification, and suits what I need. I am able to use the original PDN, or switch over to all the tablet programs - games as well as various ereaders: Kobo, Kindle, eReader (fictionwise).

You can PM me if you like.

Good luck!

tselling · 02-12-2011, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bookratt

These links are for the Pandigital Novel Android Open Platform kit. (White version):
You might want to update your microSD card or external SD to 16 GB. The device will take up to 32 GB. I put a 16 GB card in both places.
http://www.pandigital.net/android
http://www.pandigital.net/?PageID=335
I have some pretty easy to follow instructions if you are interested in a different andriod tablet modification, which was found from the slatedroid forum. My PDN works great with this modification, and suits what I need. I am able to use the original PDN, or switch over to all the tablet programs - games as well as various ereaders: Kobo, Kindle, eReader (fictionwise).
You can PM me if you like.
Good luck!

The previous post is an old version of the tablet firmware so I wouldn't recommend using it. Just go to the pandigital site and use their upgrader program (http://www.pandigital.net/?PageID=391). It will automatically download the latest tablet version. Pandigital is now only distributing the tablet version that gives pretty much full android tablet access except Google Market. It does come with the SlideMe market. Google market can be added fairly easily though if you want it.

Make sure you follow the upgrader application instructions exactly. It will probably have you reconnect to the computer after the first flash to flash again.

soondai · 02-12-2011, 11:55 PM

and after that you can go over to slatedroid and look for the thread with kewlguy's flashable enhancements. this will let you root the device and add google market if you choose to.

morepansies · 02-13-2011, 05:44 PM

Thankyou, what is the Slideme Market and already I"m confused.

Soondai wrote: and after that you can go over to slatedroid and look for the thread with kewlguy's flashable enhancements. this will let you root the device and add google market if you choose to.

If I go to Pandigital and download the latest tablet software isn't that rooting it? Sorry to be so dense, but I want to take the right path..

tselling · 02-13-2011, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morepansies

Thankyou, what is the Slideme Market and already I"m confused.

Soondai wrote: and after that you can go over to slatedroid and look for the thread with kewlguy's flashable enhancements. this will let you root the device and add google market if you choose to.

If I go to Pandigital and download the latest tablet software isn't that rooting it? Sorry to be so dense, but I want to take the right path..

The SlideMe Market has alot of android apps you can download (both free and pay for)... but not as many as the Google Market.

The tablet software does not root it. Rooting means having root access (total read/write access to even system files). In most cases you won't need to root your device as only certain applications require that. The tablet software makes your device behave like an Android 2.0 tablet instead of just a book reader with a few extra apps. You can download the android apps you want like Sudoku, Crosswords, newspaper apps, other reader apps, etc. You will have a B&N app that you have to select to read with instead of automatically being in the B&N Reader application.

RockdaMan · 02-14-2011, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tselling

Just go to the pandigital site and use their upgrader program (http://www.pandigital.net/?PageID=391). It will automatically download

Morepansies,

Forgive the exuberance of the geeks on this forum. We have a problem keeping things simple!

The above is all you need to know to get started. Run the updater, do what it says. You may have to run it twice. You'll get a tablet. Nothing else is needed but that your machine is plugged into the power outlet and that you have your USB cable with you.

After that, if you want your tablet to do more, post back and we/I will walk you through the next step. Or you can pm me.

dixieknits · 02-17-2011, 09:00 AM

I"m ready to try this. I've purchased two 8g sd cards, one the small size with a carrier and one is already the larger size that fits into the external SD slot. I didn't know which was the internal size so had one of each. The current OP from Pandigital does not mention upsizing the internal card, but if I"m reading the instructions correctly, it upgrages it from the USB cable. Should/Can I duplicate what is on the internal card now onto my new larger one before I perform the upgrade?

morepansies · 02-17-2011, 06:40 PM

dixieknits, have you tried this yet? Has anyone used this new OP? It would make sense to expand the memory card before ugrading. Is the internal card the one that the computer reads when you attach the USB cable? That would be easy to recreate. I have another card also as I was going to try another way to upgrade. Let me know how it goes

FizzyWater · 02-17-2011, 08:13 PM

I looked at mine...can't even figure out how to take the back off!

Somedays, I just don't have the energy to "play"...maybe I'll try another day.

soondai · 02-17-2011, 08:56 PM

there's really no need to take off the back and mess with the internal microSD. You had to remove it for the original Open Platform firmware from last September. Not necessary for the new OP firmware. The new one works very well. Just go to Pandigital's site and use their updater.

the internal microSD has 1 GB. The new firmware will partition half of that off (this will be inaccessible to you) to put apps you install on. This should be plenty of room.

You'll want a regular SD card for your books, pics, videos, whatevers. I use a 4 MB since I use my PDN as a reader. Plenty of room for me.

