im thinking of getting an ereader, but cant find many foss devices. i dont plan on connecting it to the internet, so i suppose it doesnt matter if its controlled by amazon right? love to hear your thoughts…

  • Shin@lemmy.world
    20·
    1 year ago

    Kobo devices are the way to go. Easy sideloading, multiple FOSS operating system alternatives, and generally they’ve got some nice n’ cheap options.

  • onlooker@lemmy.ml
    62·
    1 year ago

    Just go for whichever looks best for you, as long as it supports the EPUB file format, which is by far the most widespread ebook format nowadays. Be warned that the Kindle is particularly bad in this respect, because it only offers partial support for EPUB. You have to go through a whole spiel to get an epub file to your Kindle, whereas with most other e-readers, it’s just a matter of copying a file over to your device.

    Here’s a comparison table for e-readers on Wikipedia. It may not be comprehensive, but it should give you an idea of what functions and/or features you’re looking for:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_e-readers

    • ElderWendigo@sh.itjust.works
      3·
      1 year ago

      only offers partial support for EPUB. You have to go through a whole spiel to get an epub file to your Kindle, whereas with most other e-readers, it’s just a matter of copying a file over to your device

      Have you read the Amazon page you linked? Kindle supports epub now, nothing on that page indicates that it is limited in any way except file size. Also, getting an epub on your kindle is no different than any other supported file. They dropped support for mobi and azw, both Amazon specific formats.

      • onlooker@lemmy.ml
        2·
        1 year ago

        Yeah, I only glanced at wikipedia’s e-reader comparison sheet and saw the word “Partial”, so that’s my bad. That said, transfering files to kindle still seems to be a pain. From Amazon’s page:

        Upload documents through the web, an authorized email address, the Kindle app for iOS and Android devices, or a Send to Kindle application if available.

        So, if I’m understanding this correctly, you can transfer files to your Kindle through:

        • a) Send to Kindle webpage
        • b) Email
        • c) An iOS or Android app
        • d) Send to Kindle application

        For a) and c) to work, you need an Amazon account. b) seems to be a bit unorthodox, but sure. And for d) needs an application to be installed on your computer. Contrast that to, say, PocketBook, which simply shows up as a USB device and you just drag and drop your e-books into their designated folders. No account, email or app required.

        EDIT: formatting

  • seaQueue@lemmy.world
    3·
    1 year ago

    I have a Boox Nova Air that I use KOReader on. It was the best basic android option that offered an ~8in 300ppi model when I was looking to buy.

    I’m not a particular fan of Boox and their disregard for the GPL but their hardware is nice and runs the apps I wanted to use. I think I paid ~$160 or so for the device used on fleaBay and I have no complaints. Most of the other models I’ve tried were so underpowered that they were annoying to use, this one has been just right.

  • Tenkard@lemmy.ml
    2·
    1 year ago

    Inkplate offers some esp32 powered eink solutions, and someone built an eReader software for it, should be this one

    https://github.com/turgu1/EPub-InkPlate

    But I have no idea how good it is. If you want to use it offline I suppose you could get any eReader that supports loading stuff via USB, You can manage a kindle library with calibre and turn off wifi after the first setup, for example.

  • psycho_driver@lemmy.world
    11·
    1 year ago

    I bought fbreader premium on android 10+ years ago and have never regretted it. There’s also a PC port but last I checked it was a little out of date.

    Edit: Misunderstood the question. I’m using an Alldocube iplay 50 pro as my reader. I’ve got my kids set up with old best buy branded 10" android tablets that were always turds but surprisingly good as just barebones ebook readers. I’m a US product reviewer for Umidigi and they’re sending me a G1 tablet to review this week, for the price it definitely looks promising.