The dictionary on Onyx Boox

[kandwo]

I'm looking to upgrade my Kindle Paperwhite to a bigger screen and a faster and more open system with better organization of books. What I mainly use it for is reading books in several different languages (English, Russian, Ukrainian and Spanish, mostly). The dictionary is my most used feature, apart from the actual reading itself.

I have found this guide for adding stardict files to be used as dictionaries, and it seems that most of my languages are represented: https://www.reddit.com/r/Onyx_Boox/c...x_boox_nova_2/

My questions is how does this dictionary look in action? If anyone could provide a screenshot of the dictionary, I'd be very greatful! Preferably the Oxford English Dictionary, if you have that installed. If there's anyone with the Ushakova Ru-Ru dictionary installed (or whatever else foreign language one) it would be really helpful if you could provide a screenshot, as well!

I'm now mainly looking at the Nova 3, if that makes a difference.

Also, do the dictionaries work with conjugated verbs or inflected forms? What I mean by this is would "working" or "worked" give you the definition for "(to) work"? Does this work for other languages, as well? If it doesn't work that would render them next to useless for me, I'm afraid.

I have found this thread: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=218922. But it's a bit unclear whether it actually works in practice or not.

If it doesn't work in the native app, would some other app such as Koreader or Moon reader have a better dictionary implementation that supports this?

[Ken Maltby]

I went from a Kobo AuraHD (7.8") to the Onyx Boox Note 2 (10.3"), and since I almost exclusively read with KOReader, I just copied over the Fonts and Dictionaries from my Kobo KOReader file structure to my Boox KOReader file structure. (I probably could have also put the dictionary folders/files into the Neoreader dictionary folder.) They both can use stardict dictionary files.

Luck;
Ken

[Pajamaman]

I read with alreader Pro x and goldendict with a bunch of bgl dictionaries I downloaded. Conjugation works in that in english and French.

Neoreader bizarrely doesn't work with bgl dictionaries and has no night mode so I dumped it except for pdfs.

[winstonma]

Originally Posted by kandwo

I'm looking to upgrade my Kindle Paperwhite to a bigger screen and a faster and more open system with better organization of books. What I mainly use it for is reading books in several different languages (English, Russian, Ukrainian and Spanish, mostly). The dictionary is my most used feature, apart from the actual reading itself.

I have found this guide for adding stardict files to be used as dictionaries, and it seems that most of my languages are represented: https://www.reddit.com/r/Onyx_Boox/c...x_boox_nova_2/

My questions is how does this dictionary look in action? If anyone could provide a screenshot of the dictionary, I'd be very greatful! Preferably the Oxford English Dictionary, if you have that installed. If there's anyone with the Ushakova Ru-Ru dictionary installed (or whatever else foreign language one) it would be really helpful if you could provide a screenshot, as well!

I'm now mainly looking at the Nova 3, if that makes a difference.

Also, do the dictionaries work with conjugated verbs or inflected forms? What I mean by this is would "working" or "worked" give you the definition for "(to) work"? Does this work for other languages, as well? If it doesn't work that would render them next to useless for me, I'm afraid.

I have found this thread: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=218922. But it's a bit unclear whether it actually works in practice or not.

If it doesn't work in the native app, would some other app such as Koreader or Moon reader have a better dictionary implementation that supports this?

I personally looking at Xiaomi Mi Reader Pro and it is just $1099RMB ($168USD) half the price of Nova 3. I guess the CPU is slower and 1GB ram less.

As you mentioned Nova 2 and Nova 3, you can check the image below

I guess it comes with a slightly faster CPU and RAM, bluetooth 5.0, built-in speaker and upgraded Android.

[Question Mark]

Originally Posted by winstonma

I personally looking at Xiaomi Mi Reader Pro and it is just $1099RMB ($168USD) half the price of Nova 3. I guess the CPU is slower and 1GB ram less.

What's their firmware like? Can one easily install other apps? No mention of a stylus so it doesn't seem to be a note taking device... Sometimes one gets what one pays for.

