Quote:
Originally Posted by SusanReads
What I'm looking for is experiences with jailbroken Kindles. Why did you want to jailbreak?
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Disclaimer:
I have jailbroken the very first Kindle Paperwhite, so it was quite a long time ago. The features of third-party programs have improved since and so have the features of the original firmware.
So ...
I got the [then] new Paperwhite, because it was the only e-ink reader at the time that has front-light. I have also had an unique opportunity to buy new Paperwhite, because at the time I was in USA. Normally, here in Europe, everything electronic is considerably more expensive than in USA.
After getting the Kindle I realized that while the hardware was gorgeous, I hated the firmware with a passion. *EVERYTHING* about it irritated me. You see ... up until that time I was using PocketBook that had the most advanced features at the time and had *lots* of configuration options, had possibility to add high quality third-party programs without a hassle. So I was spoiled rotten. Before that I have read on notebooks, PDAs, Sony Reader, previous PocketBook devices - so I had a very precise idea what options I want and Kindle at the time offered anything but. No configuration options, not even the ability to change fonts, switch of front-light completely, set left justification or sane margins. And do not get me started on library interface in the form of a long list of books (instead my cherished hierarchical folders).
Quote:
Originally Posted by SusanReads
Is it only for the screensavers? And now that you've jailbroken your Kindle is it really what you'd hoped for?
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No, it was not for screensavers, the jailbreak at the time did not support that (I think), but after switching off the WiFi for a long time and applying numerous hacks I have somehow screwed up something, so my Paperwhite stopped displaying the adds when switched off.
Jailbreak did give me access to some configuration options, interesting third party programs, I have even installed the entire alternative firmware from China alongside the jailbreak (you had to reboot the Kindle into other system), but I did not like that one either. I think that this was the moment when Amazon went to overdrive to prevent us from future hacking.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SusanReads
And is it easy to maintain the jailbreak?
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Super easy. Just switch off the WiFi off. Normally I like to sideload and I keep WiFi off, so it was no big deal.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SusanReads
I just want to know if it's really worth it, and if people regret jailbreaking their device because it's not what they'd hoped. Or it's too difficult to maintain the jailbreak. Or if they kind of really wanted the new update (because of features?), but can't because it's now jailbroken.
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It was worth it, but even with the jailbroken system and *all* the hacks that were available at the time I was still not satisfied with the Paperwhite.
So when PocketBook came up with a new front-lit model I have sold the Paperwhite and got PocketBook. (and was frustrated again, because they abandoned some features that made previous models so attractive, but that is a rant for another long post
)
Quote:
Originally Posted by SusanReads
I have this voice in the back of my head saying I should jailbreak once it's possible, but on the other hand, it it really worth it? If it's only for the screensavers, I can live without those.
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Is there any risk?
Why can't you have both?
DISCLAIMER:
there are many, many people that are perfectly happy with Kindles the way they are, or have only very minor issues with the original firmware features. Many of them got their Kindle as a very first e-book reader, so they are not used to certain settings. I personally got used to a different set of features on a reader before I got that Kindle. I have also worked in desk-top publishing for a while, so I notice things about typography that the vast majority of people do not see at the first or the second glance.
</rant mode>