Nook - black & white touchscreen
Getting Started
To wake up the device, press and release the raised Nook logo button (looks like an upside down "u") on the bottom center. Then put your finger on the lock icon and swipe it to the right to unlock it.
To put it to sleep, either don't touch it for a few minutes, or press and hold the Nook logo button until the screen saver appears.
To navigate and view options, press the raised Nook logo button in the bottom center. (Home, Library, Shop, Search, Settings). The device has a touch screen, so press the screen to navigate through the options. When you're reading a book, to view options for that book (change font, see contents, etc.), press the screen anywhere towards the middle of the page.
To turn pages, either 1) touch either side of the page on the touchscreen, or 2) press either side of the casing (near the raised lines). The top line turns the page forward, and the bottom line moves it back. (This is a setting that can be changed.)
To connect to a network, this is a wifi Nook, so you'll need to be in a wifi zone to use the web. To see a list of networks go to the "Settings," then "Wireless, and tap the one you wish to join. After it's been used on a network, it should remember it and bypass this screen. (tip: if it's having trouble, turn the wifi off and back on again, then try again).
To charge, plug in the device to an outlet when it's getting low. Alternatively, you may remove the outlet plug from the cord and it becomes a USB cable, which you can plug in to your computer for charging. The Nook's battery can last for weeks if the wifi is off!
Options for viewing content
Option 1: Use the MIT Libraries Barnes & Noble account (pre-loaded)
This is the easy option if you just want to test the ebook reading experience. It's pre-loaded with free content (public domain books and sample chapters of paid books).
Suggested things to try:
1. Read at least a whole chapter or a whole article.
2. Try changing the font size & typeface.
3. Bookmark some pages.
4. Highlight passages and take some notes.
5. Sort your titles in different ways. Try the "my shelf" option to create new shelves and add your books to them. Name them by topic or whatever you like. The same books can be on more than one shelf.
6. Plug the USB cable from the Nook to your computer. Copy a PDF file that you would like to read on to the disk that appears (this is yourNook ). Put it in the "my files" folder of the Nook (inside Documents). Unplug and read it on your Nook (look for it under "my files"). Try increasing the font size.
Subject liaisons: Download some PDF content from MIT libraries ejournals or ebooks in your subject areas (on your computer) and try loading that on the Kindle by the method above.
Option 2: Use your own Barnes & Noble account
You may set up a free account for yourself on Barnes & Noble and register this Nook to your account. (or use your existing Barnes & Noble account) This will allow you to test the shopping features, and download your own free or paid ebooks. Start here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/gettingstarted/index.asp?cds2Pid=35611
You can register from the Nook directly. You'll need to first delete the current content from the Nook, then add your own B&N account info. To De-register: Tap the center Nook icon button, then Settings, then Device Info, then Erase and Deregister Device.
If you are ON campus, select "MIT guest" for the wireless network. At home, select your own wireless network. After you enter your personal email and password for Barnes & Noble, it will automatically download icons of your previously purchased ebooks. You can tap "download" on each one, so it will download to this Nook.
For more settings, on your computer go to http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, My Account/My Nook Library.
When you return the Nook, you can deregister it, which completely erases all of your content & settings. Don't worry, you'll still be able to read your purchased or free books using the free Nook app on your PC, Android device, iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. Download the free Nook apps here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/free-nook-apps/379002321/
To De-register: Tap the center Nook icon button, then Settings, then Device Info, then Erase and Deregister Device. (Joanne will register it back to the MIT Libraries account when you return it).
Suggested things to try:
1. Read at least a whole chapter or a whole article.
2. Try changing the font size & typeface.
3. Bookmark some pages.
4. Highlight passages and take some notes.
5. Sort your titles in different ways. Try the "my shelf" option to create new shelves and add your books to them. Name them by topic or whatever you like. The same books can be on more than one shelf.
6. Plug the USB cable from the Nook to your computer. Copy a PDF file that you would like to read on to the disk that appears (this is yourNook ). Put it in the "my files" folder of the Nook (inside Documents). Unplug and read it on your Nook (look for it under "my files"). Try increasing the font size. (Subject liaisons: Download some PDF content from MIT libraries ejournals or ebooks in your subject areas (on your computer) and try loading that on the Kindle by the method above.)
7. Try shopping in the Nook store (click Nook logo button, then then tap "shop"). Buy a book (or search for free books), and download one to the Nook. All paid books have free samples as well that you can download. You will need to know your Barnes & Noble password to purchase or download free content.
8. Install the Nook software on your PC, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Android mobile device. Download the free Nook apps here:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/free-nook-apps/379002321/
Start reading a book on the Nook, then switch to your computer or mobile device and try picking up where you left off.
10. Some books have the ability to be lent. Look in the store for books that have a "lendme" banner on the cover image. If you purchase one of those, you may email another person who has a Barnes & Noble account and give them the ability to read the book using their Nook account for 14 days. After that it's automatically back on your account. Try this if you wish. Only one book may be lent at a time (restrictive, but at least they are experimenting!)