Any

tmanwell · 07-10-2020, 04:04 PM

I'm looking for something E-ink based that runs Android so that I can (a) have the light weight, long batt life, and positive outdoor reading experience of an E-reader, but also (b) the ability to access Hoopla Digital... which straight E-readers like Kindle etc. can't do. I know the new Boox Poke 2 is pretty hot, but I prefer a bigger screen. I also prefer something I can get from Amazon, so I can return it if I don't like it.

So, would love to hear some thoughts on the Likebook Mars E-reader, and/or suggested alternatives (but still within that $220 or less price range).

Thanks.

T.

JSWolf · 07-10-2020, 04:22 PM

You can get Pocketbook Readers from Newegg.com.

ottischwenk · 07-10-2020, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You can get Pocketbook Readers from Newegg.com.

They do not have Android.

ottischwenk · 07-11-2020, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmanwell

So, would love to hear some thoughts on the Likebook Mars E-reader, and/or suggested alternatives (but still within that $220 or less price range).

There is nothing else.
All other 7.8 inch Android devices have Wacom and this screen has the sun bug and they are more expensive.
I sometimes read from the Likebook Mars that it cannot start if it is not used (charged) for a long time.
I sold mine as soon as the Likebook Ares came out, but only because I preferred the flat screen.

tmanwell · 07-11-2020, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottischwenk

There is nothing else.
All other 7.8 inch Android devices have Wacom and this screen has the sun bug and they are more expensive.
I sometimes read from the Likebook Mars that it cannot start if it is not used (charged) for a long time.
I sold mine as soon as the Likebook Ares came out, but only because I preferred the flat screen.

There are the Boox products, but I don't think they have anything in 7.8" at that price point. The new Poke2 is 6". I think you also have to get it from their own store, and I'd prefer to buy from Amazon....cuz that way I have the security of knowing I can use their returns system etc. if it doesn't work or I don't like it.
Did you have any issues/frustrations with your Mars??

ottischwenk · 07-11-2020, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmanwell

Did you have any issues/frustrations with your Mars??

No.
I never had any problems, otherwise I wouldn't have sold it.
The only app I didn't get running was Sygic, a navigation application (GPS over Bluetooth).
What exactly do you want to know?
I prefer the Likebook devices to the Boox devices of the same size.

orebmur · 07-11-2020, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmanwell

I'm looking for something E-ink based that runs Android so that I can (a) have the light weight, long batt life, and positive outdoor reading experience of an E-reader, [...]

May i suggest the comparatively cheap Hisense A5 for such a purpose?

wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Hisense_A5

While not just an e-reader but a full fledged Android smartphone, if you use it without any SIM card, it is an excellent portable e-reader device. Quite a few members on this forum use it this way as an always available e-reader for epubs.

For me it is an excellent portable companion of the 10 inch devices usually preferred for reading pdf documents.

ottischwenk · 07-11-2020, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orebmur

May i suggest the comparatively cheap Hisense A5 for such a purpose?

wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Hisense_A5

While not just an e-reader but a full fledged Android smartphone, if you use it without any SIM card, it is an excellent portable e-reader device. Quite a few members on this forum use it this way as an always available e-reader for epubs.

For me it is an excellent portable companion of the 10 inch devices usually preferred for reading pdf documents.

Is the screen bigger than 6 inches (Boox Poke2)?
Can you get the device from Amazon?

tmanwell · 07-11-2020, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orebmur

May i suggest the comparatively cheap Hisense A5 for such a purpose?

wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Hisense_A5

It's an interesting looking device, but I think my old eyes need a larger screen...that's why I'm leaning toward the Likebook Mars. 7.8" display.
Thanks!

T

bazz2004 · 07-11-2020, 03:21 PM

Remember that you can enlarge your font size to make reading easier on any e-reader. I'm pretty cynical about the value of these android based e-readers - very niche, very expensive and loads of bugs that the makers can't sort out.

tmanwell · 07-11-2020, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazz2004

Remember that you can enlarge your font size to make reading easier on any e-reader. I'm pretty cynical about the value of these android based e-readers - very niche, very expensive and loads of bugs that the makers can't sort out.

That's another reason why I'm leaning toward the Likebook Mars. (a) While 'pricey' by my standards at $219, it's the cheapest of the lot at that size and (b) I can get it from Amazon, and thus return it if it doesn't meet my needs.

If there's something cheaper in an E-Reader that will run the hoopla digital app, I'd LOVE to know. For me it's all about library books, but I lose out big if I'm limited to Overdrive. Gotta have hoopla digital.

