MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Cheapest, smallest e-reader that isn't a Kindle

Fallingwater · 12-07-2016, 08:49 PM

I got a Cybook Opus five years ago. It stayed with me through thick and thin, still worked perfectly and I fully intended to use it until it physically fell apart; unfortunately, not two hours ago some lowlife stole my coat, and the Opus was in one of its pockets.

I'll spare you the sadness and anger, and I'll skip straight to the question - I need a new e-reader to take its place.

The first requirement is that it be cheap. Like, really cheap. I just emptied the disposable savings account for something else and can spare precious little money for non-vital purposes. Fortunately I need absolutely no special features - no backlight, no touchscreen, not even WiFi - I just need something into which I can load DRM-free epub files and which will show them on the screen. I don't even need it to be a good screen - I'd always used the Opus with the refresh disabled and had no problem reading even with all the little imperfections that came up after the third unrefreshed page change.

The second is that it be small. The Opus had a 5-inch screen and would fit into a large pocket with its faux-leather pouch; something of similar size would be good. This is going to be strictly a travel reader, as I already have a ten-incher for when I'm home.

The third is that it not be a Kindle. I emphatically don't want to futz around with Calibre converting my rather extensive library of epubs into mobi to suit Amazon's proprietary system, especially since I have no intention of ever using their store.

Anything out there for me?

12-07-2016, 08:49 PM	#1
Fallingwater Enthusiast Posts: 34 Karma: 4132 Join Date: Jun 2011 Device: Bookeen Cybook Opus	Cheapest, smallest e-reader that isn't a Kindle I got a Cybook Opus five years ago. It stayed with me through thick and thin, still worked perfectly and I fully intended to use it until it physically fell apart; unfortunately, not two hours ago some lowlife stole my coat, and the Opus was in one of its pockets. I'll spare you the sadness and anger, and I'll skip straight to the question - I need a new e-reader to take its place. The first requirement is that it be cheap. Like, really cheap. I just emptied the disposable savings account for something else and can spare precious little money for non-vital purposes. Fortunately I need absolutely no special features - no backlight, no touchscreen, not even WiFi - I just need something into which I can load DRM-free epub files and which will show them on the screen. I don't even need it to be a good screen - I'd always used the Opus with the refresh disabled and had no problem reading even with all the little imperfections that came up after the third unrefreshed page change. The second is that it be small. The Opus had a 5-inch screen and would fit into a large pocket with its faux-leather pouch; something of similar size would be good. This is going to be strictly a travel reader, as I already have a ten-incher for when I'm home. The third is that it not be a Kindle. I emphatically don't want to futz around with Calibre converting my rather extensive library of epubs into mobi to suit Amazon's proprietary system, especially since I have no intention of ever using their store. Anything out there for me?