I’ve been thinking about getting an e-reader (thinking kobo or boox) and wanted to know if it’s possible to remove unwanted stuff (like the play store) using adb? I plan on just downloading .epub files from annas-archive and ao3, so it would be good if firefox or mull can be installed via .apk.
Just get a Kobo and never connect it to the internet. They take epubs just fine.
I have KOReader on mine. It’s a great combo. The only problem is that kobo in general consumes battery charge fast.
I highly recommend the Kobo. You need an account to activate the device (only needs email and password), but after that, you don’t need to use their services. Side loading books onto it is trivial (it’s officially supported). Connecting it to WiFi is unnecessary after the initial setup. You can’t install a browser onto it, and the built-in browser leaves much to be desired. I would download the books onto a separate device and side load it.
What is the Kobo store experience like? I’ve been thinking about replacing my Kindle with one for a while now. But I often finish books in bed and download the next in the series without getting up. The idea of getting up in the middle of the night to side load stuff doesn’t sound very appealing, nor does having to always buy books ahead of time to have them ready. On that note, can you download demo books from the Kobo store to see if you like them before buying?
I usually buy them on my phone (Kobo app), which is easier with payments. Afterwards the book is immediately available on my e-reader. Started doing this a couple of months back and I like it. You can also preview books, but got no personal experience with that.
Thanks for the response. Preview, as in a sample that gives you enough of the book to make a judgement on it?
You need an account to activate the device
You can bypass that requirement
Yes, I do exactly that. I have a Boox and removed all google services using ADB. Then I use Obtainium for apps.
Have a look at the Onyx Boox line of devices.
They run Android under the hood, so various file sync apps just work (i.e. to move books wirelessly from your own Network Attached Storage.)
But beware that the tablet versions default to a much lower screnn refresh rate than a typical ebook, since they don’t need the refresh when you’re taking notes. There’s configuration options to make them act more like an ebook reader, at the cost of some of the battery life.