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Comment by dml2135 | Hacker News Reader

If your goal is just to easily sync your own ebook library with a Kobo device, I've found that something like this isn't really necessary.

There is a config file on the stock OS that you just need to change, and you can point the Kobo store to your own instance of Calibre Web.

This lets you sync and download your own books to the device over wifi.

I played around with KOReader a bit but found the stock software simpler to use. All I really need is to not be tied to an ebook store.

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Commenting to provide a confirming data point. I bought a Kobo Libra H2O a few years ago. Unboxed it, modified the config, and immediately started using it with Calibre. It has never participated in any manufacturer's "ecosystem" and has functioned well in a totally "offline" capacity.

I was sad to hear newer Kobo devices are shipping with Secure Boot. I've never reflashed my Libra H2O (it's my daughter's and I'd never be able to get it away from her long enough to replace it) but I liked knowing that I owned the device. I'm sad to hear the new ones are owner-hostile.

I used the Kobo with its ecosystem, even bought a few books with the store. Also disappointed to hear that they seemingly don't allow unlocking the bootloader on their newer devices... If that's true.

I don't care about secure boot / a locked bootloader so much as the ability to unlock it.

I'm not sure about that. The relevant discussion here is at https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46194337 but from the linked Github issue it's not at all clear that a true bootloader lock is involved. It should still be possible to boot something else on device, it's just likely to require a lot of work.

Can also confirm, I have used the config modification to sync my Kobo Forma with Calibre Web since new.

A quick config change to the store URL to point to Calibre Web, and some setup in Calibre Web and you're good to go.

This is the guide I followed: https://brandonjkessler.com/technology/2021/04/26/setup-kobo...

Could you share what the config item is that you need to change for this? Or point to some docs?

I found the instructions here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/kobo/comments/1nahk6f/got_calibrewe...

https://jccpalmer.com/posts/setting-up-kobo-sync-with-calibr...

Wow - had no idea this was possible!

That’s awesome. Going to add this change to my Kobo - I already self host a bunch of stuff on a Pi, will add Calibre to the list

You can also use Dropbox to sync your data on some kobo devices. It used to be disabled, but you can enable it manually in one config file.

Or, of course, you can just plug USB and it'll sync (and charge).

is this the file? KOBOeReader/.kobo/Kobo/Kobo eReader.conf

what did you change?

This is the guide I followed when I did mine years ago: https://brandonjkessler.com/technology/2021/04/26/setup-kobo...

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