What's a good choice for a second hand nook🤔

[John F]

Maybe try here:

https://shopgoodwill.com/home

I've never purchased from the sight, but it has been mentioned before on MR.

[Scoob]

Originally Posted by John F

https://shopgoodwill.com/home

That's where my very well taken care of Voyage came from Hopefully they get some Nooks in. Right now they have a few color nooks and then mixed lots of ereaders.

[nmyshkin]

Originally Posted by Scoob

That's where my very well taken care of Voyage came from Hopefully they get some Nooks in. Right now they have a few color nooks and then mixed lots of ereaders.

https://shopgoodwill.com/item/208996742

They have a BNRV300 as well, without cable and charger.

Here is an ebay listing for a BNRV350, showing an example of damage to the light-dispersing layer:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/26687213604...mis&media=COPY

Although sold "for parts only", it's probably just fine, as they have a disclaimer about not being able to register it any more (if they could get to that screen to take a photo, chances are it's working).

You also have to look carefully at listings because people often are very haphazard about what they post. They will misidentify a BNRV350 as a BNRV300 and v/v. The glowlight version has a light grey band around the perimeter while the non-glowlight version is black.

[Scoob]

@nmyshkin I made an offer yesterday on a ST with a case that the seller accepted today in the morning. I got mine for 12$ so near about the same price as the one you found. The one in your link looks better though.
I had also seen that glowlight from ebay and thought about it but I knew I'd be wanting to use the glowlight and would get annoyed with the little tears.

[Scoob]

Update: My ST comes in today! Bad(ish) news is my memory cards and new battery come in Friday. I am going to do one of the reworks created by nmyshkin but haven't decided which of the 3 to go with. I will make a new post once I start going about doing that.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions and replies If my device budget has an increase in the future, I will definitely think of getting a glowlight 3. Maybe even a glowlight 4 this Christmas for myself.

[RWTS]

Wow! That was fast! Is the bezel's finish in good condition? I've always used my Nooks as-is and never modified them (and posts going into rooting, etc. are way over my head), but your journey seems more accessible. Hope you will will keep us updated. Good luck!

[Scoob]

Update: Finally got hands on with the ST. The case is a weird two clips style that I don't like as there is no band that wraps around to keep it shut.The front of the ST has spots that are more tacky than others. The buttons are spared of most of the tacky feeling. It's the lower right hand corner that is tacky feeling. If anyone has any ideas how to mitigate that inconvenience I'm all ears.

My issue is with the backplate. There was a slight rattling noise when I picked up the reader. I noticed the back plate wasn't sitting flush and was off kilter. I went to take off the power button to take out the screw to fix it when the device opened up in my hands. That rattling sound was the broken plastic post the power button area screw goes into. I didn't try to snap the back plate into place as the battery is dead and needs replacing. I'm doing that on Friday. I'll find out then if the back plate will stay on or not.

It was packaged poorly in my opinion, which could've caused the damage. It had one small piece of craft paper wrapped around the cover with the device clipped into the cover and it was placed in a small Amazon box. I'm thinking it was already broken though as the device was difficult to remove from the cover as the tabs kept catching the lip of the uneven back plate. The seller made no mention of anything being broken though.

I'm not too disappointed as it was a cheap price. And I do like the device, the screen is scratch free and it's not as tacky feeling as I feared. I'll see how things go on Friday.

[nmyshkin]

Originally Posted by Scoob

Update: Finally got hands on with the ST. The case is a weird two clips style that I don't like as there is no band that wraps around to keep it shut.The front of the ST has spots that are more tacky than others. The buttons are spared of most of the tacky feeling. It's the lower right hand corner that is tacky feeling. If anyone has any ideas how to mitigate that inconvenience I'm all ears.

Most of the posts I've come across regarding this general rubber degeneration issue favor rubbing alcohol (90%, if you can get it, but 70% is fine).

Some people suggest a microfiber cloth but I recommend a cotton swab. The problem with the cloth (besides having to throw it away) is that you have a tendency to bear down harder. If the rubberized coating is going, it's possible the plastic beneath is getting brittle also, so you could end up cracking it if you apply too much pressure. The swab, IMO, is safer. Work on a small area, changing swabs frequently until the tacky feeling goes away and you're not picking up much residue on the swab. Then branch out.

Alternatively, you could go over the entire bezel a couple of times to get a lot of stuff off but not totally eliminate it. Then gently rub in a compound like ArmorAll (automotive care).

Periodic application of ArmorAll will help slow degradation and keep the surface smooth (make sure to rub off any excess).

Edit: I've been playing around with this since I had some free time this morning. The two devices I purchased for the development of the Phoenix project both had sticky bezels so I used them for guinea pigs.

I don't feel the rubbing alcohol is very effective. It seems like you would have to use gallons of it. Its purpose is to remove all of the rubberized coating and leave shiny plastic behind. This may take several years of hard work, in my estimation.

I have to say that I still feel something like ArmorAll is a good "solution". Speaking as a once-chemist, I have always wondered what exactly is in the stuff and I wish I had invented it!

I used a cotton swab to repeatedly apply a coating of ArmorAll to the bezel (don't go too crazy around the "n" button and try to keep the stuff off the screen). If you have an overhead light you will see that the ArmorAll is slowly absorbed in places. Keep applying more with a swab. Pressure is not required. You are not trying to remove anything.

