Looking for something ~7" preferably with no light

[rockyblboa]

I did a ton of research into eReaders but would still like suggestions. The Short:

+ Must be greater than 6": 6.8" - 9" (don't need anything bigger than 7, really, but if it's inexpensive, I'd be open);
+ Prefer no lights;
+ If it is front lit, I'd like to be able to turn it completely OFF;
+ Under $150


The Longer:
I was originally being very specific to my search. I didn't want ANYTHING with lighting. My whole purpose for wanting an e-Reader is to be able to read a vast digital library I have, but without the negative effects of using ANY type of light.

I narrowed down my list and it came down to the Sony PRS-950: older e-ink with NO lighting whatsoever!, 7"!, and a touchscreen (a big deal back then). After that, down the list was the PRS-900 (similar to the 950 but without Wi-Fi, and apparently has a poor screen coating with glare/reflections) or the Kindle DX: older e-ink w/o any lighting, either and well above 6" at 9.7".

The 950 seems PERFECT and checks everything off on my list. However, it's literally impossible to find (at least on the internet): Google, eBay, Amazon, AliExpress, Mercari, et. al... there is nothing currently being sold at the moment.

So, when it comes down to it, I've realized I'm probably better off getting something more modern (and foregoing the PRS-900 or the DX), unless I may have missed other older, similar models? For those with sensitive eyes, I'd like to hear what you recommend.

[issybird]

Older devices have two significant problems: the battery's likely shot and the resolution isn't as good as it is on current devices (even more important when there's no front light). Oh, and a third drawback: they're slow.

My advice would be to get the current Kindle Paperwhite and turn the light off. It's $10 over your maximum, but eventually there will be a sale. Maybe even for Black Friday, although that might be a little premature given that it's just come out. The Paperwhite is 7" with lickety-split page turns.

[Frogm4n]

If it is front lit, I'd like to be able to turn it completely OFF;

You may be reading ancient complaints about early Kindle Paperwhites with frontlights. Those didn't turn all the way off, but they stopped that way back at the PW3/2017, AFAIK. I don't know of any device even halfway recent that doesn't allow the light to be fully off.

[downeaster59]

As others have said, you can turn the front light completely off in practically every current ereader that's out there. That means, however, that you need to ask about contrast. Some ereaders work fine with the frontlight, but do not have great contrast for non-lit reading. I currently use a Boox Go 10.3 that has no frontlight. If you have a well-lit reading nook or are outside, the contrast is fine. But its price may be out of your range - approximately $350 US.

I'm told that Kobo devices have good contrast with the frontlight off, but I don't have one to check that out!

[Dr. Drib]

(Continuing the conversation from the Flea Market Forum.)

If you are [UN]lucky enough to find what you want, you will end up with a paperweight.

It would be wise - in my opinion - to heed the advice given and pay attention to the suggestions that have been offered by numerous members of Mobileread.

[rockyblboa]

Wow, it is unanimous, all across the board: Out with the old, in with the new! I'm going to take your suggestions and start looking for a 7" modern e-Reader. Can anyone recommend a SPECIFIC brand and model, please?

Thus far in 5 min's of research, I've found these to be good options*, no?:
Kobo Libra2 (refurb/used),
Kobo H20 (Refurb/used)

* both of these are also considering PRICE. Trying to stuck to below $150 - if at all possible; esp w/ Black Friday coming up.

[Sirtel]

Kobo Libra 2 is a good option, and if you mean Kobo Libra H2O, then that's not bad either. Kobo Aura H2O, on the other hand, is pretty old by now and I wouldn't recommend it.

[Renate]

It's hard to tell, is the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite Carta 1300?

You may have other priorities, but right now I wouldn't buy anything that isn't 1300.

How much of that 16 GB do you get for books?

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Kobo Libra 2 is a good option, and if you mean Kobo Libra H2O, then that's not bad either. Kobo Aura H2O, on the other hand, is pretty old by now and I wouldn't recommend it.

The problem is actually finding a Kobo Libra 2 that is not used. I just had a look on Amazon US and all I can find is refurbished from BlueProton or overpriced used.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Renate

It's hard to tell, is the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite Carta 1300?

You may have other priorities, but right now I wouldn't buy anything that isn't 1300.

How much of that 16 GB do you get for books?

The 2024 Paperweight has a lot of issues. I would stay away from it.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The problem is actually finding a Kobo Libra 2 that is not used.

The OP said they're looking for an used/refurbished device.

[Renate]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I would stay away from it.

I wouldn't touch any Kindle with a plastic fishing rod, but some people are of other opinions.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by Renate

I wouldn't touch any Kindle with a plastic fishing rod, but some people are of other opinions.

In this I agree with Jon: these days Kindles are only suitable if you plan to buy all your ebooks from Amazon and don't care about making your own backups. For sideloading, Kindles are no longer a good option, given Amazon's recent habit of deleting sideloaded books from users' devices.

[issybird]

I think there’s a ton of FUD here regarding Kindles. In terms of bang for your buck, the Paperwhite is by far the best device out there, IMO. As for Amazon deleting sideloaded books, use send to Kindle (a phenomenal option which I wish Kobo would provide). Or turn on WiFi occasionally. And as for download and transfer no longer being available for the newest devices, ho-hum. Either buy from Amazon and direct download, or buy elsewhere and sideload/use send-to-Kindle.

I don’t like to cast aspersions (I really don’t) but in this case I feel compelled to say that there’s significant anti-Kindle bias among some of the Kobo people here and I think their comments should be considered, but taken with a grain (or two, or three) of salt. I think especially they don’t take price into account. There are a lot of happy if not ecstatic Kindle users on this board, also.

Why would you buy used/refurbished when you can get a brand-new, state of the art device? I’m not even saying go over your budget, but the Paperwhite will be available for less. And if you’ve got something you can trade in (it doesn’t necessarily have to be a Kindle, depending on the device), you’ll get a 20% discount right off the bat.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by issybird

I think there’s a ton of FUD here regarding Kindles. In terms of bang for your buck, the Paperwhite is by far the best device out there, IMO. As for Amazon deleting sideloaded books, use send to Kindle (a phenomenal option which I wish Kobo would provide). Or turn on WiFi occasionally. And as for download and transfer no longer being available for the newest devices, ho-hum. Either buy from Amazon and direct download, or buy elsewhere and sideload/use send-to-Kindle.

I don’t like to cast aspersions (I really don’t) but in this case I feel compelled to say that there’s significant anti-Kindle bias among some of the Kobo people here and I think their comments should be considered, but taken with a grain (or two, or three) of salt. I think especially they don’t take price into account. There are a lot of happy if not ecstatic Kindle users on this board, also.

Why would you buy used/refurbished when you can get a brand-new, state of the art device? I’m not even saying go over your budget, but the Paperwhite will be available for less. And if you’ve got something you can trade in (it doesn’t necessarily have to be a Kindle, depending on the device), you’ll get a 20% discount right off the bat.

First, not everyone wants to use Send to Kindle for various reasons, of which privacy is one. Second, as a former Kindle user (for a decade), I wouldn't say my opinion of Kindles is merely a bias.

Yes, there are many happy Kindle users here - mostly those who either buy and download directly from Amazon, or use Send to Kindle for all their sideloads. And there are also many disappointed former Kindle users here, who strongly dislike the direction Amazon is taking their devices. Of the latter, yes, I'm one.