[Nook HD, HD+ General] harryzee:
I just posted the following over in the Pocketbook Inkpad 840 forum in Mobil Read and thought many here doing this conversion would find it of interest.

Open to any questions regarding what I have done with this conversion of my HD+.

Hi to all,

Here is my update regarding the replacement of my “cracked screen” 840.

I had several back and forth emails with Oksana Kollmiiets who is the head of PB’s customer service.

All communications were on a very positive level and with rapid replies from PB. The offer was 160.00 Euros for the unit and approx.. $30.00 for shipping which would have brought the total to just a little over $200.00 US (converted).

I assumed all was in ready for the transaction and I requested specifics regarding where and how to purchase the new 840 using my Pay Pal Credit account along with requesting the unit be updated with the latest beta software/firmware. I explained that I had been successfully using a beta version (supplied the version number) and would appreciate that being done if at all possible.

That last communication was about 10 plus days ago and then I heard nothing. I sent two more follow-ups and still no further response.

Since PB was clearly no longer responding for reasons unknown to me as all communications in both directions had been positive and quite clear, I was at a loss as to my next move.

I was going through my browser favorites and came across an XDA forum link for the Nook HD+ I still had which was fully converted to Android and used now only for graphic novels and comics. Lo and behold I found a thread that contained very easy instructions on how to update the HD+ to Android 5.1.1!

I had stopped rooting and hacking my tablets/smartphones last year when I updated to an LG G3 and LG gPad 8.3. I was quite satisfied with the Verizon Android software “as was” and simply did not feel compelled to hack either unit as I had done in the past so it had been some time since I had done this type of activity.

The instructions were very well laid out (and quite familiar) along with valid links for the four software downloads I would need and suffice it to say all went like clockwork with no hitches and I soon had the HD+ fully operational using 5.1.1!

I then decided to focus the HD+ as an e-reader only using the Prestigio e-reader app for e-books and the Challenger Viewer app for graphic novels and .cbr comics. I proceeded to remove or disable every other app on there that I absolutely did not need in order for the HD+ to function as a dedicated e-reader (all books being sideloaded) with no other bells and whistles. I kept fine tuning this process in order to maximize the battery life so that I could easily get two very full days of reading without recharging.

I highly recommend the Prestigio app for those looking for a good Android e-reader that performs its basic functions well and allows for easy creation of separate libraries and looks great visually.

The plusses here are: the HD+ still has an excellent screen in terms of both viewability and size as it truly approximates a full trade paperback size page, it is quick and very responsive and appears to be totally stable with 5.1.1. The downside is weight (especially in the 360 degree swivel cover I use most frequently), the usual led screen reflection issues even with a top notch anti-glare screen protector, and battery life when compared to the 840.

Overall I am quite pleased with my interim solution which cost me a grand total of $0.00!

I will now wait and see what CES may have in store for new 8 inch or larger e-ink readers.