My ONE remaining Concern getting an eReader (LIBRA)

jgbout · 02-25-2021, 01:42 PM

So, I guess I found the root of what's making me indecisive about Libra/Forma... or any at all. I'm leaning to the Libra, mainly because I don't like all the negative hardware reviews on the forma. That said ---

It's how PDFs are handled.

My only worry (since the beginning) is reading PDF on Libra.
I've seen plenty of MAnga videos with the Libra, and it's mainly fine. Good.
But, PDF.....

I mentioned this somewhere but didn't get an answer...

Even on my PC, when reading a PDF, you have to pull the PDF (image) to center in the screen. When you scroll or pull it down, it can move left and right, AND when you turn the page it looses it's page positioning and you have to line the sides and top up in the screen all over again.

I'm assuming it's the same way on the eReader? and if so, is there ANY way to correct this? Is there some kind of Fit to Screen that will retain it's position (centering) after a page turn?

I thought it might not be a problem on the Forma because the screen was bigger, but my PC is 23" and does it, so I'm guessing it's how the software manages it.

Does Forma handle this better, or is it the same on Both?
If so, is there a way to make PDFs stay "centered" in the screen through page turns?
Help ?

jgbout · 02-25-2021, 02:10 PM

I "think" the main issue is the big margins on pdfs, and they don't line up text on the page. When you click to page turn, any adjustment you make disappears.

That's what I'm talking about.
Is that also present on the Forma?
Can it be fixed on the Libra ?

Gone · 02-25-2021, 03:41 PM

Kindle is better for reading PDF.

But if I was to read PDF, I would get a tablet, not an ereader.

jgbout · 02-25-2021, 03:52 PM

Thanks, but I'm trying to get away from the computer screens.
I read mostly epubs, but there's a free library of chess books, only available in PDF scans.

DNSB · 02-25-2021, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgbout

I "think" the main issue is the big margins on pdfs, and they don't line up text on the page. When you click to page turn, any adjustment you make disappears.

That's what I'm talking about.
Is that also present on the Forma?
Can it be fixed on the Libra ?

Considering the Forma and Libra and pretty well any other Kobo ereader with a touch screen use the same firmware?

You may want to look at programs such as k2pdfopt to pre-process pdf before reading. And perhaps KOReader or other alternate renderer.

jgbout · 02-25-2021, 04:04 PM

Im not too tech savy anymore... couple decades ago I was a whiz, now I'm just old and don't have the patience <grin.>

k2pdf ?? Is this something on the computer or eReader?
If on the computer, I would need it to either be an APP or Browser based, as I am moving to Chromebook for my computer (not a windows pc anymore).

KOReader -- this is what I wondered... does KOReader make the text center on the screen and STAY there instead of going back to some other position after a page turn? And does KOReader stay o your eReader after an update?

Thank you very much.

JSWolf · 02-25-2021, 04:14 PM

A 7" screen is too small for most PDF. That said, if you really want to read PDF, then you want to get the Forma as it's an 8" screen. Also, KOReader handles PDF better then RMSDK on the Kobo or whatever Amazon uses.

You can install KOReader on a Libra or Forma very easily.

jgbout · 02-25-2021, 04:20 PM

Thanks JSWolf. Does KOReader remain after an upgrade (or is it at least easy to reinstall?), and will it make a PDF fit center text to screen after a page turn?

I know the Forma is attractive, and some people say the complains are bogus, but man, there are a lot of complaints about bad units. Even if you are lucky and not have any screen issues, even if the not-visible flicker doesn't bother your head, it's the build problems, the faulty power button, often weak turn buttons, and now there seems to be an occasional usb port issue. Even the positive reviews I read on Kobo, were usually positive after a replacement unit and accepting a few smaller issues.

So, I'm worried about getting the Forma, as much as I wanted it. And I don't like that Kobo charges you shipping both ways for any warranty issues (here that would be alot).

But, you are saying 7" is still too small?

Sirtel · 02-25-2021, 04:26 PM

If you're moving to a Chromebook and want to buy ebooks from Amazon (you mentioned it in your first post) and read them on your Kobo, forget it. You cannot install anything on a Chromebook, so no stripping the DRM and converting. A Kobo cannot read any Amazon ebooks natively.

