Skip to content

TechRepublic

  • Top Products Lists
  • Developer
  • 5G
  • Security
  • Cloud
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Tech & Work
  • Mobility
  • Big Data
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • CES
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Top Products Lists
  • Developer
  • 5G
  • Security
  • Cloud
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Tech & Work
  • Mobility
  • Big Data
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • CES
  • See All Topics
  • Sponsored
  • Newsletters
  • Forums
  • Resource Library
TechRepublic Premium
Join / Sign In
After Hours

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

By Bill Detwiler May 17, 2012, 12:42 AM PDT on Twitter billdetwiler

Image
1
of 60

nook_simple_touch_glowlight_teardown_056.png
nook_simple_touch_glowlight_teardown_056.png
Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight teardown

Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight teardown

ntReleased in May 2012, Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight is lighter than the standard Nook, has an antiglare screen protector, and an integrated light. In this Cracking Open gallery, I show you what’s inside the new Nook Simple Touch and reveal the secret behind its GlowLight.

n

ntFor a detailed analysis of the teardown, check out my article and video, Nook GlowLight teardown reveals secrets behind integrated light and lower weight.
nt
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown:

Nook GlowLight teardown:

ntThe Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight retails for $139 (US), which is $40 more than the standard Nook Simple Touch.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Box contents

Nook GlowLight teardown: Box contents

ntAlong with the e-reader itself, the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight box contains a USB cord, power adapter, and product documentation.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown:

Nook GlowLight teardown:

ntThe Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight has an 800MHz Texas Instruments OMAP3621 applications processor, 256MB of RAM, 2GB of storage, a 6u2033 Pearl e-ink screen with Neonode zForce touchscreen, and 802.11 b/g/n WLAN support. It measures measures 6.5″ (H) x 5″ (W) x 0.5″ (D) and weighs 6.9 ounces. It weighs half an ounce less than the standard Nook Simple Touch.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Back

Nook GlowLight teardown: Back

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight vs. Nook Simple Touch

Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight vs. Nook Simple Touch

ntIf it weren’t for the grey edge along its bezel, the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight would look identical to the standard Nook Simple Touch, which I cracked open last year.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Home screen

Nook GlowLight teardown: Home screen

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: USB connector

Nook GlowLight teardown: USB connector

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Power button

Nook GlowLight teardown: Power button

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight information screen

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight information screen

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight turned on

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight turned on

ntAccording to CNET’s David Carnoy, GlowLight uses a form of LED front-lighting, instead of the traditional backlights found on everything from tablets to TVs. Barnes and Noble developed GlowLight in house and has filed for a patent.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight indicator icon

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight indicator icon

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: microSD card slot

Nook GlowLight teardown: microSD card slot

ntYou can expand your Nook’s storage up to 32GB with a microSD card.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Removing the power button

Nook GlowLight teardown: Removing the power button

ntAs with the standard Nook, the first step in cracking open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight is removing the power button.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Removing the back cover Torx screw

Nook GlowLight teardown: Removing the back cover Torx screw

ntUnder the power button is the single back cover screw.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Sliding down the back cover

Nook GlowLight teardown: Sliding down the back cover

ntAfter removing the screw, you can slide the cover down and lift it off.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Removing the back cover and disconnecting the battery cable

Nook GlowLight teardown: Removing the back cover and disconnecting the battery cable

ntAs you remove the Nook’s back cover, you’ll need to disconnect the batter from the motherboard.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Internal hardware

Nook GlowLight teardown: Internal hardware

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Back cover with battery attached

Nook GlowLight teardown: Back cover with battery attached

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: 3.7V 1530mAh Li-ion battery (model: MLP305787)

Nook GlowLight teardown: 3.7V 1530mAh Li-ion battery (model: MLP305787)

ntThe Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight’s 1,530 mAh battery has the same model number (MLP305787) as the one on the standard Nook. This makes the batteries interchangeable, but it also means a single charge won’t last as long when running the reader’s light.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Motherboard and display assembly

