KINDLE OR KOBO?

[booksandbakinglover]

I currently have a kindle paperwhite 10th gen (2019) but I’ve heard a lot of good things about kobo recently and a lot of bookish influencers that I follow are making the switch from kindle to kobo!
I’ve personally been looking at the kobo libre colour, but I’m unsure whether to take the leap.

Anyone have experience with both? Can you compare?

Thank you

(Sorry if I have chosen the wrong topic)

You don't need to "switch". If your kindle is working and you like using it then all is well.

And even if it is working/you like it, you could have a Kobo as well (no "switch" required).

I have a Kobo so I can borrow library books which are generally epub format. Kindles can't read the epub format so you can't borrow library books on them. (General speaking. Some library books are also available as PDFs which I think Kindles can access.)

I can't read Kindle books on my Kobo, they are in an exclusive format that can only be read on Kindles/kindle apps.

Yes, as above, I have a kobo to allow me to take books out of the library through the overdrive system. Really good.

@DisplayPurposesOnlyyou’re right, I don’t need to switch, but I would probably give the kindle away or donate it if I got a new e-reader. I love the fact library books can be borrowed on the kobo, such a good feature!

@speedtalkeryes I love the idea of that feature! Is it quite simple to do/set up?

Yes, very easy. I use the Libby app on my phone which is synced to my library card. My kobo is also synced to my library card, so when you choose a book you can press to sync to what you’ve chosen. You can also directly search through overdrive on the kobo, but you can’t use filters so it’s not so sophisticated.

I have had a kobo for years and love it, but occasionally there are books that aren’t available on the kobo store (but are available on kindle). There are pc programmes you can use to convert from kindle file to kobo, but I can’t be arsed with that.

Can you read library books on Kobo if your library uses Borrowbox?

Kindle switched to epub for customer loaded books some time back. The driver behind the move for many readers is the change in policy which prevents kindle users downloading /backing up books they have bought. This means that if you delete your Amazon account or they remove the book from the catalog you lose access to your items even you have paid full price for them. Effectively it forces all users into "borrower" status at a very expensive lending library.

I was an early adopter of Kindle and still find it to be the most natural e-reader but I'm considering switching to Kobo due to the rights and access issues with Amazon.

Can you read library books on Kobo if your library uses Borrowbox?

Yes.

I bought a cheap Kobo as I only borrow books from the library, never pay for books.

Yes I use BorrowBox.

Yes you can. I’ve also joined a library which uses libby so have access to both. It’s easy to join as an online member for any library, I just selected the local university as my address.

Does anyone know if it’s possible to download ARCs from NetGalley or BookSirens on the kobo?

NetGalley yes, there’s a send to kindle button. No idea on Booksirens sorry

I’ve got both but I only use my kindle.

I think that they have changed the format recently on NetGalley and it doesn’t work with Kobo, but please double check this as I’m not entirely sure as I use a kindle for ARCs.