First of all, congratulations! You've bought the latest e-reader on the market that's a lot of fun to use. Just like any device, there are some tricks to learn. I've put together some "new user" items for you to consider.

Adding Memory to the nook or nookColor

The nook is very expandable. You can add a large MicroSD card to the device to boost the amount of space you have for books, music, and pictures. I choose to add an eight gigabyte card. I might be able to save you some money here. The nook stores probably over 1000 books with the internal memory. If you don't plan on putting a lot of pictures or music on the nook you probably don't need a memory card.

Read my "How-To" article on Why and How to add Memory to nook

Books beyond Barnes & Noble

My recommendation is to start with B&N and enjoy a few books first. B&N has put the Google books collection in their store so there is plenty of free material to choose from. NOTE: Google books are great for search, but often are poor quality with a lot of errors since they are scanned books. Once you've gotten to know your nook there are a few other sources of material to consider.

• Free Books. You can just copy your downloaded ePub files into the "My Documents" directory on your nook. Where do you find these ePub files? Well my favorite site is ManyBooks.net, but I've got a list of eBook resources for you (nookTalk eBook Resources)
• Copy-Protected Books. You can get these from your local library or other online bookstores like KoboBooks or Fictionwise. Using these requires you install Adobe Digital Editions. Watch the nookTalk ADE HOW-TO Video to get started.
• News and Website Content. Using tools like Instapaper or Calibre you can grab content from the internet and store it in an ePub file on your nook. Watch the nookTalk Instapaper Video Tutorial for an idea of how to do this.

Checkout our e-book resources page

Buy a case or bag!

You probably want something to store your nook in. I use the JAVOedge sleeve (see my review) but it's advisable to keep the nook in something to protect it from scratches, spills, etc.  Most of the sleeves will work with the nook or nookColor, however cases that strap the device in will differ for the two types of nooks.

There are also clip-on book lights, e-book holders/stands, and more.

• Check out the nookTalk Accessory Listings and our nookTalk Amazon Store
• Read the JAVOedge Sleeve Review
• Read the Oberon Case Review - the coolest case ever (eInk nook)

Find Help for your nook

You'll need help. Something won't work right, or you'll not find something where you expect it. Here are some ways to get help.

• Read the MANUAL! It's not great but most of the answers for basic stuff is there! Save the other resources for the tough questions.
• Ask Questions in our Forum. We have hundreds of users, some very experienced troubleshooting the nook.
• Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Listing. We try to find the latest issues and document them there to make your search easier. Why troll through dozens of pages in a forum when you can read a simple organized FAQ right?
• B&N Support. Don't discount the B&N Customer Support. You can contact them via email or phone.  Prepare to wait...

Tools

There are a few tools you'll want to install. Each of these has a different use.

• Adobe Digital Editions (ADE). This tools is required to load books purchased from non B&N stores or to get library e-books on your nook. 
  • Watch the nookTalk ADE HOW-TO Video to get started.
• Calibre. This is a top-notch tool to manage e-books as well as grab news content off the internet and store it on your nook! 
  • Watch the Calibre Overview Video.

Rooting your nook?

The superuser on the Android system is called "root" and "rooting" is taking control over your root so you can modify the system and install other software on it. This may void your warranty and could destroy the normal operation of your nook.  On the other hand, it could be a ton of fun and let you do other things on your nook.  

The older nook 3G/wi-fi are pretty easy to root and give you a few nice features.  The problem is some of the newer nook 3G/wifi versions may be destroyed by trying to root it.  I'd take a close look at the nookdevs site before you get started. The newer nookColor has a decent root process as well, and gives you access to install any Android application.  Read our articles on rooting the nook.

• Easy rooting for the nookColor
• Rooting the nook (3G/Wi-Fi)

Usage Tips

• Page Swipe. You can actually change pages by quickly (and lightly) swiped the LCD panel when it's off. It takes a bit of practice but works great (my preferred way to change pages)
• If you plug the nook into your computer be sure to eject the drives safely before you unplug it. If you forget and have problems just reboot your nook by holding down the power button for several seconds.
• Make sure to turn ON airplane mode. This will disable your Wi-FI and 3G radios and will improve battery life
• Deleting material must be done online. Archiving books is the best approach and removes them from your look but not the B&N Library.
• Nook locked up and screen frozen? Yup, it happens. Read our Forum Solution!

We'd love to hear what you think of your new nook!