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FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

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Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#111

Post by BeetleB »

WillAdams wrote: post #98
BeetleB wrote: post #37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, I too had a Sony ereader for years, and it was nice fitting it in my jacket pocket. But the reality is that most book pages are larger than 6", and if I found myself preferring the book because of the size, what's the point of an ereader? I first switched to 7", which was better, but not good enough. 8" is great, though. > Scribe Coloursoft go weeks between charges How many hours will the battery last while on ?…

Page size isn't that big a deal when the text reflows and can be resized as desired, except for when one wants to view a map or diagram. Before I got my Scribe I'd fire up the Kindle app on my tablet (or convertible) for such usages at need. I can read and take notes and even web browse (insofar as browsing is supported on the Kindle browser) for hours on end and barely budge the battery percentage, while a tablet w/…

> Page size isn't that big a deal when the text reflows

The pain is in how often I need to "flip" the page. Especially if you're reading something where you want to reference back a few paragraphs, etc.

> I can read and take notes and even web browse (insofar as browsing is supported on the Kindle browser) for hours on end and barely budge the battery percentage, while a tablet w/ an LCD screen would run through half or more of its charge for similar usage.

Fair enough. I've seen large size color ereaders that run out after about 8 hours of use.

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#112

Post by scratchyone »

tcoff91 wrote: post #51

I really like my Boox e-reader because I can install any android app on it. I run Storyteller on it and it syncs position to my storyteller server. So i can listen to the audiobook on my iPhone and then pick up reading on my Boox from where I was listening.

I contribute to Storyteller in my free time and I absolutely love using my Boox with it, honestly my dream reading setup.

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#113

Post by inflam52 »

stevage wrote: post #102

Are there any off the shelf e-readers which support this firmware? This site seems to be for people who want to solder together their own e-reader from components. Also, it does a bit misleading to say "Charging, battery protection, an optional frontlight and a 24-pin e-paper interface, all on one PCB you can build for around $60." According to their own parts lists, if you are build 5 of these, you're in for $63.74…

Xteink ereaders do (available on Amazon) but just make sure to get the “developer edition” and you can flash the hardware.

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#114

Post by tcoff91 »

jerojero wrote: post #101
tcoff91 wrote: post #51

I really like my Boox e-reader because I can install any android app on it. I run Storyteller on it and it syncs position to my storyteller server. So i can listen to the audiobook on my iPhone and then pick up reading on my Boox from where I was listening.

I find the battery life on boox tablets to be pretty poor. At least with my usage. Its kind of annoying to have to be charging every other day. I think I've only had to charge the xteink x4 a couple times since I got it in March. But that's the case for any non-android ereader. I'd be happy if the boox lasted a week with 2-3ish hours of use a day.

I think it’s possible to use koreader and sync to storyteller with a plugin on that xteink but I’ve never set anything like that up.

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#116

Post by pooploop64 »

hart_russell wrote: post #85
wernerb wrote: post #38

A Kobo ereader is as open as I need it with koreader installed. The Kobo Libra 2 black and white is the best ereader I have ever had. (not the color version,,unfortunately a step back in reading quality for normal reading)

I’m scared of installing koreader on my kobo. Right now my kobo syncs to my calibre web server seamlessly. Does koreader have the ability to sync your library to a calibre web instance?

On mine, koreader is an app that you launch, and the stock interface seems to unload completely until you exit koreader. Then the whole "OS" is still there untouched and you can get books from hell dimensions like Overdrive. Despite never using the stock interface anymore I've left it alone because it's not much of a bother to relaunch koreader or Plato on the rare occasions that I have to.

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#117

Post by crossroadsguy »

imzadi wrote: post #5

I got an Xteink X4 a few weeks ago and love it. I've tried out a few different firmwares but haven't settled on one yet. I love the screen and how simple the interface is. It's kind of a pain in the butt getting my Kindle books on there, but worth the effort. It's also encouraging me to buy books outside of the Amazon ecosystem. I've been getting more stuff from Humble lately.

Love the idea and goal being all this but what an interesting time to be in. Phones are becoming bigger and bigger while the palm, neck, eye, head, etc sizes haven't really buzzed. Digital book readers are getting smaller and smaller while the book sizes… argh… I give up. It's pointless to try and make sense of digital/device trends at this point, or any modern trend for that matter.

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#118

Post by stevage »

inflam52 wrote: post #113
stevage wrote: post #102

Are there any off the shelf e-readers which support this firmware? This site seems to be for people who want to solder together their own e-reader from components. Also, it does a bit misleading to say "Charging, battery protection, an optional frontlight and a 24-pin e-paper interface, all on one PCB you can build for around $60." According to their own parts lists, if you are build 5 of these, you're in for $63.74…

Xteink ereaders do (available on Amazon) but just make sure to get the “developer edition” and you can flash the hardware.

Hmm, I can't see any. Just cases. Maybe they don't ship to Australia.

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#119

Post by fedeb95 »

wernerb wrote: post #38

A Kobo ereader is as open as I need it with koreader installed. The Kobo Libra 2 black and white is the best ereader I have ever had. (not the color version,,unfortunately a step back in reading quality for normal reading)

this is about open hardware.

You really don't need to build a Kobo clone. By being open, you can fit your needs. If your needs are already covered by Kobo, that's fine.

Re: FreeInk: Open ecosystem for e-readers

#120

Post by sdoering »

agnishom wrote: post #107
andrewmutz wrote: post #81

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Is the only way to use it to break the DRM? I wish there was a path to being able to use all these devices with kindle ebooks legally

Some publishers such as Tor will occasionally publish DRM free ebooks. I have very little respect for DRM, though. Personally, if the author has a patreon, I suggest donating the $20 to the Patreon and pirating the book

Speaking of Tor, there is currently a massive and great Bundle for Scalzi books over at Humble by Tor. Just bought it, even if I already own a few of those, because the 4 books I don't yet have would be more expensive to buy separately.
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