I highly recommend the Kobo. You need an account to activate the device (only needs email and password), but after that, you don't need to use their services. Side loading books onto it is trivial (it's officially supported). Connecting it to WiFi is unnecessary after the initial setup. You can't install a browser onto it, and the built-in browser leaves much to be desired. I would download the books onto a separate device and side load it.
this post was submitted on 12 Dec 2023
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DeGoogle Yourself
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What is the Kobo store experience like? I've been thinking about replacing my Kindle with one for a while now. But I often finish books in bed and download the next in the series without getting up. The idea of getting up in the middle of the night to side load stuff doesn't sound very appealing, nor does having to always buy books ahead of time to have them ready. On that note, can you download demo books from the Kobo store to see if you like them before buying?
I switched to Kobo so I could download library books directly to the reader. Purchases have worked without issue directly from the ereader and the app to echo the other response.
You need an account to activate the device
You can bypass that requirement
Kobo + Calibre is pretty easy, and the device itself is very nice.
Have a look at the Onyx Boox line of devices.
They run Android under the hood, so various file sync apps just work (i.e. to move books wirelessly from your own Network Attached Storage.)
But beware that the tablet versions default to a much lower screnn refresh rate than a typical ebook, since they don't need the refresh when you're taking notes. There's configuration options to make them act more like an ebook reader, at the cost of some of the battery life.
I have a PocketBook a Linux e reader without Google. Its fine with own browser and super ungoogled Linux. Recommended. https://pocketbookstore.com
Which Pocketbook do you have? I've been looking for an e-reader with a 7" screen, so the Pocketbook Era or Kobo Libra 2 look decent. The Kobo is $30 cheaper, though.
I have PB652 it's a old model from 2018 but it's very fine, simple and you don't need a account or google on it.
Don't look for price 30us up or dovn, look for freedom without corporations and more privacy than "big brother" company.
I honestly think that the best (and also using a FOSS alternative) is to use Librera, available in F-Droid.
Yes, I do exactly that. I have a Boox and removed all google services using ADB. Then I use Obtainium for apps.
Just get a Kobo and never connect it to the internet. They take epubs just fine.
I have KOReader on mine. It's a great combo. The only problem is that kobo in general consumes battery charge fast.
What are you talking about? I've had 3 Kobos (because I broke 2; Aura, Aura HD, now a Forma) and my current one keeps charge for 3-4 months with daily use, and it's the worst of the three. That's 3-4 charges a year. How much longer would you want the battery to last?