Successor for my PRS-T3

Novara · 11-13-2015, 12:56 PM

Hello everybody,

Right now I'm using the Sony PRS-T3 and am very happy with it but since I read that Sony is getting out of the e-reader business, I'm looking to get a new reader. It's proving more difficult that expected. I've already looked through the various threads but haven't found what I'm looking for:

I use Calibre for my library and I need the new reader to support the tag system. I have in the area of 1700 books, I will not create collections on a device.

I do not want any reader that requires an account or registration anywhere.

Long battery life is a definite plus.

Effectively, I don't do anything but read books on the device. No games, no music, no wifi. I just need it to read books.

If absolutely necessary, I'll consider an e-ink android tablet.

I considered the Pocketbook Touch Lux 3, but then saw reports that the battery won't last.

Should I just buy another PRS-T3 and hope it lasts?

Ideas? Help? Please?

dordale · 11-13-2015, 02:03 PM

Take a look at the Kobos. They work seamlessly with Calibre. I haven't used tags on my Kobo Aura HD, but from my understanding of what I've read here, it works well. I'm sure someone else will chime in on this subject.

You do need to register your Kobo when you first get it--but you can can set it up with "dummy" information and then forget about it. I've had my Aura HD for a year and a half now, and the only time I had wifi on was when I first got it to do the one time registration. I *think* there may be a hack that would allow you to bypass the registration process altogether.

Out of all the Kobo models available, I'd suggest either the Aura H2O or the Glo HD. Both are great devices. I have an Aura HD which I like and find the bigger screen is nice. The H2O is newer, but with the same size (6.8") screen of the HD. Both devices have front lights. After using a device with a front light, I'd never want to go back. It really helps in lower light situations--not necessarily complete darkness (although it works then too).

JSWolf · 11-13-2015, 02:08 PM

I went from a T1 to a Kobo Aura H2O and it's a very worth while upgrade. All your ePub you have for your T3 will work on the H2O since the H2O also uses RMDSK (just a newer version). The screen of the H2O is very nice and the light is very even. The screen is Carta and 6.8". It feels more like reading a book than reading on a screen.

Novara · 11-13-2015, 02:42 PM

Thanks for the recommendation, but I don't want any kind of registering. Not even a dummy.

Cinisajoy · 11-13-2015, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Novara

Thanks for the recommendation, but I don't want any kind of registering. Not even a dummy.

All you need is a throwaway email address.
A throwaway email address is one you use for places that need an email but you don't want their junk.
And emails are free at yahoo.

Novara · 11-13-2015, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

All you need is a throwaway email address.
A throwaway email address is one you use for places that need an email but you don't want their junk.
And emails are free at yahoo.

I understand, but this is not an option.

Cinisajoy · 11-13-2015, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Novara

I understand, but this is not an option.

I don't understand why not but if it isn't feasible it makes a bit of sense.

kennyc · 11-13-2015, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

I don't understand why not but if it isn't feasible it makes a bit of sense.

Oh well....

eschwartz · 11-13-2015, 04:07 PM

You can also manipulate the database of the Kobo in order to fake the registration. You should be able to find the exact SQL query you need in the Kobo forums.

If you really don't want to register, not with a throwaway account and not even by faking the database, then Kobo isn't an option for you I guess...

Kindles can read books without being registered (it prompts you to but you can skip it).
But in order to build collections automatically from the tags (using the calibre plugin "Kindle Collections"), you need to jailbreak. You don't need a jailbreak to have calibre manage your collections on the Kobo.
Currently we don't have a closed-Kindle jailbreak for the latest models, but if you are comfortable with accessing the serial port you can still do it.

Whether it is easier to update the Kobo database by hand or to insert a probe in a Kindle, I leave it to you to decide.

JSWolf · 11-13-2015, 04:35 PM

It's easier to manipulate the Kobo SQL database than to open the Kindle, void the warranty, and risk breaking it.

The battery on the H2O lasts a good long time. There are directions on MR what to put in the SQL database so you don't have to register. Once done, the H2O thinks it's registered. You don't even have to ever turn on WiFi.

Hemmi · 11-13-2015, 07:59 PM

I have a Kobo Touch around here somewhere. I never did turn the Wifi on on it or register it. Was able to load books from Calibre just fine onto it.

I quit using it because I didn't like the lack of buttons. Touchscreens and I just do not get along well. I got a T1 which I love but it has its quirks. Someday I'll snag a T2 or T3 at a decent price. Gotta have page turn buttons.

davidfor · 11-14-2015, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hemmi

I have a Kobo Touch around here somewhere. I never did turn the Wifi on on it or register it. Was able to load books from Calibre just fine onto it.

The original firmware on a Touch could be used without registering. But, the updated firmware and all their newer devices need to be registered. Or have it faked.

Novara · 11-14-2015, 01:38 AM

Thank you all for the answers! I might be able to do the SQL thing but to jailbreak a Kindle is beyond my skill.

Is there any reader beyond the Kobo which will work with Calibre collections?

AnemicOak · 11-14-2015, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Novara

Is there any reader beyond the Kobo which will work with Calibre collections?

Can't think of any.

Info for editing the Kobo database can be found here...
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...88&postcount=7

You could go with an Android based reader such as an Onyx or Boyue device and run Calibre Companion on it I suppose. Not collections per se, but I find CC a great way to manage a library.

