I gave up my Kindle… and I couldn’t be happier

Previous videos:
• Why and how I'm giving...
• I'm giving up my Kindl...
• Giving up my Kindle up...
Calibre calibre-ebook....
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Music: Who's Afraid of Halloween by Alfred Grupstra from Pixabay

[@allisonj.7918]

I'm one of StoryGraph's volunteer librarians. What a happy surprise to see a shout out for the site!

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I’m really impressed by it!

[@gamewrit0058]

Thank you for your service, dear librarian! 🥰❤️

[@bjminton2698]

Amazon has put so many small brick and mortar companies out of business by bringing in lesser quality items. I have never considered getting a Kindle because of that and have been reading ebooks for nearly 20 years. Love my BOOX!!

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Go Boox!

[@bjminton2698]

​@ChillCollins616 I have never and would never consider buying a Kindle simply because I don't want to support Amazon. I read 50 - 70 ebooks a year, all from the library. I do mostly read physical books though. Good that you're happy with your kindle 🙂.

[@thedisabledwelshman9266]

i agree with u. i would never consider getting a kindle. real books RULE.

[@marcnkwame1835]

Kindle is the only ereader that is available where I live. That's why I had to buy it

[@yxmichaelxyyxmichaelxy3074]

@@bjminton2698 Amazon did not produce the books. The publishers do.

[@genteelblackhole]

I've backed up my Kindle books with Calibre too, but I haven't taken the final step of actually getting a Kobo (or other e-reader). It's definitely something I intend to do eventually though, I'm glad it's working so well for you. And now you've got me making a Storygraph account too!

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I really think that first step of backing up your books is a key one. I felt so much more in control of my library after doing it.

[@ak49]

It's fine, don't buy a new device if you already own a working one. I recommend you to stop using amazon kindle services and stop feeding them your data. Aeroplane mode on, and always sideload.

[@Causeimbored1]

You don't have to buy another ereader. You can find other places to buy ebooks and sideload them onto your Kindle. It'll save you money until your device craps out. I don't know how to sideload but I'm sure you can find videos on youtube on how to sideload ebooks you've purchased elsewhere. 😊

[@ak49]

@@Causeimbored1 That's what I do! My friend Anna always lends me the books I want to read, and If I enjoyed it, I buy a physical copy (although storage is an actual problem).

[@bzylarisa]

Watching you quit Kindle encouraged me to finally get a Kobo-the same color model as yours-and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Fantastic! Glad you’re enjoying it

[@anyab812]

I have a Kobo and it’s one of the best investments. I still prefer physical books, but ebooks are convenient in their own way. Wouldn’t exchange my Kobo for any other e-reader.

[@abc98114]

I always buy Kindles. Got a Kobo Libra Color about 3 months ago because I’ve been wanting a color screen ereader for a while. It was great, worked great, stopped using it for a month. Now it just won’t turn on. Left it to charge for an entire day and it still won’t turn on. Huge of waste of money for me. Especially since Kobo doesn’t sell in my region and I had to pay more to get it delivered to me. Now it’s just sitting in my drawer and will collect dust. Went back to my Kindle and will never buy a Kobo ereader again.

[@christopherharnett5694]

I love how clean the Kobo UI is. I got a Libra Color around the same time as you and I love it.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah it just feels better thought through

[@d.r.martin6301]

If you haven't already, I would enjoy a piece on how you use Calibre to repurpose the books you have on your Kindles. I'm tempted to switch, too, but am intimidated by the prospect of transferring my several hundred titles.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

It is a time consuming process, mostly because there isn’t an easy way to download all your kindle books in one go.

[@DocBree13]

Me too!

[@mikethespike7579]

@@CriminOllyBlog It takes only slightly longer to down load all your books one by one. I'd guess maybe a couple of hours for maybe 100 books, well worth the time to rescue all your purchases. And Calibre transfers these to a generic e-reader within a few seconds.

[@Causeimbored1]

@d.r.martin6301 I don't plan on buying a different ereader but I am interested in purchasing ebooks from other sources. Learning how to sideload would definitely help me purchase ebooks from elsewhere. However, I am not tech savvy and have not figured out how to de-DRM my Kindle ebooks once I load them onto my laptop. That's going to be my biggest challenge. Because of this challenge, I haven't purchased ebooks from other sources because I don't want to run into the same problem when trying to sideload onto my Kindle device. 🙃

[@michellerever3564]

The majority of what I use my Kindle for are library borrows and I'm thrilled with it from that aspect since I'm down to one book store splurge a year. I don't imagine myself ever heavily purchasing Kindle books again. I should probably keep Kobo in mind.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

The library integration is great. In the UK that doesn't work on Kindle, only Kobo

[@gaming4lunch]

I also use my kindle to read mostly library books. It had such a large selection! Amazon sometimes has free books so I read those on there too. Essentially, all my books on my Kindle were free. I also use hoopla which is another library service although it does not integrate with kindle to read other free library books.

