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!

  • Yingwu@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    11 months ago

    No ads. Easy to buy. It you’re really concerned about privacy, just flash KOReader on it which is an alternative backend. The easier alternative is to never connect to the WiFi and manually transfer ePubs to the device through Calibre.

    • ggtdbz@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      11 months ago

      I got a Kobo and just use the networking to sync Pocket articles. Stock system.

      I don’t even think an account is available in my country. Just been syncing over Calibre. It’s not perfect (it uses a community plugin) but once you get the quirks of the Calibre-to-Kobo transfer it’s easy enough.

      Now the hard part. Actually reading.

      • Yingwu@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        11 months ago

        Lol. An e-Reader was actually one of the best purchases I’ve done. Started reading waaaay more than before. Also great that one can start digesting all those old out-of-copyright ebooks from like standardebooks.org, on a screen that resembles paper. I can never read a book on an ordinary screen.