The FictionWise link is http://www.ereader.com/iphone/.

I can't download it yet, since the 2.0 firmware isn't out for my first gen iPhone, but the App Store is open now in iTunes 7.7, and a quick browse through the entertainment category turned up eReader.

[After you install iTunes 7.7, open preferences, go to the General tab, and check the box to display "Applications". Then you can view Applications...which will be empty, since you don't have any yet, and click on the "Get More Applications" in the lower right corner.]

The reader itself is free. From the description, it appears that you download the books to the iPhone directly within the eReader app...I'm curious how you get books that you buy from someplace other than FictionWise onto the phone.

When I do a "check for updates" from iTunes at the moment, I get "The iTunes update server could not be contacted. Please try again later". Guess it must be busy at the moment!

I have an unlocked iPhone, so I'm (semi) patiently waiting for the 2.0 upgrade that won't brick my phone :)

Just tried again and now it's telling me that my version of iTunes (7.6.2) is the current version. Where did you get 7.7 from?

Instead of updating iTunes, I directly downloaded 7.7 from Apple.com, and installed it over my 7.6.2. Works fine so far.

Here is the link:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

I've never used eReader before. Can I get eReader to open a txt file or pdb file without using eReader Studio to first convert them into eReader format?

Thanks! I think I'll wait for it to arrive via the update. I'm always a little wary about installing any "x.x.0" version, because it's inevitably followed by "x.x.1" in a few days :).

The FictionWise link is http://www.ereader.com/iphone/.

I can't download it yet, since the 2.0 firmware isn't out for my first gen iPhone, but the App Store is open now in iTunes 7.7, and a quick browse through the entertainment category turned up eReader.

[After you install iTunes 7.7, open preferences, go to the General tab, and check the box to display "Applications". Then you can view Applications...which will be empty, since you don't have any yet, and click on the "Get More Applications" in the lower right corner.]

The reader itself is free. From the description, it appears that you download the books to the iPhone directly within the eReader app...I'm curious how you get books that you buy from someplace other than FictionWise onto the phone.

The firmware for the original iPhone is already out: http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/10/get-your-2-0-firmware-on-early/

Do you know if it's due for the Touch at the same time as the iPhone?

1. Try this link in this post (http://www.mobilecomputermag.co.uk/20080710684/iphone-2.0-firmware-now-available-for-download.html) for the advance 2.0 firmware download

2. Does anyone know what the deal is with FictionWise & eReader? I have a FictionWise account and I was hoping I could log into eReader with my details to grab my purchased eBooks, but I can't. So at the moment, I have a FictionWise-produced ebook reader on my iPhone that I can't use to read FictionWise ebooks. Anyone got any ideas..?

Edit: eReader for iPhone does support FictionWise logins - see below!

Probably best to ask Fictionwise themselves. They're normally very helpful with support questions.

Already emailed them - I'll post if/when they reply. Just to clarify for other folks:

The iPhone can't download anything, so you can't log into FictionWise to download books for opening in eReader, nor can you synv them via iTunes. The eReader app does let you log into the eReader site to obtain books, but this obviously isn't any use if you're a FictionWise user.

I'm a little miffed at not realising this before I upgraded as the ebook reader app for jailbroken iPhones worked really well...

Update: The readme suggests that eReader will work with FictionWise, but it actually doesn't...

1. Try this link in this post (http://www.mobilecomputermag.co.uk/20080710684/iphone-2.0-firmware-now-available-for-download.html)

2. Does anyone know what the deal is with FictionWise & eReader? I have a FictionWise account and I was hoping I could log into eReader with my details to grab my purchased eBooks, but I can't. So at the moment, I have a FictionWise-produced ebook reader on my iPhone that I can't use to read FictionWise ebooks. Anyone got any ideas..?

Fictionwise and eReader are two different sites. I have seperate logins for each of them. Although I think you can now buy the eReader format from the fictionwise store.

Also, if you bought secure books from Fictionwise in a format other than eReader, you can't just get the eReader format. You have to pay for each format seperately.