Once it seems like no more ArmorAll is being absorbed, buff off the reside with a clean cloth. Again, force is not required. This leaves the bezel a little shiny but greatly decreases the tactile sensation of stickiness. You can repeat this treatment whenever you like.

I've read about another car care product someone really liked for this, but can't recall the name. I'll see if I can find it.

End edit.

I can give you some info on alternative covers, if you're interested.

[Scoob]

@nmyshkin I'll give armor all a shot I'll have one good smelling e reader

I'd appreciate the cover recommendations too.

[nmyshkin]

Originally Posted by Scoob

I'd appreciate the cover recommendations too.

I have a crazy assortment of covers which came with the devices. One is a simple folio cover as you described although mine does have an elastic band (which I don't use). I sort of like this cover because it is made for the device, holds it securely, and is simple. BUT, you really can't find them anywhere. I purchased one of the same style in original packaging on ebay once. What I got was the same physical setup but there was a very thin overcoat on the cover which disintegrated in a few weeks. But could you peel it all off? No.... So that went in the trash and the moral there is don't buy stuff that is of a similar age to the device.

I have another of the same ilk except the hinge is on the top (!). Very strange to me.

A few years back I discovered something I thought might be a good fit for the way I use my device

https://www.amazon.com/AFesar-Barnes...9&sr=8-19&th=1

While these don't have an elastic strap to keep them closed, there are magnets at the upper and lower right. They are sufficient to keep the lid closed if you pick up the device and shake it with the cover facing the floor.

I like the padding. This converts the device into a kind of "book". Some people may not like that. I think this is supposed to fit on the NGL3 as well, but am not sure.

There is another very similar cover available but it has a magnetic latch that folds over the top. It also has a nice little pocket inside the front cover. I found the latch was always in my way when I was reading. More importantly, the cut-out for the sides basically comes down right on the buttons so they are very difficult to use.

Now, I try to avoid the buttons because I am afraid the plastic is going to give way with repeated use, but occasionally I do need to use the "back" or "menu" buttons and it's really difficult with this other model. The cutouts on the one I recommend are larger and button access is better.

One thing: these are a very tight fit when new. Although, a treatment with ArmorAll on the front and back would probably make it easier to get the device in the case It's definitely not going to fall out!

[Scoob]

Originally Posted by nmyshkin

I have another of the same ilk except the hinge is on the top (!). Very strange to me.

A hinge on top would eliminate my hesitation to use my left hand to hold my reader. I don't like touching the felt(?) inner liner and as I have dirtied up my Voyage's flip cover that way.
If the very good looking case I received had the elastic band I know I'd like it more. However it is slowly growing on me as I think how and where I'll be using the device.

[Scoob]

Originally Posted by nmyshkin

https://www.amazon.com/AFesar-Barnes...9&sr=8-19&th=1

Maybe if I decide to take the ST out and about with me I'll pick up one of these. I do like that they're puffy. Makes it look like a little notebook and gives it more protection.
nmyshkin

[Scoob]

Originally Posted by nmyshkin

I have to say that I still feel something like ArmorAll is a good "solution". Speaking as a once-chemist, I have always wondered what exactly is in the stuff and I wish I had invented it!

I used a cotton swab to repeatedly apply a coating of ArmorAll to the bezel (don't go too crazy around the "n" button and try to keep the stuff off the screen). If you have an overhead light you will see that the ArmorAll is slowly absorbed in places. Keep applying more with a swab. Pressure is not required. You are not trying to remove anything.

Once it seems like no more ArmorAll is being absorbed, buff off the reside with a clean cloth. Again, force is not required. This leaves the bezel a little shiny but greatly decreases the tactile sensation of stickiness. You can repeat this treatment whenever you like.

When did armour all change formulas? The brand I remember from childhood had a great smell I was actually looking forward to. I ran out to buy a new bottle for the ST and no scent whatsoever

It worked wonders though nmyshkin! Took the tacky feeling right off and got rid of this gunky stuff on the plastic near the power port. I applied it per instructions with a q tip but I did gently rub it in. That way did remove something from the buttons that left a brownish stain on the q tip. I left it to dry for a bit then worked in another coat. 3 coats with dry time between and a final buff with a microfiber cloth and it was looking great for its age. Did the backplate too using this method.

I will say I was a little worried I'd end up with a greasy touch but it felt dry even after I had applied multiple coats. There's a similar product by The Chemical Guys advertised as being dry to the touch but regualr armour all was fine and it was cheaper. It's not too shiny either and I'm sure that will go away in time.

Now that its been cleaned and put back together I had a chance to see if the broken screw hole would affect the backplate staying on. It didn't. What did get in the way was the new battery cable. It had that brand new stiffness. It needed a little bending until it would go into a "U" shape and allow the backplate to drop into position. It's charged and ready for your Phoenix Project

[nmyshkin]

Good work! I've not had to replace a battery before. Not sure if I will when it comes to that.

Let me know if you run into any issues with the Phoenix Project.

[Scoob]

@nmyshkin and the others that helped you I now have a working Phase 3 ST I'm not that good on my own but with directions (very clear directions in your guides btw) I'm pretty handy with a keyboard.

It did take me 2 tries to get the CWM (hope thats correct) Card working. The first time I did recover the empty space on the 32gb card I had. Putting that into the ST and following the next step didn't result in success. I wiped clean that card and started over this time not recovering the empty space. That did result in success I only froze once thankfully and after that it was smooth sailing If I ever decide to give this ST away and/or get a STG I am definitely going to use the adb commands though as repeatedly using the off button cant be too good for these old devices.