Pondering Kindle: Question on ePub?

ThomasMcKean · 03-21-2016, 04:19 PM

Hullo...

Former ASTAK reader, now using a cracked Nook Color with Coolreader. I am wondering if there is a way to read ePubs on a Kindle Paperwhite or Voyage?

I get I can convert with Calibre, I just don't want to. I have found ePub reader software very streamlined and full of useful features and easy to read. I love CoolReader and others are good as well.

What would I need to do to read ePubs on such a device? Is there some hack or software out there that will do this? I am also looking at the Kobo Aura, but every review I read says the Kindle has a better screen and is easier to read.

HarryT · 03-21-2016, 04:46 PM

Don't waste any more of your time. If you want to read ePubs, get an ePub device. Modern Kobo devices have the same screen as the Kindle.

barryem · 03-21-2016, 06:04 PM

I have a Kobo Aura, a Kobo GLo, a Paperwhite 3 and a Voyage and all the last three I mentioned have considerably better screens than the Aura. Put them side by side and they form 2 groups: mediocre and excellent. That's when comparing screens.

When reading I find there's really very little difference. The Aura is good enough that I get into the text and the book and just don't notice that the screen isn't as good as the others. It's a bit like eating steak vs a good hamburger. I love a good steak but I also love a good hamburger.

The Aura screen isn't as good but it's still very good. It's not a problem unless you're comparing.

Barry

jackie_w · 03-21-2016, 06:39 PM

If you're considering a Kobo then the original Aura is an older model and shouldn't be compared to current Kindle models screen-wise.

As long as you buy one of the current Kobo models, GloHD (6" screen) or AuraH2O (6.8" screen), you should have no problem with screen clarity. As HarryT said, both of these models use the same quality Carta eink screen as the current Kindles.

eschwartz · 03-21-2016, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThomasMcKean

Hullo...

Former ASTAK reader, now using a cracked Nook Color with Coolreader. I am wondering if there is a way to read ePubs on a Kindle Paperwhite or Voyage?

I get I can convert with Calibre, I just don't want to. I have found ePub reader software very streamlined and full of useful features and easy to read. I love CoolReader and others are good as well.

What would I need to do to read ePubs on such a device? Is there some hack or software out there that will do this? I am also looking at the Kobo Aura, but every review I read says the Kindle has a better screen and is easier to read.

If you desperately want a Kindle for whatever reason, then yes you can read EPUBs, using KOReader or CoolReader.
That does require jailbreaking the device, which mayor may not be possible without serial port access, depending on the current firmware version.

But as noted above, it makes a lot more sense to read EPUBs on an EPUB ereader.

...

WHY, though? I mean, saying "I have found ePub reader software very streamlined and full of useful features and easy to read" means nothing whatsoever, it isn't exactly indicative that the Kindle's mobi reader software is somehow less easy to read on and/or lacking useful features.

So other than random buzzwords devoid of meaning, what is your actual reason for wanting to read in EPUB form?
Even if you can read EPUBs on a Kindle, the features are dependent on... the software! Because the actual EPUB and AZW3 formats are feature-comparable, and conversion between the two retains the same look and feel.

Again, reader software is not magically better just because it is designed to parse zipped HTML files rather than html inserted into database fields.
The actual format is irrelevant, it is the reader software that matters... so perhaps you should ask what the actual ereader features are -- including alternative reader software if available.

...

There is an actual reason to prefer EPUBs. If you don't want to invest the time to mass-convert all your books to a new format just to read on a different device. As a time-saving feature.
You have strongly implied that isn't your motivation.

soulfuldog · 03-22-2016, 05:40 AM

Yep, why bother with a Kindle if your requirement is to read epubs. Just go for either one of the latest two Kobo models (Glo HD or Aura H2O), either one should be ideal.

dwig · 03-22-2016, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eschwartz

...
WHY, though? ...
The actual format is irrelevant, it is the reader software that matters...

+1, excellent post.