T.

bazz2004 · 07-13-2020, 02:40 AM

You've done your research and made up your mind. I did too before buying the Alita but many of the reviews turned out to be from over enthusiastic fanboys. I've never heard of Hoopla digital but there are likely other ways of accessing it than using these e-readers. The big downsides are that they are incredibly slow to boot up and for me A2 mode is essential which brings in a bit of ghosting. There are also lots of bugs which don't seem to go. They sort one out and then something else is not right. Even with A2 to speed things up browsing isn't great. The imminent updating of Android is regularly mentioned but it never happens. Being able to return the Mars if you are unhappy with it is a sensible precaution. Amazon are generally helpful.

ottischwenk · 07-13-2020, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazz2004

You've done your research and made up your mind. I did too before buying the Alita but many of the reviews turned out to be from over enthusiastic fanboys.

Not correct. The good reports come from users who can handle the device and who also know about the EInk possibility / weakness

Quote:

I've never heard of Hoopla digital but there are likely other ways of accessing it than using these e-readers.

Also wrong: it is enough to search for Hoopla Digital in Google instead of writing confusing stuff

Quote:

The big downsides are that they are incredibly slow to boot up

I don't know of any Android device that boots quickly.

Quote:

and for me A2 mode is essential which brings in a bit of ghosting. There are also lots of bugs which don't seem to go. They sort one out and then something else is not right. Even with A2 to speed things up browsing isn't great. The imminent updating of Android is regularly mentioned but it never happens. Being able to return the Mars if you are unhappy with it is a sensible precaution. Amazon are generally helpful.

Even the update spoiled only need update fans, no one else.
In any case, I will not do it to my Likebook Alita - the device works great as it is.
And because you can't find your way with your Likita Alita, are you trying to deter other interested parties?
My tip: try to get to know your device.

bazz2004 · 07-13-2020, 11:31 AM

I hope you feel better after getting all that off your chest Ottischwenk. Your reply runs true to form and was to be expected. However, "fanboy" (if I may call you that) my comments are sound. Ironically this is probably not the best place to ask for advice about buying an e-reader. Having said that you can at least spot the downside of these devices if you tread carefully and keep an open mind.

ottischwenk · 07-13-2020, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazz2004

I hope you feel better after getting all that off your chest Ottischwenk. Your reply runs true to form and was to be expected. However, "fanboy" (if I may call you that) my comments are sound. Ironically this is probably not the best place to ask for advice about buying an e-reader. Having said that you can at least spot the downside of these devices if you tread carefully and keep an open mind.

Well, then let me think carefully, which sensible suggestion came from you.
I try to remember and read and read and what can I find?
Nothing - just that you didn't get along with your device.
But that is not because of the device!
The normal case is that the error is in front of the device.
Oh sorry - but Amazon wasnt your idea!

07-10-2020, 04:04 PM	#1
tmanwell Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2020 Device: anything android	Any I'm looking for something E-ink based that runs Android so that I can (a) have the light weight, long batt life, and positive outdoor reading experience of an E-reader, but also (b) the ability to access Hoopla Digital... which straight E-readers like Kindle etc. can't do. I know the new Boox Poke 2 is pretty hot, but I prefer a bigger screen. I also prefer something I can get from Amazon, so I can return it if I don't like it. So, would love to hear some thoughts on the Likebook Mars E-reader, and/or suggested alternatives (but still within that $220 or less price range). Thanks. T.

07-10-2020, 04:22 PM	#2
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 80,746 Karma: 150249619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	You can get Pocketbook Readers from Newegg.com.

07-11-2020, 03:21 PM	#10
bazz2004 Groupie Posts: 199 Karma: 14745 Join Date: May 2020 Device: Boyue Alita	Remember that you can enlarge your font size to make reading easier on any e-reader. I'm pretty cynical about the value of these android based e-readers - very niche, very expensive and loads of bugs that the makers can't sort out.

07-13-2020, 02:40 AM	#12
bazz2004 Groupie Posts: 199 Karma: 14745 Join Date: May 2020 Device: Boyue Alita	You've done your research and made up your mind. I did too before buying the Alita but many of the reviews turned out to be from over enthusiastic fanboys. I've never heard of Hoopla digital but there are likely other ways of accessing it than using these e-readers. The big downsides are that they are incredibly slow to boot up and for me A2 mode is essential which brings in a bit of ghosting. There are also lots of bugs which don't seem to go. They sort one out and then something else is not right. Even with A2 to speed things up browsing isn't great. The imminent updating of Android is regularly mentioned but it never happens. Being able to return the Mars if you are unhappy with it is a sensible precaution. Amazon are generally helpful.

07-13-2020, 11:31 AM	#14
bazz2004 Groupie Posts: 199 Karma: 14745 Join Date: May 2020 Device: Boyue Alita	I hope you feel better after getting all that off your chest Ottischwenk. Your reply runs true to form and was to be expected. However, "fanboy" (if I may call you that) my comments are sound. Ironically this is probably not the best place to ask for advice about buying an e-reader. Having said that you can at least spot the downside of these devices if you tread carefully and keep an open mind.