ereader for library?

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by tomsem

Kobo is the only device that’s really set up to borrow from public library without some other device. It will need WiFi access to browse and download, however.

That's not true - any Android EInk device can do it better.

[meeera]

Originally Posted by ottischwenk

That's not true - any Android EInk device can do it better.

Since you've never done this on a Kobo, I'll take your opinion of "better" for what it's worth.

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by meeera

Since you've never done this on a Kobo, I'll take your opinion of "better" for what it's worth.

The last time I wanted to use Kobos it was too much trouble - that's why they are switched off in the basement.
And now I only use Boox and Likebook devices.
But I live in the German-speaking world, from which Kobo has completely withdrawn and now only operates under the Tolino brand with completely different software based on Android.

[meeera]

Originally Posted by ottischwenk

The last time I wanted to use Kobos it was too much trouble - that's why they are switched off in the basement. .

Since you're choosing to base your advice to others on this one experience: which device, when, where, and what were the problems you encountered with Overdrive borrowing? It's not useful advice unless there are details.

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by meeera

Since you're choosing to base your advice to others on this one experience: which device, when, where, and what were the problems you encountered with Overdrive borrowing? It's not useful advice unless there are details.

There are areas in the world where library connections to Overdrive are almost non-existent.
Kobo Overdrive functionality is only available in 12 states - so not in most of them, there you have to use the browser.
I find Kobo's software so dumb that I used an alternative reading app on their devices.
Kobo updates fix - in my experience - 1 till 2 bugs, but between 1 and 4 new ones are added; that's why I gave up my efforts with Kobo about 3 years ago.

On Android, I can use the Libby app or the Overdrive app - 1 touch on the screen and I can read.

Kobo might work well in the US, or Canada - if you don't put any demands on the device.
Here it is .....

And now to my Kobo devices:
- Kobo Touch (without internal SD), which became defective after 2 years and 4 days.
- Kobo Mini, which has broken the case after 2 years and 7 months.
- Kobo Mini, which now still works - with alternative reading software.
- Kobo H2O/1 which let water into the case soon after purchase.
My experience with this brand is extremely bad and I can only advise anyone against it.

On top of that:
- Rakuten created Overdrive.
- Kobo can only do Overdrive since Rakuten bought Kobo.
- However, Rakuten recently gave Overdrive to KKR - an investment firm.
- For now it still works, but how it looks in the future?

[JSWolf]

Where do you get this rubbish that Overdrive on Kobo only works in 12 states?

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by ottischwenk

There are areas in the world where library connections to Overdrive are almost non-existent.
Kobo Overdrive functionality is only available in 12 states - so not in most of them, there you have to use the browser.

But, as @John F is in a country where Kobo supports Overdrive, then suggesting it is not unreasonable. And it is one of the reasons people posting in this area of the forum get asked where they are.

I find Kobo's software so dumb that I used an alternative reading app on their devices.
Kobo updates fix - in my experience - 1 till 2 bugs, but between 1 and 4 new ones are added; that's why I gave up my efforts with Kobo about 3 years ago.

Which is a long way from my experience.

On Android, I can use the Libby app or the Overdrive app - 1 touch on the screen and I can read.

Which is exactly what I can do with a Kobo device

Kobo might work well in the US, or Canada - if you don't put any demands on the device.

Here it is .....

And now to my Kobo devices:
- Kobo Touch (without internal SD), which became defective after 2 years and 4 days.
- Kobo Mini, which has broken the case after 2 years and 7 months.
- Kobo Mini, which now still works - with alternative reading software.
- Kobo H2O/1 which let water into the case soon after purchase.
My experience with this brand is extremely bad and I can only advise anyone against it.

But, based on your devices, you have no experience using the Overdrive integration on Kobo device. None of the above devices has the support turned on, so you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.

Kobo devices do not fit your needs, but, they fit a lot of other peoples needs. And they would do well for the purpose stated in the first post. And honestly, from what the OP has said, I do not think that a tablet based solution would be suitable. That is an opinion based on what has been said in thread, plus my experience with non-tech users trying to use tablets for various things. It is far to painful, and one of the OPs requirements is, "I don't want to be constantly supporting her", I think a dedicated device will work better.

[John F]

ottischwenk, since the starting post specifically mentioned the U.S., don't you think it would have been more helpful to qualify your posts much earlier?

As it is, in the future, I'll be taking your replies for what they worth... He takes the post, he shoots, he scores: swish into the circular file.

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Where do you get this rubbish that Overdrive on Kobo only works in 12 states?

Look here

Die eingebaute OverDrive-Funktion für Kobo eReader ist nur in kompatibel:

Kanada
USA
Vereinigtes Königreich
Australien
Neuseeland
Dänemark
Finnland
Norwegen
Sweden
Taiwan
Hongkong
Singapur

12 countries!

[ottischwenk]

Originally Posted by davidfor

Which is exactly what I can do with a Kobo device

But there is no reaction to it:

- For now it still works, but how it looks in the future?

but an associated Android app will always fit.

I would - with my experience - save everyone from such a constallation.
But fortunately, this is not my business.

[meeera]

Originally Posted by ottischwenk

There are areas in the world where library connections to Overdrive are almost non-existent.

I'm aware. The OP is talking about the USA, so this is a non-issue.

Kobo Overdrive functionality is only available in 12 states - so not in most of them, there you have to use the browser.

States or countries?

[snip stuff that has nothing to do with the subject at hand]

And now to my Kobo devices:
- Kobo Touch (without internal SD), which became defective after 2 years and 4 days.
- Kobo Mini, which has broken the case after 2 years and 7 months.
- Kobo Mini, which now still works - with alternative reading software.
- Kobo H2O/1 which let water into the case soon after purchase.

None of these long-obsolete devices have Overdrive integration, as far as I know. We're talking about the Overdrive integration experience. So far your bald assertion that something else is "better" seems to have actually boiled down to "well I've never used it, but I just KNOW I wouldn't like it".

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ottischwenk

Look here
12 countries!

You put 12 states before this.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You put 12 states before this.

Maybe Google translation using State as in sense of Nation State. Otto in Austria and German Speaking?

State can often mean Nation or Country to non-Americans, esp. ones that don't have English as a native language.

[j.p.s]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You put 12 states before this.

State and country can be synonyms.

Pop quiz: Joseph Biden is a head of state. Which state is he head of?

[j.p.s]

Originally Posted by JSWoof

Where do you get this rubbish that Overdrive on Kobo only works in 12 states?

Your label rubbish is rubbish.