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 ( @Karcinogen@discuss.tchncs.de ) 8•10 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.
- SatyrSack ( @SatyrSack@lemmy.one ) 2•10 months ago
You need an account to activate the device
You can bypass that requirement
- johnjamesautobahn ( @johnjamesautobahn@beehaw.org ) 1•10 months ago
Kobo + Calibre is pretty easy, and the device itself is very nice.
- SokathHisEyesOpen ( @Anticorp@lemmy.ml ) English1•10 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?
- Fonderthud ( @Fonderthud@lemm.ee ) 2•10 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.
- markkdark ( @markkdark@lemmy.ml ) 5•10 months ago
I have a PocketBook a Linux e reader without Google. Its fine with own browser and super ungoogled Linux. Recommended. https://pocketbookstore.com
- zhunk ( @zhunk@beehaw.org ) 1•10 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.
- markkdark ( @markkdark@lemmy.ml ) 1•10 months ago
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.
- markkdark ( @markkdark@lemmy.ml ) 1•10 months ago
Don’t look for price 30us up or dovn, look for freedom without corporations and more privacy than “big brother” company.
- sibloure ( @sibloure@beehaw.org ) 4•10 months ago
Yes, I do exactly that. I have a Boox and removed all google services using ADB. Then I use Obtainium for apps.
- Xirup ( @Xirup@lemmy.dbzer0.com ) 3•10 months ago
I honestly think that the best (and also using a FOSS alternative) is to use Librera, available in F-Droid.
- ProgrammingSocks ( @ProgrammingSocks@pawb.social ) 1•10 months ago
Just get a Kobo and never connect it to the internet. They take epubs just fine.
- TechNom (nobody) ( @technom@programming.dev ) English2•10 months ago
I have KOReader on mine. It’s a great combo. The only problem is that kobo in general consumes battery charge fast.
- Masterkraft0r ( @Masterkraft0r@discuss.tchncs.de ) 1•10 months ago
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?