If I run Calibre on Debian stable, which may have older software packages, could I en

zoliky · 09-14-2023, 10:07 AM

The title was originally: If I run Calibre on Debian stable, which may have older software packages, could I encounter compatibility issues with Kindle firmware?

I currently own an older model of Kindle Paperwhite, and it's functioning well. However, I have concerns about potential issues if Calibre remains unupdated for a year or two, given that Debian packages receive only bug fixes during that time. Could this pose problems for Kindle devices? I prefer to minimize my reliance on the Flatpak option and avoid opting for Debian testing as much as possible.

kovidgoyal · 09-14-2023, 10:24 AM

Use the official calibre binaries, they are not flatpak. https://calibre-ebook.com/download_linux

zoliky · 09-14-2023, 10:59 AM

Thank you! I successfully installed the binary from your website, and it's working well. I'm curious, does it automatically update when a new Calibre version is released?

kovidgoyal · 09-14-2023, 11:20 AM

No you run the same install command again when you want to update.

ownedbycats · 09-14-2023, 06:47 PM

calibre will inform you of major releases. Point releases don't get notifications, though serious issues (a recent data-loss bug) usually get a full release.

zoliky · 09-16-2023, 05:16 PM

I've been wondering whether there are any drawbacks to sticking with the Calibre version that comes bundled with Debian 12 stable. A Reddit user mentioned the possibility of encountering issues with Kindle firmware. I'm not entirely certain about the accuracy of this claim, though. Can anyone provide more insight or information on this? I'm using a Kindle Paperwhite. Upon examining the changelogs in Calibre's history, I haven't come across a single change related to the Kindle firmware. It makes sense that a Kindle model wouldn't be recognized if it was released before a certain Calibre version, but it shouldn't be due to each firmware update the device receives. Right?

DNSB · 09-16-2023, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoliky

I'm using a Kindle Paperwhite. Upon examining the changelogs in Calibre's history, I haven't come across a single change related to the Kindle firmware. It makes sense that a Kindle model wouldn't be recognized if it was released before a certain Calibre version, but it shouldn't be due to each firmware update the device receives. Right?

What you are saying was pretty much true until the release of 5.16.3 for the Kindle Scribe which changes the Scribe's connection to your computer from a USB mass storage device connection to an Android style MTP connection.

My personal recommendation is to keep your calibre install updated to the latest that your operating system will allow.

kovidgoyal · 09-16-2023, 09:48 PM

A firmware update generally doesnt prevent detection, unless it changes the USB ids of the device. Amazon dont generally do that, wexcept they just started with Kindle Scribe.

09-14-2023, 10:07 AM	#1
zoliky Member Posts: 12 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2018 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	If I run Calibre on Debian stable, which may have older software packages, could I en The title was originally: If I run Calibre on Debian stable, which may have older software packages, could I encounter compatibility issues with Kindle firmware? I currently own an older model of Kindle Paperwhite, and it's functioning well. However, I have concerns about potential issues if Calibre remains unupdated for a year or two, given that Debian packages receive only bug fixes during that time. Could this pose problems for Kindle devices? I prefer to minimize my reliance on the Flatpak option and avoid opting for Debian testing as much as possible.

09-16-2023, 05:16 PM	#6
zoliky Member Posts: 12 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2018 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	I've been wondering whether there are any drawbacks to sticking with the Calibre version that comes bundled with Debian 12 stable. A Reddit user mentioned the possibility of encountering issues with Kindle firmware. I'm not entirely certain about the accuracy of this claim, though. Can anyone provide more insight or information on this? I'm using a Kindle Paperwhite. Upon examining the changelogs in Calibre's history, I haven't come across a single change related to the Kindle firmware. It makes sense that a Kindle model wouldn't be recognized if it was released before a certain Calibre version, but it shouldn't be due to each firmware update the device receives. Right? Last edited by zoliky; 09-16-2023 at 05:52 PM.

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09-14-2023, 10:24 AM	#2
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 45,171 Karma: 27110894 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	Use the official calibre binaries, they are not flatpak. https://calibre-ebook.com/download_linux

09-14-2023, 10:59 AM	#3
zoliky Member Posts: 12 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2018 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Thank you! I successfully installed the binary from your website, and it's working well. I'm curious, does it automatically update when a new Calibre version is released?

09-14-2023, 11:20 AM	#4
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 45,171 Karma: 27110894 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	No you run the same install command again when you want to update.

09-14-2023, 06:47 PM	#5
ownedbycats Custom User Title Posts: 10,646 Karma: 74166147 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Libra H2O, formerly Aura HD	calibre will inform you of major releases. Point releases don't get notifications, though serious issues (a recent data-loss bug) usually get a full release.

09-16-2023, 09:48 PM	#8
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 45,171 Karma: 27110894 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	A firmware update generally doesnt prevent detection, unless it changes the USB ids of the device. Amazon dont generally do that, wexcept they just started with Kindle Scribe.