[Nook Color Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] MrColdbird:
Ive been able to test one of the Novo 7 units (Novo 7 Advanced)... and generally with the Novo 7 line there are a few things you should know in advance...

There are three different models out... Novo 7 (Basic), Novo 7 Advanced and Novo 7 Paladin...

All 3 models come preinstalled (on most shops) with 2.3.4 Gingerbread... however you can download the 4.0.3 ICS "Alpha" Build from the manufacturer from several mirrors on several websites / forums.

For example I know that all 3 FW updates are available on the german cebt-shop website.

Another thing that comes to mind is (I couldnt notice it myself while testing it, but others did, check youtube reviews for more info) that video & audio sound seem to be out of sync for whatever reason for some users...

My personal oppinion bout the origin of this problem is most likely a badly encoded video that Android just has some hiccups with while playing back...

As for the cameras on it... both front and back... nothing special bout it really... the usual cheapo bull**** like in other tablets... but its enough for casual skyping, the mic is somewhat okay but I would still go for a headset...

And the biggest downside you will see for all 3 Novo 7 models is... the resolution...

800x480 may sound okay but keep in mind its the same resolution you have on your smartphones now-a-days... and now imagine this image stretched to a 7" screen... you can easily make out the pixels on this one... so if you are used to the 1024x600 screen of the Nook then you will - no doubt about it - be disappointed once you hold the Novo 7 in your hand...

I couldn't believe the difference when I first saw it... Nook sure scores here...

Bout the touchscreen itself, its good, very good, no problem whatsoever, it reacts to the touches nicely, pinch to zoom works great, overall comparable to the Nook, and I didn't notice the "close to the border" problem I have on my Nook once in a while...

And a final touch you should know... the latest Novo 7 model, the Novo 7 Paladin... sucks bawls... the only Novo 7 model you should go after is the Novo 7 Advanced, which to my disliking... is hard to find now-a-days on the web... I think they ditched it for it's bull**** ripoff the Paladin...

They removed the HDMI out on the Paladin... aswell as the hardware touch-buttons on the bottom... very sad to see them going that way...

And the worst thing bout it... they downgraded the CPU to a single core one... just like the Novo 7 Basic...

A long story short...

Novo 7 Advanced -> Best thing you can get for low cash that has "it all" (cam, mic, ics, etc.)

However... be prepared to get a slap in your face when you get downgraded to Smartphone resolutions...

Summary: If you want something speedy for low money that you can skype with, etc. Novo 7 Advanced is your man, if you don't mind slower speed and occasional lag and use it for reading, music and casual surfing, then stay with your Nook... your eyes will thank you.

Making this bold so it catches attention...

Ainol announced two new models - coming next year january which should be of interest to both the Thread OP and of course me and maybe other users...

Namely the Novo 7 Wizard and Novo 7 Aurora... they will cost 150€ (Aurora) and 200€ (Wizard).

This new series released by Ainol is ment to provide a higher definition alternative to the Novo 7 Basic / Advanced 2 / Paladin series, operating at a 1024x600 resolution just like our beloved Nooks.

Just stronger of course. :D

Anyway... @Thread OP: I suggest now that Ainol announced this... just wait until mid-january and then get a Wizard (if you love power) or a Aurora (if you're a casual user).

I sure will switch to the Wizard once it's out. ^_^