Rizla · 03-22-2016, 10:52 AM

If you jailbreak the Kindle, you might be able to read epub. I know a package called Duokan allowed this, but I don't think it works with the current jailbreak. But maybe there is another existing way? Ask in the Kindle Development section. If you do decide to go this route, you would have to make sure you get a Kindle with the older firmware because the new firmware cannot be jailbreaked.

eschwartz · 03-22-2016, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rizla

If you jailbreak the Kindle, you might be able to read epub. I know a package called Duokan allowed this, but I don't think it works with the current jailbreak. But maybe there is another existing way? Ask in the Kindle Development section. If you do decide to go this route, you would have to make sure you get a Kindle with the older firmware because the new firmware cannot be jailbreaked.

The aforementioned KOReader and CoolReader.

Barbara1955 · 03-22-2016, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rizla

If you jailbreak the Kindle, you might be able to read epub. I know a package called Duokan allowed this, but I don't think it works with the current jailbreak. But maybe there is another existing way? Ask in the Kindle Development section. If you do decide to go this route, you would have to make sure you get a Kindle with the older firmware because the new firmware cannot be jailbreaked.

Voyage Nor PW3 cant be JB to my understanding. OP I also suggest a Kobo.

ThomasMcKean · 03-25-2016, 02:46 PM

Thanks guys for all your input. It will help me make a decision.

03-21-2016, 04:19 PM	#1
ThomasMcKean Disabilities Advocate Posts: 255 Karma: 162 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Device: Kindle PW3	Pondering Kindle: Question on ePub? Hullo... Former ASTAK reader, now using a cracked Nook Color with Coolreader. I am wondering if there is a way to read ePubs on a Kindle Paperwhite or Voyage? I get I can convert with Calibre, I just don't want to. I have found ePub reader software very streamlined and full of useful features and easy to read. I love CoolReader and others are good as well. What would I need to do to read ePubs on such a device? Is there some hack or software out there that will do this? I am also looking at the Kobo Aura, but every review I read says the Kindle has a better screen and is easier to read.

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03-21-2016, 04:46 PM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Don't waste any more of your time. If you want to read ePubs, get an ePub device. Modern Kobo devices have the same screen as the Kindle.

03-21-2016, 06:04 PM	#3
barryem Wizard Posts: 2,459 Karma: 68781975 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Arkansas Device: Paperwhite 4	I have a Kobo Aura, a Kobo GLo, a Paperwhite 3 and a Voyage and all the last three I mentioned have considerably better screens than the Aura. Put them side by side and they form 2 groups: mediocre and excellent. That's when comparing screens. When reading I find there's really very little difference. The Aura is good enough that I get into the text and the book and just don't notice that the screen isn't as good as the others. It's a bit like eating steak vs a good hamburger. I love a good steak but I also love a good hamburger. The Aura screen isn't as good but it's still very good. It's not a problem unless you're comparing. Barry

03-21-2016, 06:39 PM	#4
jackie_w Grand Sorcerer Posts: 6,251 Karma: 16539642 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: UK Device: ClaraHD, Forma, Libra2, Clara2E, LibraCol, PBTouchHD3	If you're considering a Kobo then the original Aura is an older model and shouldn't be compared to current Kindle models screen-wise. As long as you buy one of the current Kobo models, GloHD (6" screen) or AuraH2O (6.8" screen), you should have no problem with screen clarity. As HarryT said, both of these models use the same quality Carta eink screen as the current Kindles.

03-22-2016, 05:40 AM	#6
soulfuldog I ♥ Calibre Posts: 2,073 Karma: 5678911 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis, Voyage, Sony PRS-350, Hudl2	Yep, why bother with a Kindle if your requirement is to read epubs. Just go for either one of the latest two Kobo models (Glo HD or Aura H2O), either one should be ideal.

03-22-2016, 10:52 AM	#8
Rizla Member Retired Posts: 3,183 Karma: 11721895 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Nook STR (rooted) & Sony T2	If you jailbreak the Kindle, you might be able to read epub. I know a package called Duokan allowed this, but I don't think it works with the current jailbreak. But maybe there is another existing way? Ask in the Kindle Development section. If you do decide to go this route, you would have to make sure you get a Kindle with the older firmware because the new firmware cannot be jailbreaked.

03-25-2016, 02:46 PM	#11
ThomasMcKean Disabilities Advocate Posts: 255 Karma: 162 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Device: Kindle PW3	Thanks guys for all your input. It will help me make a decision.

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