Quote:
Originally Posted by andy9279
I've been using a Kobo Glo HD for a decade. It hasn't seen the internet since 2015, I sideload all my books via USB. I did update the firmware a few years ago so I could use it in landscape mode, to have wider lines of text, more words per line, decent font size, etc. I still use it daily but the battery isn't great, and I'm up for trying something new and bigger.
I'd prefer to stay with Kobo, but I don't want a color ereader. I don't need to write on the screen or take notes. I'd like to keep sideloading books, edited in Calibre to my preferences. I want to be able to add fonts and have lots of options there for sizing, line spacing, margins, etc. Landscape mode would be a nice option. I like as much text on the screen as possible, no headers, footers, etc.
Originally I wanted a Libra 2, but since Kobo (conveniently) only has 6" or 10" ereaders in BW now, and Libra 2's are nearly impossible to find, I am thinking about getting an 8-inch ereader, and considering various other sizes and options.
Some options:
Elipsa 2E -- I admit, I'd like to see what it's like to read on this 10" big boy. I imagine it's too large to hold with one hand compared to what I use now. Some way to prop it up? I usually put my arm on a pillow anyway. Also the ppi is less than the Glo HD, but really the main issue is the size.
Kindle -- I'd prefer not to jailbreak a Kindle, and plus there's not even any 8" Kindles available new right now. Their hardware seems very nice, but I imagine I'd want to be able to tinker with fonts and css, etc.
Pocketbook Inkpad 4 -- this sounded promising at first, but from what I've read it has extra layers over the screen that detract somewhat from clarity, slow CPU, android base and thus less battery life, etc.
Kobo Aura One -- pretty old and iffy buying used at this point, and not crazy about the flush glass screen, but otherwise it sounds like what I'd want, I'd like to try one out anyway.
Viwoods / Boox -- The Viwoods is a bit pricy, not crazy about the android base, battery life, etc. also Boox doesn't appear to have an 8" ereader right now.
NOOK GlowLight 4 Plus -- never considered buying a Nook, but this seems promising in some ways, I don't have to hunt around for it on ebay first of all, it's only $200, 300ppi, BW, 7.8". The new one doesn't have a recessed screen, but it sounds like it's pretty good. But I'd HAVE to put KOreader on it, because otherwise it sounds like you're really restricted -- you can't even turn off headers or have a landscape mode option from what I read. Yikes lol.
Are there are glaring omissions here? Kobo Forma of course, all I remember there is people complaining about battery life and PWM flickering. I believe the Sage fixed the latter issue at least?
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I have the two Kobo e-readers that are least interesting to you because of their size: Clara BW and Elipsa 2E (although you mention this one as a possible option). Both are very good. The natural successor to a Glo HD would be the Clara BW, which is the same size. But if you now want a larger (monochrome) one, you would have to go for a Sage (if you can find one) or an Elipsa 2E. I preferred to buy the Elipsa 2E over the Sage because of the quality of its illuminated screen, but I'm quite unorthodox and tend to go against the grain of what is published in e-reader forums (I like Kindles, colour e-readers, Android e-readers and 10" e-readers, which says it all), so I would take my opinion with a pinch of salt.
You ask if it is comfortable to hold an Elipsa 2E with one hand. The answer is no. It is uncomfortable (although I find it equally uncomfortable to hold a 7" and 8" e-reader with one hand). It is best to use it propped up (I use a Micro-Puff, which is a wonderful invention) or hold it with two hands.
The PocketBook InkPad 4 runs Linux, not Android (PocketBook only uses Android on its 10" e-notes, which are actually Bigme devices with slightly modified firmware).
The battery life of any of my Android e-readers is better than that of the Kobo Sage (and I speak from experience, not assumptions).
Is the world of e-readers limited to 7" and 8" monochrome Kobos? Obviously not. This is a "personal" limitation. If that's what you want, then you have a serious "personal" choice problem. But if you broaden your search to other parameters and other brands, you will find a wide variety of excellent e-readers. Every brand on the market has them, including Kobo.