[@johnt.2000]

I agree. I only bought the kindle because of libby and free books from library

[@staceyspencer3755]

I've had a Kindle in my Amazon shopping cart for weeks. Haven't bought yet because (1) no money and (2) hoping for a sale. Just removed it and started checking stats on other e-readers. Thank you!

[@CriminOllyBlog]

There are so many great alternatives out there! I've reviewed a few on the channel if you're interested

[@gamewrit0058]

First time viewer. Great and insightful video. Concise and very helpful. Cheers!

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Thank you! Really glad you enjoyed it

[@PeculiarNotions]

I appreciate these updates about your experiment in leaving the kindle ecosystem.

[@mikec5992]

I've been thinking about this as well. I think I finally figured out what I'm getting myself for Christmas. :) Thank you very much for sharing your perspective. It's helpful. God bless.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patricia1468]

You made some really good points! I didn't know it was possible to move your kindle ebooks elsewhere. I'm going to check if it's available in my country. It does bothers me how big Amazon has become, but in my mind there wasn't anything better out there... Thank you for opening my mind and encouraging me to do my research. ❤

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Glad it was useful!

[@esthereley6808]

I've also moved from Kindle to my new Kobo Libra Colour and I'm really enjoying reading on it. I use different colour highlights for quotes, dialogue, character and plot. I've moved quite a lot of my (995!) Kindle books via Calibre to my Kobo. What I really enjoy is linking Libby to it, so I can read and annotate my Library Bookclub titles easily on my Kobo.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

The Libra Colour is such a great device

[@sonarfreq]

I watched another video here last night, where someone was concerned about Amazon's ability to update book content (covers and copy) without asking you first, which has also concerned me for some time. So although I DO buy ebooks from Amazon, I also convert every single purchase into an EPUB version using Calibre and DE-DRM plugins, and then store this alternative library on another hard drive. The EPUB as a result cannot suffer such tampering from Amazon, plus I have a DRM free library to enjoy or share as I please! I'm "almost" a pensioner now, and I have grown up and lived largely in a culture that always used actual PUBLIC LIBRARIES to share and disseminate information in book form amongst others, and I will never accept a huge corporation suddenly deciding that they are the arbiter of what can and cannot be sold or shared in a written form, to the detriment of humanity. Thank you for the video, and sharing your thoughts, and I wholeheartedly agree with you! And incidentally, my ereader is an old black n white Barnes & Noble Nook, which is still working perfectly after years and years, and I sideload my EPUBS onto it via USB. God Bless.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah I’ve seen a few videos about that pop up recently. I definitely agree that getting control of your library feels good

[@evegarvega]

I use my old kindle, I jailbreak it and install my own screensavers and then I mainly use it for borrow on the library or books from free repositories, like project Guttenberg and so on, it is so frustrating the amazon ecosystem. It blows my mind that you can buy a book and after several months it may never be available again.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I might try jailbreaking with one of my old kindles

[@evegarvega]

It’s a new device after that. I am still using my old 3rd gen keyboard kindle and couldn’t be happier. As well for books you bought and want to bring them to a different device try epubor. Cool video!!

[@dzakyalfajr]

hey man. how relatively easy would it be to jailbreak so i could install google play books?

[@brycer985]

@@CriminOllyBlog - Could you do a video jailbreaking one?

[@norkci8090]

Can you please elaborating on how to jailbreak? Would really appreciate it.

[@20DYNAMITE06]

I'm not thrilled with my reliance with Amazon, but I do love my kindle. It's nearly 8 years old and still runs relatively well. One of the things I like best is how seamlessly it works with my e-library account with the Libby app. With an e-reader like Kobo, have you found it compatible with library services? Is it as convenient as Kindle's process?

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yes, Kobo works seamlessly with Libby (in fact here in the UK, Kindles don't support Libby/Overdrive at all). The Android ereaders I have (from Boox and BigMe) all run the Libby app perfectly too.

[@aag24]

Bravo Oliver! I am amazed that you have an KZbin account. How delightful - I agree 100% about Amazon.I have finally worked out how to de-DM the Kindle (few) books I have. I now need to find a "reasonably priced" eReader, I can now try and enjoy books in electronic format … I have only been able to manage "real" paper books. I wish I could enjoy the convenience of the eBooks. I also deleted my Goodreads. Very sad that I had to do it - but I just couldn't keep supporting yet another Amazon "product" like so many other things.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

The channel was a surprise to me too! Just kind of happened rather than really being planned 😂

[@michellegleave2550]

Thanks Olly! I enjoyed this video and appreciate you sharing your views!

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@taralee7076]

Nothing like holding a book and flipping the pages…. I still love the feeling of books and spending time in a bookstore 💝

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Agreed. Paper books are wonderful things

[@DAViDD767]

And using natural light.

