Kindle demo mode, Kobo, Scribe, Remarkable etc

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gzt

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#303294 30-Jan-2023 12:29

I intend to buy a reader. One problem can't demo one. Stores have Kindle either in demo mode which does not do a full screen reading demo go figure, or someone added a password and the device cannot be used at all. Anyway, two questions - is there a trick to get it out of demo mode? because someone obviously knows this already and goes round messing up all the demo Kindles adding a password..

Kindle Scribe is coming. It's interesting. I think I don't need something that big or writing just yet. I've heard the 10" remarkable is excellent for pdf handling. Again don't need it just yet, although the excellent pdf reflow handling etc is tempting.

I'm assuming Kindle and Kobo both handle pdfs as well as each other, and probably with no reflow. I'm doing way too much reading on my phone and that's the main reason to get a reader. Ideally something with an app I can send web articles from my phone to to the device. I'm aware of limitations for the built in browsers on Kobo and Kindle. I think Amazon modifies Chrome, Kobo I've used seems ok don't know where that browser comes from. Are there any special reasons to consider Kobo?

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#3029549 30-Jan-2023 13:09

kodo is much easier to side load and can potentially use calibre/calibre-web and/or libby (libraries). Kobo more accepting of formats. But I primarily use epub.

Kindle is tied to amazon - full stop. Though you can side load via email as long as it's the right format. azw I believe.

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Quinny

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#3029601 30-Jan-2023 13:21

Easiest for sideloading is to use Calibre. I have had both Kindles and Kobo. Kobo links to overdrive and library books. Kindle has the better book store if buying (US not Aussie)

I brought the Kobo Sage 8-inch which is ok (unit is fine just not working for me at a larger text size) but not worth the premium I paid over a 6.8 inch paperwhite (the new model).

Waiting on the new Kobo Elipsa, due Q1, or the Kindle Scribe. As with cruddy eyesight, I need a larger screen (Im using an Ipad Pro 11 inch with text at 300%)

gzt

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#3029603 30-Jan-2023 13:34

Good point on libraries it's been a while for me. I see AK libraries have several options. It's not clear to me what the easiest device relationships might be for each option or if they require different platforms for different books.

https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Pages/ebooks.aspx

Quinny

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#3029606 30-Jan-2023 13:50

gzt: Good point on libraries it's been a while for me. I see AK libraries have several options. It's not clear to me what the easiest device relationships might be for each option or if they require different platforms for different books.

https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Pages/ebooks.aspx

Most will use Overdrive/Libby (the new app). Overdrive works on Kobo (settings - Overdrive) but not Kindles (just the Fire's tablets).

I have the Libby app on my android phone, PC and Ipad (so anything works with this part). Get the book, and all devices see it.

So if want on Kindle you pretty much can't, but can use the Libby app instead on pc/ipad/android. If want to use on an e-reader get a Kobo and use Overdrive (which links to your library account)

benmurphy66

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#3029608 30-Jan-2023 14:03

Long time kindle family but moving to kobo as kids read soo many books, they can now just get them out from the library.

davidcole

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#3029610 30-Jan-2023 14:06

gzt: Good point on libraries it's been a while for me. I see AK libraries have several options. It's not clear to me what the easiest device relationships might be for each option or if they require different platforms for different books.

https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Pages/ebooks.aspx

libby/overdrive is the most common one here I thought. Which is Adobe based. Kobo supports that.

jonathan18

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#3029612 30-Jan-2023 14:11

Yeah, if you’re wanting to borrow ebooks from your library, and do it easily without fuss, then a Kobo is the only option I’m aware of. Kobos have had OverDrive (providing library support) built in for quite some time; initially it was just on their top models but now I think it’s included on all.

While it’s totally possible to seach and browse library collections and borrow books on the Kobo, personally I find it far cleaner/easier to do so on my library’s phone app or website, or the Libby app itself - books are then sync’d to the Kobo.

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#3029666 30-Jan-2023 14:28

Kindle Paperwhite latest version which is a bit larger is great. I use Calibre to convert just about any format to AZW, you can get them onto the kindle using email, "send to kindle" app, or plugging it in via USB.

