I saw that Android has a CrashPlan client--you can pull down files from the cloud (the same files that are automatically backed up from your PC).

So I'm thinking, a Nook running Android (I want a good reader-quality screen) but then I gather that the "Android" Nook doesn't let you access the Android market. I guess this is why people root them to an SD card, but . . . haven't they released a Nook that natively runs on REAL Android? I thought they did.

I'm so confused.

Now Kindle released the "Fire" which is specifically designed to be a cloud device. But apparently on Amazon's own clouds they've been developing.

When I look up the Wikipedia article "comparison of e-book formats" I see that Apple devices and Android devices are tied for most kinds of file compatability, but the Nook sucks at this.

DOES THE GODDAMN ANDROID NOOK RUN ANDROID OR NOT???

Only if you hack it.

Let me say it for you slowly ...

K.I.N.D.L.E.

And a copy of Calibre.

PDFs can be read on the Kindle, but for straight reading, you really want to run them through the converter ... you can zoom and navigate around the page of an unconverted PDF, but it's a pain in the ass ... of course you can get a Kindle DX, which gives you a full page size. I have read unconverted PDFs on it, but tend to prefer the conversion so I can change the font sizes to my liking.

Yes,

the hack is easy, free, reversible. what more do you want?

I guess I want the market to decide what "the" format is, e.g. VHS vs. Beta. I'm not an early adopter--I have no interest in blowing money on a device that only meets half my needs, and then fades into obsolescence in a year or so. I never do that, ever.

This market might not be ready for someone who makes careful purchase decisions to get involved at this point.

Sometimes the market never reaches that point. I've been waiting for a box that will play bluray discs, DVR broadcasted shows in high def, and also stream Netflix.

The technology is there, and has been for a couple years, but the licensing hurdles are too big. So it will never happen. I'd have to build it myself out of a PC and install special software etc.

Sometimes you just have to buy an imperfect product, or go without.

I think the reason I'm not going 100% with an Android-rooted Nook is that the Kindle 3G comes with free wireless, forever. With the Nook, I'm not sure if I'd have to pay for connectivity. I guess as long as I can get on my home wireless router I don't really need 3G.

Incidentally there was a whole thread intended to be about this. I got kind of scatterbrained.

Nine equations True Geeks Should (at Least Pretend to) Know
Wired
by Brandon Keim
Nov 4, 2011

This is very much for geeks, but maybe an interesting read none-the-less

I'm a little embarrassed to say I am zero for nine, and I'm not pretending.
.

0-fer. I did recognize some of the variables, including S above. A math geek I am not, by their standard.

8 I recognise and understand. It is the simplest one.
1 I recognise and almost understand, and appreciate.
4 I recognise but don't understand and couldn't do a thing with.
2 and 5 I've heard of.
The rest are new to me.