Good ereader for technologically savvy user

LoganW · 01-07-2020, 10:57 AM

Before I start, let me say that I'm not really interested in which ecosystem is better or in being told Amazon sucks. I've used both Kobos and Kindles in the past, am fully fluent in breaking DRM and editing ebooks and have loaded other OSes onto Kobos previously. I use Sigil to regularly edit the formatting in ebooks (can't stand atrocious formatting).

While I'm willing to do some initial setup (like load KOreader), I want something that requires the minimal amount of fiddling afterward.

The nice thing about Kindle is that it is simple and solid. But this also means that you have very little control and have to do any formatting before loading it on to the Kindle.

Really wasn't a fan of Kobo's UI, but can and probably would load KOreader (or is there another OS that I am unaware of?). However, I also don't want to avoid fiddling with the setting on each ebook either, if I can avoid it.

I've seen other ereaders out there but nothing that seems to really be at the level of those two. Am I missing some that I should consider? Not really interested in the android ereaders, as long battery life is a requirement.

Some other notes:
bigger than 6" is a must.
Good battery life is a must.
Would like to be able to organize collections in Calibre,
Use Overdrive regularly (presumably KOreader would eliminate the Kobo's ability to check out from the device?)
I like the epub format but can convert to mobi easily of course.

Sorry if this is a bit scattered, I'm not sure which questions to ask. If I'm looking for an ereader and have the option of putting my own firmware on it, what would be recommended? I don't use Calibre a ton with my Kindle but am open to becoming more dependent on it.

ps67 · 01-07-2020, 01:42 PM

I did not install KORreader on my Kindle because it requires jailbreack and it is beyond my technology level. I installed it on my Kobo because it is very easy to do it and it is not required jailbreack.

I don't understand what You ask about KOReader and Overdrive (I talk of Kobo), there is no Overdrive here but why KOReader should interfere with it? Of course You won't be able to read Your borrowed book with KOReder, You will read them with the standard Kobo software that will continue to work normally when You will not be in KOReader. I borrow books using ADE without problems, simply I can't read them with KOReader.

Kobo has the best interaction with calibre, collection can be easily handled by it. You can also change the metadata using calibre.

But of course, if You use KOReaer it has a different handling of books: it has a real file manager.

Bigger than 6" (Kindle and Kobo): Kindle Oasis 7", Kobo Libra H2O 7", Kobo Forma 8".

ZodWallop · 01-07-2020, 02:13 PM

For your list (battery life, organize in Calibre, Overdrive, epub), I'd still recommend a Kobo. A Libra. Maybe a Forma.

You mentioned not liking Kobo's UI. Not sure when you last used it, but there have been some changes just in the last couple of firmware updates. Not sure if these would make the UI better or worse for you. But at least KOReader is always an option if it still doesn't appeal.

LoganW · 01-07-2020, 02:50 PM

So among the other ereader manufacturers (Tolino, Boyue, Onyx Boox) the Kindle Oasis and the Kobo Libra/Forma would still be top?

It's probably been four years or so since I last looked at Kobo.

Are there any other options to KOreader? There was something called PBChess that had a reader a while back that I loaded on a Kobo Mini I think. KOreader would still be most developed and runs fast on the Kobos?

JSWolf · 01-07-2020, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoganW

So among the other ereader manufacturers (Tolino, Boyue, Onyx Boox) the Kindle Oasis and the Kobo Libra/Forma would still be top?

It's probably been four years or so since I last looked at Kobo.

Are there any other options to KOreader? There was something called PBChess that had a reader a while back that I loaded on a Kobo Mini I think. KOreader would still be most developed and runs fast on the Kobos?

Given that you don't want Android, yes, the Kobo you be your best choice.

The question is, what is it about KOReader that you like that the built in software cannot do?

LoganW · 01-07-2020, 03:47 PM

Well, not having worked with either KOReader or Kobo firmware in the last four years, I'm not sure---but it's nice to have options, and community-developed stuff is attractive. Plus, who knows how long Kobo will be around...

Out of curiosity, has the Kobo build quality improved? Hate Amazon or not, their Oasis is a beautiful and solid piece of hardware. The last Kobo I had was the Aura HD and that squeaked when gripping it.

Sirtel · 01-07-2020, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoganW

Well, not having worked with either KOReader or Kobo firmware in the last four years, I'm not sure---but it's nice to have options, and community-developed stuff is attractive. Plus, who knows how long Kobo will be around...

Out of curiosity, has the Kobo build quality improved? Hate Amazon or not, their Oasis is a beautiful and solid piece of hardware. The last Kobo I had was the Aura HD and that squeaked when gripping it.

