E-reader with drag&drop functionality and no wifi? [epub, pdf, mobi]

ecom · 03-30-2023, 02:14 PM

Hi,

I was pondering getting my first e-reader ever. Normally I read books on paper or on my phone with moon reader+ (but I don't find this solution ideal with glaring/reflections and a small screen size).

Here are my requirements:
-Drag & drop functionality (connect to PC and load up epub/PDF/mobi files)
-No need to sign up for an account to a walled service in order to use basic functionality of the e-reader
-Backlight
-Can be purchased in the EU

I don't need/want:
-Wifi capabilities
-Bluetooth
-Audio
-Wireless charging
-Ads

I assume a Kindle would require to login with some type of Amazon account (and I assume you can't just load up files willy-nilly). If so, that breaks the 1st and 2nd requirement. If I'm wrong in my assumption, please let me know.

Another one I've seen talked about is a Kobo Clara HD, but don't know if that meets my requirements.

What brands/models would you recommend? I'm open to any brand or reader, so fire up below.

Thanks!

JSWolf · 03-30-2023, 02:17 PM

You won't find a Reader without WiFi. Just keep it off after having registered. Kobo is in Canada and has very strict privacy laws that they follow.

You have to have an account someplace in order to buy eBooks. Do you plan on buying eBooks or are you going to just read public domain eBooks?

ecom · 03-30-2023, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You won't find a Reader without WiFi. Just keep it off after having registered. Kobo is in Canada and has very strict privacy laws that they follow.

You have to have an account someplace in order to buy eBooks. Do you plan on buying eBooks or are you going to just read public domain eBooks?

The latter. So there isn't an e-reader you can use even if the servers shutdown? So if Kobo as a company goes down, my e-reader turns into a brick?

Any particular models you recommend? (ignoring the wifi requirement if that really doesn't exist)

Thanks.

Other requirements I forgot to mention in OP:
-Dark mode (so inverting colors, black background, white letters)
-Storage doesn't matter

DNSB · 03-30-2023, 02:30 PM

Your Kobo can be set into Sideloaded Mode by editing it's configuration file. And none of my Kobo's have turned into a brick when I have been in areas where WiFi was not available.

JSWolf · 03-30-2023, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecom

The latter. So there isn't an e-reader you can use even if the servers shutdown? So if Kobo as a company goes down, my e-reader turns into a brick?

Any particular models you recommend? (ignoring the wifi requirement if that really doesn't exist)

Thanks.

Other requirements I forgot to mention in OP:
-Dark mode (so inverting colors, black background, white letters)
-Storage doesn't matter

I recommend the Kobo Libra 2. It's a 7" screen. It does have dark mode.

You do not need to keep WiFi on. Kobo works perfectly well without WiFi. I keep WiFi off on my Libra 2 and I don't have any problems.

Aleron Ives · 03-30-2023, 04:17 PM

The Kobo Clara 2E, Libra 2, or Sage would meet your requirements, depending on whether you care about having buttons and a 6, 7, or 8" screen. As DNSB said, you can enable sideload mode by editing the configuration file to bypass the registration process, and then you can leave Wi-Fi off permanently and load all your books over USB. Kobos show up as a simple USB flash drive, so you can copy/paste your books manually.

ecom · 03-30-2023, 05:15 PM

I've narrowed it down to libra 2 vs libra h2o, over here the difference in price is 20€. Is the main difference the storage (32GB vs 8GB respectively)?

Aleron Ives · 03-31-2023, 12:26 AM

The Libra 2 is the successor to the H2O. It has a (supposedly) more ergonomic design, more storage, audiobook support, and a better Carta 1200 screen. I would pick the Libra 2 just for the crisper screen.

ecom · 04-01-2023, 09:19 AM

Thanks everybody for your help.

Bought a libra 2, quite happy with it.

In case some people read this thread later, you can indeed use the ereader without having a kobo account or installing any software, just connect it to a computer via USB and change this config file (on the top of the image you see the path of folders you need to follow for finding it) and setting SideloadedMode parameter to true (or adding the whole line if it doesn't exist there already). Eject the ereader from the computer, shut it down and turn it back on. You should be now in the main menu (granted, some features of the device require to log in, but that doesn't bother me much)

Quoth · 04-01-2023, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecom

Thanks everybody for your help.

Bought a libra 2, quite happy with it.

In case some people read this thread later, you can indeed use the ereader without having a kobo account or installing any software, just connect it to a computer via USB and change this config file

Or even simpler, if you have WiFi, use <fake-user>@<imaginary-domain>.<any-TLD>
The file method is needed if you have no WiFi at all (not even Mobile-WiFi hotspot-tether).
Also some tablets with OTG USB host mode can be used instead of a PC/

Aleron Ives · 04-01-2023, 03:28 PM

It's simpler to register with a fake e-mail, but sideload mode eliminates the useless home screen and the stupid reading gameification awards and makes the UI cleaner and more direct.

