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Actually there are ways to install software on many ereaders. About 10 years ago I used PRS+ on Sony's PRS-500. Nowadays Sony's ereaders are pretty much dead, but there is alternative software for Kindle, Kobo and others. By quick googling I just found:

https://github.com/koreader/koreader

https://github.com/ccoffing/OcherBook

https://github.com/lgeek/okreader

https://fread.ink/

Also:

https://onyxboox.com/ - this is Android so I guess it's bit more hackable

https://the-digital-reader.com/2015/06/19/is-the-booq-cervan...



Android is ill-suited to readers. Installing "homebrew" applications through hackish means has been a thing for a while.

None of this is a replacement to a properly open ebook reading device which does not exist.

On the software side, openinkpot existed at some point, but the project died.

I'd love a properly made piece of very low power open hardware running e.g. nuttx rather than boring Linux/Android.


FBReader is quite nice for reading offline ebooks on Android.

I realize that you are griping about dedicated e-readers, but I want to make clear that its not strictly an Android problem. The more open Android devices work just fine as e-readers.

My flow is basically Calibre -> managed library -> android phone -> offline reading anywhere.


My flow is pretty much the same. But oled != eink, even though I really like orange text on black with oled.


I have 2 apps that I use on my android based eink reader. I mostly read fiction so those 2 our enough for me. Turn on wifi every 2-3 weeks to transfer the books from calibre to calibre companion.

1. Calibre Companion 2. Coolreader




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