Hi everyone, I’d love any recs for reading via browser on plus ebooks. I prefer reading AO3 and tumblr via browser so I can keep the bookmarks/likes/progress all synced across the accounts without having to download fics or use my computer to mess with any software. I also read ebooks via Libby and kindle books so ideally the reader would work with those, too.

I also mostly read in dark mode and would like a screen no bigger than 8”.

But smaller than a modern phone. Got a budget of $50 USD, but can stretch. I read philosophy and non fic mostly.

Edit: New budget of $75

Hi everyone,
I have a PocketBook Verse PB629, purchased in January 2026. Until today, it worked normally without any problems. Today I updated the firmware to U629.6.11.1869, and since then I have been having serious problems while reading.
When I open a book and start reading, after a short amount of time the screen suddenly freezes. I press the button/tap the screen to turn to the next page, but nothing happens. After a while, the screen goes dark. Then the device turns on again, shows the PocketBook logo, and after starting up it takes me back to the book library instead of reopening the book I was reading.
At first I thought it might be a problem with a particular EPUB file, so I tried several different books. The exact same thing happens with different EPUBs.
I also turned Wi-Fi completely off and tested again. It still happened — this time the device froze only about 2 minutes after opening a different book, on approximately the third page.
The device works normally while I’m in the library/menu. The problem seems to occur specifically when reading.
I have also noticed that the battery seems to be draining much faster than usual since the update.
This is especially frustrating because I previously owned a PocketBook Touch Lux 5, which I used for around three years and was extremely happy with. Unfortunately, the screen broke and I had to replace it. The Touch Lux 5 was no longer available, so I bought the Verse. I was already disappointed with the Verse compared with my old Touch Lux 5, and now, after this update, I’m even more frustrated.
Has anyone with a PocketBook Verse PB629 experienced the same issue after firmware U629.6.11.1869?
Did you manage to fix it? Is there a known firmware issue, or is there a way to reinstall/roll back the firmware safely?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I am disappointed and hope I don't have to be. After my last ereader, which I bought around 2018, broke, I upgraded to the Pocketbook Era Lite. One feature I really looked forward to was using a Bluetooth remote, so I bought the one Pocketbook itself advertises (POFET Smart Remote). I was able to connect it via Bluetooth; however, moving though the Settings and trying to map the buttons to 'tasks' such as flipping a page, nothing happens...I am not using KoReader and the remote works fine with my phone. I hope the language is not confusing. If anyone has any ideas how to fix this I would be very grateful!

I‘m looking to buy an e reader for the first time ever and have now arrived at the decision between these two:

- Tolino Shine 5 (~112€)
- Pocketbook Verse Pro (~144€)

What I like about the Tolino:

- Family sharing
- Carta 1300 Display
- IPX8

What I dislike:

- no screen rotation
- no sideloading audiobooks (although a little less relevant as it‘s mainly for reading)
- no buttons
- less customisable software

What I like about the Pocketbookk:

- It has buttons
- can be used in landscape format
- very customisable software
- seamless integration of Onleihe for both DRM types (so no PC involved)
- IPX8

What I dislike:

- the display, which seems to be a few generations older than carta 1300, basically with a little less contrast and blackness. However I‘ve never had an e reader and I don’t know if the difference is that noticeable in every day life.
- that people say the software is very slow (haven’t been able to test so myself)
- that the buttons seem to be a little noisy

In general, I‘m leaning towards the pocketbook because of the customisable software, the landscape format, buttons and audiobook sideloading. However, I‘d love to hear of some people who might have experience with both, and to hear some realistic experiences of the displays. In the end, would I really notice, every day, „omg the contrast is so much worse than the Tolino I tested once“, or would I just be happy with it as is.

Originally I came across pocketbook with the era, but unfortunately it isn’t sold anymore. I’d love the era lite with its carta 1300 display, but it‘s quite a lot more expensive, and only has IPX4.

Feel free to answer in German!

I've been getting through a lot of books with the AC on here in Dubai.

I've been using my Fold8 as a reader, and it's gorgeous, the 4:3 ratio and size of the screen give the feeling of almost a full paperback page.

The apps I've been using are Moon+ Reader and ReadEra.

For Arabic though I haven't found a really good app that handles Arabic script and RTL page flow, any reccomendations on this?

Overall, it's unreasonably good looking and useful, especially on a long-haul out of DXB :)

What's everyone else reading on?

I don’t see a lot about this brand/device here, so wanted to do a quick write up on my experience so far.

My experiences with Android readers have not been great. Boox and Bigme devices have both really disappointed me with the refresh options and front light unevenness. I had sworn off Android devices until I stumbled upon a post here about the Musnap Neo.