[@GrahamDixonUK]

@@taralee7076 Same here. Also, I like to see how much I have left to read in 3D rather than a number on a screen.

[@sgk9369]

Love paper books. Prefer e-readers due to the overall less physical load of holding the book for hours, but the experience is never the same as the real thing.

[@albertcamus1960]

Yawn

[@Glaubermoledo]

I'm from Brazil, hello! And in here we used to have Kobo affiliated with a chain of book stores that no longer exists. So or you use a Kindle or you use a Kindle. I don't dislike it, especially considering the fact that it has made brazilians to read more, but I tend to like more the Kobo. I have a PW1 and (believe me) a 14 yrs Kobo Glo still functional and pleasuring me with a lot of books. One thing I think Amazon is good for is exactly the fact of being huge, which ends up making other companies to go beyond on their devices. In the end, thankfully I still have my Glo, and 'envy' you guys that have so many options at hand! Great video!

[@DigiDriftZone]

I use exclusively DRM-free (manually removed) books on my kindle, it’s very convenient, you open a book on any Kindle app and it syncs to your physical Kindle devices. Win win, no Amazon ecosystem but good hardware.

[@gigipc2488]

How do you check if a book is DRM-free? I'd love to keep using my kindle, but I'm afraid of my books disappearing.

[@DigiDriftZone]

@@gigipc2488 z library and tor

[@bretebey]

The new kindles will no longer allow this, sideloading, or seeing the kindle as a device on a computer.

[@DigiDriftZone]

@@bretebey you can’t send an epub file to the kindle using the send to kindle feature? Says who?

[@bretebey]

@@DigiDriftZone Google a website, GoodEreader and an article 'New Kindle e-readers no longer appear on computers' .

[@eduardopatricio]

Good for you! I can really relate to your reasons for ditching Kindle.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Thank you

[@tparks427]

Thank you so much for this video. I purchased a Color Kobo device and did transfer over some of my books. But, I’ve been lazy about doing the rest. I’m severely entrenched into the Amazon kindle universe and quite frankly it bothers me sometimes. Your video is giving me encouragement to make the switch permanent.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AngryPict]

Calibre is great.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

It really is

[@j.s.elliot7121]

I'm enjoying my Kobo(s). I have two color devices, the Libra (which I use for book series) and the Clara (that I use for stand-alone novels). They're really nice, both in UI and general reading experience. Slowly working on backing up all of my Kindle books and transferring them via Calibre.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

The Calibre part took my ages but I’m so glad I’ve done it.

[@j.t.5178]

I bought a Kobo Aura One back in 2016 because I didn't want to give Bezos money. Still going strong!

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Excellent!

[@dinara_safina]

I just discovered your channel and have been binge watching all evening. Thank you so much for all of your content, your love of reading, and congrats on giving up your Kindle. I prefer having books in hand, but since I'm running out of space lol, I'm going to look into getting a Kobo or another type e-reader. If anyone can recommend something that is reasonably priced please do. I just checked online for some prices and yikes.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Thank you, glad you’re enjoying it! I haven’t tried it yet, but the new Boox Go 6 is their cheapest option I think. I have 3 of their other devices and really like them all

[@travissmarion]

The way you feel about Amazon is the same way I feel about Apple here in the US. Refuse to use their products for any reason.

[@yojalma]

I only use my kindle for library books. I have never bought an ebook. For YEARS! I buy physical books when the library has a long wait time but rarely.

[@legiontheatregroup]

Interesting take. On your second concern (about the ads) I have owned a Kindle for about 8 years and really like it. When I purchased my Kindle Amazon gave me the option (which I selected) of paying slightly more initially for an AD-FREE lifetime reading experience. I am in the US though, not sure if this is an option everywhere.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I wasn’t talking about the things Amazon specifically labels ads, but the way Amazon uses every opportunity to try and push new books on you

[@OlgaFyodorova]

I use a Kindle, but I live in Russia and can't buy from Amazon anyway. I just sideload whatever books I obtained elsewhere. So I don't feel any pressure of supporting a huge corporation. And the device itself is very good. I looked for alternatives but something came short in any e-reader I viewed as a contender.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I didn't know Amazon didn't sell books there. I do agree they're generally great devices

[@OlgaFyodorova]

@@CriminOllyBlog we're cut off from the rest of the world currently, our bank cards only work in Russia now because of the sanctions. And Amazon was never present in Russia. We could buy from Amazon before the war, but it meant shipping from the US and books in English mostly, so it never was a mainstream.

[@ursulaoelofse4731]

Olly, I have a kindle paperwhite 2021. More than half of my books are side loaded onto my Kindle. Most of my books which I got from Amazon were 100%free. Some I have bought, but I tend to go for the very cheap bundles of books where you pay say $1.20 for a series of 8 books. As of yet, I don't own a pc or laptop, so I can't download all my books from Amazon. Also, Kindle is the only e reader available in South Africa. If you import others, you pay more than double the price of a kindle.

