Libra 2 New Libra 2 owner! (with a question or two...)

[downeaster59]

I found a Libra 2, sold as new, on eBay. I wanted to see how a Kobo stacks up against other ereaders I have used. It arrived today. I like what I see so far. I have copied my Calibre library to it, and successfully installed NickelMenu and KOReader (thanks to one of NiLuJe's scripts - thanks!). All is working well so far.

The Libra 2 has a web browser in Beta Features. Can a better one be installed? One reason for is is to more easily access my Instapaper account.

There are a number of threads offering various mods and hacks and tweaks for Kobo devices. Many of these go back 10+ years! I'll plow through some of them, but could someone point out one or more that might be especially useful for someone with a Libra 2 who is beginning to explore Kobo?

Thanks!

[Aleron Ives]

If you are using KOReader, then firmware patches are of no interest to you, since they are for Nickel. If you're comparing Nickel to KOReader, you can check the kobopatch repository on GitHub to see the various patches that are available.

The Libra 2 only has 512MiB of RAM, so you're not going to find alternative browsers for it. If having a capable browser is important to you, then you're limited to Android devices, such as those made by Onyx. You can, however, save articles to Pocket in order to read them on your Libra 2 later, without needing to use the browser. If you're motivated enough, there are also various ways to send files to the Libra 2 over Wi-Fi after converting them on a computer to bypass the browser limitations.

[PeterT]

Just beware though that the Pocket support is not for all items saved; only those that the Pocket web site classifies as Articles.

Also, while there is a browser, it's functionality is fairly basic, and no, there are not alternative browsers you can load.

[downeaster59]

Thanks for your responses. Whenever I get a new device, I begin by finding out what it can and cannot do. Then I work with what it can do! Kobo users often speak about how customizable their devices are. I'm getting a sense of what is and what is not customizable! I may look at adding a few fonts at some point, but for now I want to get more familiar with Nickel and what it can do as it is. I know KOReader already.

I have a couple of Onyx devices, so the Libra 2 doesn't need to be everything. I can use Calibre to get Instapaper-saved articles onto the Libra 2 if I wish.

This is more a curiosity purchase for me - to see what a Kobo is like. The Libra 2 is a good size for me. I'm surprised at how lightweight it feels compared to a similarly-sized Onyx. The display is quite clear and crisp, as I would expect. My first impressions are all positive.

[Sirtel]

Personally, I find patches highly useful, but not everyone thinks so, of course.

Another thing that I love about Kobo ereaders is their integration with Calibre. You can configure Calibre to automatically modify the metadata and collections on your Kobo, without any need for manual input on the device or for resending your books. You can copy your reading progress back and forth between your Kobo and Calibre (useful if for some reason you want/need to factory reset your Kobo - I've never needed to do that, but I like to know the option is there). You can automatically back up your database. And so on.

Of course, this is assuming you use Calibre at all or even want to connect your Kobo via USB. Again, not everyone does.

[downeaster59]

I want to learn more about what patches are available and what they offer. I don't see the use of patches and the use of KOReader as mutually exclusive. I don't use KOReader as my home page, but have it available in NickelMenu!

I have used Calibre for years, though this would be the first time I can use it with a Kobo device. It's good to know that the Calibre-Kobo combination offers a number of possibilities. I'll look into this as well.

[PeterT]

Unfortunately the majority (if not all) of the patches affect the functionality of nickel; the built in Kobo reading software, so will not affect koreader


Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk