Root Questions about booting from SD card

[Girevik]

I really like the idea of being able to boot off an SD card and not mess with the stock software (I'm paranoid about voiding warranties, especially for this since it would be for a kid), but I have a couple of questions:

Do you HAVE to boot off the card, or does it give you an option? Does booting off the SD card mean I can't use card at all in "Nook" mode? If so, is the Nook's internal memory plenty to be used as just an e-reader?

Secdond, what hapens to apps that I've downloaded? I'm assuming that if I get Nook apps from B&N I'll only see those when I boot to the Nook, and if I boot off the card and buy from the Market \ Appstore I'll only see those when booted into that mode? I'm also assuming that with the Nook app on the phone, the B&N content could be accessed in either mode.

 

[colchiro]

Do you HAVE to boot off the card? No, you get a clunky, but functional boot menu to choose which one to boot.

Does booting off the SD card mean I can't use card at all in "Nook" mode? I believe you still have a common portion of the card (designated as sdcard) accessible by both roms. (I've never installed a rom to sdcard, nor have I ever wanted to. I unpacked it and flashed CM7 right away.)

What happens to apps that I've downloaded? Apps purchased from B&N are limited, often priced higher and do not show as "purchased" from Android market. Market apps are not available from the B&N market unless you root it and purchase them from Android Market (my recommendation). Books purchased from B&N are available from the Market app and the Nook app.

 

[Girevik]

Ok, thanks.

It's my understanding that the reader that comes on the Nook has more functionality than the Android App, particulary with kid's books. Would I lose those features if I flashed it outright?

 

[colchiro]

I wish someone who actually reads books would set this straight. Maybe it says in Market under comments?

My understanding is that read-to-me books and maybe book marks are some of the features you'd lose. Many people here use other readers for all their book types.

I'd recommend rooting your stock rom, and creating a backup in recovery, then flash CM7. You'd need a sdcard installed to do that tho. Many apps in CM7 require a sdcard. If you don't like it or can't live without certain features, restore your backup and pursue the sdcard install.