[@Merrymouseis13]

I have a kobo libra 2, and im so suprised to hear about calibre. I think this is my final push to get me off kindle software, which ive been using since i was in 6th grade back in 2009.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

It’s really useful software!

[@smb-zf9bd]

I love Kindle, the ease of carrying many books on a long trip. You can't match a snowy day, good cup of coffee, nice fire, couch and hardback novel but that is not possible all or most the time. Quitting because "they are too big" sounds, well, silly. Do you not use Apple, Google, Nvidia, MSFT, Hot Pockets (Nestle), McDonalds, medicine (Eli Lilly, Abbot Labs), Pepsi? As for pushing content, ALL companies push content / buy again - Home Depot, restaurants, hotels, theme parks, auto, airlines.... Moreover they send those dumb questionnaires! Numerous companies sell on Amazon. I donated some books to our local library and the lady said they would have a hard time continuing without Amazon where they sell duplicates and things not wanted. I admit I use it constantly for the 2 day delivery, ease of shopping and variety offered. Glad you are happy now!

[@gamewrit0058]

I loved T. Kingfisher's What Moves the Dead, and I still get creeped out about it sometimes. I haven't been brave enough to pick up the sequel. I also loved her spin-off from Thornhedge, a kids' novel-comic hybrid written under the name Ursula Vernon, called Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible. It's the first and my favorite in that series. This spooky season, I read the first 5 pages of one of T. Kingfisher's 2024 releases, A Sorceress Comes to Call, which promises to be an intense psychological thriller. Proceed with caution if you're an abuse survivor.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Oh that spin off sounds lovely!

[@chrisconnors7418]

I’m happy with my kobo Libra (black and white version). I used calibre with the add-on for my books and I can download them to my kobo easily. Also I love being able to read books direct from the library

[@fredhaier5526]

I have 150 books on my Kindle. I have only read one book on my Kindle so far this year. I used to download cheap books from Early Bird Books but had to stop because it too easy add books. My Kindle is not online all the time so I don't run into ads.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Those cheap deals are so hard to resist

[@jayvansickle7607]

I hardly see my Home Screen. I keep my Kindle in Library mode. That being said….i think Amazon would sell more books from the Home Screen if the prices were on there as well.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah get that is an option, but I don’t understand the need for the Home Screen at all when there is a store screen

[@jayvansickle7607]

@@CriminOllyBlogtotally agree that their Home Screen sucks (which is why I don’t use it). Kobo’s is much better. I also like Kobos front light control, by sliding your finger on the side of the screen. I wish kindle would do that. I stay with kindle for two reasons primarily, I think. 1. I already have so many kindle books, and I don’t care enough to go through DRM removal. 2. Costs… it’s really easy to get a cheap new kindle, multiple times a year. If I ever switched, it would probably be to a Boox product.

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

yeah, but you still lose a lot of control, technically you don't even own those books. they can remove them from you if they don't have the license anymore. sometimes it'll change the cover. or change the addition entirely. there's actually a lawsuit about this in California. might make a law forcing Amazon to change the way they advertise. I just don't like proprietary solutions like this that are so locked down, especially when there's open source apps with none of these restrictions like moon reader. That's not to say I never use Kindle, before. I really become aware of its downsides. I had purchased several dozen books. It was really well optimized for the surface Duo. so I'm not saying I would never use a Kindle again, but it's now my second choice in terms of software and hardware. at this point the only way I would probably get a Kindle is if it was a super low-cost used one that was going to end up in a landfill anyways.

[@supermartinodyssey]

When I tracked my spending on books, I was so shocked at how much money I spent despite getting 90% deals most of the time. I agree with this so much, the ads can sometimes be so invasive.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

It’s frightening how those small transactions add up!

[@raquelra5878]

I’ve given up mine too! 🙌🏻 I was reading on my IPad Mini for a while , but just last week I got my Onix Boox Palma and I gotta say I’m in love with it! 🤎

[@CriminOllyBlog]

They're such cute devices!

[@wj0067]

I'm Canadian and KOBO is a Canadian company... Glad the it works for you. It's good to have options. I personally don't think they are really any different, except that it "accepts" more formats than the Kindle and you can access the Libraries. I haven't been to a Library in decades, and they were not good with what I mainly read. So NOT really a plus. And there is plenty of free software to switch to a format that the Kindle can read... hasn't really been an issue yet. The equivalent Kobo was more expensive than the Kindle... and Kindle has a better/larger collection. Also feels better in my hand, Kobo feels cheaper to me. Th Libra Color is a NO for me, and I don't think the new Kindle Color will be any different tbh(we'll see). The color is muted, and I can't stand that. Not to mention you pay extra for sub par color. BTW I DON'T Have Adds on my Kindle Paperwhite Sgnature Edition.

