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Only for reading, easily available in EU, low budget: which e-ink device/distro? (feddit.org)
submitted 2 weeks ago by A_norny_mousse@feddit.org to c/linux@programming.dev
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Only for reading, easily available in EU, low budget: which e-ink device/distro?

I'm looking for something to read books on, copied over from a local collection (mostly .epub). Networking is not desired, a fast USB connection is. A good battery or exchangeable battery would be nice.

Not too large - maximum DIN A5 for the whole device.

I remember from years ago that some devices were deemed unhackable, some much more suitable to install Linux on.

I'd prefer to buy used, so something that was sold a lot in Europe is preferable.

I will not spend much more than €100.

In other words, some old commercial e-reader that was known for being hackable, I guess.

Please do not recommend the new PineNote, it's (slightly) too large and way too expensive and I don't think I need that much computing power.

Thanks in advance.

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[-] tom@jlai.lu 9 points 2 weeks ago

I have a Kindle, and it's relatively inexpensive (I assume the business model focuses on selling eBooks rather than the reading device itself). I never turn on the Wi-Fi or sign in; I use it offline by uploading books through USB with Calibre. I've read that it can be jailbroken, but it has met all my needs so far. Would this option work for you?

[-] A_norny_mousse@feddit.org 3 points 2 weeks ago

Yes, definitely. Is the age of the Kindle relevant here? Like, older is better?

[-] tom@jlai.lu 4 points 2 weeks ago

https://kindlemodding.org/kindle-models.html

Since "winter break", it seems that most versions are supported.

[-] A_norny_mousse@feddit.org 1 points 2 weeks ago

It seems breaking it requires registering and an internet connection.

Is this also required at first usage?

[-] artyom@piefed.social 4 points 2 weeks ago

Funny, I just did this today. And yes it requires connecting to WiFi and registering the device with Amazon, since the jailbreak exploits a mechanic of the book store. But the new one "adbreak" exploits of mechanic of the advertising delivery system.

Definitely would not recommend buying one to do this. Kobo is the way (for now).

[-] als 2 points 2 weeks ago

I'm in a similar position, having inherited a Kindle Touch that a family member no longer used. If all you want is to read books on it then keeping it offline and using calibre has been perfect for me. I can't comment on the repairability however

this post was submitted on 26 Oct 2025
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