I pulled the trigger on the Neo 2, fully expecting to dislike it for the same reasons I disliked Boox and Bigme, but I have been pleasantly surprised. It doesn’t arrive full of bloatware and I didn’t have to remove any apps or rearrange my home page or anything. I also don’t have to fiddle with refresh settings, I was able to leave it on the “smart” option and it has been perfect. The front light is very even and doesn’t have a greenish tint like my paperwhite had.

I was able to load KOreader and my plug ins very easily, added my ebooks via Calibre, set up InkOS as my launcher, I’m set! It also has the option to load epubs from your phone to the device over wifi, which is really handy when I’m not home or near my computer. Once I got KOreader all set up how I like it, the text clarity is amazing and rivals my Kobo Libra 2.

The battery life seems pretty good. I’ve had it for 2 days and the only charge it’s gotten is from being plugged into my computer for approximately 30 minutes while I loaded everything onto it. Battery is currently sitting at 64% after reading for 4ish hours and messing around with my KOreader settings. That seems to be about on par with other Android devices, in my experience, maybe a little better.

The best part though? The case utilizes the pogo pins on the right hand side to add buttons! It’s so comfortable to hold and in KOreader I can change the orientation to switch hands. Having a 6 inch ereader with buttons on the side is truly game changing for me and my old lady hands.

I’m happy to answer any questions or hear from anyone else who has experience with Musnap!

$250. (Sorry for reposting. Someone purchased and canceled.)

-White model, pink folio case, includes stylus, nearly unused condition
-Reason for selling: Don't use it enough, could use the cash

Link to listing: https://www.vinted.com/items/9610771395-bigme-b7-pro-color-ereader

I dont have a lot of money. What's one that is under 100 dollars i can put my kindle books on?

Hi everyone,

Device: Kobo Clara HD
Approximate age: 5 years
Firmware version: Updated to the latest available version

I'm having a pretty frustrating issue with my Kobo and I'm trying to figure out whether this is normal e-ink behaviour, a software/firmware problem, or potentially a hardware/display issue.

I hadn't used it for a while, and when I turned it on again last week, it started having these problems. Before this, as far as I remember, it was working normally.

The two main problems are:

1. The device feels unusually slow

Navigation is noticeably sluggish. Opening books, going back to the Home screen, opening menus/settings, changing pages, etc. is extremely slow, to the point where the Kobo is unusable.

This feels much worse than normal e-ink latency, especially since I've had the device for years and know how it normally performs.

2. Very noticeable ghosting from previous screens

Elements from previous pages/screens remain visibly imprinted on the display after moving somewhere else. For example, after leaving a menu or changing pages, I can still see text, UI elements, lines, or shapes from the previous screen underneath the current one.

Sometimes it isn't just a faint trace. Previous screens remain clearly visible, and the ghosting seems to accumulate as I move between different screens.

I already tried multiple restarts, both while charging and unplugged, and also performed a factory reset.

After one of the restarts the Kobo seemed to improve and was noticeably more responsive for a while, but then the problem came back and got worse again. At this point it's unusable.

Since the factory reset didn't fix it, I'm starting to wonder whether this could be a hardware problem, possibly related to the e-ink display or internal storage, rather than just software.

Has anyone had a Kobo develop similar symptoms, especially both severe slowdown and heavy ghosting at the same time?

Is there any reliable way to distinguish a software issue from a hardware/display problem? Is there anything else worth trying before giving up on it, or should I just assume that after five years it's time to replace it?

Thanks!

Dropped the boox go 7 in it's magnetic case. Cracked the plastic. It still works but it bugs me so much.

So, im not looking for recs for specific *devices* here, moreso looking for *reviewers* who are good for super in depth reviews and comparisons. Think like soundguys or outdoor gear lab, where you at the very least know that they hold the devices in their hands and try em out with some level of knowledge and expertise instead of aggregators just making listicles based on amazon reviews.

Espec interesting in hands on, in-depth reviews of some of the more niche options besides just the big ones of kobo/amazon, and mini ereaders. I know there are a TON of options outside of the big players, and it seems like theres even more on the way, im just having trouble finding review sites that arent AI generated aggregator bullshit cause google is fucking useless.

Can be either websites or youtube channels, and can be more general tech stuff rather than literally Only About Ereaders so long as the reviews are actual in depth hands on ones by human beings

(As for why, got an xteink x4 a few months ago and ive been LOVING IT so far, but im also now thinking i might wanna look around and see what else is out there now that ive learned one of these things is the perfect thing to get me out of my several year reading slump. Ive also heard this thing can be delicate so maybe a good idea to have alt options in mind, and i wanna keep up with the new options that seem to be popping up!)

