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Old 11-11-2024, 07:43 PM   #1
pypeke
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Need help understanding Kobo vs Pocketbook

I need to buy a new Kobo or Pocketbook eReader, but have not made a decision yet on which model since I do not like color readers or 6" or 7" readers. I am learning how to use Calibre as well. I have never sideloaded anything since I always used Nooks, Kindles, or tablets. I might need to wait until Kobo has a bigger B & W.

I really don't want a color eReader...

My possible choices: but I do not need help choosing yet.
Pocketbook Inkpad 4
Pocketbook Verse Pro or Verse Pro Color
Pocketbook Era or Color Era
Kobo Libra 2
Kobo Libra Color (if no other good choice...)
Kobo Elipsa 2E(may be too big, no buttons, not waterproof, low pixel density)
Pocketbook Inkpad EO (may be too big, no buttons, not waterproof)


I love the Kobo Sage, but it is an odd size. I could probably deal with the color devices, but the 10.3" devices may be too heavy. I use only leather covers so that adds to the weight.

6" devices will have font that is too small for me to read. Not sure I would want to change the font on my 1,883 books in Calibre.



So, Kobo vs Pocketbook? What reasons to choose one over the other when using Calibre?

1. I have never used Overdrive or Libby but I might in the future. Same with Google Drive or Dropbox.

2. I have always owned Nooks, Kindle Fire, or an Android tablet so I have never sideloaded anything.

3. I know nothing about Pocketbook's Linux operating system.

4. I currently use Kindle Unlimited, but I could switch to Kobo's plan.

5. I can probably figure out the differences between each eReader, but I do not know anything about how to get books. I know Kobo has a store, so does that mean that I can use wifi to get Kobo books directly from the Kobo store like with Nook and Kindle? How do I add books with Pocketbook? My PC?

6. Are there other differences between Kobo and Pocketbook's systems? Any glitches?

7. I understand that Kobo keeps updating devices for a long time. What about Pocketbook?

8. I really liked using "shelves" on my Nooks. I kept 1 shelf for Sci Fi, 1 for Sci Fi Series, and 1 for Sci Fi Favorites. Same for other genres. My favorite books are always on my eReader. I have 5 or 6 authors that I keep on their own separate shelves.



Once I understand the differences, then I can choose an eReader model.

Way too much to learn when switching ecosystems.....or when learning how to sideload. Not sure I even know what questions to ask.

Thanks for any advice. Sorry this is so long.
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Old 11-12-2024, 07:46 AM   #2
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6" devices will have font that is too small for me to read. Not sure I would want to change the font on my 1,883 books in Calibre.
I'm sorry if I'm teaching my grandmother to suck eggs here, but do you know that you can just change the font size on the fly on the device? You don't need to adjust each book in Calibre first.
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Old 11-12-2024, 09:32 AM   #3
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Have you considered an Android-based ereader? That way you can read with what ever app you want and aren't tied to an ecosystem directly.
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Old 11-12-2024, 10:51 AM   #4
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if side-loading your own audiobook collection or Text-To-Speech for your ebooks is important to you, go for PocketBook. Otherwise go for Kobo.
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Old 11-12-2024, 02:17 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by meeera View Post
I'm sorry if I'm teaching my grandmother to suck eggs here, but do you know that you can just change the font size on the fly on the device? You don't need to adjust each book in Calibre first.
HA! I have never heard that phrase before. Funny!

Yes, but the Kindle Fire I currently use has a gap between the lowest one I can use and the next largest size. Lots of people complain about the size difference between those two sizes. One is too small when it is late at night and the next size is huge.
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Old 11-12-2024, 02:22 PM   #6
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The Kobo Libra 2 has been discontinued and it can be rather difficult to find one.

One Kobo you did leave out is the Kobo Sage at 8".
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Old 11-12-2024, 02:23 PM   #7
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HA! I have never heard that phrase before. Funny!

Yes, but the Kindle Fire I currently use has a gap between the lowest one I can use and the next largest size. Lots of people complain about the size difference between those two sizes. One is too small when it is late at night and the next size is huge.
Kobo has a lot more font size choices. So less of a gap between sizes.
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Old 11-12-2024, 02:37 PM   #8
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Have you considered an Android-based ereader? That way you can read with what ever app you want and aren't tied to an ecosystem directly.
I have thought about three of the Boox models, the Tab Mini C, Page, and Go Color 7. None have dark mode and 2 do not have buttons.
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Old 11-12-2024, 02:37 PM   #9
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Kobo has a lot more font size choices. So less of a gap between sizes.
That is one of the main reasons to choose a Kobo for me.
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Old 11-12-2024, 02:42 PM   #10
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if side-loading your own audiobook collection or Text-To-Speech for your ebooks is important to you, go for PocketBook. Otherwise go for Kobo.
I did not think about that. I have never listened to audiobooks and cannot imagine why people use Text-To-Speech. Maybe I am missing something? Probably.

I just read. No notes written and saved. No PDFs, Manga, Comics are read.
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Old 11-12-2024, 02:44 PM   #11
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I did not think about that. I have never listened to audiobooks and cannot imagine why people use Text-To-Speech. Maybe I am missing something? Probably.

I just read. No notes written and saved. No PDFs, Manga, Comics are read.
Some people like to listen while they do other things.
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Old 11-12-2024, 04:38 PM   #12
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The Kobo Libra 2 has been discontinued and it can be rather difficult to find one.

One Kobo you did leave out is the Kobo Sage at 8".

I mentioned that I love the Sage, but that it had an odd size. I cannot find a leather cover for it from my favorite leather cover store. Not sure if I can mention their name or not here. The Sage is almost square and is too wide for the leather covers I buy. Used Libra 2 are selling for more than the original price on Ebay.
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Old 11-13-2024, 01:17 AM   #13
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I did not think about that. I have never listened to audiobooks and cannot imagine why people use Text-To-Speech. Maybe I am missing something? Probably.
Audiobooks are great. you should give them a go sometime.

TTS is useful to read along to if learning another language. Or just to continue with a story you're keen to continue with whilst driving etc.

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I just read. No notes written and saved. No PDFs, Manga, Comics are read.
I'd suggest a color device is not necessary then. PocketBooks and Kobos are both great devices. I'd lean more to Kobo if Audiobooks and TTS isn't a requirement.
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Old 11-13-2024, 10:53 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by pypeke View Post
Yes, but the Kindle Fire I currently use has a gap between the lowest one I can use and the next largest size. Lots of people complain about the size difference between those two sizes. One is too small when it is late at night and the next size is huge.
If they many sizes on a Kobo aren't enough for you, you can enable even more by patching.
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Old 11-13-2024, 12:45 PM   #15
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Audiobooks are great. you should give them a go sometime.

TTS is useful to read along to if learning another language. Or just to continue with a story you're keen to continue with whilst driving etc.



I'd suggest a color device is not necessary then. PocketBooks and Kobos are both great devices. I'd lean more to Kobo if Audiobooks and TTS isn't a requirement.
Thanks!
Now, I am intrigued with TTS...learning another language? That might be something I'd do. Never occurred to me about using TTS learn a language.

I have done some more research on Kobos and they sell audiobooks, so the Kobos do not have speakers, therefore, no TTS.

My Samsung phone can play audiobooks so I can use Smart Audiobook Player, Listen Audiobook Player, Google Play Books, Libby, or Plex.

Only problem I can see is syncing with my phone. I guess the Kobo app for Android could do that, but I am not sure. PocketBook app should work on my phone. I need to see if Kobo and PocketBook apps can sync.
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