BOb

I've never used eReader before. Can I get eReader to open a txt file or pdb file without using eReader Studio to first convert them into eReader format?
eReader, on PalmOS at least, understands Palm DOC files and "Peanut Press" files. (Peanut Press was an early ebook publisher targeting Palm users which became eReader though mergers and acquisitions, and the earliest versions of the reader were called "Peanut Reader". They created a markup language called PML, and eReader texts are in PML format. PML supports text attributes, color, embedded images and hyperlinks.)

Palm DOC files are plain text files compressed to save space in memory, and are decompressed by the reader on the fly as the document is viewed. (The format was developed back when a Palm device might have two whole megabytes of memory and no expansion cards, which had to hold Palm OS and the programs installed as well as any data.)

eReader on Palm devices does not handle standard ASCII text files. Palm OS only permits files in Palm Database format in memory.

I don't know if the iPhone port handles Palm DOC files, though it may.

You can find a number of public domain and Creative Commons licensed documents in eReader format at Memoware (http://www.memoware.com).

Amusingly, the eReader site elsewhere says this:
"eReader Software for iPhones and Blackberries
Ereader software does not work on iPhones or Blackberry devices at this time. We understand that our users are very interested in those platforms and we are currently investigating supporting both devices. Please sign up for our newsletters in order to receive updates on the eReader software.[/b]

One assumes they will mention the new version at some point... :p
______
Dennis

Fictionwise and eReader are two different sites. I have seperate logins for each of them. Although I think you can now buy the eReader format from the fictionwise store.
You always could, though whether a particular title was available in eReader format was another matter. What has changed is that Fictionwise acquired eReader, and got the eReader catalog in the process.
______
Dennis

Do you know if it's due for the Touch at the same time as the iPhone?
AFAIK, the 2.0 firmware upgrade is for the Touch as well as the iPhone, so one assumes so.
______
Dennis

Thanks, Dennis.

Okay, disregard all my moans -- eReader does support the FictionWise login. It would appear that my office Wi-Fi network was blocking the login in some way. I just successfully logged in using my FictionWise details with the iPhone eReader app and downloaded a handful of ebooks. W00t!

Looks like the ereader.com server cannot cope with the additional traffic. At least for me, it's *very* slow to load...

We've downloaded the eReader app and cannot get it installed on my wife's iPod Touch running 1.1.4. We have updated her iTunes to 7.7.0.43 and there is no obvious way to install it and there are no directions on how. So how do we install the app?

We've downloaded the eReader app and cannot get it installed on my wife's iPod Touch running 1.1.4. We have updated her iTunes to 7.7.0.43 and there is no obvious way to install it and there are no directions on how. So how do we install the app?

iTunes just sucks. When we searched for eReader, there was no info that it needed the 2.0 firmware. Now you know why iTunes is hated world wide.

Some further items:


The iPhone 2.0 firmware is not officially released yet, although the direct url seems to work. I am going to wait for iTunes to prompt me for the update.
iTunes 7.7 has appeared in software update for some people, myself included. I suspect the release gets staggered somehow to prevent the update servers from being hammered all at once.
Everything in the iTunes App store required the 2.0 firmware. I thought Apple had been pretty clear about that in the run-up to tomorrow.
The iPod Touch will require a different firmware update. From what I've seen to date, the iPhone firmware update does not apply to the iPod Touch.

iTunes just sucks. When we searched for eReader, there was no info that it needed the 2.0 firmware. Now you know why iTunes is hated world wide.

Just to clarify for the future, I believe that 2.0 is required for all of the app store programs. The app store is in fact one of the features listed on the 2.0 software page for the iPhone, and for the iPod Touch page they show the app store but note that it requires the 2.0 software, listed as 'Coming Soon.' Of course, the iPhone page still shows 2.0 as Coming Soon as well. :smack:

Jack

Just to clarify for the future, I believe that 2.0 is required for all of the app store programs. The app store is in fact one of the features listed on the 2.0 software page for the iPhone, and for the iPod Touch page they show the app store but note that it requires the 2.0 software, listed as 'Coming Soon.' Of course, the iPhone page still shows 2.0 as Coming Soon as well. :smack:

Jack

I also remember from WWDC key note that the iPod Touch 2.0 firmware was going to cost $9.99 from the app store. Is this the case? The iPhone was going to get the update for free.