Sirtel · 04-01-2023, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleron Ives

...and the stupid reading gameification awards...

What are those?

DNSB · 04-01-2023, 10:16 PM

Kobo used to have reading awards that you got for completing certain tasks. Reading in the middle of the night, for example. People used to worry about losing their awards as if they actually had value.

The last list I was aware of showed the following:

"Book lover" - sign in to your Kobo acount or create a new one today
"I <3 My Library" - started to build a digital library with Kobo
"Once Upon a Time" - started reading a new book
"Not an Open Book" - finished a book
"Pressed for details" - mastered the art of the long press (book details)
"Scout Leader" - 10 Kobo Achievements
"Highly Decorated" - 20 Kobo Achievements
"Night Rider" - you read all night long
"Word Up! 10" - new definitions for you
"Juggernaut" - turned 10.000 pages
"Page Turner" - read for 2 hours straight
"Afternoon Rush Hour" - read 5 times between 4pm and 6pm
"Happy Hour" - read 5 times during cocktail hour: 6pm - 8pm
"PrimeTime" - read 5 times during PrimeTime: 8pm - 10pm
"Better in Bed" - read 5 times during bedtime: 10pm - 12am
"Witching Hour" - read 5 times during Witching Hour: 12am - 1am
"Kill the Commute" - read 5 times between 7am and 9am
"Sleeping In" - read 5 times between 9am and 12am
"I Eat Books for Lunch" - read during lunchtime: 12pm and 2pm
"Playing Hooky" - read 5 times between 2pm and 4pm
"All You Can Eat" - Consume mass quantities to earn this Award
"Inverted Comma" - Select your favorite passages using our highlighting feature
"Facebook" - connect Facebook to your reading like to unlock this award
"Papillon" - 10 shares on Facebook

I think there several that are not on the list. I was never going to get all of them since I don't use Facebook and others were specific to the iOS and/or Android apps.

If someone is still worrying about those, they are many firmware revisions out of date.

Aleron Ives · 04-01-2023, 10:38 PM

When did Kobo get rid of them? My Libra 2 had the awards on 4.33 and possibly 4.34 before I switched to sideload mode, so the removal would have had to be in 4.34 or 4.35?

DNSB · 04-01-2023, 10:59 PM

If you look in Awards or in the database, the awards are still there. However, it's been quite a while since any of them updated for me. Also of the 17 awards that show on my Sage, the Facebook and Papillon awards are tied to Facebook which is no longer supported on a Kobo ereader.

They're a vestige of past days.

03-30-2023, 02:14 PM	#1
ecom Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2023 Device: none	E-reader with drag&drop functionality and no wifi? [epub, pdf, mobi] Hi, I was pondering getting my first e-reader ever. Normally I read books on paper or on my phone with moon reader+ (but I don't find this solution ideal with glaring/reflections and a small screen size). Here are my requirements: -Drag & drop functionality (connect to PC and load up epub/PDF/mobi files) -No need to sign up for an account to a walled service in order to use basic functionality of the e-reader -Backlight -Can be purchased in the EU I don't need/want: -Wifi capabilities -Bluetooth -Audio -Wireless charging -Ads I assume a Kindle would require to login with some type of Amazon account (and I assume you can't just load up files willy-nilly). If so, that breaks the 1st and 2nd requirement. If I'm wrong in my assumption, please let me know. Another one I've seen talked about is a Kobo Clara HD, but don't know if that meets my requirements. What brands/models would you recommend? I'm open to any brand or reader, so fire up below. Thanks! Last edited by ecom; 03-30-2023 at 02:17 PM.

04-01-2023, 09:19 AM	#9
ecom Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2023 Device: none	Thanks everybody for your help. Bought a libra 2, quite happy with it. In case some people read this thread later, you can indeed use the ereader without having a kobo account or installing any software, just connect it to a computer via USB and change this config file (on the top of the image you see the path of folders you need to follow for finding it) and setting SideloadedMode parameter to true (or adding the whole line if it doesn't exist there already). Eject the ereader from the computer, shut it down and turn it back on. You should be now in the main menu (granted, some features of the device require to log in, but that doesn't bother me much) Last edited by ecom; 04-01-2023 at 09:21 AM.

