Mostly open?

[JeffElkins]

I'm wanting to move on from Kindle. Is there a recommended e-ink platform that's mostly open? I don't have to have root, but I'd like to choose my reader.

[DNSB]

You could try the Kobo line if you are looking for an open ereader.

[Aleron Ives]

If by "choose my reader" you mean that you want access to multiple reading applications, you could use an Onyx Boox device to get a full Android experience. Kobo has very good native reading software, but you can also run KOReader on Kobos, if you so desire.

[JeffElkins]

Thanks for the replies!

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by JeffElkins

I'm wanting to move on from Kindle. Is there a recommended e-ink platform that's mostly open? I don't have to have root, but I'd like to choose my reader.

PocketBooks are based on Linux and can be rooted.

[chrisridd]

PocketBooks also have an official SDK meaning that it is possible to write your own software for it. I think there are several GitHub projects containing user Pocketbook apps.

[Croptop]

I'll add my vote for a Kobo as well. For me, they're just the right mix. I have access to the Kobo bookstore for purchasing books, I can grab ebooks from my local library via Overdrive, and I can also convert and sideload books using Calibre.

I've had a number of Kobos over the years and have loved every one of them. None of them have died on me, I just fall victim to "gotta buy the new hotness" syndrome every few years or so.

[therealTOEBEANS]

Originally Posted by Aleron Ives

If by "choose my reader" you mean that you want access to multiple reading applications, you could use an Onyx Boox device to get a full Android experience. Kobo has very good native reading software, but you can also run KOReader on Kobos, if you so desire.

To add onto this... that company has a lot of different models, including the Boox Palma. It's the same size as a normal phone, but with an e-ink display, and like you mentioned full Android.

Their devices have full Google Play Store support, too. A lot of other Android-based ereader devices don't. You can download or sideload any app you please from KOReader to Kindle to Kobo to Instagram.

Issue: very expensive compared to Kindle. They know what they have, I guess. They also can't offload costs to ebook sales...

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by therealTOEBEANS

Issue: very expensive compared to Kindle. They know what they have, I guess. They also can't offload costs to ebook sales...

The price is certainly not the only reason people buy something else instead. I have absolutely no desire to buy a Boox ereader, for example, no matter the price - I have no need for a full Android OS on my ereader that I only use for reading books. I don't particularly like Android reading apps either, and proprietary apps like Kindle and Kobo even less - I prefer to remove the DRM and manage my books in Calibre.

Kobo eink readers do everything I want my ereader to do and I'm quite satisfied with them (I've also tried other brands, but I did not like them as much).

So it all depends on what you want from your ereader.

[rowe]

Some Hisense ereaders are very good e.g. Hi Reader Pro. Can be rooted and Android 14 installed while keeping the e-ink refresh optimisation.

https://www.reddit.com/r/eink/commen...hisense_a9_hi/