From here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=sv_kinc_6/102-9684249-6908165?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200127470

Oh well, some of the questions have been answeared:
It supports only unencrypted Mobi-Files, and Kindle-Files are a special format.

But you can get your own files on it via SD or USB.

• Kindle (.AZW)
• Text (.TXT)
• Unprotected Mobipocket (.MOBI, .PRC)
• Audible (.AA)
• MP3 (.MP3)
Tip: Mobipocket files must have no Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection
applied to be readable on your Kindle. If you purchased a Mobipocket file from a
Mobipocket retailer, you will not be able to open the file on your Kindle.

This is consistent with the fact that I saw no changes or announcements at all on the Mobipocket web site. So content bought for the Kindle is in a new Kindle (.AZW) format that can't be read on anything but a Kindle. Bummer. :(

now just how close are those kindle files to mobipocket files, i think very close

This means the ONLY way purchase e-books for the Kindle is via Amazon (or via LIT to ConvertLIT to mobigen.exe). This is an incredibly shortsighted approach, since they clearly could have allowed DRMed MOBI e-books (they own MobiPocket after all).

On the bright side, perhaps this will push some publishers into the DRM-free camp.

What a bold approach. Buy mobipocket, sell all their content, but lock any mobipocket retailer out of the Kindle. But i guess with Amazons market power they couldnt care less.

I've purchased numerous unprotected Mobipocket books and they should work on the Kindle. I've read them on other unregistered devices. I'm really disappointed that the Kindle introduces yet another proprietary format.

It's not actually another format. It's mobi, but as far as I can guess, it just uses Amazon's DRM servers instead of Mobipocket's. And probably another way of generating PIDs. Maybe another encryption algorithm, though I kinda doubt it.

This needs to be stickied!

I am not seeing anything about pdf capabilities. Can that be?

It supports only unencrypted Mobi-Files, and Kindle-Files are a special format.

I predicted this would be the case. That way it has no impact on existing contracts with Mobipocket e-booksellers. Amazon is technically not competing with Mobipocket's dealer network.

igorsk pointed out in another thread (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?p=116665#post116665) that the AZW files are mobi files with a different extension. He has a sample file there that you can try it with for yourself. :nice:

I am not seeing anything about pdf capabilities. Can that be?

Yes, apparently there is no PDF support.

Perhaps they actually realized how ill-suited PDF is for e-books and decided not to bother?

However ill-suited PDF might be - there is too many content available in PDF to simply ignore it.
It might be okay for an "only fiction"-reader - but even them would benefit from PDF - but it is hilarious for a tec or business user.

However ill-suited PDF might be - there is too many content available in PDF to simply ignore it.
It might be okay for an "only fiction"-reader - but even them would benefit from PDF - but it is hilarious for a tec or business user.

Convert PDF using the MobiPocket PC version and then Kindle can read it. It is a free download.

Dale

http://brentnewhall.com/Kindle_Fan_Guide.pdf

Not an 'official' document, but a useful user guide written by a fan. The same item is for sale in Kindle format at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00130GDYI

I sent the freebie PDF to my Kindle using the free conversion and it worked quite well, saving the 5 bucks