I have the latest Kobo, Libra H2O. While it's possibly not as beautiful as the Oasis, it's solidly built and very comfortable to hold. Having used only Kindles before, I certainly don't have any complaints about the Libra build quality. It's solid and stable. That goes for the software too.

LoganW · 01-07-2020, 04:13 PM

Thanks, that's helpful. Had you used either the Voyage or the Oasis 2 or are you comparing to something like the Paperwhite? Those two former are kind of the pinnacle of hardware design from what I've seen.

Sirtel · 01-07-2020, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoganW

Thanks, that's helpful. Had you used either the Voyage or the Oasis 2 or are you comparing to something like the Paperwhite? Those two former are kind of the pinnacle of hardware design from what I've seen.

Yes, I have the Voyage, the Oasis 2017 and the Oasis 2019.

LoganW · 01-07-2020, 05:01 PM

Perfect, thanks.

BookCat · 01-07-2020, 06:26 PM

Have you considered one of the PocketBook ereaders? They have some much larger than 6" I've never used one, but have long fancied them; the cost has put me off making a purchase.

JSWolf · 01-08-2020, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BookCat

Have you considered one of the PocketBook ereaders? They have some much larger than 6" I've never used one, but have long fancied them; the cost has put me off making a purchase.

The OP does not want Android based Readers.

pazos · 01-08-2020, 10:51 AM

You're WRONG: Pocketbook devices are not based on android.

Pajamaman · 01-08-2020, 10:57 AM

For software, use Koreader. It handles default formatting settings really well. You set all your preferred settings by default (you just hold down the setting the first time). It can strip out publisher setting really well. The only issue is some sideloaded fonts like Caecilia are blacklisted. Dunno why. I had to edit Caecilia to change the name, then it accepted it.

Pajamaman · 01-08-2020, 11:00 AM

For hardware, I suggest either a Kobo or a Nook. Both come in > 6". Koreader will run straightaway on Kobo. You need to install some stuff. You need to root the Nook. It's not hard and instructions are available on the xda forum. Also it's Android so you can install other ebook apps.

Edit. Apparently you don't want Android, so scrap the Nook.

Apparently the hardware spec of the new generation of Kobo is similar to Amazon. But obviously their not as sexy as the Oasis. But the Oasis is totally locked-down.

01-07-2020, 10:57 AM	#1
LoganW Enthusiast Posts: 34 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Device: Kindle Touch, Paperwhite, Voyage, Oasis 2	Good ereader for technologically savvy user Before I start, let me say that I'm not really interested in which ecosystem is better or in being told Amazon sucks. I've used both Kobos and Kindles in the past, am fully fluent in breaking DRM and editing ebooks and have loaded other OSes onto Kobos previously. I use Sigil to regularly edit the formatting in ebooks (can't stand atrocious formatting). While I'm willing to do some initial setup (like load KOreader), I want something that requires the minimal amount of fiddling afterward. The nice thing about Kindle is that it is simple and solid. But this also means that you have very little control and have to do any formatting before loading it on to the Kindle. Really wasn't a fan of Kobo's UI, but can and probably would load KOreader (or is there another OS that I am unaware of?). However, I also don't want to avoid fiddling with the setting on each ebook either, if I can avoid it. I've seen other ereaders out there but nothing that seems to really be at the level of those two. Am I missing some that I should consider? Not really interested in the android ereaders, as long battery life is a requirement. Some other notes: bigger than 6" is a must. Good battery life is a must. Would like to be able to organize collections in Calibre, Use Overdrive regularly (presumably KOreader would eliminate the Kobo's ability to check out from the device?) I like the epub format but can convert to mobi easily of course. Sorry if this is a bit scattered, I'm not sure which questions to ask. If I'm looking for an ereader and have the option of putting my own firmware on it, what would be recommended? I don't use Calibre a ton with my Kindle but am open to becoming more dependent on it.

01-07-2020, 01:42 PM	#2
ps67 Guru Posts: 755 Karma: 7025494 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Italy Device: Kindle Paperwhite, Kobo Elipsa, Pocketbook Inkpad 4, Inkpad Color	I did not install KORreader on my Kindle because it requires jailbreack and it is beyond my technology level. I installed it on my Kobo because it is very easy to do it and it is not required jailbreack. I don't understand what You ask about KOReader and Overdrive (I talk of Kobo), there is no Overdrive here but why KOReader should interfere with it? Of course You won't be able to read Your borrowed book with KOReder, You will read them with the standard Kobo software that will continue to work normally when You will not be in KOReader. I borrow books using ADE without problems, simply I can't read them with KOReader. Kobo has the best interaction with calibre, collection can be easily handled by it. You can also change the metadata using calibre. But of course, if You use KOReaer it has a different handling of books: it has a real file manager. Bigger than 6" (Kindle and Kobo): Kindle Oasis 7", Kobo Libra H2O 7", Kobo Forma 8". Last edited by ps67; 01-07-2020 at 01:48 PM.

