Rooted Nook Color or Kindle Fire or ??

kthartline · 01-24-2012, 11:41 AM

I am looking to get a reader/tablet for my birthday.

It will have 3 main uses - 1) Reading books on lunch at work, 2) Recipes - both in book form and on the internet (so must have browser), and 3) Browsing the net (though this will only be occasionally, I want it to be an option). Additionally, I would like to watch some TV or Movies occasionally while on vacation and such. I also have a bunch of books already downloaded from various sources over the years - lots of which are .pdf. I would like to be sure that I could read all those easily too. I also use Google calendar and contacts to keep track of my entire life so access to that would be good, although I do have my phone and sit at a computer for most of the week so that isn't a deal-breaker or anything - just a perk.

I am tempted to just go with the Fire because I do a ton of shopping at Amazon already and really like them. HOWEVER... I am already an Android user. I've had a Droid phone since they first came out and am very familiar with how the Android system works and LOVE the Google integration (which, as I understand, isn't available through the Fire android?)

Hence my dilemma... Fire with Amazon - a company I like and use often (with prime access to TV shows & such), or Nook Color rooted to a sort of tablet with the full Android market? Other than personal preference, is there some reason you can see that I should be swayed to one or the other? Thanks so much for any insight.

BTW - I'd be open to another if there is a better option out there for me.

THanks!

-Kate

jocampo · 01-24-2012, 03:58 PM

Hmm...

If you need browsing, let's take eink readers out of the equation, because they are not for that. Plus only one that gives a basic ability for that is old Kindle keyboard I think.

Now, between stock Nook Tablet and Amazon Kindle, I personally prefer the Kindle Fire. Without rooting, you can download Dolphin browser and if you're an Android user, you know is an excellent browser. Navigation is ok on new Nook Tablet but if you want to install something (at least when I had mine) it was harder than Kindle Fire. The Fire is more open on that regard.

Now, please do not expect full Android experience on any of those devices, stock. They UI have been locked so you basically live and move inside each environment, which for Amazon is their own market and B&N their own B&N market. However, Nook Tablet has faster and better hardware. You can notice that if you watch streaming, but I don't think that's important for you based on your initial post.

Go Fire, these is why

-No need to root to get a functional device
-If you are Prime member or Amazon customer, works like a charm (talking by experience)
-Good value
-Better prices and titles

Go for Nook Tablet (no rooted) if ..

-You're a long time B&N customer
-You visit their stores frequently (in-store reading experience with tablet)
-Want better screen and speed for streaming
-One of those users who like additional space via micro SD card, etc

No matter what, please don't root any of those

... you will be a slave of future upgrades with the continuous fear of a new firmware ready to break your tablet.

In terms of PDF, no 7" tablet is good enough for that, not in my humble opinion. PDFs require a bigger screen, and for annotations a nice application that can handle that too. iPads are great for PDF reading. If you are not planning to edit any PDF document, Nook or Fire may or may not work for you. Nook Color does not remember last page while reading PDFs though (or was like that a year ago when I bought it) I have not tested PDFs on my Fire yet.

EDIT: ops, I noticed you said Nook Color, no Nook Tablet. If you're referring to old Nook Color device, go Kindle Fire, no doubt about it. Fire is less heavy and better device, in my opinion. If you are looking for a reading device I believe Fire is more comfortable and better on that.

Lemurion · 01-24-2012, 09:44 PM

If you want "the full tablet experience," the closest you are going to get from the options you've listed is the Nook Color with CM7 firmware. That gives you the full Android market and access to far more apps.

It's painless to install, and can be run from the SD card if you desire so you don't have to mess with anything on the system or potentially void your warranty. Also, as it's NOT the stock firmware, there are no worries about updates breaking root.

=X= · 01-25-2012, 04:33 PM

I have both the Nook Color w/CM7 and Fire. The NC gives a more tablet experience; the Fire really files like an eReader that can browse but the Fire is noticeably faster at browsing. I still prefer surfing on the NC because of the better browsers.

However based on your requirements below I would recommend a Lenovo A1 Tablet over both these devices. Hardware wise it is more on par with the NC but has 16BG of storage removable SD, GPS, camera, 1GHZ vs 600GHz with a $200 price. It also comes with all the Google apps including the Android market and has Android 2.3. The A1 is a tablet and will give you a tablet experience.

=X=

livramax · 01-25-2012, 09:22 PM

The A1's feature/price is appealing, but according to its customer reviews on Amazon it appears to have terrible failure rate and customer support.

Laridae · 01-26-2012, 12:12 AM

If you're looking for an eReader with "open" Android OS have you considered the new Kobo Vox?

sugold1973 · 01-26-2012, 06:26 PM

Well just to put my two cent in on your question. I just received a Nook Color for Xmas and loved it but thought it was lacking in potential. So a friend of mine told me about this website rootnookcolor.com. So I decide to check them out and I'm so glad I did they were able to turn my Nook into a Android tablet. So now my Nook is just as good as those more expensive tablets and I'm still able to have my original nook also.

