Considering buying my very first e-reader. Here are my thoughts. Please advise

[binaryhermit]

Because things like barnes and noble being responsible for firmware development and warranty and stuff.

If that's not important to you, then go right ahead.

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by droopy

Why avoid Nook e-readers even if B&N eventually collapses? I can understand your advice if it had to do with buying ePubs from the BN store, but I'm not sure how its financial situation affects a buyer of their Nook hardware.

Not too sure but I remember reading before that Nooks require activation before you can use the device. I believe Kobo's the same way. At least on the Kindle, you can still skip wifi setup and registration for now.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by droopy

Why avoid Nook e-readers even if B&N eventually collapses? I can understand your advice if it had to do with buying ePubs from the BN store, but I'm not sure how its financial situation affects a buyer of their Nook hardware.

If you like the Nook GlowLight 3, I wouldn't worry about the financial condition of Barnes & Noble. For one, the GlowLight 3 works with side-loaded books, though it has limitations on organizing them and, secondly, Barnes & Noble has been "about to go under" for probably four years now. Maybe they will announce their closing tomorrow, but I'm guessing not.

[j.p.s]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

Not too sure but I remember reading before that Nooks require activation before you can use the device. I believe Kobo's the same way. At least on the Kindle, you can still skip wifi setup and registration for now.

Kobos can be activated by a single simple SQL statement over USB.

[droopy]

Originally Posted by rcentros

If you like the Nook GlowLight 3

Hi rcentros! Appreciate your chiming in. Unfortunately, I don't have any opinions on Nooks or other ereaders. Because I've never had an ereader before.
Had you had the chance to read the Google Doc I wrote? Based on what I wrote there, are there particular devices/models that fit my needs and non-needs?

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by j.p.s

Kobos can be activated by a single simple SQL statement over USB.

How? Genuinely asking. I got a refurb Glo HD last year and I didn't get USB mass storage until after registration. I forgot what firmware.

[j.p.s]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

How? Genuinely asking. I got a refurb Glo HD last year and I didn't get USB mass storage until after registration. I forgot what firmware.

It's been years since I bought a Kobo and I forget the details, but it gets discussed from time to time on the Kobo forum. Apparently the trick is to select "setup over computer" after selecting language.

This was apparently ancient and well known in 2013 when the following thread was started. (I just now did a quick search. Of course, only example.com should be used as a fake domain in any context.)

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=223155

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by j.p.s

It's been years since I bought a Kobo and I forget the details, but it gets discussed from time to time on the Kobo forum. Apparently the trick is to select "setup over computer" after selecting language.

This was apparently ancient and well known in 2013 when the following thread was started. (I just now did a quick search. Of course, only example.com should be used as a fake domain in any context.)

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=223155

There was no "Setup over Computer" option on my Kobo. This was last year (2018). I didn't pay attention what the installed firmware was.

[j.p.s]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

There was no "Setup over Computer" option on my Kobo. This was last year (2018). I didn't pay attention what the installed firmware was.

It is sad if that hole has been closed. I had not heard, but I don't keep up with Kobo. The Kobo forum would best be able to say one way or another. (Developer forum probably better than main Kobo forum.)

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

There was no "Setup over Computer" option on my Kobo. This was last year (2018). I didn't pay attention what the installed firmware was.

Yes there was, but, it wasn't phrased that way. The options are now "Set up over WiFi" and "Don't have a WiFi network?" The latter will prompt to connect to a PC.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by droopy

Had you had the chance to read the Google Doc I wrote? Based on what I wrote there, are there particular devices/models that fit my needs and non-needs?

I just read it (again). Since you want an 8" eReader that limits the choices to a few. One is the Tolino Epos

https://mytolino.com/tolino-epos/7-8-inch-ebook-reader/

Available for $242 from the German retailer Grooves.Land ...

https://www.grooves-inc.com/tolino-t...SABEgLZWPD_BwE

The Tolino Forma would meet your requirements. Available from Walmart and other retailers in the United States for $280.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kobo-Form...roof/274436858

The LifeBook Mars is available for $239 from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Likebook-Read...WQKN601GET4XZQ

(You may not like this one as it's basically an Android tablet with an eInk screen.)

The Pocket InkPad 3 is another one.

https://www.pocketbook-int.com/az/ne...tbook-inkpad-3

(Not sure where you would find one of these in the U.S.)

There are more "big-screen" Android, eInk eReaders. Probably best to go to the Android sub-forum to find out more about those.

I think all these (above) have the "Comfort Light" by whatever name. (It's possible the LifeBook Mars doesn't.)

This gives you somewhere to start anyhow. BTW, all of these are 7.8" screens (not quite 8"), except the Kobo Forma which is actually 8".

Originally Posted by rcentros

The Tolino Forma would meet your requirements. Available from Walmart and other retailers in the United States for $280.

This gives you somewhere to start anyhow. BTW, all of these are 7.8" screens (not quite 8"), except the Kobo Forma which is actually 8".

You mention both a Tolino Forma and a Kobo Forma - what are the differences between them?

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by stuartjmz

You mention both a Tolino Forma and a Kobo Forma - what are the differences between them?

Probably a typo. The link pointed to the Kobo Forma page at WalMart. Tolino have put out a device based on the same hardware as the Kobo Clara HD. It's possible they will do the same with the Forma, but they would name it something else.

Originally Posted by davidfor

Probably a typo. The link pointed to the Kobo Forma page at WalMart. Tolino have put out a device based on the same hardware as the Kobo Clara HD. It's possible they will do the same with the Forma, but they would name it something else.

Thanks - I knew of the Tolino "Clara", hadn't heard of something similar with the Forma

[droopy]

Originally Posted by rcentros

I just read it (again). Since you want an 8" eReader that limits the choices to a few.

Thanks so much, rcentros for your helpful post. Just to minimize any potential misunderstanding, I'm open to an 8-inch eReader or larger. Does that expand my choices? (Maybe you thought I wanted 8-inch, and not any larger.)