MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - E-Reader for international use (again)

Mange2 · 11-26-2013, 01:12 PM

There was an old thread on this subject last year, but starting anew as recommended in the expectation that much has changed in the reader world since then . . .!

I am ready to replace my 4-year-old Canadian Wi-fi enabled Kobo (sorry--can't seem to find any model info anywhere!), and want to ensure that I don't trap myself into a restrictive purchasing/formatting environment--would really appreciate advice. I am presently living in Germany and will be moving to the Middle East next year. Since moving from Canada to Germany has already posed problems with the Kobo, I need a product which offers greater purchasing flexibility and ease-of-use.

What I dislike about Kobo:
--generally slow
--cumbersome to navigate, the more so since the rubber nipple most used to turn pages wore off within months
--Wi-fi only worked for the first month and has never functioned again
--Customer service via e-mail is absolutely nightmarish to deal with; I eventually gave up (my device was still under warranty provided I took it into the Chapters store in Toronto from which I purchased it--too long a plane journey!!)
--no backlight
--limited options for bookmarking, annotations, dictionary
--although I purchase English-language books and pay with a Canadian credit card, because my bank-recognised mailing address is in Germany, my default store is the German store. I can search and access other stores for a specific title, but am unable to browse English-language best-sellers and recommendations because I am supposed to want German books. Customer service did eventually confirm that this is "how it is." Tough luck. This is annoying because I cannot visit my local bookshop to keep abreast of the latest English-language offerings, so had hoped to be able to do it online.

What I like about Kobo:
--small and light
--reasonable battery life
--purchase and payment is quick and straightforward once account is set up.

I do have VPN and the possibility to source the device either in North America, Europe, Middle East or Asia, and don't mind paying more for the right product.

Can anyone share their relevant experience or expertise to help guide my choice?

Much appreciated!

11-26-2013, 01:12 PM	#1
Mange2 Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2013 Device: None	E-Reader for international use (again) There was an old thread on this subject last year, but starting anew as recommended in the expectation that much has changed in the reader world since then . . .! I am ready to replace my 4-year-old Canadian Wi-fi enabled Kobo (sorry--can't seem to find any model info anywhere!), and want to ensure that I don't trap myself into a restrictive purchasing/formatting environment--would really appreciate advice. I am presently living in Germany and will be moving to the Middle East next year. Since moving from Canada to Germany has already posed problems with the Kobo, I need a product which offers greater purchasing flexibility and ease-of-use. What I dislike about Kobo: --generally slow --cumbersome to navigate, the more so since the rubber nipple most used to turn pages wore off within months --Wi-fi only worked for the first month and has never functioned again --Customer service via e-mail is absolutely nightmarish to deal with; I eventually gave up (my device was still under warranty provided I took it into the Chapters store in Toronto from which I purchased it--too long a plane journey!!) --no backlight --limited options for bookmarking, annotations, dictionary --although I purchase English-language books and pay with a Canadian credit card, because my bank-recognised mailing address is in Germany, my default store is the German store. I can search and access other stores for a specific title, but am unable to browse English-language best-sellers and recommendations because I am supposed to want German books. Customer service did eventually confirm that this is "how it is." Tough luck. This is annoying because I cannot visit my local bookshop to keep abreast of the latest English-language offerings, so had hoped to be able to do it online. What I like about Kobo: --small and light --reasonable battery life --purchase and payment is quick and straightforward once account is set up. I do have VPN and the possibility to source the device either in North America, Europe, Middle East or Asia, and don't mind paying more for the right product. Can anyone share their relevant experience or expertise to help guide my choice? Much appreciated!