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yaygya · 08-04-2024, 02:21 PM

I've had a Kindle Paperwhite 3 for about 8 years now and have gotten plenty of use out of it. I even jailbroke it and loaded a bunch of things on it with KOReader. However, some time back, an Amazon update undid the jailbreak, and while trying to recover it, it got bricked. While I do want to unbrick it, I figured it's about time I get a new e-reader. Problem is, I'm having trouble deciding what to replace it with.

These are the things I prioritize having in whatever I get:

Must have a USB-C port (so nothing older than 2021)
The screen must be at least comparable to or better than the PW3
Build quality should be at least on par with the PW3
Ideally suitable for reading manga (6-inch isn't bad, but maybe a larger screen?)
Library e-books would be a nice-to-have
Must be easily available in Canada (rules out Pocketbook and Onyx)
Has the ability to run KOReader (optional but would be nice)
Ideally not CA$200

These are the options I've shortlisted, and pros and cons I have for each:
Kindle Paperwhite 5
Pros:

Larger screen than the PW3, better for manga
Allows me to carry over my Amazon library easier
Flush screen doesn't catch as much dust in the edges
Familiarity with the Kindle software
Easier to find on the used market

Cons:

I hear it's not as easy to use one-handed
Can't read library e-books on it
Storage capacity is smaller on some models (8GB)
No guarantee of a jailbreak

Kobo Clara 2E
Pros:

Typical 6" size which is more compact
Supports library e-books
KOReader can be installed without a jailbreak

Cons:

Slightly harder to find used
Screen size not as large
Importing Amazon books will be a bit of a pain
Not sure how much I would like the Kobo software
Don't know about the build quality

Kobo Libra 2
Pros:

Larger size than the Clara
Physical page turn buttons make the size more manageable
Build quality is decent
Larger storage capacity at 32GB
Similar advantages to the Clara

Cons:

Discontinued in favour of the Libra Color (with a dimmer display)
High resale value will eat away at my wallet, so I'll have to wait longer to buy it
Don't know if I'll like the form factor

In summary, the decision largely comes down to how much I'm willing to spend on a reader, and whether I should compromise on storage size, display size, or library e-book access.

08-04-2024, 02:21 PM	#1
yaygya Junior Member Posts: 8 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2022 Location: Canada Device: Kindle Paperwhite 3	Moving on from a PW3; what to get next? I've had a Kindle Paperwhite 3 for about 8 years now and have gotten plenty of use out of it. I even jailbroke it and loaded a bunch of things on it with KOReader. However, some time back, an Amazon update undid the jailbreak, and while trying to recover it, it got bricked. While I do want to unbrick it, I figured it's about time I get a new e-reader. Problem is, I'm having trouble deciding what to replace it with. These are the things I prioritize having in whatever I get: Must have a USB-C port (so nothing older than 2021) The screen must be at least comparable to or better than the PW3 Build quality should be at least on par with the PW3 Ideally suitable for reading manga (6-inch isn't bad, but maybe a larger screen?) Library e-books would be a nice-to-have Must be easily available in Canada (rules out Pocketbook and Onyx) Has the ability to run KOReader (optional but would be nice) Ideally not CA$200 These are the options I've shortlisted, and pros and cons I have for each: Kindle Paperwhite 5 Pros: Larger screen than the PW3, better for manga Allows me to carry over my Amazon library easier Flush screen doesn't catch as much dust in the edges Familiarity with the Kindle software Easier to find on the used market Cons: I hear it's not as easy to use one-handed Can't read library e-books on it Storage capacity is smaller on some models (8GB) No guarantee of a jailbreak Kobo Clara 2E Pros: Typical 6" size which is more compact Supports library e-books KOReader can be installed without a jailbreak Cons: Slightly harder to find used Screen size not as large Importing Amazon books will be a bit of a pain Not sure how much I would like the Kobo software Don't know about the build quality Kobo Libra 2 Pros: Larger size than the Clara Physical page turn buttons make the size more manageable Build quality is decent Larger storage capacity at 32GB Similar advantages to the Clara Cons: Discontinued in favour of the Libra Color (with a dimmer display) High resale value will eat away at my wallet, so I'll have to wait longer to buy it Don't know if I'll like the form factor In summary, the decision largely comes down to how much I'm willing to spend on a reader, and whether I should compromise on storage size, display size, or library e-book access.