[@paulprescott147]

We have also got rid of our kindles and moved to Kobo. Same reasons as you but also the kindle software has got worse and worse over the years and the last couple of firmware updates have been very glitchy. We got fed up with having to restart the device over and over again. Kobo firmware is so much more responsive and whole experience is so much better.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah I really do prefer the Kobo experience

[@mistersurrealist]

Love my Kindle Paperwhite Signature and I would only trade it for another Kindle with a color screen. Kobos are unavailable where I live and importing is verboten atm because of MASSIVE taxation.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Oh that’s a pain!

[@Dustyrosepetal]

I have a Kobo and I love it. Here in Canada, you can't get library books with a Kindle you can with Kobo. I had a Kindle for a while but didn't like it as much as the Kobos that I have had.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yes, the library thing is the same here in the UK

[@gamewrit0058]

9:00 Last I heard, in a book by a grad student researcher I can't remember the name of at the moment, Amazon owned at least 60% of the world's internet infrastructure. I've watched and read some eye-opening accounts of various people who have experimented with trying to avoid Amazon tech, and had to have a third-party analyst look at their connections to be sure they weren't traveling through Amazon servers or using their tools hidden under a different name. The conclusion: It's practically impossible for a casual, individual person, so avoiding their store and tech, like you're discussing now, is the easiest, most effective action.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

That's a really alarming stat

[@TimmyK916]

I have the ad-free Kindle and have never once been interrupted by the device putting ads in front of my reading experience.

[@ConorHanley]

Perhaps he's talking about the front page which has recommended books, none of which have been related to my taste which I find a bit odd, that never used to be there. Don't know how Kindle's with ads actually functions as the very idea fills me with dread. Does it just pop-up an ad while reading? That would be horrendous and reason enough never to use.

[@TimmyK916]

@@ConorHanley No. Even the add-supported version never does anything of the sort. It only puts ads on the lock screen. No where else.

[@ConorHanley]

@@TimmyK916 That's something at least.

[@ConorHanley]

Still have my Kindle but can well understand why you'd want to rid yourself of Amazon. I might do so the next time I buy an e-reader. Calibre is must whatever reader you use.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah Calibre is really great

[@eriebeverly]

I don't know why I visualized a sentient Kindle with legs giving chase. Good luck with your escape plans.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Well that’s going to give me nightmares

[@Zivilin]

Sounds like a cosmic horror novel waiting to be made 😂

[@MamaTyphoo]

I switched to a kobo and I didn't realise how much all the ads and especially the predicted timer was bothering me. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Glad you're enjoying the Kobo!

[@NerdyRoni]

I moved away from Kindle as well. I bought a Kobo Clara Colour and I love it!

[@karenmiller1105]

I love love love my kindle. I can get books from Libby from my library and read them on my kindle. It fits in my purse so I can take it with me everywhere as well. And I love kindle unlimited. Just my preference but I would be lost without it.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Really glad you're enjoying it. I agree they're really good devices

[@DanOh1951]

I have also moved from Kindle to Kobo. I keep my Kindle because there are books or series of books that they have locked in. I also like the Kobo Plus is unlimited. With Kindle Unlimited you can have only 20 books on the service. If you add a book that exceeds the 20 you have to return one of the other ones.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I did wonder if Kobo Plus was unlimited - thanks for confirming!

[@TomDelmonte]

How did you deal with the Amazon DRM?

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Calibre and the DeDRM plug in works a dream

[@nikolaki]

My only book reader is a 3rd gen Kindle. I keep the WiFi off. Not a big enough reader of ebooks to look any further than that.

[@Mightyjordy]

The biggest issue for me is definitely the drm on my kindle books. The caliber app doesn’t seem to work in the US from people I’ve talked to who have tried, but I might give it another go because I just can’t lose the hundreds of books I own through kindle

[@CriminOllyBlog]

It’s the DeDRM plug in you need alongside Calibre. Should work anywhere I think

[@kalonecho]

is kobo waterproof?

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yes, don’t know if all models are but the Libra Colour I have is

[@jillybeanh67]

Similar to others, seeing you go on this journey finally got me to move to kobo. I will still use the kindle I have for the books I've already bought from them, but I'm no longer buying ebooks from Amazon (1 exception where I couldn't get it on kobo). I know I could move my library over, but decided not to because i would rather spend the time reading since I am limited on the time i have. One downside of the kobo, I can read my library ebook loans on there, so I'm not getting through my bought ebooks 🤦

[@jillybeanh67]

Also, forgot to say, I've found that the deals on kobo are often closer to my own reading tastes so they did a 99p deal on books for women in translation month including a couple on my wishlist and if something in your wishlist is on offer they email you and let you know so you can actually avoid looking at the deal pages and just get notified about books you actually want!

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I didn't know about the wishlist thing, that's great! Glad you're enjoying the Kobo!

