Cracking Open the 2011 Barnes & Noble Nook e-book reader (Wi-Fi)

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    In May 2011, Barnes and Noble released a redesigned Nook e-book reader. The new Nook is thinner and lighter than its predecessor--theNook 1st edition. It has a 6" touchscreen, 2GB of built-in storage, Wi-Fi connectivity, and can run up to two months on a full battery charge. But, it lacks audio support, 3G, or a Web browser. Follow along as I crack open the 2011 Nook e-book reader.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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    As of this writing, the 2011 Nook has a suggested retail price of $139 (US). You can still purchase the Nook 1st edition for $119 (Wi-Fi) and $169 (Wi-Fi + 3G) and the Nook Color for $249.

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    The 2011 NOOK has the following technical specifications:

    • Processor: 800MHz Texas Instruments OMAP 3
    • Internal Storage: 2GB
    • External Storage: MicroSD card slot (supports up to 32GB card)
    • Display: 6" Pearl e-ink screen with Neonode zForce touchscreen
    • Battery: 3.7V 1530mAh, 5.66Wh Li-Ion (up to two months of battery life)
    • Ports: Micro USB
    • Operating system: Andriod 2.1 (modified - no support for Andriod apps)
    • Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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    The 2011 Nook supports EPUB, PDF, ADobce DRM e-book formats and can read JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP graphic files. It weighs 7.48 ounces and measures 6.5" (H) x 5" (W) x 0.47" (D).

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    Interestingly, the 2011 Nook has the same Texas Instruments OMAP3621 applications processor as the Nook Color. Perhaps you can hack the Nook to run Andriod apps, as you can do on the Nook Color.

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    For the technically inclined, the 2011 Barnes & Noble Nook should be a snap to open and repair.

    A single Torx T5 screw secures the back cover. And, once the screw is removed, the cover slides off. Once inside the case, the Nook's internal hardware is readily accessible.

    Despite Barnes & Noble claiming that the battery is not user-replaceable, it is not soldered to the main PCB. Provided you can get a replacement battery, the job should take more than 10 minutes.

    I was also intrested to see Barnes & Noble use the same TI OMAP3621 application processor that they use in the Nook Color. I'll have to try hacking the new Nook to run Android apps.

    Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Bill Detwiler cracks open the 2011 Barnes & Noble Nook. Inside the touchscreen e-book reader, he found chips from TI, SanDisk, Samsung, and Lattice.

Read More Read Less

In May 2011, Barnes and Noble released a redesigned Nook e-book reader. The new Nook is thinner and lighter than its predecessor--theNook 1st edition. It has a 6" touchscreen, 2GB of built-in storage, Wi-Fi connectivity, and can run up to two months on a full battery charge. But, it lacks audio support, 3G, or a Web browser. Follow along as I crack open the 2011 Nook e-book reader.

Photo by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

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