this post was submitted on 12 Dec 2023
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DeGoogle Yourself

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I've been thinking about getting an e-reader (thinking kobo or boox) and wanted to know if it's possible to remove unwanted stuff (like the play store) using adb? I plan on just downloading .epub files from annas-archive and ao3, so it would be good if firefox or mull can be installed via .apk.

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I highly recommend the Kobo. You need an account to activate the device (only needs email and password), but after that, you don't need to use their services. Side loading books onto it is trivial (it's officially supported). Connecting it to WiFi is unnecessary after the initial setup. You can't install a browser onto it, and the built-in browser leaves much to be desired. I would download the books onto a separate device and side load it.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

What is the Kobo store experience like? I've been thinking about replacing my Kindle with one for a while now. But I often finish books in bed and download the next in the series without getting up. The idea of getting up in the middle of the night to side load stuff doesn't sound very appealing, nor does having to always buy books ahead of time to have them ready. On that note, can you download demo books from the Kobo store to see if you like them before buying?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

I switched to Kobo so I could download library books directly to the reader. Purchases have worked without issue directly from the ereader and the app to echo the other response.

[–] anonymouse 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I usually buy them on my phone (Kobo app), which is easier with payments. Afterwards the book is immediately available on my e-reader. Started doing this a couple of months back and I like it. You can also preview books, but got no personal experience with that.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Thanks for the response. Preview, as in a sample that gives you enough of the book to make a judgement on it?

[–] anonymouse 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I checked a few samples, for all there was at least 1 chapter as a preview. But it differs, one also had 3 with around 40 pages. I only counted actual pages, not into, table of contents etc. Hopefully that gives you an idea!

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Thanks! That helps a lot.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

You need an account to activate the device

You can bypass that requirement

https://github.com/jacobalbano/KoboUnlock