E-Reader recommendations for gemini.

The title says it all. Good device to read gemini and other static Internet text on.

May 16 · 5 months ago · 👍 Ashnar

9 Comments ↓

If my memories serves right, I saw someone reading on a kindle. From what I can see, any beat down e-reader with a browser should work fine with gemini/gopher html proxies.

🐐 satch · May 16 at 18:19:

I use a Boox epaper tablet. It's a bit weird but great overall and Lagrange works well

🚀 clarahd [mod] · May 16 at 19:43:

I've tried a few - here's my two cents:

Kobo Clara HD

-weak slow built-in web browser, but can run light simple websites, including Gemini sites!

http://portal.mozz.us/

-Excellent native gemini client available by installing KOReader then gemini plugin.

Running gemini client I can even access http news feeds like mobileread.com if really motivated eg. using

gemini://gemi.dev/cgi-bin/waffle.cgi/links?https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mobileread.com%2F

(need to toggle between raw and link mode to navigate to latest posts.)

Pocketbook Verse Pro Color

-about $25-50 more expensive.

-has color display and physical buttons.

-has more powerful web browser able to handle more demanding http websites that require javascript.

-Yet somehow has annoyingly sluggish main interface, and the KOReader gemini plugin has quirks like not displaying images properly. It is also locked down making attempts to hack it a pain in the ass. Also a bit heavier.

Moaan Inkpalm Plus

-was about same price as Pocketbook pre-tariffs (who knows now?)

-runs Android unlike previous two devices which run Linux.

Which means great apps like Lagrange, OperaMini, Infinity!

And you can still run KOReader.

-has a narrow rectangular phone-style display size so about an inch less wide than the other two. Also does not allow landscape mode.

-has not only buttons, but a configurable CAPACITATIVE button! ooooo...

-has been rooted, but doubt if the manufacturer respects the GPL license for using Free Software. That said, the way Kobo locks the bootloader in their own latest devices takes a bit of the gloss off that virtue.

CONCLUSION:

Kobo Clara HD is cheap and light, and its lack of processing power is not an issue thanks to all the awesome gemini sites and portals, and the slick KOReader apo and gemini plugin. Also a blast for Linux tinkerers. I got my sub name from it , though I'm not a girl (should have thought that through :)

Pocketbook Verse Pro Color is better for http web browsing or reading color documents, but I found it more restrictive for mods and my gemini plugin experience was worse than for the Kobo.

Moaan Inkpalm Plus will not disappoint Android users, IF they can get their hands on one! There's no denying Lagrange is one fine gemini client, although it must be acknowledged that the excellent KOReader gemini plugin keeps Kobo users from feeling left out!

🚀 Ashnar · May 17 at 13:30:

Lagrange on a debloated Bigme Hibreak Pro. Main device. Looks great. All the android stuff, eink screen with warm lights, black and white. I'm on gemini more than www now.

🦁 Houjimmy · Jun 01 at 10:45:

The new Boox Note Max is awesome for general use but it doesn't have any front light so i don't recommend. If you want to use in the night it is an awful experience. I repent that I bought.

🚲 hisacro · Jun 06 at 13:06:

doesn't Boox company violate GPL license?

🐐 satch · Jun 15 at 20:44:

@Houjimmy Yeah mine has a frontlight (Note Air4 C) but I think with the Note Max you just need a reading lamp?

🐐 satch · Jun 15 at 20:45:

@hisacro I wouldn't put it past them, but right now they are the only ones making e-ink tablets of this quality and I need it for my eyes. If there were any more ethical competition I would support them but my eyes are more important lol

🦁 Houjimmy · Jun 19 at 18:48:

Yes. I didn't check before buying and it is horrible.

I mean, I love it by its capacities, but the front light totally messes it up. I would exchange anytime the "sensibility" for drawing and light reflex (that i NEVER had an issue in ANY other e-reader, like Kindle or Pocketbook) by a dimmy light.

Damn, had I know, I'd buy a cheaper model with light and a slightly smaller screen, not the expensive one.

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