E-Reader for library books - please help!

[ItsAStupidQuestion]

Hi,

I'm looking for a cheap (secondhand if needed) e-reader. I'm not really interested in buying books, just want to use the Libby app on a bigger screen than my iPhone that I'm using at the moment.

I bought a Kobo Arc for £35 from CEX online (first time buying from them), it's arrived and it won't work. Can't connect to wifi to update due to some kind of technical out of date software update issue that I'm not prepared to faff about with. Taken it to the local store and they can't fix it either so have given me a refund. Not really sure why they are selling them when they are obviously not fit for purpose due to their age.

I don't want a top of the range all singing, all dancing one, just a super cheap one that I can switch on and it will work!

Any suggestions? Thanks to anyone who replies!

Hopeful bump!

Anyone?

I bought an Amazon Fire model 8 on eBay for £28. I use Borrowbox, but can't imagine there'd be any problem with Libby. Just remember if you buy second hand, ask them to reset it and provide any pins just in case, having said that mine was reset and I didn't need a pin number.

Before I had the Fire 7 and it was great, just getting a bit slow, so decided to replace it, because I only read this way now.

I have an old Kobo which works with Libby but you have to download books via Adobe in a computer.

Maybe you could call your local library and ask them what works best?

You can use the libby app on any tablet but I don't like reading on it. They are too big, the screen glares and also quite heavy compared to a pure e-reader.

I would consider a new basic Kobo model.

These are the Kobo readers that allow overdrive (i.e. Libby):
Sage
Libra 2
Clara HD
Elipsa
Forma
Libra H2O
Nia
Aura Edition 2
Aura H2O Edition 2
Aura ONE

There are some other models that allow you to transfer library books using adobe digital editions but it sounds as though you're looking for something a bit more straight forward. Could you look into buying one of these second hand instead?

Your only other option really, if you want an e-ink screen, are Android e-ink tablets but they're quite niche and really pricey.

Other than that you could use a normal tablet (iPad, Amazon Fire, Android) but not so good if you're specifically looking for the e-ink screen to save your eyes.

My library switched to Borrowbox a few years ago, but I am pretty certain that my Fire 8 plus (10 HD) coped with Libby.

I seem to remember that it is a bit of a faff to get library apps to work (but You tube will help).

I've not bought a tablet from them, but my family have bought and sold multiple phones on Backmarket.

I plan to investigate their iPad prices shortly

I think the Kindle Fire is going to be your best bet.

I use my iPad mini for electronic library books. I have a kindle but can’t get them on that. I’m not massively keen on reading before bed on my iPad though