Video of B&N nook 1.1 update and gallery of in-store retail experiences

Yesterday we saw the release of the B&N nook 1.1.0 firmware update and one of the added features was support for local retail store content and promotions. I visited my local Barnes & Noble store after updating my nook and took several pictures of what I saw and included them in my image gallery. I also tried out one of my Kindle cases and discovered it worked great with my nook.

	Image Gallery:Here is what you will see on your nook in a Barnes & Noble retail store.

Retail store experiences

In terms of content, there were nine available titles appearing for free. You could choose each and download them to your device for reading later whether in or out of the store. I downloaded the Dean Kootz short story to read later, but didn't find much else that personally interesting. We heard that you would be able to read ebooks in full at the store, one hour at a time, but that capability does not yet appear to be rolled out in the store.

The other in-store feature is promotions and as you can see in my image gallery the first offer was for a free cookie at the Starbucks counter. I found that these were $1.95 cookies and I selected the double chocolate one to try out. The baristas had a script/directions at their counter and were able to walk through the process with no problem. The coupon code you see must be combined with physically showing the baresta your nook and the cookie offer on it. The promotion details state you can only get one cookie per nook, but there is no tracking of your specific account so I don't see why you can't come in every day and get a free cookie. The offer is stated to expire on 6 January 2010 or until they decide to shut it down. I look forward to free coffee offers and maybe some book discounts in the future.

Firmware 1.1 device performance improvements

Another aspect of the firmware 1.1.0 update was improvements in device performance. As you can see in my video below, there is definitely some improvement in speed of page turning and navigation around the menus. In my previous video the nook was taking just under 2 seconds to turn pages and now it is down to just over 1 second and much closer to the Sony 505 that I have as well.

I was already pleased with my nook, but am now even more happy with the device and can recommend it to those looking for an excellent ebook reader device. I also appreciate that selecting a book now takes me right into reading it without an unnecessary interim confirmation screen.

Kindle case that works

I decided to try out the Amazon Kindle 2 Latitude Jacket with my B&N nook and am happy to report it worked well in the case with the four corner brackets holding it in place and the front and back offering good screen and device protection. I am sure M-Edge is working on nook products, but in the meantime you can find the Latitude Jacket for $29.99.

Other reviews are happy too

I just read a very good review of the Barnes & Noble nook over on Brighthand that lines up just about exactly with my thoughts and experiences of the device. Some have slammed the nook, but if you use it as an ereader and don't try to make it into a Google Android mobile computer you will be quite happy with it.