On a Chromebook your only choice is to buy from Kobo or from a store selling DRM-free epubs.

jgbout · 02-25-2021, 04:29 PM

Hi. Thanks, but no, there's no Amazon involvement. Just Kobo/Chapters, or non-DRM free PDFs. And Chromebook has a Kobo App if needed. And I believe Calibre can be used in Browser or App.

JSWolf · 02-25-2021, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgbout

Thanks JSWolf. Does KOReader remain after an upgrade (or is it at least easy to reinstall?), and will it make a PDF fit center text to screen after a page turn?

I know the Forma is attractive, and some people say the complains are bogus, but man, there are a lot of complaints about bad units. Even if you are lucky and not have any screen issues, even if the not-visible flicker doesn't bother your head, it's the build problems, the faulty power button, often weak turn buttons, and now there seems to be an occasional usb port issue. Even the positive reviews I read on Kobo, were usually positive after a replacement unit and accepting a few smaller issues.

So, I'm worried about getting the Forma, as much as I wanted it. And I don't like that Kobo charges you shipping both ways for any warranty issues (here that would be alot).

But, you are saying 7" is still too small?

I say 7" is too small for PDF. Watch the following video showing KOReader with a Kobo Aura One (7.8" screen). It's an old video, but it will give you a good idea of what KOReader can do with PDF on a Kobo.

Sirtel · 02-25-2021, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgbout

And I believe Calibre can be used in Browser or App.

No, it cannot. It must be installed as a program.

jgbout · 02-25-2021, 04:39 PM

@JSWOLF - wow, great features. Using that, one could crop or stretch to screen in landscape on the Libra. Maybe not ideal but definitely usable. Even if you need to reinstall every time Kobo updates. I just really have build quality concerns with the Forma (and the cost to use the warranty for replacements, if they agree.)

@Sirtel - Calibre is install only? Hum... wonder what kind of problems I'll have going Chromebook only -- I guess transferring books to eReader via Chromebook is not possible? unless I just grab & drop books as is via usb cord?

jgbout · 02-25-2021, 04:42 PM

Actually Calibre IS AVAILABLE on Chromebook because there's a Linux version, and new chromebooks run linux programs.... that much is good.

Sirtel · 02-25-2021, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgbout

@Sirtel - Calibre is install only? Hum... wonder what kind of problems I'll have going Chromebook only -- I guess transferring books to eReader via Chromebook is not possible? unless I just grab & drop books as is via usb cord?

I think you can drag & drop the files from your Chromebook to your Kobo via USB. If they're DRM-free, of course. Kobo books you can download directly on a Kobo.

Calibre is install only, yes. There are various companion apps, but they still require you to have a full Calibre install somewhere to connect with. I don't think you can run Calibre Portable on a Chromebook either.

02-25-2021, 01:42 PM	#1
jgbout Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 20210 Join Date: Feb 2021 Device: none	My ONE remaining Concern getting an eReader (LIBRA) So, I guess I found the root of what's making me indecisive about Libra/Forma... or any at all. I'm leaning to the Libra, mainly because I don't like all the negative hardware reviews on the forma. That said --- It's how PDFs are handled. My only worry (since the beginning) is reading PDF on Libra. I've seen plenty of MAnga videos with the Libra, and it's mainly fine. Good. But, PDF..... I mentioned this somewhere but didn't get an answer... Even on my PC, when reading a PDF, you have to pull the PDF (image) to center in the screen. When you scroll or pull it down, it can move left and right, AND when you turn the page it looses it's page positioning and you have to line the sides and top up in the screen all over again. I'm assuming it's the same way on the eReader? and if so, is there ANY way to correct this? Is there some kind of Fit to Screen that will retain it's position (centering) after a page turn? I thought it might not be a problem on the Forma because the screen was bigger, but my PC is 23" and does it, so I'm guessing it's how the software manages it. Does Forma handle this better, or is it the same on Both? If so, is there a way to make PDFs stay "centered" in the screen through page turns? Help ?

