so who has a quick and easy guide to backing up the B&N software and then rooting it?
Is it better to do that or to install an image to an sd card and boot from that instead?
AFAIK once you root it may be a point of no return.
I posted the steps in another thread, but won't be the typical 'droid asshat and tell you to go look it up. Step #4 below is where the backup happens. Some rather do just the sideloading stuff where you allow non-safe apps to install. I liked the Nook's login screen.
Some things once you root will be a slight glitch on boot in the screen, apps asking you about your camera and gps that do not exist on the Nook, etc. For the most part I like it better...I am sure my 10 year old will like it better too.
Also if you want the Nook app back or some others go to 1mobile.com When you install it does it all in the background so you have to drag from the upper left corner and down to open the .apk files.
In all reality the root procedure is:
1) install the 5 bootloader files (either burning the img directly or via copy to a bootable sd card)
2) copy the zip files you want to install:
2a) CM X.X.X (I'd recommend the 10.1.3RC)
2b) EMMC
2c) GAPPS (get the signed version for Android 4.2.2.2)
3) Power off device, insert SD card and boot.
4) do a backup and then a device wipe.
5) install the three zips in any order
6) as the device reboots remove the SD card.
done.
On my 50Mbps connection my Nook HD does 23.7Mbps / 12.6 Mbps Up/Down. Installs are pretty instant.