Privacy

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A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.

Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

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Recommendations for eBook reader devices, please (lemm.ee)

submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 16 hours ago) by perishthethought@lemm.ee to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

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I've been a book reader for a long time, but never got into eBooks. I want to try it out next, but don't want to use any privacy vilotating devices or software. So, those "10 best" lists I found while searching are out, all of the Amazon crap is out.

What's left? What's a good device to buy so I can self-host my own eBook library and get into eReading. I would prefer suggestions for devices which just read books and comics and such. I don't need access to the app stores on it, I think.

Thanks for any ideas.

ETA: I have a Linux PC and an Android phone, if those things matter.

ETA2: Thank you all for these replies. You've given me a lot to think about and I appreciate the help!

LAST EDIT: Getting a Kobo Clara Color, 6" eInk dealie-bob! Thanks y'all. Don't let this stop you from posting your suggestions still. Posts like these help many over time. Y'all rock!

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[–] z3rOR0ne@lemmy.ml 37 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Kobo is the answer. It used to require some finicking to get it so you didn't have to sign up with Walmart, but now that's supposedly no longer an issue (I've had my Kobo for a long time). Install Calibre and the Kobo extension for Calibre. You now can borrow epubs from your local library, purchase them from your favorite online ebook store, or sail the high seas if you don't give a fuck.

[–] 0x0@programming.dev 5 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (2 children)

...and then my Kobo Clara briked itself into a bootloop after i connected it to WiFi.
Also beware how you buy ebooks from kobo's store or you won't be able to un-drm them (i.e. they get locked to the kobo).
All in all they do tend to be nice hardware and my usual recommendation.

[–] asap@lemmy.world 7 points 1 day ago

You can de-DRM books purchased from the Kobo store, I do it frequently. Use Apprentice Alf tools in Calibre.

[–] z3rOR0ne@lemmy.ml 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Sorry to hear that. I'll admit I don't buy ebooks. Yoho yoho and all that. And yeah, I also never turn on wifi. Have you tried a hard reset?

[–] 0x0@programming.dev 5 points 2 days ago

The problem with all hard resets is that the reset button's either:
a) at the lower back of the device
b) under the cover

Whereas mine seems to be c) these is none.

At least they've partenered with iFixit, better late than never.

[–] ButtBidet@hexbear.net 1 points 2 days ago

I use my (likely knockoff) Kobo that I got cheap from a shady online shop. Adding EPUBs is so damn easy.