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02-25-2021, 02:10 PM	#2
jgbout Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 20210 Join Date: Feb 2021 Device: none	I "think" the main issue is the big margins on pdfs, and they don't line up text on the page. When you click to page turn, any adjustment you make disappears. That's what I'm talking about. Is that also present on the Forma? Can it be fixed on the Libra ?

02-25-2021, 03:41 PM	#3
Gone Out of order Posts: 601 Karma: 1652684 Join Date: Feb 2014 Device: Libra Colour	Kindle is better for reading PDF. But if I was to read PDF, I would get a tablet, not an ereader.

02-25-2021, 03:52 PM	#4
jgbout Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 20210 Join Date: Feb 2021 Device: none	Thanks, but I'm trying to get away from the computer screens. I read mostly epubs, but there's a free library of chess books, only available in PDF scans.

02-25-2021, 04:04 PM	#6
jgbout Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 20210 Join Date: Feb 2021 Device: none	Im not too tech savy anymore... couple decades ago I was a whiz, now I'm just old and don't have the patience <grin.> k2pdf ?? Is this something on the computer or eReader? If on the computer, I would need it to either be an APP or Browser based, as I am moving to Chromebook for my computer (not a windows pc anymore). KOReader -- this is what I wondered... does KOReader make the text center on the screen and STAY there instead of going back to some other position after a page turn? And does KOReader stay o your eReader after an update? Thank you very much.

02-25-2021, 04:14 PM	#7
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,750 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	A 7" screen is too small for most PDF. That said, if you really want to read PDF, then you want to get the Forma as it's an 8" screen. Also, KOReader handles PDF better then RMSDK on the Kobo or whatever Amazon uses. You can install KOReader on a Libra or Forma very easily.

02-25-2021, 04:20 PM	#8
jgbout Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 20210 Join Date: Feb 2021 Device: none	Thanks JSWolf. Does KOReader remain after an upgrade (or is it at least easy to reinstall?), and will it make a PDF fit center text to screen after a page turn? I know the Forma is attractive, and some people say the complains are bogus, but man, there are a lot of complaints about bad units. Even if you are lucky and not have any screen issues, even if the not-visible flicker doesn't bother your head, it's the build problems, the faulty power button, often weak turn buttons, and now there seems to be an occasional usb port issue. Even the positive reviews I read on Kobo, were usually positive after a replacement unit and accepting a few smaller issues. So, I'm worried about getting the Forma, as much as I wanted it. And I don't like that Kobo charges you shipping both ways for any warranty issues (here that would be alot). But, you are saying 7" is still too small?

02-25-2021, 04:26 PM	#9
Sirtel Grand Sorcerer Posts: 13,470 Karma: 239219543 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Estonia Device: Kobo Sage & Libra 2	If you're moving to a Chromebook and want to buy ebooks from Amazon (you mentioned it in your first post) and read them on your Kobo, forget it. You cannot install anything on a Chromebook, so no stripping the DRM and converting. A Kobo cannot read any Amazon ebooks natively. On a Chromebook your only choice is to buy from Kobo or from a store selling DRM-free epubs.

02-25-2021, 04:29 PM	#10
jgbout Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 20210 Join Date: Feb 2021 Device: none	Hi. Thanks, but no, there's no Amazon involvement. Just Kobo/Chapters, or non-DRM free PDFs. And Chromebook has a Kobo App if needed. And I believe Calibre can be used in Browser or App.

02-25-2021, 04:39 PM	#13
jgbout Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 20210 Join Date: Feb 2021 Device: none	@JSWOLF - wow, great features. Using that, one could crop or stretch to screen in landscape on the Libra. Maybe not ideal but definitely usable. Even if you need to reinstall every time Kobo updates. I just really have build quality concerns with the Forma (and the cost to use the warranty for replacements, if they agree.) @Sirtel - Calibre is install only? Hum... wonder what kind of problems I'll have going Chromebook only -- I guess transferring books to eReader via Chromebook is not possible? unless I just grab & drop books as is via usb cord?

02-25-2021, 04:42 PM	#14
jgbout Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 20210 Join Date: Feb 2021 Device: none	Actually Calibre IS AVAILABLE on Chromebook because there's a Linux version, and new chromebooks run linux programs.... that much is good.

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