My son has an iPod touch, and has put off Jailbreaking it waiting for the app store. We got a $50 iTunes gift card when we bought the touch at Best Buy for my son's birthday.

I assume the eReader app is free?

BOb

I assume the eReader app is free?

BOb

Yes..

From the description, it appears that you download the books to the iPhone directly within the eReader app...I'm curious how you get books that you buy from someplace other than FictionWise onto the phone.

I posed the same question on the Fictionwise Yahoo group, and Steve P. was kind enough to respond:We will be launching a way very soon (think a week or two max) to upload
personal content as well as ereader files purchased or downloaded from
other stores.

I logged in with my ereader login and it shows the entire library that I bought when I read on my palm Vx I am happy to have access to them again!!!!

Instead of updating iTunes, I directly downloaded 7.7 from Apple.com, and installed it over my 7.6.2. Works fine so far.

Here is the link:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

I've never used eReader before. Can I get eReader to open a txt file or pdb file without using eReader Studio to first convert them into eReader format?

eReader is one of the PDB formats so it depends on which one you are trying to open (See PDB in the wiki). eReader can read its own file format and PalmDOC format but not text.

Dale

AFAIK, the 2.0 firmware upgrade is for the Touch as well as the iPhone, so one assumes so.
______
Dennis

The iPhone upgrade is free but I believe the iPod Touch upgrade is not free.

Dale

So, any idea of what the features of ereader are like compared to the Palm version? Extras? Special new features? Things left out?

iTunes just sucks. When we searched for eReader, there was no info that it needed the 2.0 firmware. Now you know why iTunes is hated world wide.

Every iPhone app has this listed under requirements. For eReader it says:

Requirements:

Compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch
Requires iPhone 2.0 software update

eReader is one of the PDB formats so it depends on which one you are trying to open (See PDB in the wiki). eReader can read its own file format and PalmDOC format but not text.

Dale

Thanks, Dale. I just tried it on a Palm PDB, it works.

Naturally, the next question is: does the eReader for iPod Touch work for Palm PDB as well?

From what I read so far, it looks like the eReader app only sync with the ereader/fictionwise library online. Is that right? Does that also mean that eReader only works when iPod touch can get on wi-fi?

Thanks in advance to Dale and anyone for replying. :)

Thanks, Dale. I just tried it on a Palm PDB, it works.

Naturally, the next question is: does the eReader for iPod Touch work for Palm PDB as well?

From what I read so far, it looks like the eReader app only sync with the ereader/fictionwise library online. Is that right? Does that also mean that eReader only works when iPod touch can get on wi-fi?

Thanks in advance to Dale and anyone for replying. :)

the iPod Touch will work the same. You are correct about syncing. A future modification is planned by the Fictionwise folks to fix this as soon as they understand a bit more about this new technology. Getting eBooks to an iPhone has always been problematic. This is part of what unbricking was all about. I would expect that applications to download content via USB will be developed, probably for iTunes. You may already be able to use iTunes by importing your eBooks to it. I don't own an iPhone so I can't test it. (You need a new version of iTunes for this functionality (7.7?)

Dale

Thanks, Dale. I just tried it on a Palm PDB, it works.
Let's be clear what you are talking about. Lots of different Palm files have PDB extensions. Palm OS can only store files in Palm Database format in memory. Anything else must reside on a card. Palm OS uses the Creator and Type attributes of the database to know what owns it and what program knows how to use it. In general, all data files on a Palm will have a PDB extension, regardless of the type of data they contain. All program files will have a PRC extension. (To make it more fun, a PRC file doesn't have to be a program. It can be a data file...)

eReader on Palm OS can display files in PML format (a markup language supporting text attributes, fonts, color, images,a nd hyperlinks) and Palm "doc" files, which are plain text files compressed to save memory in a Palm Database format.

So the question is which kind of file you got eReader for the iPhone to display. Was it a PML file or a plain text file? We assume eReader on the iPhone handles PML files. The question is whether it will handle Palm doc files as well.

