Looking for a e ink ebook reader that’s easy on the eyes, can do Libby library books easily, and extra bonus if there is a built in planner that could sync online. I don’t want to be locked into an Amazon or other system that requires subscription services. Thanks!
Caveat: I haven’t purchase or used another e-reader since I bought my first one (Kobo) ~15 years ago.
My Kobo still works and the battery still lasts like a week or longer before needing a recharge.
I don’t think I’ve run into a book file it can’t read, but I mostly stick to epubs and PDFs.
I’m pretty sure it has an online store, if that’s important.
For your requirements, I have no idea if a planner has been implemented in the last decade, but I would suspect Kobos can read Libby library books (not sure what they are though). I believe my ~15 year old Kobo has a sync feature, but I don’t use it. So that’s probably available as well. For easy on the eyes, I’m assuming brightness settings, which Kobo had and I used on occasion (they may have adaptive sensing now).
I recall Kobo used to be marked as the “open” platform, so unless something has significantly changed, Kobo shouldn’t lock you in or charge you a subscription fee.
Best of luck. Hope you are able to find an e-reader that works for you.
Edit: Just found this website with a bunch of Kobos compared. It looks like some have Dropbox sync and “Dark Mode” (I assume for easier on the eyes).
I second the Kobo. I’ve owned 3 different kindles over the years, and I like the Kobo better than any of them.
I’m using a boox. I dislike their built-in library tools, but it’s just an e-ink android tablet, so I installed a simple launcher and download whatever apps I want, including Libby.
If you are in Europe: Pocketbook.
Reasonably open plattform, good support, works with almost everything.
Onyx Boox, runs on Android so you can install whatever apps you want.
I was gifted a Kobo Clara2E by my wife and I’m very happy with it.
Id recommend looking for a used one online you can get one as low as 10$
My Kobo Clara screen froze entirely so I opted for a second hand e-reader for €50, a Tolino. It’s got a backlight and I can load Libby books on there which is all that I need.
I will give the Kobo one more chance though once I make it to a repair café.
P.S. Hopefully this post lasts longer than my one on Lemm.ee and works for those searching the Fediverse/Lemmyverse for the same question 🙃
For kobo users, where do you get your books now that Amazon has stopped you from downloading and converting into epub?
Anna’s Archive.
Just for the record, I’m using kindles since their keyboard version came out, and never paid any subscription fees or bought an e-book from Amazon. But I can understand the sentiment, and the touchscreen-only platform development was a horrible choice of directions. It could be argued if a reader needs a full keyboard, and the always-free internet also turned to shit thanks to “development” of the internet, but I loved the first Kindle.