Personally, unless I was in immediate need of a new ereader, I would wait to see what the new year brings. Am rather hoping that somebody comes out with a large screen colour eink note taking device.

[kandwo]

I have now ordered the Nova 3. Having spent several days comparing all kinds of e-readers I have come to the conclusion that there seems to be nothing better on the market for my needs. I would have considered spending extra money on the Note 3/Air, had it had 300ppi; but I'm too worried about the lower resolution - otherwise it would be even an even better size for being able to read PDFs, too.

The Kindle Paperwhite works rather well, but is too locked down and inefficient in managing my library. It's also slow for anything that's not strictly reading - just highlighting is a pain. Also, the Oasis would cost the same as Nova 3 but without the screen protectors and case provided with the latter. The screen size is also smaller.

The Kobo Forma seems to be the main contender to the Nova 3 for my use case. But the dictionaries do not seem to be any better on the Kobo (as far as I can tell it's basically the same availability?); it all comes down to Onyx being a faster and more open platform. I'm sure I can work something out reader and dictionary wise for the Onyx using Android. Kobo needs to be patched for certain things and I'm unsure of how well it all will fit my needs.

The main selling point of the Kindle/Kobo for me are is physical buttons. I do love that on my old Kindle 2. The water-proofing is not really relevant for me. I don't see myself using it in the shower, in a pool or in the rain. And I don't live in an overly humid climate.

Originally Posted by Pajamaman

I read with alreader Pro x and goldendict with a bunch of bgl dictionaries I downloaded. Conjugation works in that in english and French.

Neoreader bizarrely doesn't work with bgl dictionaries and has no night mode so I dumped it except for pdfs.

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll make sure to check that out as soon as my device arrives!

Originally Posted by winstonma

I personally looking at Xiaomi Mi Reader Pro and it is just $1099RMB ($168USD) half the price of Nova 3. I guess the CPU is slower and 1GB ram less.

As you mentioned Nova 2 and Nova 3, you can check the image below

I guess it comes with a slightly faster CPU and RAM, bluetooth 5.0, built-in speaker and upgraded Android.

Not available for sale anywhere near me, and the specs don't looks as good. But if you get it, be sure to tell us how it fares

Originally Posted by Question Mark

What's their firmware like? Can one easily install other apps? No mention of a stylus so it doesn't seem to be a note taking device... Sometimes one gets what one pays for.

Personally, unless I was in immediate need of a new ereader, I would wait to see what the new year brings. Am rather hoping that somebody comes out with a large screen colour eink note taking device.

I want to switch to e-ink completely. Hisense A5 Pro looks really interesting, and I heard Onyx has an e-ink phone in the works. If something good enough is released, I'll buy it in an instant! Having a small reading device in my pocket at all times would be fantastic!

Apart from that I really would love an affordable e-ink display to use as a second monitor to my laptop. I use my computer for several hours every day, and it hurts my eyes. Being able to write without lag on e-ink would be the dream.

Other than that I'd really love a big 13 inch colour device to read graphical novels and comics, and I'd be all set! Hopefully, in a decade or so, this will be available!

[Markismus]

With firmware 3.0 in the Onyx Boox, we should be able to use 3rd party dictionaries in Neoreader.*
Did anyone already test this? Using Goldendict would for instance allow you to reuse the dictionaries in the Koreader directory. (Or is the Android implementation less configurable than the Linux one?)
__________________
*Neoreader is still the only app that allows you to write notes, either on the page, on a page-coupled note or a associated notebook.

[kandwo]

Originally Posted by Markismus

With firmware 3.0 in the Onyx Boox, we should be able to use 3rd party dictionaries in Neoreader.*
Did anyone already test this? Using Goldendict would for instance allow you to reuse the dictionaries in the Koreader directory. (Or is the Android implementation less configurable than the Linux one?)
__________________
*Neoreader is still the only app that allows you to write notes, either on the page, on a page-coupled note or a associated notebook.

That sounds promising!

