Hi & best ereader question

bookworm2022 · 11-19-2022, 10:15 AM

I'm looking to give my son my precious Kindle Voyage from 2014, and a bit overwhelmed by the options. I read a lot and really enjoy reading on Kindle but I'm hoping things have improved a bit since 2014 in terms of useability.

Should I just be getting the best Kindle I can afford? I've tried to read a few reviews and looked at a Kobo Libra 2 as well as the latest Kindles in the Black Friday sale but can't pick a winner. Do the Kobo's work as well with Calibre as the Kindles?

I'd be very grateful for options about the best Ereaders and ones to look at or reviews to read.

Thank you!

Renate · 11-19-2022, 11:10 AM

Speaking of worms, asking which ereader is best is a can of them.
There are many threads on this already, but here goes.

If you know you will really use it, don't balk at throwing some money at it (if you have it).
There's a big difference between sub $100 and sub $200 ereaders.

Me? I'm not going to buy into Kindle ereader/OS/ecosystem/format.
My choice: an Onyx Poke3 6", although the new Onyx Leaf2 7" looks compelling.

bookworm2022 · 11-19-2022, 11:51 AM

Thank you so much for answering. I did search the threads but couldn't find one about a best ereader but would be grateful for terms I could search for.

It's really good to hear that it's worth spending a bit on as I read a lot every day so over the years it will cost I think it's good value to get something I'll really enjoy using lots of times a day. I was partly concerned that not every ereader will play well with Calibre but maybe this is an unfounded fear.

I'll check out the Onyx choices you mention. What makes Kindle a pain? Because Amazon lock it down more? I would like the idea of something a bit easier to pop books onto that aren't from Amazon.

Renate · 11-19-2022, 12:16 PM

I just find Kindle too closed. I root and modify my ereaders (hardware too).
Many people like Calibre. I can't be bothered.
I keep all my books in one directory on my desktop and just sync my ereader over ADB.
I've got a finite number of books ~500 and the rest are library books.
When I borrow a book it's at the top of my library app anyway.

See also: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=123

JSWolf · 11-19-2022, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bookworm2022

I'm looking to give my son my precious Kindle Voyage from 2014, and a bit overwhelmed by the options. I read a lot and really enjoy reading on Kindle but I'm hoping things have improved a bit since 2014 in terms of useability.

Should I just be getting the best Kindle I can afford? I've tried to read a few reviews and looked at a Kobo Libra 2 as well as the latest Kindles in the Black Friday sale but can't pick a winner. Do the Kobo's work as well with Calibre as the Kindles?

I'd be very grateful for options about the best Ereaders and ones to look at or reviews to read.

Thank you!

Kindle hasn't really gotten any better in terms of the software. There are some on Mobileread saying the Kindle firmware has gotten worse.

My choice of a Reader that has good firmware that's fairly open is Kobo. I like the Kobo Libra 2. It's a 7" Reader with an excellent screen. I would go for the Kobo over the Onyx for sure.

Renate · 11-19-2022, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

My choice of a Reader that has good firmware that's fairly open is Kobo.

Quote:

The Libra 2's biggest upgrade is a little frustrating. The ebook reader now supports Bluetooth headphones, but only to play Kobo audiobooks.

My Onyx Poke3 works with Bluetooth keyboards (English and Russian), Bluetooth clickers (stock and custom), Bluetooth foot pedals and yes, even custom USB OBD-I interface to my truck engine.

Tarana · 11-19-2022, 12:42 PM

If you really like the adaptive lighting of the Voyage, then get the Signature. Otherwise, Paperwhite or Paperwhite Kids will give you the best bang for the buck during the black Friday sales. If you are techy enough to download your library and free DRM with Calibre, then you don't have to stick with Amazon - you could consider Kobo or other makers.

JSWolf · 11-19-2022, 01:21 PM

On Amazon.com, the Libra 2 is $130. It's on sale. The signature edition is $129.99. Not worth a $0.01 savings. I find the overall user experience of the Kobo to be better because you can manage your eBooks on the Kobo much better then the Kindle.

The PW5 with 16GB and no ads is $119.99. The Libra 2 comes with 32GB and no ads. To me, it's a no-brainer to go with the Libra 2.

Uncle Robin · 11-20-2022, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bookworm2022

I'm looking to give my son my precious Kindle Voyage from 2014, and a bit overwhelmed by the options. I read a lot and really enjoy reading on Kindle but I'm hoping things have improved a bit since 2014 in terms of useability.

Should I just be getting the best Kindle I can afford? I've tried to read a few reviews and looked at a Kobo Libra 2 as well as the latest Kindles in the Black Friday sale but can't pick a winner. Do the Kobo's work as well with Calibre as the Kindles?

I'd be very grateful for options about the best Ereaders and ones to look at or reviews to read.

Thank you!

I'm a Kobo fan, and think the Libra 2 would be an excellent choice, but the simple truth is that the best ereader is the one that suits YOUR needs best. There's nothing wrong with the latest Kindles, fine devices and of course an unmatched ecosystem in terms of size and scope. The chances of you regretting your decision if you bought either a Libra 2 or a Paperwhite Signature Edition are very low, I think

howyoudoin · 11-20-2022, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bookworm2022

I'm looking to give my son my precious Kindle Voyage from 2014, and a bit overwhelmed by the options. I read a lot and really enjoy reading on Kindle but I'm hoping things have improved a bit since 2014 in terms of useability.