Being able to use a library might be useful, which Kobo is better at. Kobo Libra2 looks to be a touch bigger again than the new paperwhite, physical buttons might be nice but they way I mostly hold the Kindle I'm not sure I'd use them easily very often. If I can find one of them around next time I'm ready for an upgrade I'd probably have a look at them.

gzt

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#3029695 30-Jan-2023 15:30

Advice says Overdrive will be replaced by Libby. Apparently Libby can work with Kindle and that's a US service only at this time.

https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6017.html

This is unexpected. I thought the format wars were over. I might have to flip and go Kobo if I want my first title from the library. Anyways looks like JB-HiFi will be my next stop to look at Kobo.

jonathan18

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#3029700 30-Jan-2023 15:44

gzt: Advice says Overdrive will be replaced by Libby. Apparently Libby can work with Kindle and that's a US service only at this time.

https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6017.html

This is unexpected. I thought the format wars were over. I might have to flip and go Kobo if I want my first title from the library. Anyways looks like JB-HiFi will be my next stop to look at Kobo.

Libby is an app made by OverDrive, so don’t get too worried about the distinction!

When I check out library content on my Kobo it refers to OverDrive (mine’s a few years old so not sure of what new models refer to); when I use the app I use Libby, but it’s the same service/content.

It doesn’t even look like one can download OverDrive anymore; for a period I remember both apps worked.

A number of NZ libraries use OverDrive/Libby, and Kobos are the compatible e-book readers to use; in different markets like the US this may not be the case, but assuming you’re in NZ this support for Libby/OverDrive on Kobos is what matters… Edit: I recommend you search for your local library’s info page on its online/digital services, as this will explain what they support - eg, this is for my local library: https://citylibrary.pncc.govt.nz/collections/books-ebooks-eaudio

(As it happens, the owner of Kobo - Rakuten - also owned OverDrive for a period of time; they’ve since sold it, so I imagine there are fewer reasons to restrict it being used on different devices. It would be good if it could also be opened up to Kindles through NZ libraries.)

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#3029716 30-Jan-2023 17:19

To further complicate matters, Amazon is rolling out support for .epub format to Kindles. I tried this a few weeks ago and wasn't working yet for me.

I've found myself reading more on a tablet c.f. e-reader of late. I prefer the e-ink screens for written text but invariably encounter some kind of complication every now and then that requires fanangling to make work, which typically seems easier using a tablet and installing the right app for it rather than fighting with specific formats for Kindle which may or may not work with some or all features.

Generally I think it is great that authors are looking to disrupt the current market and provide options, but sometimes I also wish things just worked.

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#3029732 30-Jan-2023 17:59

If you are a heavy reader then it is worth having both a kindle and a kobo. There are a lot of bargains for old models and you can ask friends and family if they’ve got one sitting around unused. I got each of mine from those places: cheap on clearance and free from family.

Here’s why both:

They are cheap devices if you get basic versions. Start with the minimum you need and you might find that is enough, as I did.

~All formats covered with both.

Best store is Amazon but many more “free” books can be read on Kobo using the library services. If you want to minimise costs then Kobo.

The monthly subscription services, Kindle Unlimited and Kobo Plus, have some overlap but almost anything I’ve enjoyed has only been on one subscription service at a time.

You can take advantage of the lowest price for the same book, sometimes they are free or included in the sub.

If I get something that someone else wants to read then I can fall back to using the other device.

The devices are small/light and run for many hours on one charge so they are easy to take on holiday or to fill in time any time you may be stranded during a medical crisis or civil emergency.

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#3029745 30-Jan-2023 18:37

Hammerer:
The devices are small/light and run for many hours on one charge so they are easy to take on holiday or to fill in time any time you may be stranded during a medical crisis or civil emergency.

I had an original Kobo but currently just use app on Samsung tablet. In emergency still have plenty of unread paperbacks to read before burning.

xpd

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#3029754 30-Jan-2023 19:06

I was on Kindle, then they announced they were making changes to formats supported etc so I switched to Kobo. Very happy with it (until it got caught in the flooding of the house).

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#3029928 31-Jan-2023 12:38

xpd:

I switched to Kobo. Very happy with it (until it got caught in the flooding of the house).

You needed one of their waterproof models!

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