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Ask HN: What device do you use to read PDFs (papers and eBooks)?
1 point by ornornor on Oct 12, 2022 | hide | past | favorite | 5 comments
I normally use a Kobo with Calibre to read eBooks.

But every once in a while, an eBook only exists in PDF and the PDF -> Kobo ePub conversion doesn't usually go well.

I have an old Nexus 7 tablet from 2013 that I have used for that purpose, but the backlit LCD screen is too bright even at lower brightness to comfortably read after dark.

I know of the ReMarkable, but they're very expensive and it's hard to justify the cost as most of my reading is ePub.

Is there a good alternative in terms of price, availability outside the US, and functionality that I have overlooked for that purpose?



Boox Note Air or Nova 2. Nova 2 is more for books at 7.8" but can PDFs in a pinch. They are eInk but run Android and can run the Play Store. The built in PDF reader is good, ePub is ok. There is some jank using third party apps because they are expecting an LCD screen but a little tweaking generally gets them usable.

You might also want to take a look at Kobo's 10" model the Elipsa.


I'm thinking of getting a second hand iPad for this very reason. I read a lot of articles on my phone, and have been wanting a bigger screen. I think a used tablet is the best bet. Remarkable looks nice but like you said is expensive for what it is.


If you're already using kobo, the kobo sage is pretty good for pdf reading + annotation. You can sync with dropbox + bigger screen and a stylus. It's been alright for me.


A PC and an 11" Samsung / Android Tablet. Sadly, my ReMarkable is still in the drawer it's been in for the last couple of years. The user experience is just to un-compelling.


iPad. I've also been happy with PDF viewing on Android tablets such as the B&N Nook, Amazon Fire Tablets, etc.




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