[@baay81]

thanks for sharing

[@maureenb7399]

You make some really good points. I too am trying to move away from the Kindle system, but find that some books are cheaper on Kindle. In the past I saw a comment that Kobo would possibly price match. I haven’t tried this but I suppose it is another way to move away from Kindle.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I haven't done any direct comparisons on price, but I haven't noticed that. Certainly when books show up in deals the deals seem to be across both Kindle and Kobo

[@accentontheoff]

Do you find that there are many major/mainstream publishers/titles/authors that are only available on Kindle. That’s my only worry with leaving it.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I think there are some, but not many. Dean Koontz, for example, has some kind of deal with Amazon so his new work is kindle exclusive I think

[@accentontheoff]

@@CriminOllyBlog That's good to know thanks.

[@arlenetoomey2224]

This is the reason I want to go with a Kobo. You just said it way more eloquently than i could. Thanks.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Thank you!

[@brunosilva6204]

Thanks for an informative and interesting video. If possible, would love to have reply to these questions: 1-I have all my kindle ebooks in the kindle app (for iPhone, iPad or on my pc). How can I move them to Caliber and remove DRM? 2-where else can I find ebooks at great prices ? Thanks Bruno

[@CriminOllyBlog]

If you search on KZbin you'll find a few videos that talk you through the calibre process. There are a few steps but it's quite straightforward. To find ebooks the best bet is to sign up to something like Bookbub to get details on deals across a variety of sites

[@blitherithicus]

How can the ads on a Kindle get in the way of your reading a book on Kindle? I have never read a book on a Kindle and found the book to be suddenly interrupted by an advertisement.

[@gamewrit0058]

I'm glad it's been a good experience for you. 👍 I paid extra to get the "ad-free" kindle experience, so the opening lock screen doesn't have ads, but they still load unhelpful and unwanted "recommendations" in various categories on every screen when I'm not in the text of the book itself. We used to tolerate ads on TV and online, in order to keep programming "free," but now we're constantly inundated and pay for it with our time, our wallets, and a lack of privacy, especially here in the States.

[@ellesreptiles]

AND the storygraph allows you to do ½ and even quarter star ratings. That was the selling point for me haha

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I've found myself more drawn to half ratings recently, sometimes it's just too hard to decide!

[@Welther47]

I hate half stars - reviews get lukewarm, indecisive - it makes them less telling to the reader.

[@ellesreptiles]

@@Welther47I just meant for my own personal records. To me, two 4 star books could feel completely different. (“This book was so close to 5 stars” vs. “barely 4 stars”) “Lukewarm reviews” definitely makes sense from the point of view of someone looking at reviews, though. I never thought of it from that perspective!

[@Welther47]

@@ellesreptiles I'm glad you got it, I didn't really articulate that very well. If a book is 3 out of 5 stars, you have made a telling decision; comparing that with e.g. 3.72 - what does that even mean? Personally, I don't have books compete with everything I've ever read. So two widely different books can have the same grade. Recently I gave a DNF 4 stars because it was well written, it just didn't hold my interest after 50% through. I guess we agree that scoring is a kinda personal preference?

[@ellesreptiles]

@@Welther47I completely agree that it’s all very personal! I also admire your ability to not compare books to past books you’ve read. I’m trying to get better at that 😅

[@maurocalzavara711]

About 10 years ago I had a Sony reader, then I bought a kobo. The purchase and transfer of books was awful, with the Adobe DRM management. I switched to Kindle and its main advantage is the integrated DRM management. Is it different, now, the DRM management in kobo?

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I'm not sure what it was like before, but you can buy books direct on the Kobo or on the website and they then show up on your Kobo. If you want to download them to a PC you do have to use the Adobe software

[@Zivilin]

I don't have any ereaders, but been leaning towards getting a Kobo Sage to read some of the ebooks and manga titles i've gotten from cheap humblebundles and fanatical bundles

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Those humble bundles are such great value

[@ladyjatheist2763]

I've never used an e reader, but I have 13 books avail on amz. Recently learned the amz reserves the right to ALTER THE CONTENT of an ebook if they desire.... does anyone know if other e-readers etc do the same thing?

[@janettesparrow9008]

Just wish a few of you that are quitting Kindle would be gracious enough to send me your Kindles. I love my Kindle Paperwhite but I wouldn’t mind a couple spare ones. 😃

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Ha!

[@PhoenixMoore]

I love my Kobo Libra Colour, but really wish it had "whispersync" in order to listen and read and swap between while keeping your spot in book.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I think it does for books you’ve bought from the Kobo store

[@PhoenixMoore]

@@CriminOllyBlog It syncs the books, but it doesn’t juggle the audiobook/ebook combo like Kindle does when you also buy the combo. It’s a nice touch that I really wish they would add so that I can drive and listen and then come home and pick up where I left off on the reader.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Ah yeah, Amazon really have nailed that

[@marinasnajder]

Same reasons why I never started to use Kindle.

