Anyone know of a cheap, semi decent device for reading pdfs on? I've looked at various devices, but I don't know what these numbers mean.
I mean, your best bet is gonna be a used Kindle DX, and you'll email your PDFs to the kindle with the subject line reading "Convert"
Or get a used iPad or like a cheap fire tablet and then throw LineageOS or something on it. Unfortunately, Amazon is the only company I'm aware of that makes cheap tablets that aren't an "immediately throw in garbage can, do not pass go, do not collect $200" and have a halfway competent display.
I use a kobo Clara and it works well. Any e-ink screen takes a little time to get used to navigating, and if it’s PDFs you’ll want the larger model to make visibility easier. I think it’s a bit more expensive than the kindle, but you’re also escaping amazon.
I think it’s a bit more expensive than the kindle, but you’re also escaping amazon
There's an even better option: make amazon lose money and get a cheap and great device in the bargain.
How does one go about jailbreaking a Kindle? Also what other apps are good to download onto it?
On some devices/firmware versions, you can do it in software. See here.
On others, you have to buy a USB to UART adapter cable for a few bucks (I used a buspirate because I have one but a simple cable will work), then disassemble, then connect to a JTAG port at the back (you can use tape and a sponge or similar, no need to solder); then run your serial communication program and start the Kindle. You'll see a standard Linux boot sequence; at one point a countdown will appear. Press any key. Boom, you have a root shell. See here.
As for your second question: games, terminal emulators, and basically any Linux app that uses GTK as its UI library.
I was able to jailbreak my kindle paperwhite 3 through software! That forum you linked to did an excellent job explaining what to do. Thank you so much!
Thank you for the response!! Definitely going to deep dive into this on my next day off. Love learning about new shit like buspirates, had no idea that was a thing (or really even what it does, look cool though).
That’s fair, particularly if you’re comfortable loading up a new operating system. If I ever acquired a kindle that’s what I’d likely do. I considered changing out the kobo software, but it’s unintrusive enough that I’ve never felt the need. Are there significant advantages to the reader you linked in your other comment?
That’s fair, particularly if you’re comfortable loading up a new operating system
It doesn't even go that far, you're simply getting root and then installing a new reader software (as well as other software if you want - chess games, etc.) and removing all the amazon calls, the OS stays the same - it's a perfectly valid debian OS. Depending on the model it can require disassembling it and plugging into a JTAG port with an UART adapter though (trivial to do but still).
As for your question: I used to have a Kobo and I don't remember enough about the reader UI to compare; I remember vaguely it was quite nice though (to the contrary of the default kindle one), so probably not worth it on those.
Appreciate the rundown, I’m largely tech illiterate.
My only sometimes desire for the kobo is a larger screen for PDFs, but you trade off with reduced portability. The UI is quite functional, even if there are a few issues with organization if you have a large number of documents.
I got a new battery for my 3rd Kindle I bought in 2010 that I lost and found…it still works for sending PDFs to! It looks like it can get them for like $30 on eBay. Old Kindle Fires are also cheap too , if color is important for you.
Any good e-ink devices that run FOSS? Just want something e-ink to sync with my Calibre server
Ugh. At that price point I'm almost better off buying a 3D printer, raspi zero, and an e-ink display and printing a housing.
Right? I don't know why they're so expensive. Maybe e-ink patents?