Naturally, the next question is: does the eReader for iPod Touch work for Palm PDB as well?
I can't imagine why it wouldn't. They have similar hardware and essentially the same OS.
______
Dennis

Thanks Dale and Dennis. =)

I used aportisdoc converting a txt into a pdb. And eReader for Windows was able to display the pdb succssfully. However, it did not work for txt file that contains Chinese characters. eReader for Windows cannot display Chinese correctly (or at least I didn't make it work).

As the firmware 2.0 for iPod Touch is not yet released, I cannot test anything. But gathering from what Dale said, even when I can successfully read a plain text pdb on eReader for Windows, I cannot get the pdb to my iPod. =( (Unless I somehow can upload a plain text file to eReader library, then sync with my iPod Touch, yikes)

Thanks Dale and Dennis. =)

I used aportisdoc converting a txt into a pdb. And eReader for Windows was able to display the pdb succssfully.
That I would expect. The question is whether eReader for the iPhone will do so. I suspect it will, but who knows?

However, it did not work for txt file that contains Chinese characters. eReader for Windows cannot display Chinese correctly (or at least I didn't make it work).
No surprise on the Chinese characters. A Palm doc file is a plain text file, containing 7 bit ASCII characters. Chinese characters (whichever rendering system is used) can't be represented in 7 bits. They require Unicode, and what you have is no longer a plain text file.

I haven't tried to use eReader on Palm OS or Windows to handle non-Latin character sets, so I can't help you on getting Chinese displayed correctly.

As the firmware 2.0 for iPod Touch is not yet released, I cannot test anything. But gathering from what Dale said, even when I can successfully read a plain text pdb on eReader for Windows, I cannot get the pdb to my iPod. =( (Unless I somehow can upload a plain text file to eReader library, then sync with my iPod Touch, yikes)
It sounds like that might be the case.

No such problems on my PDA: I use a USB reader to dump files to an SD card, and put the card in my device. As long as the files are dropped into the correct locations, the programs that use those files see them.
______
Dennis

Ok, Not to muddy the water or start a big debate, But will some one post on how the reading experience is on the Phone with ereader, Also since Apple has opened up 3rd party support I believe Adobe DE will find its way to the Iphone. Also How prevalent is the ereader format? (Are there alot of titles available in this format). Most of the shopping I have done has shown mostly Mobi, PDF, MS Reader formats.

JJ

Almost forgot, While browsing the store Itunes seems to have alot of public domain titles for sale between free-99 cents.

Also How prevalent is the ereader format? (Are there alot of titles available in this format). Most of the shopping I have done has shown mostly Mobi, PDF, MS Reader formats.
The eReader site advertises 36,000 titles available, in addition to what Fictionwise was already offering.

I expect that to increase. Fictionwise seems committed to enhancing the reader and expanding the number of titles available for it. We'll see how well they do.
______
Dennis

Ok, Not to muddy the water or start a big debate, But will some one post on how the reading experience is on the Phone with ereader, Also since Apple has opened up 3rd party support I believe Adobe DE will find its way to the Iphone. Also How prevalent is the ereader format? (Are there alot of titles available in this format). Most of the shopping I have done has shown mostly Mobi, PDF, MS Reader formats.

JJ

Almost forgot, While browsing the store Itunes seems to have alot of public domain titles for sale between free-99 cents.

I would say it is the fourth most popular format out there and you have experience with the other three. It has been neglected for a while now and I expect that with Fictionwise behind it the big three better watch out.

Dale

I would say it is the fourth most popular format out there and you have experience with the other three. It has been neglected for a while now and I expect that with Fictionwise behind it the big three better watch out.

Dale

I would hope that is the case but now here is the dilemma, Say I jump on the Iphone bandwagon, Amass alot of books while waiting on Sony to get off their duffs and support epub/Adobe DE or the second generation Kindle is released which is why I have not made a purchase yet. Now lets say the stars align and all this comes about, Will I be stuck with ereader formatted books that will not transfer to a later device!

JJ

I would hope that is the case but now here is the dilemma, Say I jump on the Iphone bandwagon, Amass alot of books while waiting on Sony to get off their duffs and support epub/Adobe DE or the second generation Kindle is released which is why I have not made a purchase yet. Now lets say the stars align and all this comes about, Will I be stuck with ereader formatted books that will not transfer to a later device!
<shrug> Good question.

eReader is available for Windows, Mac OS/X, Palm OS, PocketPC, Windows Mobile, the OQO, and now the iPhone. They are supposedly looking at supporting the Blackberry.