If you want to add bells and whistles to the device, head over to the slatedroid forums and look up the thread with kewlguy's flashable enhancements. This will let you root device, change the SDK to 7 (so you can run apps like AdobeX and Aldiko that require Android 2.2), add market, etc.

Again, I don't store files on the internal microSD, just the external SD, but be advised that Calibre does put books on the internal card (I just move them over).

Also, if you are upgrading to the 2011 firmwares for the first time, follow the directions the updater give you. You'll probably have to flash twice as part of the process (the apps that come with the PDN don't take hold til the 2nd flash). It does tell you to flash a second time if it is necessary, but sometimes people seem to skip it.

And dixie, you may want to back up anything you have on your internal card. I think the upgrade wipes it clean.

rex.ballard · 02-18-2011, 08:21 AM

There is an error in the Pandigital documentation. It tells you to download the exe file to Windows then use that file to install a zip file onto the reader. That works fine. Then it tells you to hold down the Vol+ and power on switches for 5 seconds and the systems will reboot then the new software will start. This is not quite correct.

You hold down the Vol+ and Power switches together to the menu to power down, and power down. When you power back up hold the power and vol+ key for 30 seconds. That should eventually give you a picture of a box with the Android robot, showing that the new software is being loaded into the firmware.

When you see the Pandigital logo - you want to hold down the power and Vol+ key again until the new operating system boots up (otherwise it boots the old one).

When it reboots, you should see the simpler linux-style screen with google bar on top, Barnes & Noble and other icons below, on a blue screen.

This will give you the fully functional Android 2.x system.

The Slide (SAM 4.0) application will let you download the new applications.

Quote:

Originally Posted by morepansies

I bought a Pandigital White on final clearance at a Kohl's last week and heard about it being upgraded a to an Android tablet. I would like to be able to have Cool Reader on it and a couple of games and media player. I"ve read a couple of threads in here, but honestly got pretty lost in which upgrade installation to use. Could someone point me in the right direction for a simple firmware upgrade that will allow Android apks to be installed ps.. I couldn't understand the posts on Slatedroid at all, some using terms that only a tech would understand and it seemed that some upgrades were still awaiting final fixes and some were ok and some crashed the tablet. As I' m rather fond of it, I dont' want that to happen. Thankyou

dixieknits · 02-18-2011, 08:54 AM

I would like to use my 8G micro SD card for the internal card. Do I need to copy the data from the existing card before I install. Also is it possible to create a partition of 2G and 6 G allowing me more room for internal audio / video storage? I've already purchased it and can't return it. I want to complete this step before I upgrade.

soondai · 02-18-2011, 01:38 PM

you can upgrade with a blank microSD card, but copy any files you have on to your computer beforehand so they don't get wiped when it formats the card. so no, you do not need to copy anything to make it work, but you probably ought to copy anything you want to keep and then move it back (I think maybe the updater does this automatically, but I can't swear to it.)

the official firmware is gonna split your internal card down the middle (4MB for apps and 4 you can access).

I know kewlguy over on slatedroid was playing around with setting up custom partitions (or capping how much was off limits for apps). no idea what the status of that is.

02-12-2011, 11:41 AM	#1
morepansies Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 70 Join Date: Feb 2011 Device: nook color	New Pandigital White owner I bought a Pandigital White on final clearance at a Kohl's last week and heard about it being upgraded a to an Android tablet. I would like to be able to have Cool Reader on it and a couple of games and media player. I"ve read a couple of threads in here, but honestly got pretty lost in which upgrade installation to use. Could someone point me in the right direction for a simple firmware upgrade that will allow Android apks to be installed ps.. I couldn't understand the posts on Slatedroid at all, some using terms that only a tech would understand and it seemed that some upgrades were still awaiting final fixes and some were ok and some crashed the tablet. As I' m rather fond of it, I dont' want that to happen. Thankyou

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02-12-2011, 12:06 PM	#2
RockdaMan Banned Posts: 1,644 Karma: 213512 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: On the other side of over there Device: Pandigital Novel, Kindle G1 (broken), iPod Touch	Go to Pandigitals site and find the updater. It will put the latest firmware on there and turn it into a tablet. Easy, no warranty busting, go for it.

02-12-2011, 05:26 PM	#3
bookratt Wizard Posts: 1,513 Karma: 1953200 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: The Kingdom of Nye, Nevada Device: Sony Reader PRS505 & PRS600, iPad, Pandigital Novel, iPad 2	These links are for the Pandigital Novel Android Open Platform kit. (White version): You might want to update your microSD card or external SD to 16 GB. The device will take up to 32 GB. I put a 16 GB card in both places. http://www.pandigital.net/android http://www.pandigital.net/?PageID=335 I have some pretty easy to follow instructions if you are interested in a different andriod tablet modification, which was found from the slatedroid forum. My PDN works great with this modification, and suits what I need. I am able to use the original PDN, or switch over to all the tablet programs - games as well as various ereaders: Kobo, Kindle, eReader (fictionwise). You can PM me if you like. Good luck!