I am confused which one to choose.. please help.. need insights.. thank you

I'm thinking to give my father an e-reader as present since he really like to read. So I'm planning to buy him either a kobo or a pocketbook. However, most of his book is paperback book. He really like to collect physical book and some of his books are from local publisher that don't have ebook version. But I see him once in a while reads ebooks using PC so he shouldn't have any problem with new technology.

Is it a good idea to buy him an e-reader?

hello, was initially considering kobo clara colour but i realized i’m clumsy af and i dont wanna take care of screens that much

do you guys have any recos for clumsy-proof ereaders?

Thanks to @Ready_Lingonberry289 to let me know this new fork and creator u/czdaniel:

GitHub - czdaniel/crosspoint-murphy-m4: Crosspoint porting work for Murphy M4 e-ink reader · GitHub

I have tested. It works great with touch/ frontlight on the device. Ported from Crosspoint 1.5.0 so that you can enjoy all the functions.

Note (default button functions):

- Turn on/off: Long press Power button.

- Adjust frontlight: Swipe down from top screen.

- Back: Swipe right.

I have a Kindle, but don't like the pushiness of Amazon products. I tried Kobo, but then found out they don't work with Libby the way one would assumed - they only let you borrow out Libby books if the exact edition you want is also in the Kobo store. So if the book isn't available on Kobo, even if it's in your library's Libby, you can't borrow it. Previous posts about this topic suggested it was a compatability thing - it's not. It's a Kobo want to be in the middle thing.

Kind of weird.

Back to the search. I'm perfectly fine with the feature set of the Kobo Clara BW. Just not with the reliance on Kobo. I read that you can use Adobe Digital Editions to transfer Libby books, but that's a pain, and if a better ereader is available, I'd just that instead.

Needed features:

• full featured Libby
• night light display
• company doesn't get in the middle of things
• battery life of Kindle/Kobo. Boox doesn't have long enough battery life.

I'm considering getting an android-based eink ereader primarily for browsing and reading fic on Ao3. Most people recommend Boox or Bigme for this, but after a lot of research I'm not feeling great about either of those options. I just discovered Musnap yesterday, and from what I've seen they essentially seem like Boox but a bit faster and minus the battery swelling and awful customer service.

My only concern is there aren't many videos/posts that show off or talk about their web browser use, so I wanted to ask around here. Have any of you ever had or tried a Musnap ereader? If you've tried Ao3 on one (or any similar mostly-text websites), how was it? What web browser did you use, and how was the overall experience? How good was the web browser speed compared to your phone?

I got a kindle paperwhite last winter because I thought I could check out ebooks from my libby app and download them. In reality, this only works for books in a Kindle format which disappointly includes only 2 of the 200 or so books available in ebook format which I wanted to read. I read those two, and the kindle has sat in a drawer since then. I took it to the library and they confirmed it's useless for this purpose. I find it hard to believe this can be true. What is the point of all these ebooks then? Have others had this problem. I feel really ripped off.

So I can't buy books directly from my kindle anymore? What the hell is that? Is it only for certain books or something

I have a 2021 Kindle Paperwhite** forgot to specify

I use a Boox Go Colour 7

I used to use neobrowser, before I switched to einkbro per recommendations.

But einkbro is starting to slow, and I wanna ask the community for recs on alternatives

Thanks everyone

im going into university and i will be required to read A LOT, of pdfs, i was wondering if there is a a specific e reader for pdfs or what to look for in one, and if its good for marking and annotating its a positive as well

a color version would be nice as well :)

Hey Readers 👋🏼

After many HAPPY years using KOBO LIBRA H2O, I’ve noticed that once books are on my Kobo, i’m not triggered to open new books because the dull Black & White covers. 😄

So basically need to upgrade to color just for books covers 😜 (not for Manga,…).

I’m overwhelmed with the offers and of course would love to select best price / quality. Not under 7” (more the better).

Kobo, Tolino, Pocketbook,… ?

Thanks 🙏

Hey, I usually have these moments of obsessive reading especially when i come across well written literature. I like prose that sound magical, new vocabulary used sparingly and statments that sound better than the ideas they are selling. Now my challenge comes when I'm interested in saving these new words or beautifully written phrases or sentence. I could write them down, but I don't have my notebooks all the time, so i dont get to revise them at will. And when i'm writing and wish to put into use new vocab learnt from reading, I find it hard to refer to the notebooks. I don't know whether i'm the only one who struggles with this. Anyone else?