So there are lots of things you can use to read PML formatted ebooks. The question is transferring them off the iPhone. I believe you can re-download previously purchased eReader volumes for a new device. I might wait for the dust to settle on that a bit before making a decision.
______
Dennis

Agreed, I am in no hurry.

JJ

iTunes just sucks. When we searched for eReader, there was no info that it needed the 2.0 firmware. Now you know why iTunes is hated world wide.

Really, Jon, you do make the most amazing statements. It clearly states on Apple's web site that the 2.0 firmware is needed to install applications. You appear to be the only person here who wasn't aware of this requirement :).

If you type in the search box eReader and then click get app, there is no mention that it needs 2.0.

True, but it does state it on the "FAQ" page of the App Store, and on the "iPod Touch" section of the Apple web site. Applications are available now for the iPhone, but are "coming soon" for the iPod Touch.

What should happen is when you click get app, it should then tell you that it needs 2.0. It doesn't.

Well, you can get it now. You just can't install it until you have the new firmware. Perhaps you're planning to go out and buy an iPhone next week, and you want to buy some applications for it in advance, for example.

Anyway, what's the issue here? The eReader application is free - you haven't "lost" anything, have you?

This is just another example of how iTunes does things counter-intuitive to the way they should be done.

All applications need firmware 2.0. Everybody on the planet has always known that - except you, it seems :). It would be silly to state it for every application when it's true for all of them, wouldn't it?

I have an iPod Touch and I'm as keen to install some fun new apps for it as anyone, but I'm sure that the new firmware will be available in a few days. Jumping up and down and having hysterics isn't going to make it show up any more quickly :D.

Jon, say this for me:

"Get off my lawn, you damn kids!!"

;)

Jon, say this for me:

"Get off my lawn, you damn kids!!"

;)

pfff ! :p

The new firmware's now been released, Jon :).

The new firmware's now been released, Jon :).

Where????

JJ

Go to the iPod Touch page on the Apple web site. There's a "Buy" link for the update.

Oh I was looking for the Free one!

This is just another example of how iTunes does things counter-intuitive to the way they should be done.

:rofl:

Are you one of those people who demand a tag on your electrical appliance "do not use near water" or need to be told that small toys are a choking hazard for young children? Apple informed the masses when the App store would be available for use and that 2.0 firmware would be needed also iTunes 7.5. It is true that they do not put that information on every single App in the store.

Oh I was looking for the Free one!

It's free for the iPhone; you have to buy it for the Touch.

I would hope that is the case but now here is the dilemma, Say I jump on the Iphone bandwagon, Amass alot of books while waiting on Sony to get off their duffs and support epub/Adobe DE or the second generation Kindle is released which is why I have not made a purchase yet. Now lets say the stars align and all this comes about, Will I be stuck with ereader formatted books that will not transfer to a later device!


You will not be "stuck" with the eReader books. You will be able to use the eReader books on any device that is supported by eReader software. Currently there are no eInk devices on the list, the Astak Mentors due out this summer will be the first.

Will you be able to read your eReader books on a Kindle... I pretty much doubt it.

BOb

I wonder why fictionwise went with the ereader format for this app?

I wonder why fictionwise went with the ereader format for this app?

Because it is the only format they own!

Dale

Because it is the only format they own!

Dale

I knew they bought out ereader, However That is not the only format they SELL!

JJ

Has anyone succeeded in buying the iPod Touch firmware update? Whenever I try it (using the link on the web site) iTunes says "The iTunes Store is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later". Too much load on the server, I guess!

I knew they bought out ereader, However That is not the only format they SELL!

JJ

True but that can't release someone else's product as their own. It is an application that they are releasing.

Dale

Say I jump on the Iphone bandwagon, Amass alot of books while waiting on Sony to get off their duffs and support epub/Adobe DE or the second generation Kindle is released which is why I have not made a purchase yet. Now lets say the stars align and all this comes about, Will I be stuck with ereader formatted books that will not transfer to a later device! See eReader Decoder Tool (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20407), which converts to HTML. It would be nice to have more comprehensive eReader conversion tools, but HTML should be sufficient to preserve your investment.

