small e-reader showdown (Kobo, Kindle, Meebook, Boox)
I'm looking to buy a small e-reader (up to 7in) and I can't decide between a Kobo Clara BW, Kindle Paperwhite 12th gen, Kindle Colorsoft, Meebook M6, and Boox Go 6.
Kobo Clara BW: Good screen, extensible, can use KOReader, NickelMenu, etc. Good price (140€). Are there any drawbacks to the Kobo?
Kindle Paperwhite 12th gen Signature Edition: Is it true that the new screen is apparently a substantial upgrade from the previous gen? How does the screen differ (apart from size) from the Clara and the Kindle Basic? I already own the Scribe and I realized a jailbreak is 100% necessary for me to use the Kindle. Do new units still ship with firmware <5.18.1 that's required for the Winterbreak jailbreak? I can get it for like 167€ with the 20% trade-in discount from an old second-gen Kindle.
Kindle Colorsoft: I haven't had much use where I wish I had color, but I would like to perhaps try it out. Is it true that the Colorsoft's contrast and general "grayness" is better than other color e-readers? Since I don't really need color right now, I thought about waiting for a Prime Day discount, which I could hopefully chain with the 20% discount from a trade-in. Is it probable that I can snag a jailbreakable Colorsoft for cheap around July (Prime Day) or will these devices most likely be running the newer patched firmware from the factory?
I also thought about an Android device, either a Boox Go 6 or a Meebook M6. The obvious benefit is the Google Play Store. I would mostly use Anki, Readwise Reader, and KOReader. Are these functional on these devices? How is the web browser experience on these devices? Now, they both run Android 11, both have 32GB storage, expandable storage, both seem to be 300ppi and 1072x1448 resolution. However, Go 6 uses E Ink Carta 1300 and the M6 uses a Carta HD. Also, the Go 6 has a 2GHz octa-core processor, while the M6 has a quad-core 1.8GHz. Is there any real-world difference between the processors and the screens? Go 6 has a microphone the M6 doesn't, but honestly, do you ever use the microphone on an e-reader? Meebook has a 2200 mAh battery and 3GB of RAM, while the Boox has a 1500 mAh battery and 2GB of RAM. Honestly, the Meebook looks better to me since it's quite a bit cheaper, has more RAM, and a larger battery, which is especially useful for an Android reader. So, why would anyone get the Go 6 over the M6? I know battery life is better on Linux-based options, but what are some other differences I'm missing between Android and Linux?
Right now, as it stands, I'm leaning towards the Clara BW, but the new 12th gen jailbreakable Kindle Paperwhite looks just as enticing.
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