I’ve been thinking about getting an e-reader (thinking kobo or boox) and wanted to know if it’s possible to remove unwanted stuff (like the play store) using adb? I plan on just downloading .epub files from annas-archive and ao3, so it would be good if firefox or mull can be installed via .apk.

  • Karcinogen@discuss.tchncs.de
    9·
    11 months ago

    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.

    • SokathHisEyesOpen@lemmy.mlEnglish
      2·
      11 months ago

      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?

      • anonymouse@sh.itjust.works
        2·
        11 months ago

        I usually buy them on my phone (Kobo app), which is easier with payments. Afterwards the book is immediately available on my e-reader. Started doing this a couple of months back and I like it. You can also preview books, but got no personal experience with that.

        • SokathHisEyesOpen@lemmy.mlEnglish
          1·
          11 months ago

          Thanks for the response. Preview, as in a sample that gives you enough of the book to make a judgement on it?

          • anonymouse@sh.itjust.works
            2·
            11 months ago

            I checked a few samples, for all there was at least 1 chapter as a preview. But it differs, one also had 3 with around 40 pages. I only counted actual pages, not into, table of contents etc. Hopefully that gives you an idea!

      • Fonderthud@lemm.ee
        2·
        11 months ago

        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.

  • MajorHavoc@lemmy.world
    5·
    11 months ago

    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.

  • sibloure@beehaw.org
    4·
    11 months ago

    Yes, I do exactly that. I have a Boox and removed all google services using ADB. Then I use Obtainium for apps.

  • Grntrenchman@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    4·
    11 months ago

    Nook Simple Touch. You can get one with backlight for less than $40 usually.

    It takes microSD, android 2.1 (lol)

    There’s an easy app to root it, then you install whatever (fbreader, moon, etc), or use it’s built-in reader. The ancient android version means you’ll have to dig for apks that work with it, but once it’s set up, it’s done.

    The biggest draw vs newer stuff, is… it’s tiny and light. there’s almost nothing to it, it just works. No browser, no apps, just book.

    • zhunk@beehaw.org
      1·
      11 months ago

      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.