Should I just be getting the best Kindle I can afford? I've tried to read a few reviews and looked at a Kobo Libra 2 as well as the latest Kindles in the Black Friday sale but can't pick a winner. Do the Kobo's work as well with Calibre as the Kindles?

I'd be very grateful for options about the best Ereaders and ones to look at or reviews to read.

Thank you!

If you preferred using the haptic buttons on the voyage and would like to have (physical) buttons on your next reader, then it becomes a no brainer—get the Libra 2. The Oasis has buttons as well, and the software would be familiar to you, but the display is a generation behind and it would not be the wise choice now.

Sirtel · 11-20-2022, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bookworm2022

Do the Kobo's work as well with Calibre as the Kindles?

They work much better with Calibre. Actually no other ereader works as well with Calibre as a Kobo. Kindle integration with Calibre is rather pathetic compared to that of Kobo.

With a Kobo you can not only send books to it in Calibre, you can automatically manage metadata (including series info) and collections as well.

11-19-2022, 10:15 AM	#1
bookworm2022 Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2022 Device: Kindle Voyage (2014)	Hi & best ereader question I'm looking to give my son my precious Kindle Voyage from 2014, and a bit overwhelmed by the options. I read a lot and really enjoy reading on Kindle but I'm hoping things have improved a bit since 2014 in terms of useability. Should I just be getting the best Kindle I can afford? I've tried to read a few reviews and looked at a Kobo Libra 2 as well as the latest Kindles in the Black Friday sale but can't pick a winner. Do the Kobo's work as well with Calibre as the Kindles? I'd be very grateful for options about the best Ereaders and ones to look at or reviews to read. Thank you!

11-19-2022, 01:21 PM	#8
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 73,998 Karma: 128903378 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	On Amazon.com, the Libra 2 is $130. It's on sale. The signature edition is $129.99. Not worth a $0.01 savings. I find the overall user experience of the Kobo to be better because you can manage your eBooks on the Kobo much better then the Kindle. The PW5 with 16GB and no ads is $119.99. The Libra 2 comes with 32GB and no ads. To me, it's a no-brainer to go with the Libra 2. Last edited by JSWolf; 11-19-2022 at 01:23 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
[Old Thread] Problem reading converted EPUB & PDB on Barnes & Noble eReader	webfolk	Calibre	3	01-09-2012 10:08 PM
eReader (pdb) purchased ebooks on B&N eReader on iPhone?	bthoven	Reading and Management	5	12-23-2009 06:52 AM
Engadget: B&N & Plastic Logic mit Colour eReader ?	beachwanderer	Andere Lesegeräte	3	10-13-2009 11:33 AM
Fictionwise eReader Sale & eReader for Blackberry beta	AnemicOak	Deals and Resources (No Self-Promotion or Affiliate Links)	6	03-23-2009 03:08 PM

11-19-2022, 11:10 AM	#2
Renate Wizard Posts: 2,318 Karma: 9999999 Join Date: Feb 2012 Device: Nook NST, Glow2, 3, 4, '21, Kobo Aura2, Poke3, Poke5	Speaking of worms, asking which ereader is best is a can of them. There are many threads on this already, but here goes. If you know you will really use it, don't balk at throwing some money at it (if you have it). There's a big difference between sub $100 and sub $200 ereaders. Me? I'm not going to buy into Kindle ereader/OS/ecosystem/format. My choice: an Onyx Poke3 6", although the new Onyx Leaf2 7" looks compelling.

11-19-2022, 11:51 AM	#3
bookworm2022 Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2022 Device: Kindle Voyage (2014)	Thank you so much for answering. I did search the threads but couldn't find one about a best ereader but would be grateful for terms I could search for. It's really good to hear that it's worth spending a bit on as I read a lot every day so over the years it will cost I think it's good value to get something I'll really enjoy using lots of times a day. I was partly concerned that not every ereader will play well with Calibre but maybe this is an unfounded fear. I'll check out the Onyx choices you mention. What makes Kindle a pain? Because Amazon lock it down more? I would like the idea of something a bit easier to pop books onto that aren't from Amazon.

11-19-2022, 12:16 PM	#4
Renate Wizard Posts: 2,318 Karma: 9999999 Join Date: Feb 2012 Device: Nook NST, Glow2, 3, 4, '21, Kobo Aura2, Poke3, Poke5	I just find Kindle too closed. I root and modify my ereaders (hardware too). Many people like Calibre. I can't be bothered. I keep all my books in one directory on my desktop and just sync my ereader over ADB. I've got a finite number of books ~500 and the rest are library books. When I borrow a book it's at the top of my library app anyway. See also: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=123

11-19-2022, 12:42 PM	#7
Tarana Wizard Posts: 3,982 Karma: 38840460 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minneapolis Device: PWSE, Voyage, K3, HDX, KBasic 7 & 8, Nook Glo3, Echos, Nanos	If you really like the adaptive lighting of the Voyage, then get the Signature. Otherwise, Paperwhite or Paperwhite Kids will give you the best bang for the buck during the black Friday sales. If you are techy enough to download your library and free DRM with Calibre, then you don't have to stick with Amazon - you could consider Kobo or other makers.