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by KingMachiavelli 2194 days ago
> I think the problem with DRM and ebooks is not the readers.

At least Kindles do track what the user is reading even if it wasn't purchased on Amazon so having a good, high quality, open source e-ink device would be of great benifit. [1]

> I think for the reader, I would prefer to buy commercial hardware as look and feel is an important thing for a device you will interact with a lot.

In the case of laptops, at least 99% of the software can be replaced save for stuff like the BIOS and Intel ME, etc. In the case of phones and devices where side loading the OS is not currently possible both due to the hardware being more specialized AND the manufactors locking the systems down to prevent modification of the software; there are open source hardware systems like the PinePhone and the do laptops as well. [2]

Also unless anything has changed, the DRM can be removed from Amazon ebooks so it's not a huge deal compared to DRM on other media like Ulra-HD Blurays.

[1] https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/31/21117217/amazon-kindle-tr...

[2] https://www.pine64.org/

1 comments

> At least Kindles do track what the user is reading even if it wasn't purchased on Amazon so having a good, high quality, open source e-ink device would be of great benifit.

How do they do that without any account, registration and internet connection? I use my kindle entirely for offline reading of books I copy over cable.

Well then obviously not. Note that turning the info off isn’t always enough. I can’t remember if it was my kindle or my kobo but it knew my WiFi password and would turn the WiFi home periodically without my knowing to call home anyway.