Which 7-8" ereader?

[foosion]

Based on some videos, it seems the Kobo screen is sharper and higher contrast and the Kindle may be faster.

Kobo might be better in the hand but that could be individual preference. This thread seems to prefer the Kobo and discounts my worries about the larger bezel. Some don't like the power button on the Kindle, as it's easier to hit accidentally.

There are some differences in software/UI that are a matter of individual preference.

[foosion]

Also, the Kobo manual says it remembers formatting (font, layout, etc.), but someone on Reddit said they had to re-enter format adjustments for each book. Which is actually true?

[Quoth]

I think the last changes may be used for the next unopened ebook (epub). After that new changes don't affect already opened ebooks.

So both are sort of true.

You can't manage much on a Kindle without Amazon, most aspects not at all on the Kindle from a computer.

[Aleron Ives]

Yes, the most important factor is whether you're willing to be a prisoner in Amazon's walled garden. If you just want to buy books and sync them to your device, Kindle works fine. If you like to edit your books and have control over your library, e.g. via Calibre or Sigil, then Kobo is the way to go, and Kindle is not really competitive at all.

[jackm8]

Frankly, I'd go with 8'' reader over 7'' any day. Ignoring practically every other spec. One inch doesn't sound a lot, but when you see the devices next to each other, it is a lot.

[Sirtel]

If you want to sideload and manage the books on your device solely via Calibre, there's nothing better than a Kobo. Kindles are not even in the same league in this regard, their library management is very limited in comparison (I have owned and used Kindles before I switched to Kobo).

If you want to keep your books on a remote server and sync the reading progress across several different devices, then Kindles and Pocketbooks may suit you better than a Kobo - Kobos don't sync sideloaded books over different devices, while both Kindle and Pocketbook offer such a service.

Everything else is a matter of taste.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by jackm8

Frankly, I'd go with 8'' reader over 7'' any day. Ignoring practically every other spec. One inch doesn't sound a lot, but when you see the devices next to each other, it is a lot.

Yes, because the 7 vs 8 is linear measure, but screen is an area.

I have 7″ and 8″ and prefer the 8″. It makes a huge difference when having a larger font.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by foosion

Also, the Kobo manual says it remembers formatting (font, layout, etc.), but someone on Reddit said they had to re-enter format adjustments for each book. Which is actually true?

When you set the font, line-height, and margins, this takes effect for that eBook and any unopened eBooks. Settings used for already opened eBooks won't change unless you open the eBook and change the settings.

So once you find the settings you like, you won't have to change the settings for that eBook and any unopened eBooks.

The person on Reddit is wrong.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Quoth

Yes, because the 7 vs 8 is linear measure, but screen is an area.

I have 7″ and 8″ and prefer the 8″. It makes a huge difference when having a larger font.

Except the Kobo Sage has a rather poor battery and you'd have to carry around a battery pack to make sure it doesn't run out on you.

The Libra 2 is much better overall.

[svenlind]

Originally Posted by Quoth

Yes, because the 7 vs 8 is linear measure, but screen is an area.

I have 7″ and 8″ and prefer the 8″. It makes a huge difference when having a larger font.

With the same aspect ratio the area is (8/7)^2 = 1.31. So the 8 inch sreen is 31% larger than the 7 inch.

[John F]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Except the Kobo Sage has a rather poor battery and you'd have to carry around a battery pack to make sure it doesn't run out on you.

The Libra 2 is much better overall.

Fortunately, you can carry around a battery pack for the Sage (if you really need one).

Jon, could you try carrying around an 8" screen and using it, and report back how much you like it.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Except the Kobo Sage has a rather poor battery and you'd have to carry around a battery pack to make sure it doesn't run out on you.

The Libra 2 is much better overall.

1. The Sage battery isn't that bad. You could read solidly all day. I have battery packs and never needed them. I read a huge amount daily on the Sage and charging is typically less than 45 minutes every 3 days, or even less often. I agree a Sage 2 with bigger battery and none of the half-dozen or so big magnets would be good. But the Sage really is OK.

2. Sadly there is no Libra 2 now, except of old stock or S/H. The Libra 2 has longer run time, but I've not needed it. It fits a smaller pocket, but I have a bag with shoulder strap for Sage and my favourite jacket takes Sage or Libra. The Libra or Libra2 or original H2O don't fit pockets on other jackets anyway.


The only better thing about Libra or Libra 2 is the running time, which is actually good enough on the Sage unless you are off-grid for a week, but likely any ereader needs a power bank if going off grid for a week and being read 4+ hours a day.