Looking for waterproof e-reader with large or expandable storage

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

A ZIP bag is not a good idea (IMHO). It makes reading harder and with a Clara HD or Tolino Shine 3, you can accidentally change the page. You cannot set it to swipe. It's just a disaster waiting to happen.

I read with my Tolino Shine 3 in the bathtub without any problems - of course, when I put it into the zip bag, make sure that the printed side is on the back wall of the Shine 3.
Since the Shine 3 does not have an infrared touchscreen, the plastic layer does not interfere.
It doesn't bother you any more than a screen film.
Again: I wouldn't take any of the so-called waterproof readers unprotected into the bathtub.

[Pajamaman]

I read in the bath all the time with an ereader. Done it for years. Never dropped one.

[slkissinger]

Need to have:
Waterproof (for bathtub use)
Basic browser functionality (mainly Reddit text posts and comments, light articles)
Expandable storage, either a card slot or easily being able to open the back and swap an internal SD or micro SD card, or optionally 64GB+ storage not expandable
Easily sideload books in nearly any common format, probably mostly epub, maybe some mobi

Nice to have:
Physical buttons
Open / unlocked software and ecosystem, the more open the better

My budget is max $100 for a new or used reader, preferably closer to $50.

The OP is in the U.S. I just checked ebay; and a few Kobo Aura H2O (N250) are listed for sale, for about $50; shipping extra. (although carefully read and look at the pictures, I see some of them are clearly busted).

Waterproof: theoretically yes; but I see some people on this thread have said it doesn't last--so buyer beware I guess. Possibly just put it in a zip baggie anyway.
Basic Browser: yes, under beta features.
Expandable Storage: *if* it's the older one, the N250 -- yes. If it's the newer one you get, (N867) no.
Formats: epub, mobi, and others.

Physical buttons: No
Open ecosystem: I think Kobo is pretty open. There's patches available to Kobo software to make it even more custom to your liking; as well as you can add KoReader if you like, as an alternative reading app.

So IMHO...with the budget constraints, looking at a used older model Kobo Aura H2O fits their Musts and one of their Wishes.

Of course, if their budget can be increased to consider a new device--then more options open up.

[JSWolf]

An original H2O in a bag is a very bad idea as it's IR touch and pages will be turned when not wanted.

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

An original H2O in a bag is a very bad idea as it's IR touch and pages will be turned when not wanted.

Yes and the H2O is too big to be put into a 1 liter zip bag through the opening.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ottischwenk

Yes and the H2O is too big to be put into a 1 liter zip bag through the opening.

You can get large enough zip lock bags. But as it's a bad idea, it doesn't matter that you can.

[Quoth]

I've had the H2O in a Zip bag. I think we've bags big enough for a DXG.
However a Forma or Libra is handier due to page turn.

I'm only trusting of waterproofing on things with screwed on covers that have neoprene washers and quote 30m indefinitely. Most so called waterproof is really just accidental shower or puddle proof.

I agree a bag isn't ideal, but can work if there is a frame to ensure the bag isn't normally pressing on the screen. The bags are not 100% waterproof at the zip.

[rem736]

Originally Posted by ottischwenk

The only waterproof device was the Aura H2O, and it didn't last long because the sealant had become porous.

even though it has an open usb port, the original nook glowlight plus (from 2015) is waterproof. however, when completely submerged, the touch screen fails to respond. but if you just bring it above water, and allow water on the screen to roll off, touch response comes back.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Quoth

I've had the H2O in a Zip bag. I think we've bags big enough for a DXG.
However a Forma or Libra is handier due to page turn.

I'm only trusting of waterproofing on things with screwed on covers that have neoprene washers and quote 30m indefinitely. Most so called waterproof is really just accidental shower or puddle proof.

I agree a bag isn't ideal, but can work if there is a frame to ensure the bag isn't normally pressing on the screen. The bags are not 100% waterproof at the zip.

If you have a Libra or Forma, you don't need a bag.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by Pajamaman

I read in the bath all the time with an ereader. Done it for years. Never dropped one.

You missed one word. Yet.

[JSWolf]

Personally, I prefer to shower and if I want to read, I'll read elsewhere. I find it silly to read in the bathtub.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Personally, I prefer to shower and if I want to read, I'll read elsewhere. I find it silly to read in the bathtub.

Me too. But I imagine that bathing is one of the few totally private moments for many people who have kids and other family members living with them. I live alone, so every moment is private for me. No need for bathtub reading.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Me too. But I imagine that bathing is one of the few totally private moments for many people who have kids and other family members living with them. I live alone, so every moment is private for me. No need for bathtub reading.

The problem with bathing is that if you are charged for water, you do pay a lot to bathe. Also, there is the gas or electricity needed to heat all that water. Then because you are sitting in dirty water, you have to have a quick shower to get clean and wash your hair. Bathing can be too expensive to bother.

We don't have a bathtub. We just have a shower which is fine by me. If I want to read, I can read sitting on the reclining sofa or I can sit on the bed in the bedroom and read. I also sometimes read in bed before going to sleep.

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The problem with bathing is that if you are charged for water, you do pay a lot to bathe. Also, there is the gas or electricity needed to heat all that water. Then because you are sitting in dirty water, you have to have a quick shower to get clean and wash your hair. Bathing can be too expensive to bother.

And yet so many people think a bath is a wonderful thing. Especially if they can take the time to soak. Possibly with a drink, a book and maybe company. Or maybe just the door locked after making appropriate "promises" to other members of the household.

Of course, people also read in spas, by the pool or at the beach. All places where a waterproof device is a good idea.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by davidfor

And yet so many people think a bath is a wonderful thing. Especially if they can take the time to soak. Possibly with a drink, a book and maybe company. Or maybe just the door locked after making appropriate "promises" to other members of the household.

Of course, people also read in spas, by the pool or at the beach. All places where a waterproof device is a good idea.

I have read by the pool with non-waterproof devices. Sony, and Apple. When reading at the pool, I'm very careful. But as for the tub, I'm more comfortable with the reclining sofa or on my bed.