Nook GlowLight teardown: Motherboard and display assembly

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Removing the motherboard screws

Nook GlowLight teardown: Removing the motherboard screws

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Disconnecting the e-ink screen connector

Nook GlowLight teardown: Disconnecting the e-ink screen connector

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Disconnecting the GlowLight connector

Nook GlowLight teardown: Disconnecting the GlowLight connector

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Removing the motherboard

Nook GlowLight teardown: Removing the motherboard

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Display and frame assembly

Nook GlowLight teardown: Display and frame assembly

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: E-ink display and GlowLight connectors

Nook GlowLight teardown: E-ink display and GlowLight connectors

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Nook button

Nook GlowLight teardown: Nook button

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Separating the e-ink display from the frame

Nook GlowLight teardown: Separating the e-ink display from the frame

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: E-ink display and frame

Nook GlowLight teardown: E-ink display and frame

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Front frame

Nook GlowLight teardown: Front frame

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: 6" Pearl e-ink display assembly

Nook GlowLight teardown: 6" Pearl e-ink display assembly

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: 6" Pearl e-ink display mounting plate

Nook GlowLight teardown: 6" Pearl e-ink display mounting plate

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight e-ink display mounting plate vs. standard Nook e-ink display mounting plate

Nook GlowLight e-ink display mounting plate vs. standard Nook e-ink display mounting plate

ntThe Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight weighs about a half an ounce less than the standard Nook Simple Touch. Barnes and Noble achieved the weight reduction by making the GlowLight’s display mounting plate (left) from a die cast magnesium alloy, AZ91D specifically. The standard Nook’s plate (right) appears to be made from aluminum.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight LEDs covered with black tape

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight LEDs covered with black tape

ntThe GlowLight LEDs are covered with a thin piece of black tape. Before I remove the tape, I wanted to make sure this is were the LEDs are.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight LEDs lit up

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight LEDs lit up

ntTo make sure the LEDs were under the black tape along the display’s upper edge, I reconnected the motherboard and battery and turned the GlowLight on.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Removing the tape that covers the GlowLight LEDs

Nook GlowLight teardown: Removing the tape that covers the GlowLight LEDs

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight LEDs exposed and lit up

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight LEDs exposed and lit up

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight LEDs close up

Nook GlowLight teardown: GlowLight LEDs close up

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight vs. standard Nook e-ink display

Nook GlowLight vs. standard Nook e-ink display

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Motherboard - Top

Nook GlowLight teardown: Motherboard - Top

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Motherboard - Bottom

Nook GlowLight teardown: Motherboard - Bottom

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight motherboard vs. standard Nook motherboard

Nook GlowLight motherboard vs. standard Nook motherboard

ntAs with the outer shell and battery, the circuit board is nearly identical to the one on the standard Nook. There’s an 800 MHz TI OMAP processor, a 256MB mobile DRAM chip, a 2GB storage chip, a Jorjin Wi-Fi module, and Neonode’s . Besides a few extra really small ICs and components, the only big difference, is a connector used for the GlowLight’s LEDs.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: 800MHz Texas Instruments OMAP3621 applications processor

Nook GlowLight teardown: 800MHz Texas Instruments OMAP3621 applications processor

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Samsung K4X2G323PC-8GD8 256MB mobile DDR SDRAM

Nook GlowLight teardown: Samsung K4X2G323PC-8GD8 256MB mobile DDR SDRAM

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Samsung KLM2G1HE3F-B001 2GB eMMC NAND flash storage module

Nook GlowLight teardown: Samsung KLM2G1HE3F-B001 2GB eMMC NAND flash storage module

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Lattice Semiconductor ispMACH 4032ZE CPLD

Nook GlowLight teardown: Lattice Semiconductor ispMACH 4032ZE CPLD

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments CD74HC4067 High Speed CMOS 16-Channel Analog Multiplexer/Demultiplexer

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments CD74HC4067 High Speed CMOS 16-Channel Analog Multiplexer/Demultiplexer

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments TPS65921B Integrated Power Management IC with USB HS Transceiver

