Is a Kobo Mini worth buying?

[Cdesja5]

Originally Posted by paola

thanks Terisa, it is what I suspected.


yes, that would be the fate of the mini - hopefully I may concoct something, it may even fit a CD case...


thank you! Yes, the problem is with pdf, of which I have many for work - agreed it is not ideal, but I've got used to read them in landscape on a 5" (sure, I love it on my 9.2" much better :-) ), and it is manageable, so I guess I will have to think more about which books I need before I leave.

On factory reset thing: that IS interesting, and delighted you mentioned this, as it will be annoying - is it possible to upload your non-Kobo (legally acquired) books on their cloud for a sync?

I keep mine in Dropbox as well as my laptop. Since Mini has a browser I can get whatever I need in a pinch if I don't have access to my computer. I don't use the Kobo "cloud" at all. My Calibre library on my PC is my backup in case I need to reload everything. It is always up to date since everything that goes to the Mini goes through Calibre first...

[paola]

Originally Posted by Cdesja5

I keep mine in Dropbox as well as my laptop. Since Mini has a browser I can get whatever I need in a pinch if I don't have access to my computer. I don't use the Kobo "cloud" at all. My Calibre library on my PC is my backup in case I need to reload everything. It is always up to date since everything that goes to the Mini goes through Calibre first...

thanks, that is what I do too - the problem is that my library is far larger than the free space on the mini. Perhaps I could create another library just for the mini, and use that one to sync in case of a reset. Anyway, thanks for your thoughts!

[spideyak]

I added a tag in Calibre called "Favorite" so that I could easily & quickly reload an ereader after it was reset; not a perfect solution, but it's worked so far =).

[GeoffR]

Originally Posted by paola

thanks, that is what I do too - the problem is that my library is far larger than the free space on the mini. Perhaps I could create another library just for the mini, and use that one to sync in case of a reset. Anyway, thanks for your thoughts!

Like most other Kobos the Mini uses a micro SD card for its firmware and internal storage. Although not as easy as adding a card to an external slot, it is possible to upgrade the internal card from the standard 2GB to as much as 32GB.

[spideyak]

Originally Posted by GeoffR

Like most other Kobos the Mini uses a micro SD card for its firmware and internal storage. Although not as easy as adding a card to an external slot, it is possible to upgrade the internal card from the standard 2GB to as much as 32GB.

Wow, that would be well worth it! Is there a How-To anywhere?

[GeoffR]

Originally Posted by spideyak

Wow, that would be well worth it! Is there a How-To anywhere?

I followed the procedure in this thread with success: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=200703 This will certainly void your warantee, and it is possible to end up with an unbootable e-reader and even an unbootable computer if you do it wrong, so be warned.

If you are familliar with Linux the basic procedure is to copy the raw disk image from the original card to the larger card using "dd", then expand the data partition on the larger card with "gparted" to make use of the extra space.

[paola]

Originally Posted by GeoffR

I followed the procedure in this thread with success: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=200703 This will certainly void your warantee, and it is possible to end up with an unbootable e-reader and even an unbootable computer if you do it wrong, so be warned.

If you are familliar with Linux the basic procedure is to copy the raw disk image from the original card to the larger card using "dd", then expand the data partition on the larger card with "gparted" to make use of the extra space.

Thanks Geoff - if I go for the mini, I may even find the courage to do it: after all, if you put back the original card in case of problems all should be well, right?

[GeoffR]

Originally Posted by paola

Thanks Geoff - if I go for the mini, I may even find the courage to do it: after all, if you put back the original card in case of problems all should be well, right?

Yes, and even if you manage to ruin the original card there are ways to recover, but it is much less hassle if you get it right first time :-)

[paola]

Originally Posted by GeoffR

Yes, and even if you manage to ruin the original card there are ways to recover, but it is much less hassle if you get it right first time :-)

thanks Geoff - still hope my pocketbook can be repaired, otherwise I think you've just found Kobo another customer

[HowGozit]

Originally Posted by samhy

Thanks for your input

EDIT: how would you compare the Mini and the Sony PRS 350?

And Happy New Year to all of you fellow readers (whatever device you may use )

I have both. I use the PRS 350 with a light cover sometimes. I find the mini to be very usable - and the fact that the cover I have for it turns the unit on when I open it (Kobo's allow this).

I have always used Sony's for a number of years (and they are still working - so there is pile of them on my desk). I have a couple of Kobo's now and find them very usable. I have to admit that the mini gets tossed into my bag a bit more than the others - it is just so small. So far, it works well.

The Kobo has plenty of space for books. I load around 300 from a stash I keep on my PC's when I get a new reader - and there is plenty of space left.

I haven't had the spontaneous reboot problems with the Kobo (oddly, I so sometimes have this with the PRS 650 and the PRS T2...)

To be honest - is there anything wrong with your PRS 650 - mine still works fine

Ross

[samhy]

Originally Posted by HowGozit

I haven't had the spontaneous reboot problems with the Kobo (oddly, I so sometimes have this with the PRS 650 and the PRS T2...)

To be honest - is there anything wrong with your PRS 650 - mine still works fine

Ross

Thank you HowGozit for your input

It's nice to read what people like and dislike in a device. It's kind of refreshing to be able to ponder knowing both sides If I want to know the pros, I just need to watch a commercial.

Anyway, having said that, I'm still torn. I don't need a new device per se, but it would come in handy for sure. For example, I could use Spanish, French and Japanese dictionaries. So far, I have to deal with Eng.-Eng. and Eng.-Jp., which is nice but somewhat limited when I read ¡HOLA!
Right now, the Kobo Mini is discounted (30%). I guess if it goes under 50€ I will consider buying it. If it goes around 40€, I'll buy it for sure.
I was considering briefly the 350 since I found two sellers with good deals and I really love the metal case. But in regard to the Mini new price, it doesn't worth the trouble.

So far, the 650 didn't act in a strange way again. It's painfully slow, but I need to remove a lot of highlights (which can't be exported ). I believe it will act better after that.

[samhy]

Hi everyone,

today I came across some refurbished Kobo Glo. At first, I didn't even consider buying a Glo because it was a little out of my price range. But now I can buy a Mini for 56€ or a (refurbished) Glo for 89€.
I still think that the Mini is overpriced. The Glo is a steal, but do I really need another 6" reader?
Well, I'll figure that out very soon anyway

[Chi Cygni]

Originally Posted by samhy

Hi everyone,

today I came across some refurbished Kobo Glo. At first, I didn't even consider buying a Glo because it was a little out of my price range. But now I can buy a Mini for 56€ or a (refurbished) Glo for 89€.
I still think that the Mini is overpriced. The Glo is a steal, but do I really need another 6" reader?
Well, I'll figure that out very soon anyway

You must live somewhere nearby I saw Kobo Mini for 56€ cover included and oh how difficult it is to resist! And I certainly do not need another ereader. I have a 5" Opus which I love and use daily and 6" K3. Husband is already waving finger at me.

[samhy]

Originally Posted by Chi Cygni

You must live somewhere nearby I saw Kobo Mini for 56€ cover included

Not so close it seems, because the Mini doesn't have any cover provided for its 56€ price point
I'm with you here, trying to hold on, but I think I'll go and buy one of the refurbished Glo tomorrow. Why yes, I'm weak

[Chi Cygni]

Just checked, Kobo Mini 55,95€, sleep cover 0,07€ (!!!!) so, 56,02€ (without delivery, fnac.be)

no, nonononononononono