Hack Pandigital E-Reader Into Android Tablet

E-readers have become ridiculously popular over the past year and they're only getting bigger. There are several versions on the market and it seems like each new release gets better and better. But, what if you already bought an e-reader and want to actually get your moneys worth? You'd be like just about every other hard working tech lover.

Instructables user Kyle Brinkerhoff recently hacked his Pandigital e-reader into an Android tablet and it was relatively easy and painless. Initially we were a bit skeptical of how easy this could actually be — but he did it in under 5 steps and it didn't cost him any money (aside from the $130 he originally paid for the e-reader).

First, you need to download the firmware for the e-reader and install it on an SD card. Next, remove the back panel of the Pandigital e-reader and remove the original SD card and replace it with the new card that has the firmware saved on it. Put the panel back on the e-reader and hold the volume button and the power switch for 30 seconds. Then, begin downloading apps for your Android tablet from any number of websites!

Have you hacked an e-reader?

Images: Instructables user Kyle Brinkerhoff

Comments (3)

How's the Pandigital compare to a rooted Nook Color?

I hacked a pandigital novel about two months ago and I love it. I started off with the initial firmware that pandigital has on their site, but I didn't like it. I then when to slatedroid and did some research on there, and found an even better firmware pack that one of the users created. It actually can access the marketplace, which most other firmware packs cannot.

Here's the forum I did most of my research on: http://www.slatedroid.com/index.php?/forum/58-pandigital-novel-firmware-development/

To answer Jason's question - I'm not sure how it compares to the rooted nook color, personally. I've heard that the issues of accessing the marketplace are similar. Keep in mind that ROOTING WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY!!! (sorry for the caps, it needed to be said!)

The picture on the pandigital is great, though. Since they mainly make digital picture frames, it's crisp and clear. I mainly bought it to read comics, manga, and downloaded Japanese fashion magazines. However, reading text through the nook and kindle apps is flawless.

Still not sure? You can't say no to the price...Here's what I did.

* Find the PDN advertised somewhere on sale (Kohl's and Radioshack puts them on sale all the time)

* Print out a bed, bath, and beyond 20% coupon. You can get one by signing up for their newsletter, even if you're already on it. Just sign up again.

* Bed, Bath and Beyond has had ongoing $20 or $30 rebates on the PDN. Check here for current offers: http://www.bedbathrebates.com

*Take the advertisement with the PDN to bed, bath, and beyond, buy the pandigital novel, present your 20% off coupon, and then submit your rebate.

After I combined all of those deals, I got mine for about $85 with tax. It's not the best, most mind blowing thing out there, but you won't find an android tablet for anywhere near as low as you can get this one.