[@Leonnie13]

I kicked Kindle to the curb a while ago. I now have a Libre and Onyx BOOX and I love them both.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah I'm much happier out of the kindle-sphere

[@prantikhalder6247]

That's a transition from digitolly to criminolly😂

[@CriminOllyBlog]

LOL

[@elyseren]

I really liked this video, but, ( and this is in Brazil) kindle has pretty much a monopoly regarding ebooks here! There's not other ereader available since kobo departure years ago and to import other e-readers it's SO monetarily draining! It's reeeeeally expensive because of taxes and the convertion of the Dolar to real! So, for us, it's hard to runway of kindle to other alternative because we kind don't have one. ( sorry any mistakes english isn't my first language)

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Oh that's a shame you can't get Kobos there!

[@JoanneRachel-u4n]

❤❤❤❤ never use kindle I love paper back books and looking in the library or shop

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Paper books are my favourite too

[@jonahlloyd3149]

Ironically I had to buy a Kindle to get my books off the platform and into Calibre last week when I found Amazon had "updated" some books for me.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Very annoying when they do that!

[@cassie_hart]

Storygraph is SO much better! I love it. I finally poked around and it looks like my only options are Kobo or Boox for alternate readers over here, though that does make it a much simpler selection I guess lol

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I definitely recommend both the Boox and Kobo devices!

[@cassie_hart]

@CriminOllyBlog I've watched your videos on them lol think I'm leaning towards the Clara with colour at the moment! They are a bit cheaper and they look good

[@clarepotter7584]

Interesting, I've tried kindle unlimited a couple of times but eventually I get fed up with what's available on the content. Often books aren't available or it turns out to be stuff that clearly hasn't been edited (hang on a minute, that character's name has changed). It's a bit like the Prime films options, earlier iterations (prior to Amazon buying them up) had a good deal of choice of DVD, all for a set price per month, these days a film you're looking for isn't included, they want you to pay extra or simply isn't available at all.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah the streaming services do seem less and less appealing over time. Tons of content but very little I want to watch

[@SrtaMiette]

I switched to Storygraph (again) at the start of the year and I don’t know if my brain works better with how GR is made or it’s just that I’m more used to it but now I’m using both. I tried SG previously and didn’t click with me, we’ll see if I can keep both up to date. I’m thinking about getting a Kobo to replace my kindle for similar reasons. I don’t care about the colour as I just read books ( no manga, graphic novels,…) but the one with buttons and a screen larger than 6” is the Sage and costs 300€ 😮😮😮 apart from the fact that I’m not that interested in what the new kobo plus spain offers or, for that matter, the kobo spain ebooks store. Let’s see if my fifties bring me a hobby that’s a little less expensive that the ones I already have, i. e. fountain pens, nice stationery, etc.

[@Narniaru]

I'm on Kobo Spain and while it seems difficult to search, they do have a lot of books in English.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Fountain pens are lovely things! But yes those larger ereaders are pricey

[@SrtaMiette]

@@Narniaru Thank you! I checked again and yes, there are more than I had previously found, but nothing at all on Kobo Plus so no subscription for me.

[@Narniaru]

@@SrtaMiette Yeah, I am not going to bother with that either

[@baay81]

personally I would get a full Android reader so that I could install the kobo and the kindle apps

[@michellegleave2550]

Olly, I’m curious about library ebooks in your location, where I am I can’t use my kindle for library books so am considering getting a non kindle eReader for that reason, I have already got my library in Calibre so I’m not too worried about that side of it. In some places library apps are affiliated with Kindle. I’ve only just started to see people reviewing and sharing other e-readers other than kindle and kobo which is very interesting to me. (I’m in Australia)

[@CriminOllyBlog]

So where I am in the UK you also can't read library books on Kindle. You can on Kobo via the Libby/Overdrive service (it works really well) and also on Boox or BigMe devices because they run on Android so you can install the Libby app on them

[@ergosumadrieyl2927]

i just got a scribe and its strange. i really wanted a a5x but the x2 isn’t out and im scared of buying a used one😢

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yeah the Scribe is great in some ways but feels quite limited in others

[@SuperStrangSshadow]

I feel very alone about not owning an e-reader. I used to have an iPad that I tried to read books on but not a fan of reading on a screen I think. But I guess it is easier for people to get access to rare books.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I know a few people who just can't get on with it

[@aussiegruber86]

People actually pay for books on kindles 😂, it’s extremely easy to obtain free epubs. Then if the book is good I will purchase a physical copy to support the artist

[@jessehof1994]

I fully agree with your thoughts on Amazon, but what is a good (and ethical) place to still buy physical books? Would love to hear if you - or anyone else - has any recs!

