Photos and text by Tom Kreyche

Introduction

  • Here's how to open the Nook Simple Touch case. It's easy to do - you only have to remove one screw.
  • You might want to do this to replace the battery, connect to the internal (unused) UART or just take a look.
  • You can find video tutorials on YouTube if you prefer, or at Tech Republic.

Cautions

  • These instructions only apply to the Nook Simple Touch.
  • If you're not careful, you could damage your Nook.
  • You will probably be voiding any warranties.
  • Only use minimal force.
  • Don't pry on anything unless the instructions explicitly tell you to do so.
  • Electronics can be damaged by static electricity - ideally you should be grounded with a wrist strap or at the very least have a ground where you can discharge any static buildup.

Required Tools

  • T5 Torx wrench - this is a very small wrench. If you buy a Torx kit, make sure it has a T5 since many kits only go down to T6.
  • Small, thin-bladed flat screwdriver or small thin knife.

Get Started

  • Use a large flat work space, and consider covering it will a soft cloth or towel.
  • Turn power off by holding the power button down for 5 seconds or so, then select "Power Down' in the dialog box.
  • If you have a micro SD card in your Nook, remove it. If you leave in the card slot, it could get damaged. Leave the SD cover open.
  • Turn your Nook over so you can see the curved plastic switch cover, which on the back. It has an On/Off symbol on it.

Remove Switch Cover

  • Slip your thin screwdriver or knife blade between the switch cover and the case, and gently pry it up a little, then take it off the rest of the way with your fingernails.
  • The switch cover has little plastic tabs on the sides, so it might actually be better to pry from the side rather than the front, as shown in this photo - slip in the blade wherever there is the largest gap.
  • You may mar the plastic slightly - if you care about this don't bother taking the device apart.
  • The little tabs don't seem susceptible to breaking, but if you pried the cover off many times they will probably get stressed and break eventually.
  • Check to see if you might have turned the Nook back on accidentally while working on the switch cover - if so turn it back off - just look for the small switch button (white in pix below).

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Remove the Torx Screw

  • The head of the Torx screw may be covered with a little piece of tape or sealer - if so, scrape if off and get residue out of the center so the wrench can get a good grip.
  • Remove the T5 Torx screw - be very careful handling it, and put it in a container for safekeeping.
  • If you drop the screw, kiss it goodbye or get out your magnetic broom and magnifying glass.

Open_Step2.jpg

Pop Case Loose

  • Slide the back case straight down about 1/8 inch, without lifting it or prying it.
  • It might take a little pop but you can easily do this with fairly light hand pressure.
  • Don't use any tools.

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Remove Cover

  • The back cover is now loose but be careful opening it.
  • The battery is mounted in the back cover and connected to the main body by a short cable.
  • Be careful with the battery and cable so you don't damage the cable or connector. The cable is soldered to pads on a small circuit board attached to the battery. The wires can come loose if pulled or wiggled since there isn't any strain relief.
  • The battery connector can easily be unplugged from the motherboard - it's keyed so it can't be plugged in the wrong way.

Open_Step4.jpg

Reassembly

  • Putting your Nook back together is just a reversal of these steps.
  • The battery is wrapped in a couple layers of plastic that hold air, so you may have to squish the back cover down a bit to get it flat against the front case.