Buying (yet another) reader?

[xeres]

Originally Posted by Ansileran

Hi everyone,

I'm considering buying a new reader, if I find one that fit my criteria:

• Not from Amazon
• Excellent dictionary integration: both for uncommon words (definitions in the language) and translations (preferably to French but English OK too)
• Excellent reference / notes access (pop-up format preferred)
• epub support
• sd / micro-sd card
• possibility to easily sideload books (through Calibre would be best)
• Screen and front-light at least as good as the Aura HD

These are mostly in order of importance. Additional features of interest:

• PDF reflow
• Metadata search / multiple browsing options: I really liked the PRS505 menu...
• Light weight (5~6 in. reader should be ok)

I don't care for reading statistics as I do my own, nor for social network integration. And I don't need a link to a bookstore (actually, I hate it: previews keep appearing on my Kobo when I update it).
My guess is that an Android device with FBreader would be best, though I'm not entirely convinced by the dictionary so far but I'm new to it so I might have missed something. If it's Android, then a device with rooted OS (already / easily done) would be best so that I can install Google Play.
I live in China, so getting some brands could be difficult but I should be able to arrange something next month...

I've been looking at some of the Onyx, Hanvon and Boyue models but I have a hard time finding the information I need and the comparison with the Aura HD. Most of them are also missing the front light

This may close to what you are looking for: I just ordered and received today an inkBook 8 from Arta Tech in Poland. Yes, it is made by Bouye - the launcher is called Bouye Launcher.

It comes with QuickDic pre-installed and a few other Midiapolis apps (drive & news). I also dislike social networking 'features' and store recommendations. I did not need to register this with any store before using it. It came pre-loaded with a few sample books (or excerpts) in Polish.

I haven't had much time to play with it as it arrived a few hours ago. My initial impressions is -- it will work for me. My previous e-ink is a rooted Nook Simple Touch. The resolution isn't as high as the Aura HD. Even so, I was willing to spend a bit more than I might have otherwise because I didn't want to be tied to Amazon and I wanted a slightly larger screen than my NST. The front lighting is a plus. The device is light (my Galaxy Note 8 is a paper weight by comparison).

Using the Midiapolis store, I tried out Smart Launcher 3 (my favorite launcher on Android) - it works as a regular Android tablet with the e-ink display limitations, of course. The default skin, however, may work for me. The main screen is "Recently Read" and "Recently Added" (via Calibre, of course). There are 4 changeable app icons with the app drawer in the middle, almost stock Android. FBReader is the default reading app -- notes/annotations are pop up. I don't use the dictionary feature. It accepts sd cards (32 gb max). Audio (through headphones) does work but volume controls are not present on the device (need a software/headphone solution).

The device is shipped with Jelly Bean (4.2.x) I have installed F-Droid (downloaded the apk, installed and it works). I've installed a few apps from F-Droid. Calibre is quite happy with this device. I haven't loaded up Calibre Companion yet. The Midiapolis store also has Audible, Kindle, Nook, Kobo apps as well as Moon+ and Aldiko. I installed Google Play/Services but I am getting the dreaded "Google play services has stopped" message. This makes me a bit skeptical of getting my Google account and my paid versions of apps installed on this device.

I am a bit short for time this week/next week (travelling) but happy to answer any questions.