As a self-trained audio engineer, (with decades of experience) i've had plenty of experience with cables, using and even making some. There IS room for improvement with the NC power/USB connector. Before I go to far on flaming the cord, I do want to point out that anything that size DEMANDS attention when connecting! Tiny pins bend way too easy. You cannot be sloppy as to the angle of connecting this cord, or any other that size. Hold it straight, and dont force it. Once plugged in, be wary of creating pressure on the connection while cord and NC are connected, or both may be damaged. Using the NC while charging may not be a problem, unless you wind up resting the nook and ultimately the cord in your lap, this creates pressure on the cable, calbe end, and recepticle.
Now, for the cable..... it CAN be improved. Some have complained of the black housing with the "N" LED breaking if you look at it sideways. While being a custom part, that housing shouldnt be that fragile, in these cases, a flaw in the assembly process/final bake of the plastic appears to be the cause. A slightly bigger, sturdier jacket should be over that connector.
With the reading in the lap and charging, the cord end getting frayed has been reported, an integrated strain relief might slow this process, but will not eliminate it. Cords break when bent repeatedly, which is why a 'cord alone' replacement needs to be available at a reasonable price. Another design that would avoid this is a 'right angle' connector, with the wire exiting to the side, with possibly a 'keeper' to loop onto the loop of the nook itself, to protect the connector. This still leaves a 'target' on the bottom of the NookColor that can be snagged, or become a pressure point.
There is one solution that could be added, but it creates its own mess, a "docking cradle' that slides on to the bottom of the nook, with its own integrated LED and full size USB 2.0 cord connectivity. This would eliminate the need for a 'special' cord. It would also mar up the slip resistant surface on the bottom, be bulky as crap, and depending on design could get in the way of the SD card slot if designed wrong.
As a power cable, this thing should hold up better than reported, but , should only be covered for a 90 day "accessory" warranty, not the one year device warranty, but only if replacement is at a reasonable cost and easily available.
Cords this small will break with use, and while it is a mission critical part to using your Nook, it will not last if it is treated with anything but the gentlest of care. If you are prone to use your NC while charging, you should expect to buy these cords on a quarterly or bi-annually basis, thats all there is to it.
We need a stronger cord, an easier way of getting it, and a gentler hand when using it.
