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#1 |
Junior Member
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Karma: 10
Join Date: Jul 2020
Device: anything android
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Any
I'm looking for something E-ink based that runs Android so that I can (a) have the light weight, long batt life, and positive outdoor reading experience of an E-reader, but also (b) the ability to access Hoopla Digital... which straight E-readers like Kindle etc. can't do. I know the new Boox Poke 2 is pretty hot, but I prefer a bigger screen. I also prefer something I can get from Amazon, so I can return it if I don't like it.
So, would love to hear some thoughts on the Likebook Mars E-reader, and/or suggested alternatives (but still within that $220 or less price range). Thanks. T. |
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#2 |
Resident Curmudgeon
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Karma: 145864619
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts
Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3
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You can get Pocketbook Readers from Newegg.com.
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#3 |
Wizard
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Karma: 3933245
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Salzburg AT
Device: Bigme 3/3, Boox 4/14, Like-/Meebook 2/8, Tolino 1/10, Ki/Ko 0/8
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#4 | |
Wizard
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Karma: 3933245
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Salzburg AT
Device: Bigme 3/3, Boox 4/14, Like-/Meebook 2/8, Tolino 1/10, Ki/Ko 0/8
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Quote:
All other 7.8 inch Android devices have Wacom and this screen has the sun bug and they are more expensive. I sometimes read from the Likebook Mars that it cannot start if it is not used (charged) for a long time. I sold mine as soon as the Likebook Ares came out, but only because I preferred the flat screen. |
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#5 | |
Junior Member
![]() Posts: 9
Karma: 10
Join Date: Jul 2020
Device: anything android
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Quote:
Did you have any issues/frustrations with your Mars?? |
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#6 |
Wizard
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Karma: 3933245
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Salzburg AT
Device: Bigme 3/3, Boox 4/14, Like-/Meebook 2/8, Tolino 1/10, Ki/Ko 0/8
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No.
I never had any problems, otherwise I wouldn't have sold it. The only app I didn't get running was Sygic, a navigation application (GPS over Bluetooth). What exactly do you want to know? I prefer the Likebook devices to the Boox devices of the same size. |
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#7 | |
Veteran Linux user
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Karma: 1000000
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Barcelona/Spain
Device: Boyue Likebook Note & Mimas, Hisense A5, hopefully soon a PineNote
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Quote:
wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Hisense_A5 While not just an e-reader but a full fledged Android smartphone, if you use it without any SIM card, it is an excellent portable e-reader device. Quite a few members on this forum use it this way as an always available e-reader for epubs. For me it is an excellent portable companion of the 10 inch devices usually preferred for reading pdf documents. |
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#8 | |
Wizard
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Karma: 3933245
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Salzburg AT
Device: Bigme 3/3, Boox 4/14, Like-/Meebook 2/8, Tolino 1/10, Ki/Ko 0/8
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Quote:
Can you get the device from Amazon? |
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#9 | |
Junior Member
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Karma: 10
Join Date: Jul 2020
Device: anything android
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Quote:
Thanks! T |
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#10 |
Groupie
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Karma: 14745
Join Date: May 2020
Device: Boyue Alita
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Remember that you can enlarge your font size to make reading easier on any e-reader. I'm pretty cynical about the value of these android based e-readers - very niche, very expensive and loads of bugs that the makers can't sort out.
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#11 | |
Junior Member
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Karma: 10
Join Date: Jul 2020
Device: anything android
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Quote:
If there's something cheaper in an E-Reader that will run the hoopla digital app, I'd LOVE to know. For me it's all about library books, but I lose out big if I'm limited to Overdrive. Gotta have hoopla digital. T. |
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#12 |
Groupie
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Karma: 14745
Join Date: May 2020
Device: Boyue Alita
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You've done your research and made up your mind. I did too before buying the Alita but many of the reviews turned out to be from over enthusiastic fanboys. I've never heard of Hoopla digital but there are likely other ways of accessing it than using these e-readers. The big downsides are that they are incredibly slow to boot up and for me A2 mode is essential which brings in a bit of ghosting. There are also lots of bugs which don't seem to go. They sort one out and then something else is not right. Even with A2 to speed things up browsing isn't great. The imminent updating of Android is regularly mentioned but it never happens. Being able to return the Mars if you are unhappy with it is a sensible precaution. Amazon are generally helpful.
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#13 | ||||
Wizard
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Karma: 3933245
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Salzburg AT
Device: Bigme 3/3, Boox 4/14, Like-/Meebook 2/8, Tolino 1/10, Ki/Ko 0/8
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In any case, I will not do it to my Likebook Alita - the device works great as it is. And because you can't find your way with your Likita Alita, are you trying to deter other interested parties? My tip: try to get to know your device. |
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#14 |
Groupie
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Karma: 14745
Join Date: May 2020
Device: Boyue Alita
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I hope you feel better after getting all that off your chest Ottischwenk. Your reply runs true to form and was to be expected. However, "fanboy" (if I may call you that) my comments are sound. Ironically this is probably not the best place to ask for advice about buying an e-reader. Having said that you can at least spot the downside of these devices if you tread carefully and keep an open mind.
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#15 | |
Wizard
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Karma: 3933245
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Salzburg AT
Device: Bigme 3/3, Boox 4/14, Like-/Meebook 2/8, Tolino 1/10, Ki/Ko 0/8
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Quote:
I try to remember and read and read and what can I find? Nothing - just that you didn't get along with your device. But that is not because of the device! The normal case is that the error is in front of the device. Oh sorry - but Amazon wasnt your idea! Last edited by ottischwenk; 07-13-2020 at 11:55 AM. |
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