planning ahead for gift KT4(W8)

[dhdurgee]

I have just obtained a KT4(W8) with 5.13.6 firmware for a gift. I will be using WatchThis to JB, but I am debating how to proceed after that.

My current kindle is a PW4 running 5.10.1.3, so there have been many versions and changes since that release.

I am currently thinking of updating to 5.14.2, as that is the last version that can be addressed at present should something happen to the JB. This will include the cover mode screen saver function in firmware and save me the need to install it from our hacks. In order to keep control over firmware updates I will also need to install KUAL and the tools to prevent automated updates. Is there a KUAL extension to address the firmware cover mode screen saver?

My understanding is that 5.10.x is the last firmware which does not require such measures to avoid automated updates. Is the KT4(W8) even supported in that firmware? If so, should I forego the newer releases and deal with what I am familiar with?

What other hacks should be installed to maximize flexibility in the future? The recipient of the gift is computer literate, but not a hacker of any form.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

Dave

[JSWolf]

You are giving an obsolete Kindle as a gift? Why? IMHO, I consider any Kindle pre-PW3 to be obsolete.

Also, why jailbreak it?

[dhdurgee]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You are giving an obsolete Kindle as a gift? Why? IMHO, I consider any Kindle pre-PW3 to be obsolete.

Also, why jailbreak it?

This will replace a lost earlier version Kindle and as it is a currently for sale model available new on Amazon's store I doubt they consider it obsolete.

I jailbreak as a measure to keep control over it and to enhance its features.

Dave

[JSWolf]

I made a mistake. The KT4 is is the Kindle Basic 3. It's a Kindle with a 6" 800x600 eInk screen and a front light.

If you are in the US, a PW5 is only $20 more then then the Kindle Basic. So IMHO, if you are in the US, I would return the Kindle Basic for the PW5. The PW5 is better hardware with a 6.8" 300DPI screen.

[dhdurgee]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I made a mistake. The KT4 is is the Kindle Basic 3. It's a Kindle with a 6" 800x600 eInk screen and a front light.

If you are in the US, a PW5 is only $20 more then then the Kindle Basic. So IMHO, if you are in the US, I would return the Kindle Basic for the PW5. The PW5 is better hardware with a 6.8" 300DPI screen.

I am in the US, but this particular model was on sale at the time of purchase and the equivalent version of the PW5 would be $50 more at present. As noted also it is replacing an older model and has more features than the one it replaces.

Dave

[dhdurgee]

Jailbreak done.

Been a while since I have configured a new Kindle. I believe I can simply update the firmware to 5.14.2 now and the bridge will keep things working, correct? After this what needs to be installed next?

Dave

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by dhdurgee

I am in the US, but this particular model was on sale at the time of purchase and the equivalent version of the PW5 would be $50 more at present. As noted also it is replacing an older model and has more features than the one it replaces.

Dave

But, your friend may prefer the larger screen.

[dhdurgee]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But, your friend may prefer the larger screen.

I will PM you my email address and you can PayPal me the $50 and I will exchange this one with Amazon, otherwise I will continue with this one.

Dave

[j.p.s]

Originally Posted by dhdurgee

Jailbreak done.

Been a while since I have configured a new Kindle. I believe I can simply update the firmware to 5.14.2 now and the bridge will keep things working, correct? After this what needs to be installed next?

Dave

After the update, you need to renew the hotfix, then install MRPI and KUAL, then browse
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=205064
for KUAL extension ideas.

[issybird]

There’s a saying, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” I think we can extrapolate that you shouldn’t criticize gifts others are giving, either, especially when opinions aren’t being sought along those lines.

That said, my own opinion? A gift involving thought (replacing a lost item) and effort (jail breaking) is all kinds of fantastic. Lucky recipient.

[dhdurgee]

Originally Posted by j.p.s

After the update, you need to renew the hotfix, then install MRPI and KUAL, then browse
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=205064
for KUAL extension ideas.

Would you happen to have the link to the Amazon Kindle firmware download page? I am having difficulty locating it.

Dave

[j.p.s]

Originally Posted by dhdurgee

Would you happen to have the link to the Amazon Kindle firmware download page? I am having difficulty locating it.

Dave

I always have to do a web search to find it. and have not been able to find a thread dedicated to it or a wiki page that discusses it and do not know how to write it up so that a newbie can follow. I heep hoping someone like odamizu, ilovejedd, or you would make such a thread.

The base amazon site that I just now found is:https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custo...MQC26VQQMM8XSW
which I do not know whether it will work permanently.

This thread has an example of a recent reply to a similar question.
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh....php?p=4250639

[dhdurgee]

Originally Posted by j.p.s

I always have to do a web search to find it. and have not been able to find a thread dedicated to it or a wiki page that discusses it and do not know how to write it up so that a newbie can follow. I heep hoping someone like odamizu, ilovejedd, or you would make such a thread.

The base amazon site that I just now found is:https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custo...MQC26VQQMM8XSW
which I do not know whether it will work permanently.

This thread has an example of a recent reply to a similar question.
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh....php?p=4250639

Thanks for your assistance. I have updated the firmware and the hot fix. I have installed KUAL and several extensions.

I now want to install Python, but I see no documentation on which of the two packages to use for a KT4. Is there a list somewhere that maps devices onto the "pw2_and_up" versus "touch_pw" binary packages?

Dave

[j.p.s]

Originally Posted by dhdurgee

I now want to install Python, but I see no documentation on which of the two packages to use for a KT4. Is there a list somewhere that maps devices onto the "pw2_and_up" versus "touch_pw" binary packages?

Dave

I'm not aware of such a list. I don't think the KT has gotten much attention since the paperwhite came out. I suspect your best bet is to find a thread where a touch owner ran into the same problem. I keep forgetting which package has python as a part.

[dhdurgee]

Originally Posted by j.p.s

I'm not aware of such a list. I don't think the KT has gotten much attention since the paperwhite came out. I suspect your best bet is to find a thread where a touch owner ran into the same problem. I keep forgetting which package has python as a part.

Tried a search without really finding an answer, so guess I will PM the author.

Dave

PS: I did PM him, but after doing so I remembered a reference earlier in this thread to "Basic 3" and was able to on that basis I installed the "pw2_and_up" version. This is working now.