Open Source E-reader?

[capidamonte]

Anyone know of an open source OS for standalone e-book readers that is currently being developed? ie: OpenInkPot is no longer developed.

I don't mean addons either, such as PRS+, which hooks into a running OS.

Aloha.

[aardbewoner]

Gues a tablet with linux and calibre make one hell off a reader
Oops i have that

[Billi]

I'm afraid the answer is no. The nearest that I'm aware of is an ubunto image for the Onyx M92 (obunto) and a debian image for the Kobo.

[capidamonte]

Anyone know of an ARM tablet with a low-power LCD screen?

[crossi]

I wish there was but as long as most of the publishers insist on DRM there's not much chance. I'd love one, preferably one with software designed by Kovid designed to interface seamlessly with Calibre.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by crossi

I wish there was but as long as most of the publishers insist on DRM there's not much chance. I'd love one, preferably one with software designed by Kovid designed to interface seamlessly with Calibre.

What would be the benefit of an "open source" reader? It would seem to have only disadvantages, in that it wouldn't be able to read library books, or the majority of books bought from most of the mainstream publishers.

[paola]

Originally Posted by capidamonte

Anyone know of an open source OS for standalone e-book readers that is currently being developed? ie: OpenInkPot is no longer developed.

I don't mean addons either, such as PRS+, which hooks into a running OS.

Aloha.

some folks have linux running on Kobo readers, just check the Kobo Deveopers' forum, but this is not a dedicated OS for ereaders.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by paola

some folks have linux running on Kobo readers, just check the Kobo Deveopers' forum, but this is not a dedicated OS for ereaders.

Most eInk devices run Linux. A few use Android (eg Sony), but the majority run Linux.

[crossi]

The advantages would be more customizable interfaces and choices. Some want tags/collections, some want a folder system. Some like me want to be able to do metadata searches and sorts. Sort by read/unread, when finished, tags, rating, anything you could do a search or a sort in Calibre. The ability to edit metadata on your reader. Set the read/unread column in the metadata right there. Add comments to the description text section right there when you finish a book. Have a reader that can open any format without needing to convert. And I really want to completely remove the archive.

There are hardware changes I would like also. I'd get rid of both Wi-Fi and 3G. Add more memory and a SD slot. Have physical page turn buttons. With open source software there could be more brands and more choices.

With open source software you would have a lot of different choices as people make changes and additions to the basic interface and operating system. The Kindle is OK but there are changes I would like in the software. Maybe people who use the library would prefer one of the standard brands, but it would be nice if there were other choices also.
It would help the standard makers as well to see what options work well and are popular. It might spur them to add those features to their own software and in any case would challenge them to improve.

None of this can happen with the majority of ebooks having DRM however.

[PeterT]

There are lots of discussions on both CoolReader and Koreader which are running on Kobo eink devices (and I believe kindle as well).

[faithbw]

Originally Posted by HarryT

What would be the benefit of an "open source" reader? It would seem to have only disadvantages, in that it wouldn't be able to read library books, or the majority of books bought from most of the mainstream publishers.

But isn't this crossi's point? The reason why you can't read library e-books on an open source e-reader is because of the publishers' insistence on DRM. Same with mainstream publishers' books.

[WillAdams]

Sumatra is able to read / display ePubs.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by faithbw

But isn't this crossi's point? The reason why you can't read library e-books on an open source e-reader is because of the publishers' insistence on DRM.

Can you explain how you think a library system could lend books without DRM? You refer to it as "the publishers' insistence on DRM", but how else could a library system work?

[crossi]

Library lending probably wouldn't work. For those, unlike me, who use the library a brand like kindle or nook would be their prefered choice. I however have not used the library and would be fine with a reader with open source software.

There could also be developed a US library DRM applied to all books bought by all the libraries. All readers could use the same verification process before opening those books.
Better than a separate DRM fro library kindle books and library Nook books and generic readers completely shut out.

[Purple Lady]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Can you explain how you think a library system could lend books without DRM? You refer to it as "the publishers' insistence on DRM", but how else could a library system work?

There are DRM free library books now thru Overdrive. When you do a search at my libraries they are referred to as Open epub and Open pdf. You can't return them early and it's on the honor system for you to remove them from your device.