01-07-2020, 03:47 PM	#6
LoganW Enthusiast Posts: 34 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Device: Kindle Touch, Paperwhite, Voyage, Oasis 2	Well, not having worked with either KOReader or Kobo firmware in the last four years, I'm not sure---but it's nice to have options, and community-developed stuff is attractive. Plus, who knows how long Kobo will be around... Out of curiosity, has the Kobo build quality improved? Hate Amazon or not, their Oasis is a beautiful and solid piece of hardware. The last Kobo I had was the Aura HD and that squeaked when gripping it. Last edited by LoganW; 01-07-2020 at 03:51 PM.

01-08-2020, 11:00 AM	#15
Pajamaman Wizard Posts: 2,861 Karma: 10700629 Join Date: May 2016 Location: Canada Device: Onyx Nova	For hardware, I suggest either a Kobo or a Nook. Both come in > 6". Koreader will run straightaway on Kobo. You need to install some stuff. You need to root the Nook. It's not hard and instructions are available on the xda forum. Also it's Android so you can install other ebook apps. Edit. Apparently you don't want Android, so scrap the Nook. Apparently the hardware spec of the new generation of Kobo is similar to Amazon. But obviously their not as sexy as the Oasis. But the Oasis is totally locked-down. Last edited by Pajamaman; 01-08-2020 at 11:04 AM.

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01-07-2020, 02:13 PM	#3
ZodWallop Gentleman and scholar Posts: 11,479 Karma: 111164374 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Space City, Texas Device: Clara BW; Nook ST w/Glowlight, Paperwhite 3	For your list (battery life, organize in Calibre, Overdrive, epub), I'd still recommend a Kobo. A Libra. Maybe a Forma. You mentioned not liking Kobo's UI. Not sure when you last used it, but there have been some changes just in the last couple of firmware updates. Not sure if these would make the UI better or worse for you. But at least KOReader is always an option if it still doesn't appeal.

01-07-2020, 02:50 PM	#4
LoganW Enthusiast Posts: 34 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Device: Kindle Touch, Paperwhite, Voyage, Oasis 2	So among the other ereader manufacturers (Tolino, Boyue, Onyx Boox) the Kindle Oasis and the Kobo Libra/Forma would still be top? It's probably been four years or so since I last looked at Kobo. Are there any other options to KOreader? There was something called PBChess that had a reader a while back that I loaded on a Kobo Mini I think. KOreader would still be most developed and runs fast on the Kobos?

01-07-2020, 04:13 PM	#8
LoganW Enthusiast Posts: 34 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Device: Kindle Touch, Paperwhite, Voyage, Oasis 2	Thanks, that's helpful. Had you used either the Voyage or the Oasis 2 or are you comparing to something like the Paperwhite? Those two former are kind of the pinnacle of hardware design from what I've seen.

01-07-2020, 05:01 PM	#10
LoganW Enthusiast Posts: 34 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Device: Kindle Touch, Paperwhite, Voyage, Oasis 2	Perfect, thanks.

01-07-2020, 06:26 PM	#11
BookCat C L J Posts: 2,911 Karma: 21115458 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Birmingham UK Device: Sony e-reader 505, Kindle PW2, Kindle PW3, Kobo Libra2	Have you considered one of the PocketBook ereaders? They have some much larger than 6" I've never used one, but have long fancied them; the cost has put me off making a purchase.

01-08-2020, 10:51 AM	#13
pazos cosiñeiro Posts: 1,406 Karma: 2451781 Join Date: Apr 2014 Device: BQ Cervantes 4	You're WRONG: Pocketbook devices are not based on android.

01-08-2020, 10:57 AM	#14
Pajamaman Wizard Posts: 2,861 Karma: 10700629 Join Date: May 2016 Location: Canada Device: Onyx Nova	For software, use Koreader. It handles default formatting settings really well. You set all your preferred settings by default (you just hold down the setting the first time). It can strip out publisher setting really well. The only issue is some sideloaded fonts like Caecilia are blacklisted. Dunno why. I had to edit Caecilia to change the name, then it accepted it.