Locate library - on device or PC?

[delaing]

I've been trying my best to avoid asking various questions, that may have already been answered, by searching & searching this forum and other sources. I'm getting worn out. So, here goes.

I understand the basics of calibre and have been using it a little at a time; mainly for "management" of my so-called library. I understand where calibre keeps the ebook files if you've told it to keep it on your desktop PC and I know to not fiddle with its folder structure - stay out! Got it.

Here's what I cannot seem to discern from all the postings I've come across.
Do I keep my library on my Nexus 7 (2013) w/32GB (actually like 25GB) or keep it on my PC and do the "send to device" utilizing various calibre methods?
Which would be best?

I have a large collection of woodworking magazine back issues, in PDF format, that I bought from the various publishers. I want to be able to:
Read the magazines in my shop or on my couch (away from the PC).
Search (ideally) within the collection on various topics/keywords and find related content. I understand that point may need to move to a separate post/thread.

Currently, my collection would "fit" in the allotted space on the N7, and I of course cannot forecast what else might take up additional space.

Is the idea to utilize calibre's desktop management capabilities and the almost-unlimited HD storage capacity and keep the tablet somewhat free 'n clear for other storage needs?

Then, do I maintain the library on the hard drive or a flash drive direct-connected to the PC?

Sorry, getting everything related to storage out in one shot.
I do have other questions, but will post separate.

Thank you,
Delain

[aleyx]

We're considering two related yet separate concepts here:
- The library's management, which is Calibre's domain, and
- The actual reading (consulting, searching into, etc), which is your device's domain.

For my part, without a doubt, keep your library on whatever system you're using Calibre on. That's where you add and remove books, and manage their metadata. That's also where you manage your backups.

From there, you can think about populating your device. I've got a Cybook Orizon, and its 2(+4)GB could host my entire library if I wanted to, but I tend to only put the two or three hundred books I'm currently reading or may want to read on a whim. Every few days I browse Calibre and use Reading Lists to refresh my device. I don't do it because I want to keep some free space, I just do it so that navigating the device's library isn't too much of a chore.

Now, nothing stops you from uploading your entire library from Calibre to your device, or you can use some of Calibre's features to easily "swap" whole collections of books in and out of your device. But always keep in mind that ideally, what's on your device is only a reflection of Calibre's library, be it complete or partial.

Hope that helps a little.

N.

[theducks]

IMHO Run calibre on your PC
Use Calibre companion for WiFi connectivity and to manage 'a' library on the tablet.
Visit Calibre Companion forum for more ideas and details

[delaing]

Sometimes you just need to get some feedback to help you stand more firm with what you likely already know is the right choice.
Thanks to both of you for your thoughts.

Yes, will start by keeping on PC then work with send to device approach.

Delain