[Android]: AlReader & other Reading Apps
I was not sure if it was actually due to latest update or I did not realize it before but finding the Change Code Page option on AlReader really improves the reading experience a lot. Some of the HTML files grabbed from Fanfiction.net renders better now without me having to go and manually fix the source file (ie Unicode vs UTF).
While FBReader is my main reader on the Maemo, I am actually looking forward to seeing other alternatives and I was quite delighted when I see the Android version of AlReader was being developed. I used the Windows Mobile version before and it was a favourite. It was still pretty rough in the beginning but I think the developers have managed to iron out most of the major kinks.
So while I still have Moon+ Reader as main reader, it's good to have a backup so I can open 2 files at one time without having to re-interrupt whatever I am currently reading. I poked around with Aldiko but it does not support HTML file which made me go keysmash (well on the laptop). But nevertheless, I would probably get the Premium version someday if it have a major sale ^^
Another reader I was playing around was CoolReader but it was not as robust as I liked as it keep crashing (especially the larger HTML files). EBookDroid also does not have all the major formats covered yet. And regretfully Anyview/KingReader/iReader (Zhangyue)/Laputa/ZXReader (from Chinese/Russian Developers) are also out since it does not really work with what I am looking for.
ETA: Let's not forgot the clones. I think I have tried installing a few that turned out to be clones of FBReader or CoolReader
So while previously I was willing to overlook it if certain features not available, now I think I have pretty much settled on what my reader of choice must have.
♥ support for EPub/MOBI AND HTML files (especially long ones :P). PDF is actually quite optional coz I actually don't mind if I have to open PDF files in separate reader and mostly because I normally avoid PDF files for fiction files
♥ On top of it, ability to show Western/Unicode etc Display smoothly. (I faced this issue a lot on Maemo version of FBReader)
♥ Able to open files from Shared Drive Folder (this is mostly at home and when my PC and tablet are connected to same network)
♥ I can set my volume / hardware key for navigation to Next Page
♥ Display include battery status and time so I can keep track of them even while reading
♥ When opening new files, I can sort them by Date Added or Size even in the Add File window/screen (which was lacking in FBReader. AlReader even shows how much you have read of certain file in percentage)
While FBReader is my main reader on the Maemo, I am actually looking forward to seeing other alternatives and I was quite delighted when I see the Android version of AlReader was being developed. I used the Windows Mobile version before and it was a favourite. It was still pretty rough in the beginning but I think the developers have managed to iron out most of the major kinks.
So while I still have Moon+ Reader as main reader, it's good to have a backup so I can open 2 files at one time without having to re-interrupt whatever I am currently reading. I poked around with Aldiko but it does not support HTML file which made me go keysmash (well on the laptop). But nevertheless, I would probably get the Premium version someday if it have a major sale ^^
Another reader I was playing around was CoolReader but it was not as robust as I liked as it keep crashing (especially the larger HTML files). EBookDroid also does not have all the major formats covered yet. And regretfully Anyview/KingReader/iReader (Zhangyue)/Laputa/ZXReader (from Chinese/Russian Developers) are also out since it does not really work with what I am looking for.
ETA: Let's not forgot the clones. I think I have tried installing a few that turned out to be clones of FBReader or CoolReader
So while previously I was willing to overlook it if certain features not available, now I think I have pretty much settled on what my reader of choice must have.
♥ support for EPub/MOBI AND HTML files (especially long ones :P). PDF is actually quite optional coz I actually don't mind if I have to open PDF files in separate reader and mostly because I normally avoid PDF files for fiction files
♥ On top of it, ability to show Western/Unicode etc Display smoothly. (I faced this issue a lot on Maemo version of FBReader)
♥ Able to open files from Shared Drive Folder (this is mostly at home and when my PC and tablet are connected to same network)
♥ I can set my volume / hardware key for navigation to Next Page
♥ Display include battery status and time so I can keep track of them even while reading
♥ When opening new files, I can sort them by Date Added or Size even in the Add File window/screen (which was lacking in FBReader. AlReader even shows how much you have read of certain file in percentage)