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Bookshop.org if they operate in your country. Basically a website that takes your order and sends it to an independent bookshop that will send you the book

[@jessehof1994]

​@@CriminOllyBlog thanks!

[@CrueLoaf]

I’m 70/30. Physical books during the day and Kindle at night (particularly in bed).

[@KaylasBestie]

Hi. I'm considering purchasing a Kobo Libra Color tablet. Where would you suggest I go to learn the steps to follow to transfer my kindle ebooks. I guess it's download the books, make the DRM free then transfer onto the Kindo? I initially did a search on what to do and there are so many hits, I'm not sure who's best to follow. Any advice given would be very much appreciated. Please consider that I'm not THAT computer savy, so I'll need something easy to follow. Thanks again. 😊😊

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I can’t remember which guide I followed, but this one seems to have the right steps. www.cloudwards.net/remove-drm-from-kindle-books/

[@KaylasBestie]

Ollie? Just to let you know that I purchased a Kobo Libro tablet. The more thought given and research done, the ideal of truly owning my ebooks are very important to me. Now, as a not so computer savvy person, I'm gonna have to get help in doing this correctly. In the meantime, I have been getting familiar with the new tablet. However, I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a little guilty by ignoring my Kindle, 😮😂😢 Take care!!

[@nolongerhavetowork]

You can’t get the same books though on kobo which can on kindle.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

True

[@janemurray4534]

Wait- adverts in kindle??? I have seen them and now i have said that -i prob jinked myself!!!🤦‍♀️how about book funnel???

[@GaryMartinDobbs]

If Amazon release a colour kindle next year as is expected, will you go back to the Kindle?

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I don’t think so. Unless it offers something wildly different that really appeals to me for some reason. I have other colour readers already so it would have to do something special.

[@vittorioballeriocastoldi6171]

I like kindle hardware, mine has been jailbreaked day 2 i owned (i didn’t have time day 1). I don’t use the online amazon crap and I don’t buy books from amazon. Kindle unlimited is mostly useless for me, i use my own ebooks

[@CriminOllyBlog]

I'm definitely tempted to try jailbreaking

[@keljo60]

For the most part, I use my Kobo or Boox devices for a lot of the same reasons. I have only come across one problem in one series where the book isn't syncing and the table of contents is missing, so I can't jump to the chapter I'm reading. I had to go back to using my Kindle or the app for this series. I'm hoping it doesn't do it again in the next series since it's the same author. It didn't do it in the last series of his that I read. Not huge, just annoying.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

That is frustrating!

[@imacexpress]

So Calibre (at least in US, doesnt support removing DRM. That either 3rd party plug-ins or software that removes DRM. I think having a library of the books we’ve paid for is just the most appropriate and fairest for LONG term preservation of your library. I agree. I’ve been a Kindle supporter from the start, but we have given too much to Amazon and looking elsewhere is important.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Yes, you're correct with that clarification re Calibre

[@CrueLoaf]

Love Amazon. They allowed me to publish two books for an extremely reasonable price.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

They definitely make it easy for indie authors

[@johnradovich8809]

Great video. I live in Colombia so e readers are the way to go for me. I’d love to dump my kindle and get a Kobo. Is it possible to transfer content from kindle to Kobo?

[@CriminOllyBlog]

It is, but you need to download the books to a PC/Mac and use software to remove the DRM software that Amazon puts on them

[@ak49]

I'm on kindle, but virtually not. I only buy their hardware and never use any of their services. I don't feed them any data either, since I've removed all connections.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

That seems a sensible way to do it, as the hardware is very good

[@ak49]

@@CriminOllyBlog If anybody wants to know: you reset your device, start the configuration process as normal but, the second you successfully log in, you turn off your wifi. Do not take any longer. Now you are free to go to settings and remove the wifi network so you have no connections available. I've been like this since 2022 and it's pure peace of mind. No ads, no trashy recommendations in my homepage, no forced updates (you can still sideload updates)...

[@bluefinch6504]

Can you put a link to Calibre on this video? I’ve never heard of it.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

It's in the description :)

[@MrRosebeing]

I prefer audiobooks, personally. Off-topic, I know but there you go.

[@halfsourlizard9319]

Or, buy the Kindle version without adverts ... and get your books from elsewhere.

[@Klinkertinlegs]

You can get the one with ads and then tell them the ads are objectionable to your family (not really a lie when there are half naked people on some of the covers) and Amazon will remove the ads for free.

[@bibsann861]

I love books.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Same!

[@yxmichaelxyyxmichaelxy3074]

I do prefer physical books. I am enjoying one such now. Both my old Kobos, the original Kobo and the Kobo Vox are dead. The Vox turns on just fine, but you cannot go beyond turning it on as the software cannot work since Kobo no longer supports it.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Oh that's annoying

[@yxmichaelxyyxmichaelxy3074]

@@CriminOllyBlog You have no idea. I rather liked the Vox. Full colour albeit not e-ink.