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.
this post was submitted on 12 Dec 2023
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DeGoogle Yourself
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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?
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.
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.
Thanks for the response. Preview, as in a sample that gives you enough of the book to make a judgement on it?
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!
Thanks! That helps a lot.
You need an account to activate the device
You can bypass that requirement
Have a look at the Onyx Boox line of devices.
They run Android under the hood, so various file sync apps just work (i.e. to move books wirelessly from your own Network Attached Storage.)
But beware that the tablet versions default to a much lower screnn refresh rate than a typical ebook, since they don't need the refresh when you're taking notes. There's configuration options to make them act more like an ebook reader, at the cost of some of the battery life.
I have a PocketBook a Linux e reader without Google. Its fine with own browser and super ungoogled Linux. Recommended. https://pocketbookstore.com
Nook Simple Touch. You can get one with backlight for less than $40 usually.
It takes microSD, android 2.1 (lol)
There's an easy app to root it, then you install whatever (fbreader, moon, etc), or use it's built-in reader. The ancient android version means you'll have to dig for apks that work with it, but once it's set up, it's done.
The biggest draw vs newer stuff, is.. it's tiny and light. there's almost nothing to it, it just works. No browser, no apps, just book.
I honestly think that the best (and also using a FOSS alternative) is to use Librera, available in F-Droid.
Just get a Kobo and never connect it to the internet. They take epubs just fine.
I have KOReader on mine. It's a great combo. The only problem is that kobo in general consumes battery charge fast.
What are you talking about? I've had 3 Kobos (because I broke 2; Aura, Aura HD, now a Forma) and my current one keeps charge for 3-4 months with daily use, and it's the worst of the three. That's 3-4 charges a year. How much longer would you want the battery to last?