My Nook came today...FINALLY!
So far I've rooted it-
Full root for Nook Tablet. [11/20/11] [Yes this is a permanent root!] - xda-developers
Installed Homecatcher-
[DEV] - HomeCatcher Redirect n Button to any Launcher - xda-developers
Installed the BN Home shortcut-
xda-developers - View Single Post - [DEV] - HomeCatcher Redirect n Button to any Launcher
Since the root method also installed the gapps including the market, there's not much need to sideload apps though there are several apps missing from the store.
I've also installed from the market-
ADW launcher (which replaced Go Launcher)
Anycut (for making the missing settings shortcuts)
FBreader+FBsync -a decent ereader made awesome with the added ability to sync place and books between mutiple devices.
Button Savior - A NECESSITY!!!!
ES File Explorer- my choice of file managers
Dolphin HD Browser
Opera Browser- Because stock based browsers have issues d/l from some sources.
And a bunch more ancillary stuff.
So far, I'm very impressed with the speed, stability,construction, and battery life of the device. There have been no FC's or freeze ups. The screen quality blows my Viewsonic gTablet out of the water. That ones heading for Ebay soon!
One slight bug I've come across is the white text on white background bug. Some menu's (FBreaders in particular) appear to be empty white. dragging a finger over them reveals the entries and you can use the menu's. More aesthetic than function.
My neighbor got a Fire a day ago (which he ordered 4 days after I ordered my Nook...errggghhh) and it kind of pales in comparison. In our very brief side by side, the Fire was noticeably slower and felt a little cheaper. The lack of external volume controls along with Amazon putting the power button, charge and headset ports so close together really irks him. Beyond the cloud services (which are a big thing), the only advatage the Fire has is Gorilla glass and stereo speakers. The speakers are a tiny bit louder than the Nook, but I think the "stereo" part is for the spec sheet only. The speakers are 2"apart and on the same side when viewing video in landscape...lots of seperation there!
The result is that he's strongly considering returning the Fire and buying a Nook.
So far, so good. But it's only been ~ 8hrs