01-24-2012, 11:41 AM	#1
kthartline Junior Member Posts: 1 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Michgian, USA Device: None	Rooted Nook Color or Kindle Fire or ?? I am looking to get a reader/tablet for my birthday. It will have 3 main uses - 1) Reading books on lunch at work, 2) Recipes - both in book form and on the internet (so must have browser), and 3) Browsing the net (though this will only be occasionally, I want it to be an option). Additionally, I would like to watch some TV or Movies occasionally while on vacation and such. I also have a bunch of books already downloaded from various sources over the years - lots of which are .pdf. I would like to be sure that I could read all those easily too. I also use Google calendar and contacts to keep track of my entire life so access to that would be good, although I do have my phone and sit at a computer for most of the week so that isn't a deal-breaker or anything - just a perk. I am tempted to just go with the Fire because I do a ton of shopping at Amazon already and really like them. HOWEVER... I am already an Android user. I've had a Droid phone since they first came out and am very familiar with how the Android system works and LOVE the Google integration (which, as I understand, isn't available through the Fire android?) Hence my dilemma... Fire with Amazon - a company I like and use often (with prime access to TV shows & such), or Nook Color rooted to a sort of tablet with the full Android market? Other than personal preference, is there some reason you can see that I should be swayed to one or the other? Thanks so much for any insight. BTW - I'd be open to another if there is a better option out there for me. THanks! -Kate Last edited by kthartline; 01-24-2012 at 11:52 AM.

01-24-2012, 03:58 PM	#2
jocampo Layback feline Posts: 3,034 Karma: 6980745 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: USA Device: Oasis 2nd gen, Sony DPTS1, iPad Pro 10.5"	Hmm... If you need browsing, let's take eink readers out of the equation, because they are not for that. Plus only one that gives a basic ability for that is old Kindle keyboard I think. Now, between stock Nook Tablet and Amazon Kindle, I personally prefer the Kindle Fire. Without rooting, you can download Dolphin browser and if you're an Android user, you know is an excellent browser. Navigation is ok on new Nook Tablet but if you want to install something (at least when I had mine) it was harder than Kindle Fire. The Fire is more open on that regard. Now, please do not expect full Android experience on any of those devices, stock. They UI have been locked so you basically live and move inside each environment, which for Amazon is their own market and B&N their own B&N market. However, Nook Tablet has faster and better hardware. You can notice that if you watch streaming, but I don't think that's important for you based on your initial post. Go Fire, these is why -No need to root to get a functional device -If you are Prime member or Amazon customer, works like a charm (talking by experience) -Good value -Better prices and titles Go for Nook Tablet (no rooted) if .. -You're a long time B&N customer -You visit their stores frequently (in-store reading experience with tablet) -Want better screen and speed for streaming -One of those users who like additional space via micro SD card, etc No matter what, please don't root any of those ... you will be a slave of future upgrades with the continuous fear of a new firmware ready to break your tablet. In terms of PDF, no 7" tablet is good enough for that, not in my humble opinion. PDFs require a bigger screen, and for annotations a nice application that can handle that too. iPads are great for PDF reading. If you are not planning to edit any PDF document, Nook or Fire may or may not work for you. Nook Color does not remember last page while reading PDFs though (or was like that a year ago when I bought it) I have not tested PDFs on my Fire yet. EDIT: ops, I noticed you said Nook Color, no Nook Tablet. If you're referring to old Nook Color device, go Kindle Fire, no doubt about it. Fire is less heavy and better device, in my opinion. If you are looking for a reading device I believe Fire is more comfortable and better on that. Last edited by jocampo; 01-24-2012 at 05:05 PM.

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01-24-2012, 09:44 PM	#3
Lemurion eReader Posts: 2,750 Karma: 4968470 Join Date: Aug 2007 Device: Note 5; PW3; Nook HD+; ChuWi Hi12; iPad	If you want "the full tablet experience," the closest you are going to get from the options you've listed is the Nook Color with CM7 firmware. That gives you the full Android market and access to far more apps. It's painless to install, and can be run from the SD card if you desire so you don't have to mess with anything on the system or potentially void your warranty. Also, as it's NOT the stock firmware, there are no worries about updates breaking root.

01-25-2012, 04:33 PM	#4
=X= Wizard Posts: 3,671 Karma: 12205348 Join Date: Mar 2008 Device: Galaxy S, Nook w/CM7	I have both the Nook Color w/CM7 and Fire. The NC gives a more tablet experience; the Fire really files like an eReader that can browse but the Fire is noticeably faster at browsing. I still prefer surfing on the NC because of the better browsers. However based on your requirements below I would recommend a Lenovo A1 Tablet over both these devices. Hardware wise it is more on par with the NC but has 16BG of storage removable SD, GPS, camera, 1GHZ vs 600GHz with a $200 price. It also comes with all the Google apps including the Android market and has Android 2.3. The A1 is a tablet and will give you a tablet experience. =X=

01-25-2012, 09:22 PM	#5
livramax Addict Posts: 275 Karma: 1115510 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: USA Device: Nook ST, Aura HD, Galaxy Note 8, Fire HD10, Galaxy S6 Lite	The A1's feature/price is appealing, but according to its customer reviews on Amazon it appears to have terrible failure rate and customer support.

01-26-2012, 12:12 AM	#6
Laridae Addict Posts: 208 Karma: 1203096 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Ontario, Canada Device: Nexus 7, Blackberry PlayBook, Nexus 4, ChromeBook	If you're looking for an eReader with "open" Android OS have you considered the new Kobo Vox?

01-26-2012, 06:26 PM	#7
sugold1973 Junior Member Posts: 1 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2012 Device: Nook	Well just to put my two cent in on your question. I just received a Nook Color for Xmas and loved it but thought it was lacking in potential. So a friend of mine told me about this website rootnookcolor.com. So I decide to check them out and I'm so glad I did they were able to turn my Nook into a Android tablet. So now my Nook is just as good as those more expensive tablets and I'm still able to have my original nook also.

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