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments TPS65921B Integrated Power Management IC with USB HS Transceiver

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments TPS65181 Power Management IC for E Ink Vizplex Enabled Electronic Paper Display

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments TPS65181 Power Management IC for E Ink Vizplex Enabled Electronic Paper Display

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Jorjin Technologies WG7310-2A 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi SiP module

Nook GlowLight teardown: Jorjin Technologies WG7310-2A 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi SiP module

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: CKP TI A3T9

Nook GlowLight teardown: CKP TI A3T9

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments BQ27520 System-Side Impedance Track Fuel Gauge

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments BQ27520 System-Side Impedance Track Fuel Gauge

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments 2624I

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments 2624I

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments MSP430F2272 16-bit Ultra-Low-Power Microcontroller

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments MSP430F2272 16-bit Ultra-Low-Power Microcontroller

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments YE04 18K G4 A919

Nook GlowLight teardown: Texas Instruments YE04 18K G4 A919

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Power button contact

Nook GlowLight teardown: Power button contact

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: USB connector and Nook button contact

Nook GlowLight teardown: USB connector and Nook button contact

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Neonode zForce touchscreen emitters and receivers

Nook GlowLight teardown: Neonode zForce touchscreen emitters and receivers

Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

Nook GlowLight teardown: Completely disassembled

Nook GlowLight teardown: Completely disassembled

ntFor a detailed analysis of the teardown, check out my article and video, Nook GlowLight teardown reveals secrets behind integrated light and lower weight.

  • After Hours
  • Account Information

    Share with Your Friends

    Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight

    Your email has been sent

Share: Cracking Open the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight
Image of Bill Detwiler
By Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show.
  • Account Information

    Contact Bill Detwiler

    Your message has been sent

  • |
  • See all of Bill's content

TechRepublic Premium

  • TechRepublic Premium

    Software licensing policy

    Organizations spend a fortune on software licenses every year, and a lack of management around it can result in heavy fines. This policy will help you establish guidelines to make sure you’re in compliance and that any audits will be painless. From the policy: Staying in compliance with software licenses can be quite difficult. End ...

    Published:  February 5, 2023, 11:00 AM EST Modified:  February 6, 2023, 1:00 PM EST Read More See more TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Premium

    IT hardware procurement policy

    A strong hardware procurement policy will ensure that requirements are followed and that all purchases are subject to the same screening and approval processes. This comprehensive policy covers the essential aspects of the purchasing process. From the policy: PURPOSE This policy establishes a framework for the purchase of company hardware in a fashion that will: ...

    Published:  February 5, 2023, 11:00 AM EST Modified:  February 6, 2023, 1:00 PM EST Read More See more TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Shadow IT policy

    Shadow IT is a concept whereby an organization’s employees use technology, services or systems without the knowledge of or approval from the IT department. It has arisen due to several reasons: Advances in cloud computing, which involve the usage of applications or sharing of data in public environments previously owned by IT. The evolution of ...

    Published:  February 2, 2023, 11:00 AM EST Modified:  February 3, 2023, 2:00 PM EST Read More See more TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Premium

    Auditing and logging policy

    Auditing and logging are essential measures for protecting mission-critical systems and troubleshooting problems. This policy outlines the appropriate auditing and logging procedures for computer systems, networks and devices that store or transport critical data. From the policy: Many computer systems, network devices and other technological hardware used in the enterprise can audit and log various ...

    Published:  February 2, 2023, 11:00 AM EST Modified:  February 3, 2023, 3:00 PM EST Read More See more TechRepublic Premium

Services

  • About Us
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Site Help & Feedback
  • FAQ
  • Advertise
  • Do Not Sell My Information

Explore

  • Downloads
  • TechRepublic Forums
  • Meet the Team
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Resource Library
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • TechRepublic
  • TechRepublic on Twitter
  • TechRepublic on Facebook
  • TechRepublic on LinkedIn
  • TechRepublic on Flipboard
© 2023 TechnologyAdvice. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Property of TechnologyAdvice