02-12-2011, 11:55 PM	#5
soondai Guru Posts: 672 Karma: 1109784 Join Date: Aug 2010 Device: Paperwhite	and after that you can go over to slatedroid and look for the thread with kewlguy's flashable enhancements. this will let you root the device and add google market if you choose to.

02-13-2011, 05:44 PM	#6
morepansies Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 70 Join Date: Feb 2011 Device: nook color	Thankyou, what is the Slideme Market and already I"m confused. Soondai wrote: and after that you can go over to slatedroid and look for the thread with kewlguy's flashable enhancements. this will let you root the device and add google market if you choose to. If I go to Pandigital and download the latest tablet software isn't that rooting it? Sorry to be so dense, but I want to take the right path..

02-17-2011, 09:00 AM	#9
dixieknits Addict Posts: 283 Karma: 1011418 Join Date: Jun 2010 Device: Kindle 3, Nook Color	I"m ready to try this. I've purchased two 8g sd cards, one the small size with a carrier and one is already the larger size that fits into the external SD slot. I didn't know which was the internal size so had one of each. The current OP from Pandigital does not mention upsizing the internal card, but if I"m reading the instructions correctly, it upgrages it from the USB cable. Should/Can I duplicate what is on the internal card now onto my new larger one before I perform the upgrade?

02-17-2011, 06:40 PM	#10
morepansies Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 70 Join Date: Feb 2011 Device: nook color	dixieknits, have you tried this yet? Has anyone used this new OP? It would make sense to expand the memory card before ugrading. Is the internal card the one that the computer reads when you attach the USB cable? That would be easy to recreate. I have another card also as I was going to try another way to upgrade. Let me know how it goes

02-17-2011, 08:13 PM	#11
FizzyWater You kids get off my lawn! Posts: 4,220 Karma: 73492664 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Device: Oasis 2 and Libra H2O and half a dozen older models I can't let go of	I looked at mine...can't even figure out how to take the back off! Somedays, I just don't have the energy to "play"...maybe I'll try another day.

02-17-2011, 08:56 PM	#12
soondai Guru Posts: 672 Karma: 1109784 Join Date: Aug 2010 Device: Paperwhite	there's really no need to take off the back and mess with the internal microSD. You had to remove it for the original Open Platform firmware from last September. Not necessary for the new OP firmware. The new one works very well. Just go to Pandigital's site and use their updater. the internal microSD has 1 GB. The new firmware will partition half of that off (this will be inaccessible to you) to put apps you install on. This should be plenty of room. You'll want a regular SD card for your books, pics, videos, whatevers. I use a 4 MB since I use my PDN as a reader. Plenty of room for me. If you want to add bells and whistles to the device, head over to the slatedroid forums and look up the thread with kewlguy's flashable enhancements. This will let you root device, change the SDK to 7 (so you can run apps like AdobeX and Aldiko that require Android 2.2), add market, etc. Again, I don't store files on the internal microSD, just the external SD, but be advised that Calibre does put books on the internal card (I just move them over). Also, if you are upgrading to the 2011 firmwares for the first time, follow the directions the updater give you. You'll probably have to flash twice as part of the process (the apps that come with the PDN don't take hold til the 2nd flash). It does tell you to flash a second time if it is necessary, but sometimes people seem to skip it. And dixie, you may want to back up anything you have on your internal card. I think the upgrade wipes it clean.

02-18-2011, 08:54 AM	#14
dixieknits Addict Posts: 283 Karma: 1011418 Join Date: Jun 2010 Device: Kindle 3, Nook Color	I would like to use my 8G micro SD card for the internal card. Do I need to copy the data from the existing card before I install. Also is it possible to create a partition of 2G and 6 G allowing me more room for internal audio / video storage? I've already purchased it and can't return it. I want to complete this step before I upgrade.

02-18-2011, 01:38 PM	#15
soondai Guru Posts: 672 Karma: 1109784 Join Date: Aug 2010 Device: Paperwhite	you can upgrade with a blank microSD card, but copy any files you have on to your computer beforehand so they don't get wiped when it formats the card. so no, you do not need to copy anything to make it work, but you probably ought to copy anything you want to keep and then move it back (I think maybe the updater does this automatically, but I can't swear to it.) the official firmware is gonna split your internal card down the middle (4MB for apps and 4 you can access). I know kewlguy over on slatedroid was playing around with setting up custom partitions (or capping how much was off limits for apps). no idea what the status of that is.

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