04-01-2023, 10:16 PM	#13
DNSB Bibliophagist Posts: 26,046 Karma: 118174311 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Vancouver Device: Kobo Sage, Forma, Clara HD, Lenovo M8 FHD, Paperwhite 4, Tolino epos	Kobo used to have reading awards that you got for completing certain tasks. Reading in the middle of the night, for example. People used to worry about losing their awards as if they actually had value. The last list I was aware of showed the following: "Book lover" - sign in to your Kobo acount or create a new one today "I <3 My Library" - started to build a digital library with Kobo "Once Upon a Time" - started reading a new book "Not an Open Book" - finished a book "Pressed for details" - mastered the art of the long press (book details) "Scout Leader" - 10 Kobo Achievements "Highly Decorated" - 20 Kobo Achievements "Night Rider" - you read all night long "Word Up! 10" - new definitions for you "Juggernaut" - turned 10.000 pages "Page Turner" - read for 2 hours straight "Afternoon Rush Hour" - read 5 times between 4pm and 6pm "Happy Hour" - read 5 times during cocktail hour: 6pm - 8pm "PrimeTime" - read 5 times during PrimeTime: 8pm - 10pm "Better in Bed" - read 5 times during bedtime: 10pm - 12am "Witching Hour" - read 5 times during Witching Hour: 12am - 1am "Kill the Commute" - read 5 times between 7am and 9am "Sleeping In" - read 5 times between 9am and 12am "I Eat Books for Lunch" - read during lunchtime: 12pm and 2pm "Playing Hooky" - read 5 times between 2pm and 4pm "All You Can Eat" - Consume mass quantities to earn this Award "Inverted Comma" - Select your favorite passages using our highlighting feature "Facebook" - connect Facebook to your reading like to unlock this award "Papillon" - 10 shares on Facebook I think there several that are not on the list. I was never going to get all of them since I don't use Facebook and others were specific to the iOS and/or Android apps. If someone is still worrying about those, they are many firmware revisions out of date.

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03-30-2023, 02:17 PM	#2
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 70,266 Karma: 117650829 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	You won't find a Reader without WiFi. Just keep it off after having registered. Kobo is in Canada and has very strict privacy laws that they follow. You have to have an account someplace in order to buy eBooks. Do you plan on buying eBooks or are you going to just read public domain eBooks?

03-30-2023, 02:30 PM	#4
DNSB Bibliophagist Posts: 26,046 Karma: 118174311 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Vancouver Device: Kobo Sage, Forma, Clara HD, Lenovo M8 FHD, Paperwhite 4, Tolino epos	Your Kobo can be set into Sideloaded Mode by editing it's configuration file. And none of my Kobo's have turned into a brick when I have been in areas where WiFi was not available.

03-30-2023, 04:17 PM	#6
Aleron Ives Addict Posts: 396 Karma: 5005624 Join Date: Sep 2022 Device: Kobo Libra 2	The Kobo Clara 2E, Libra 2, or Sage would meet your requirements, depending on whether you care about having buttons and a 6, 7, or 8" screen. As DNSB said, you can enable sideload mode by editing the configuration file to bypass the registration process, and then you can leave Wi-Fi off permanently and load all your books over USB. Kobos show up as a simple USB flash drive, so you can copy/paste your books manually.

03-30-2023, 05:15 PM	#7
ecom Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2023 Device: none	I've narrowed it down to libra 2 vs libra h2o, over here the difference in price is 20€. Is the main difference the storage (32GB vs 8GB respectively)?

03-31-2023, 12:26 AM	#8
Aleron Ives Addict Posts: 396 Karma: 5005624 Join Date: Sep 2022 Device: Kobo Libra 2	The Libra 2 is the successor to the H2O. It has a (supposedly) more ergonomic design, more storage, audiobook support, and a better Carta 1200 screen. I would pick the Libra 2 just for the crisper screen.

04-01-2023, 03:28 PM	#11
Aleron Ives Addict Posts: 396 Karma: 5005624 Join Date: Sep 2022 Device: Kobo Libra 2	It's simpler to register with a fake e-mail, but sideload mode eliminates the useless home screen and the stupid reading gameification awards and makes the UI cleaner and more direct.

04-01-2023, 10:38 PM	#14
Aleron Ives Addict Posts: 396 Karma: 5005624 Join Date: Sep 2022 Device: Kobo Libra 2	When did Kobo get rid of them? My Libra 2 had the awards on 4.33 and possibly 4.34 before I switched to sideload mode, so the removal would have had to be in 4.34 or 4.35?

04-01-2023, 10:59 PM	#15
DNSB Bibliophagist Posts: 26,046 Karma: 118174311 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Vancouver Device: Kobo Sage, Forma, Clara HD, Lenovo M8 FHD, Paperwhite 4, Tolino epos	If you look in Awards or in the database, the awards are still there. However, it's been quite a while since any of them updated for me. Also of the 17 awards that show on my Sage, the Facebook and Papillon awards are tied to Facebook which is no longer supported on a Kobo ereader. They're a vestige of past days.