If you keep up with the blog, you know I wrote all about the process of jail-breaking my kindle and even how to download/upload manga on it. After building up an extensive digital manga library, I quickly realized my current Kindle didn’t have nearly enough storage to handle it. Manga being all image files makes them much larger than e-books. With only a measly 8GB, I could upload about 10 volumes before running out of space. This wasn’t ideal, as I had to constantly re-upload and delete volumes as I got further into a series. I also enjoy switching up what I’m reading, starting new series, etc. Quite the problem (T_T)

The Solution

At first, I thought, How hard can it be to install a new hard drive into this thing? Apparently, very hard— maybe even impossible. Then I considered buying an older e-reader with easier modding capabilities. That proved difficult too. An e-reader with a microSD card slot? Maybe! So, I set out on my research.

The Problem with the Solution

It turns out a lot of the “available” e-readers with microSD slots are either extremely expensive, not available in my country, or discontinued. I really didn’t want to spend a lot and it felt wasteful to purchase a brand-new e-reader. Discontinued and pre-owned options were my only real chance.

Ideally for manga, I would want a screen size of at least 6.8". Any smaller and it becomes difficult to read. I also needed the ability to install KOReader, the e-reader OS I know and love.

Reddit eventually led me to a very helpful site: Compare All e-readers on comparisontabl.es. I was able to sort by microSD reader, size, price, ect. I learned about the discontinued Kobo Aura series, which originally retailed for about $150–$200, depending on the model. Kobo has since updated the Aura line; newer versions like the Aura 2 and H2O 2 no longer include a microSD slot, and those are what you’ll find on their website today.

Storage Limitations

So, the Kobo officially supports microSD cards up to 32GB, which is fine, I guess. However, my manga folder is a whopping 90GB and growing. My husband came across a Reddit post where someone successfully used a 64GB microSD in their Kobo, so I had hope. My goal was to get an epic 256GB microSD card working properly in this thing.

I ended up finding a Kobo Aura H2O (waterproof, by the way) on eBay for just under $100 and bought it. My hope was that somehow installing KOReader on it would allow it to read my hefty microSD.

Unboxing

Everything I hoped and dreamed came true. The KOReader installation was flawless and it was reading my 256GB microSD, after putting it through a multi-step formatting process. I have my entire manga library on the Kobo with plenty of room to spare. If you want an e-reader with a disgusting amount of storage, I highly reccomend looking for one that can read a microSD! It also makes uploading files a bit easier too.

Kobo Aura H20 on the left and Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) on the right.

Kobo shown below Kindle both with cases.

The Kobo Aura H20 is bigger and clunkier than my Kindle Paperwhite but I don't mind "thicker" tech. I got a case for it (note: the only case I could find available) and I think it adds a lot to the bulk. It's still small enough to fit in my normal-sized purse. I fall asleep with it in front of my face almost every night now. Some small downsides include:

• No "warmth" screen settings but at a low brightness it's not bad at night.
• Remote control page turners don't seem to work. I tried 2 different kinds (that work on kindle) so the screens have some difference I don't understand.
• Only one case option (that I can find)

I hope to find a remote page turner that works or maybe DIY one? We'll see.
I've been using mangadex-downloader and other means 🏴‍☠️ of downloading manga as .cbz files.

Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and I will still get great use out of my Kindle. The kindle storage is more than enough for e-books, it's able to hold 5000+ books. I think bringing both e-readers when traveling will be easy.

I love having a small-yet-large portable libary of manga and e-books with me all the time. Thank you for reading, as always! (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)