Should you get excited?

Yes, you should! According to the B&N support forums the target is mid April!  

"There is an upcoming nook update that will continue to improve nook performance to provide enhanced overall reading experience and in-store connectivity for nook customers to enjoy exclusive content and promotions in Barnes & Noble stores. The date has not been confirmed but we are looking at probably mid-April." (Source)

The main item of interest is support for in-store reading. This is one of the originally touted features of the nook and now about five months later it may happen. If there are updates required in each store (I'd hope not) the rollout may be per market, over time. The forums also indicate feature enhancements and performance increases which will be very welcome.

Maybe this will include an update to the underlying Android OS? The Android OS version was old when the nook shipped, and could benefit from an update as well (Interestingly, the new Alex Reader is based on the same old version).

If you have "rooted" your nook beware - you will want to wait until the nookdevs folks validate the upgrade and provide an alternate download. Maybe B&N will do such a huge update you won't need to root your nook anymore? Probably not yet.

How about the iPad?

 I've spent some time with the iPad and while I'm very impressed it won't be replacing my nook. Read my earlier blog on this topic, it's just as relevant as ever.

Did you know you can color your nook?  

There are a variety of options to personalize your nook and make it more fun, attractive, and personalized to you.  Custom device backs, silicone covers, decals, and cases all can customize your nook experience.  

Device Backs.  If you've added memory to your nook you've seen how easy it is to remove the back case on the nook.  B&N sells replacement case backs in a variety of colors.  You can also mix and match a custom case back with a silicone front cover for a custom look.

Click Here to View all the B&N Custom Backs and Fronts

Decals & Skins.  If you are looking for a little more "extreme customization" you should take a look at custom decals.  These decals easily apply to the front and the back of the nook device and completely change the device look.  To add to the fun most of the decal companies provide custom screensavers that match the decal so the pattern on the case extends across the screen when the device is in sleep mode!  One of the downsides of the decals is they add a bit of a plastic feel to the nook that you might not like.  Something to consider is to just apply the decal to the front of the nook and use a B&N device back to colorize the back!

Click Here to See all the Decal Girl nook Skins (& read nookTalk Review)
Click Here to see my Amazon Collection of other Decal Vendors for the nook

Cases, Sleeves, and Bags.  I'm a big fan of removing my nook from the device I carry it in so I favor sleeves and bags over a case.  A case holds the nook in it with a strap and is kept on while you use the device.  My wife just got a nook and also wanted something to carry the device but hold it while in use.  She opted for the very nice JAVOedge pink croc sleeve.  If you want to really deck out your nook and don't mind reading it in the case you could go with a custom decal and a crazy case like the Oberon Cases (check out the nookTalk Review)

Click Here to View the JAVOEdge Cases and Sleeves (& read nookTalk Review)
Click Here to View the nookTalk Amazon Case List
Click Here to View our Resources Page of Case Options 

Mix and Match? You could do a orange device back with a black front decal, or pick a decal to match your case theme.  

What have you tried? Any pictures to share?

Today both B&N and Kobobooks announce John Grisham books are now available! In case you weren't aware this author had a fear of e-books but they are now all available.

If you love doing everything over the nook...
See the Entire Grisham Collection on B&N.  B&N has most for $9.99 and a few for $7.99.

If you love saving money...
See the Entire Grisham Collection on Kobobooks and use coupon code "grisham" (today and tomorrow only). They have many for $7.99 and with the coupon code it would be $6.49! What a deal.

Buy one of your favorites and show the publisher e-Books are the way to make money in the future!