My ONE remaining Concern getting an eReader (LIBRA)

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by jgbout

Actually Calibre IS AVAILABLE on Chromebook because there's a Linux version, and new chromebooks run linux programs.... that much is good.

That's good, then. But still, you cannot remove the DRM on a Chromebook, AFAIK.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by jgbout

@JSWOLF - wow, great features. Using that, one could crop or stretch to screen in landscape on the Libra. Maybe not ideal but definitely usable. Even if you need to reinstall every time Kobo updates. I just really have build quality concerns with the Forma (and the cost to use the warranty for replacements, if they agree.)

KOReader is very easy to install. There is a very easy installer for KOReader and FMon. You do have to reinstall on a firmware update. But that's just a matter of doing to install again.

What are you using now? A Chromebook is a terrible choice for dealing with eBooks. IMHO, stick with Windows.

[jgbout]

@JSWolf. I'm currently on a Silent microPC, but bought a powerful Touchscreen Chromebook that does android and linux too.

There are some limitations on Chrome, but, it's part tactic to get me away from the computer more. I use a laptop platform less than a desktop (weird, I know,) and I wanted to get on something smaller and more personal, space-wise.

I guess Adobe can't be used on Chrome, but I shouldn't need it. I'm only using Kobo and Chapters purchased books, DRM free thirdparty and same PDFs (or I should say will be, as I'm not using an eReader right now.)

I currently have a Kobo Glo, but not using it. I have a Libra on hold at the local store while I was weighing in on the Forma, but like I say, I don't want the seemingly likely return of a Forma before you get a good one, and the cost associated with that. If a return was free (shipping) then I'd give it more weight. I know some people get a good unit, more often people get a forma with great features and can put up with some issues, and then there are just duds.

[jgbout]

I can't afford to just try, and if a dud, pay to replace, then maybe try the other one. Just don't have the funds or time. That's why I'm trying to get as much info before making a purchase.

[jackie_w]

Regarding PDFs FWIW ...

I tried using KOReader briefly a few years ago. It was definitely a more versatile PDF reading app than the Kobo stock app.

However, once I got a Forma, which allowed easy 90-deg rotation to Landscape mode, I found my (few) PDFs (novels rather than magazines or comics) surprisingly easy to read in landcape because the page buttons handle both the turning from one PDF page to the next and the moving down a single PDF page in screen-size "chunks". Even a (fairly poor) scanned image PDF was readable. Of course the buttons are then along the bottom rather than the sides, so not quite as comfortable.

A LibraH2O may not be quite as good because it's a smaller screen but landscape may still be perfectly acceptable for PDFs displaying mainly text.

[Uschiekid]

If you buy from Chapters/Indigo, you can return for free. Before covid times, you could order online and return in person. That's only possible right now if stores are open in your area.

But it doesn't really matter, because you can return for free if you you use their return system and return it via Canada Post with the label from Indigo. Just read the return page here:

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca...0%26%20Returns

You have 30 days. If something goes wrong after that, you might have to return to Kobo itself, but that is usually the case. The point being, if you are worried about duds, this should allay those fears.

[jgbout]

@Jackie - thanks. I'm likely to go Libra. All the defects posted in here, on Kobo.com in the youtube reviews comments.., it's too worrying. There is only ONE Forma in any stores I check locally, so a defective unit would mean a return and order online, much more time, and hoping a same unit doesn't come. There are very few defect issues with Libra.... some uneven lighting, but that's common in many eReaders, and even at night I'm more likely to use a lamp than a reader-light.

I just wish I could actually see an optimized pdf on the Libra, portrait or landscape.
I "think" KOReader will crop the margins and fit to screen. That should be enough to read comfortably -- I have to use reading glasses anyway, so that should make the difference.

The PDFs I'd be using, it's not manga or magazines, it's scans of actual textbooks with some small to medium chess games in play diagrams. That's all.

[jgbout]

So, the question is:

Is a scanned PDF, using KOReader, comfortably Readable on 7" (Libra) either in Portrait or Landscape?

Will KOReader remove the big margins from a scanned textbook type PDF, fit to screen and be readable?

I've read people say, but not mentioning with the aid of KOReader, 6 is doable (eh, no), 7 is still too small, 7 is fine, 7 is good landscape, 8 is a must, 8 doesn't need cropping, etc... I know there's a little subjectivity, but there's a point where text is "viewable" just not really readable... at least without headaches, haaha.

Thanks.
That's my last point - I either figure it or go back to paper 8P
Appreciate all the helps.

[JSWolf]

@jgbout, see the video showing Kobo and KOReader with PDF.

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...7&postcount=28

[jgbout]

Hey, yeah I saw that on the other thread, but like I say, an 8" reader with koreader looks good. but i dont know how the 7" specifically displays. that's my problem.

if there weren't so many reports of physical problems with the 8", it would be a no brainer, but at $345 for a big question-mark (our store only has 1.. if there's a problem, it's a bunch of hassle I don't want. And at 345 it's not worth the risk.) But if the 7" even with koreader (maybe on landscape) is still no good for pdf, then i might not go eReader at all.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by jgbout

Hey, yeah I saw that on the other thread, but like I say, an 8" reader with koreader looks good. but i dont know how the 7" specifically displays. that's my problem.

if there weren't so many reports of physical problems with the 8", it would be a no brainer, but at $345 for a big question-mark (our store only has 1.. if there's a problem, it's a bunch of hassle I don't want. And at 345 it's not worth the risk.) But if the 7" even with koreader (maybe on landscape) is still no good for pdf, then i might not go eReader at all.

Frankly, if PDFs will be your main reading material, don't get an ereader or get one with no less than 10'' screen. Eink readers with 6-8'' screens are not meant for PDF.

[Pajamaman]

Read PDF in landscape with Koreader on the 8". It will work for most single-column PDF files. If you have a two or three column PDF, the text will be too small. For that, you need an 7.8" Onyx or a Likebook, which allows you to zoom and pan. Works Okay. I read PDF of all sorts on a 7.8" Onyx. Much more powerful and flexible than a Kobo. Depends how important PDF is to you. I read PDF regularly, so a Kobo will not suit my needs.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Pajamaman

Read PDF in landscape with Koreader on the 8". It will work for most single-column PDF files. If you have a two or three column PDF, the text will be too small. For that, you need an 7.8" Onyx or a Likebook, which allows you to zoom and pan. Works Okay. I read PDF of all sorts on a 7.8" Onyx. Much more powerful and flexible than a Kobo. Depends how important PDF is to you. I read PDF regularly, so a Kobo will not suit my needs.

You can zoom and pan with KOReader on a Forma which has a larger 8" screen.

[Pajamaman]

K, didn't realize that. Thanks.

[jgbout]

Ended up buying the 7" Libra.
So far, the PDFs in landscape without zoom are working.
I do want ot get KOReader on the unit to crop and expand.
But I think this will work.
Thanks kindly