Novara · 11-14-2015, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Can't think of any.

Info for editing the Kobo database can be found here...
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...88&postcount=7

You could go with an Android based reader such as an Onyx or Boyue device and run Calibre Companion on it I suppose. Not collections per se, but I find CC a great way to manage a library.

The Onyx looks interesting. It also has buttons, I see, which is also a plus. Thanks for the tip!

11-13-2015, 12:56 PM	#1
Novara Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Device: Sony PRS-T3	Successor for my PRS-T3 Hello everybody, Right now I'm using the Sony PRS-T3 and am very happy with it but since I read that Sony is getting out of the e-reader business, I'm looking to get a new reader. It's proving more difficult that expected. I've already looked through the various threads but haven't found what I'm looking for: I use Calibre for my library and I need the new reader to support the tag system. I have in the area of 1700 books, I will not create collections on a device. I do not want any reader that requires an account or registration anywhere. Long battery life is a definite plus. Effectively, I don't do anything but read books on the device. No games, no music, no wifi. I just need it to read books. If absolutely necessary, I'll consider an e-ink android tablet. I considered the Pocketbook Touch Lux 3, but then saw reports that the battery won't last. Should I just buy another PRS-T3 and hope it lasts? Ideas? Help? Please?

11-13-2015, 04:07 PM	#9
eschwartz Ex-Helpdesk Junkie Posts: 19,421 Karma: 85397180 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: The Beaten Path, USA, Roundworld, This Side of Infinity Device: Kindle Touch fw5.3.7 (Wifi only)	You can also manipulate the database of the Kobo in order to fake the registration. You should be able to find the exact SQL query you need in the Kobo forums. If you really don't want to register, not with a throwaway account and not even by faking the database, then Kobo isn't an option for you I guess... Kindles can read books without being registered (it prompts you to but you can skip it). But in order to build collections automatically from the tags (using the calibre plugin "Kindle Collections"), you need to jailbreak. You don't need a jailbreak to have calibre manage your collections on the Kobo. Currently we don't have a closed-Kindle jailbreak for the latest models, but if you are comfortable with accessing the serial port you can still do it. Whether it is easier to update the Kobo database by hand or to insert a probe in a Kindle, I leave it to you to decide. Last edited by eschwartz; 11-13-2015 at 04:10 PM.

11-13-2015, 04:35 PM	#10
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 78,369 Karma: 142887248 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	It's easier to manipulate the Kobo SQL database than to open the Kindle, void the warranty, and risk breaking it. The battery on the H2O lasts a good long time. There are directions on MR what to put in the SQL database so you don't have to register. Once done, the H2O thinks it's registered. You don't even have to ever turn on WiFi. Last edited by JSWolf; 11-13-2015 at 04:38 PM.

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11-13-2015, 02:03 PM	#2
dordale Wizard Posts: 1,731 Karma: 3472866 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: Sony PRS-650 & 350; Kindle Voyage; Kobo Aura HD, Aura One, and Forma	Take a look at the Kobos. They work seamlessly with Calibre. I haven't used tags on my Kobo Aura HD, but from my understanding of what I've read here, it works well. I'm sure someone else will chime in on this subject. You do need to register your Kobo when you first get it--but you can can set it up with "dummy" information and then forget about it. I've had my Aura HD for a year and a half now, and the only time I had wifi on was when I first got it to do the one time registration. I think there may be a hack that would allow you to bypass the registration process altogether. Out of all the Kobo models available, I'd suggest either the Aura H2O or the Glo HD. Both are great devices. I have an Aura HD which I like and find the bigger screen is nice. The H2O is newer, but with the same size (6.8") screen of the HD. Both devices have front lights. After using a device with a front light, I'd never want to go back. It really helps in lower light situations--not necessarily complete darkness (although it works then too).

11-13-2015, 02:08 PM	#3
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 78,369 Karma: 142887248 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	I went from a T1 to a Kobo Aura H2O and it's a very worth while upgrade. All your ePub you have for your T3 will work on the H2O since the H2O also uses RMDSK (just a newer version). The screen of the H2O is very nice and the light is very even. The screen is Carta and 6.8". It feels more like reading a book than reading on a screen.

11-13-2015, 02:42 PM	#4
Novara Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Device: Sony PRS-T3	Thanks for the recommendation, but I don't want any kind of registering. Not even a dummy.

11-13-2015, 07:59 PM	#11
Hemmi Grand Sorcerer Posts: 10,216 Karma: 15987608 Join Date: Apr 2015 Device: Sonys, Nooks, Kobo Libra, Forma, Mini, Paperwhite	I have a Kobo Touch around here somewhere. I never did turn the Wifi on on it or register it. Was able to load books from Calibre just fine onto it. I quit using it because I didn't like the lack of buttons. Touchscreens and I just do not get along well. I got a T1 which I love but it has its quirks. Someday I'll snag a T2 or T3 at a decent price. Gotta have page turn buttons.

11-14-2015, 01:38 AM	#13
Novara Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Device: Sony PRS-T3	Thank you all for the answers! I might be able to do the SQL thing but to jailbreak a Kindle is beyond my skill. Is there any reader beyond the Kobo which will work with Calibre collections?

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