First eReader Recommendations for Learning English

[javvi]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy my first eReader. My primary goal is to use it for learning English (it’s not my native language), so there are a few specific features I’m looking for. Here’s what I have in mind:

Excellent dictionary and translation support:

• Must work offline.
• Capable of handling singular, plural, adverbs, idioms, and phrasal verbs.
• It must provide both a translation into my native language AND a definition in English for every word or phrase. Both features are equally important for my learning process.
• A smooth and intuitive translation experience is essential.

Highlight export feature:

• I’d like to create flashcards later, so the eReader should allow me to export my highlights in a simple format (like .txt).
• I don’t mind using scripts or additional tools for this, as long as it’s possible.

Device performance:

• The device should be fluid and responsive, as I want an enjoyable reading experience without lag.

Screen size:

• I’m open to either a 6” or 7” screen.

Budget:

• My budget is €150-200.

I’d really appreciate any advice, thanks in advance for your help!

[DNSB]

Perhaps you could mention your native language as dictionary support varies widely between different languages.

[javvi]

Originally Posted by DNSB

Perhaps you could mention your native language as dictionary support varies widely between different languages.

Spanish, in that sense, I believe there won't be any problems

[javvi]

uuppp

[DNSB]

As far as I know, Kobo, Pocketbook and Kindle devices will meet your translation dictionary needs. I haven't had enough experience with the Boox, etc. Android readers other than to say when I've played with several of them, they were not up to my expectations since I don't need nor want to add any applications from Google/wherever which seems to be one of the biggest advantages listed by owners of those devices.

[h3ct0r]

Kindle has what's called a vocabulary builder, which is one of two sole reasons I'm interested in it, however apparently paying hundreds of dollars wasn't enough they want you to register the device in order to use it. I wouldn't consider a kindle unless your OK with being a mobile data satellite for bezos. They lock you out of core functionality if you don't register the device, including but not limited to:

- dictionary downloads
- sorting your book into collections
- vocabulary builder (flashcards etc)

and potentially more. For a device that costs hundreds of dollars I find that utterly unacceptable. There may be a way to circumvent it but I'm unsure if that is relevant for the current firmware versions. Also its been suggested that the device phones home even if unregistered, however I'm yet to fully confirm that claim.

So if you value your privacy and don't want to sell your soul to amazon in exchange for the 'privilege' of reading on 'your' device that you paid hundreds of dollars for, I'd probably steer clear of kindle or be prepared to jump through serious hoops in order to bypass all the nonsense.

Kobo probably isn't much better in that regard but you can bypass the registration and sideload everything without ever having to connect it to the internet or compromise functionality so in my mind that's a serious win, but keep in mind the kobo flashcard thing is no where near as good as the kindle. Also you can't deep dive on the dictionaries like you can supposedly do on the kindle after registering and giving all of your data and personal information to amazon