I've been experimenting with Koreader on my Android phone, and the best solution I've found so far for Russian is the aadict 2 software that has the complete Russian wiktionary, which is the best dictionary that I've come across for Russian. I haven't tried the English wiktionary yet. I'll probably experiment when I finally get my device, which will be in several weeks, I suppose.

If this can be implemented in the default reader that's a plus, of course. Otherwise I'll just install Koreader and use the default one for PDFs

[M_Faust]

Originally Posted by Markismus

With firmware 3.0 in the Onyx Boox, we should be able to use 3rd party dictionaries in Neoreader.*
Did anyone already test this?

Doesn't work. Max 3 - firmware 3.0(b6ebfff) + GoldenDict 1.6.5.

[Ken Maltby]

Originally Posted by kandwo

If this can be implemented in the default reader that's a plus, of course. Otherwise I'll just install Koreader and use the default one for PDFs

Hmm... so we have come full circle, KOReader originated from an effort to provide a better PDF reading experience, for Kindle then Kobo ereaders. With those a number of users report that they use KOReader for PDFs and the device's stock reader for other reading.

Luck;
Ken

[kandwo]

Originally Posted by Ken Maltby

Hmm... so we have come full circle, KOReader originated from an effort to provide a better PDF reading experience, for Kindle then Kobo ereaders. With those a number of users report that they use KOReader for PDFs and the device's stock reader for other reading.

Luck;
Ken

I wasn't aware of that! I have heard that many people on Kobo seem to prefer it to the native app, especially for PDF reading. However, many, both here and on youtube, claim that NeoReader is hands down the best PDF reading experience available for e-readers. And it does seem to have very good functionality when it comes to dividing the screen for comics, articles and the like.

Mind you, I just ordered my Nova 3 today and it hasn't even shipped yet, so I have no clue as to whether this is true or not; I'm basing this on what others are saying and on people showing this on video on youtube. I will definitely try them both, and possibly other apps, as well, when I get it and then report back.

I hope Koreader will be good for my needs, as I want to use and promote free software in as far as that is possible

[winstonma]

Originally Posted by M_Faust

Doesn't work. Max 3 - firmware 3.0(b6ebfff) + GoldenDict 1.6.5.

It works but it doesn't work natively. When the description comes, I have to press additional dictionary button to get the translation from GoldenDict.

I already disabled Neoreader and using Moon+ instead.

[Ken Maltby]

One cool thing about the situation is that you can have a reading device with the reading options that you want using any number of reading software programs that fit your needs. All available on the same device. You can try many and select the few that work best for you.

Luck;
Ken

[winstonma]

Originally Posted by kandwo

Not available for sale anywhere near me, and the specs don't looks as good. But if you get it, be sure to tell us how it fares

When you compared to NOVA3, it has much slower CPU (I guess it's 1/3, very similar to Nova), 1GB less ram, no stylus, no build-in speaker, older Android version (8.1), no case.

I guess the experience would be like an Onyx Boox Nova. Still, if I am only paying half of Nova3 I would be satisfied with the hardward provided. If I would like to buy a new e-reader I would consider this one.

I guess the OS should be similar to 6" Mi Reader (review).

Actually I owned Onyx Boox Nova and I am sort of regretted having a 7.8" e-reader. If I have a chance to get one again I would buy the Poke 3 and a Note 3/Remarkable 2. Use the Poke 3 during travel and use Note 3/Remarkable 2 at home.

[church mouse]

Originally Posted by winstonma

It works but it doesn't work natively. When the description comes, I have to press additional dictionary button to get the translation from GoldenDict.

If you have .dict files for GoldenDict then you can use those same .dict files directly within the Onyx dictionary, without needing to open GoldenDict.

On my Poke 2, I have a preferred .dict dictionary which I like to use (it is one I used with Koreader on my Kobo). To get it to be used by the Onyx dictionary app, I copied the .dict folder into a folder called “dicts” in the main storage. Then, within the settings section of the Onyx dictionary app, I selected the new dictionary as my default. I can’t remember if I had to reboot the Poke after putting the .dict folder into “dicts” folder in order for the dictionary app to see it.