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!

  • PineRune@lemmy.world
    101·
    2 days ago

    Pocketbook devices mostly run on Linux, except for a few android models. I have the Pocketbook Basic Lux, and I side load manga onto a SD card for it. It has a bookstore that can be entirely ignored, and you can use it without ever connecting wifi. I use Kindle Comic Converter to resize all my manga to the same resolution of the screen to prevent artifacts when the software downscales the images, as well as significantly reducing file size. It has a very simple menu and does not come with any bloatware or unnecessary additions. It is simply an eReader.

    • funkycarrot@discuss.tchncs.de
      3·
      10 hours ago

      Have a later model, the Pocketbook Verse (not the pro edition). Flashed KOReader on it which was much easier than anticipated. Have a couple extra features in the reader that way.

      It does as promised. I just plug it into my devices to get epubs onto it. You don’t even need a book management software like Calibre, you can use it similarly to how you’d use a thumb drive.

    • monomon@programming.dev
      4·
      1 day ago

      +1 for Pocketbook

      Never had any issues with it whatsoever.

      The device works great with Calibre.

      There is some other functionality that I did not use.

      • PineRune@lemmy.world
        2·
        1 day ago

        It seems they took some liberties to do more cool action scenes that weren’t in the manga. Otherwise it seems almost the same content-wise so far. I like the way Momo looks in the manga; she seems more lighthearted at times.