Has anyone succeeded in buying the iPod Touch firmware update? Whenever I try it (using the link on the web site) iTunes says "The iTunes Store is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later". Too much load on the server, I guess!

I have been patiently waiting and getting the same as you Harry. It now says that I have the latest version and no longer tries to upgrade. Poo.

I have been patiently waiting and getting the same as you Harry. It now says that I have the latest version and no longer tries to upgrade. Poo.

According to engadget it has been up and down all day... along with the new MobileMe we site. I also read that the stores selling the new iPhone are having problems activating them due to the server load.

Apple always seems to have release issues like this. You think they would add capacity before releases like this. Of course, all will be forgiven of Apple next week. If MS has a roll out like this people would talk about it for years to come as a reason to never use or trust MS in any way.

BOb

Thanks PilotBob - now back to server unavailable. I suppose me constantly refreshing the update button isn't helping their server problems.

Ah well, never mind. I'll try it first thing tomorrow morning when North America is asleep.

Has anyone succeeded in buying the iPod Touch firmware update? Whenever I try it (using the link on the web site) iTunes says "The iTunes Store is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later". Too much load on the server, I guess!
Same thing happening here. Guess we'll just have to wait. Apple really should have known better and staggered their major releases. Could have done the 2.0 firmware for the Touch first and then the Phone and then release the iPhone. That would be a way to do it. But nope, they have to do it all on the same day. Whoever's bad idea that was should be fired.

I knew they bought out ereader, However That is not the only format they SELL!

JJ

Fictionwise has been getting more into the client side as things go on. For a long time they did not have any reader of their own, and only sold books to be read on software from other companies. A few years ago there was some information about "Fictionwise Reader" software posted on their site, but I do not think it ever got past the beta stage. They also started selling ETI hardware rebadged as the eBookwise a while back.

This year they purchased eReader, which included responsibility to maintain and upgrade the existing eReader software, to expand an audience that could not be taken away from them on the whim of another company (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18990). They have made several changes, including making the Pro versions free, updating the outdated Symbian software (now in beta for recent Symbian devices), and have released the iPod Touch/iPhone software. If you were an eReader customer a year ago, such possibilities seemed very unlikely. Even less likely was the possibility of a Blackberry client, or seeing eReader on an eInk device, both of which seem to be in the works now.

Why would they pay another company, like Mobi, for the ability to use their SDK, to develop reader software so they could pay Mobi royalties? Except in those cases where Mobi is the exclusive DRM format (Cybook, et al.) the Mobi software is usually written by Mobi themselves. Since the software market for iPhone is looking much like the one for PDAs (meaning that there will be several readers and formats from which to choose), I would hope we get an iPhone version of MobiPocket, but I would expect Mobi to develop it.

Jack

Jack,
Thank you that is a much better explanation than just they own it.

JJ

It also just occurred to me that by using the Iphone as a reader there is no buttons, That is alot of scrolling, pinching and swiping!

BUMP!

Can anyone report on the actual user experience? What's still missing? What extras are there?

It just dawned on me that they're *selling* a bunch of classic, free books via itunes... I am right about that, no? That the bunch listed at the launch were old freebies, right? Unless they've done an incredible job of formatting the classics, that's just a quick money maker for them. It makes me wonder if they've set up ereader to ONLY read tagged books from iTunes. A simple way to find out is whether a regular free ebook for ereader transfered to the iPhone can be read or not.

No, you're mistaken. The books listed in the App store are not eReader books - they are all PD books packaged with their own reader app - nothing to do with eReader. For eReader, the reading app is free; the books you download are the ones you've bought from the eReader web site.

You will not be "stuck" with the eReader books. You will be able to use the eReader books on any device that is supported by eReader software. Currently there are no eInk devices on the list, the Astak Mentors due out this summer will be the first.

Will you be able to read your eReader books on a Kindle... I pretty much doubt it.

BOb

Hey Bob I just ran some ereader formatted books thru Stanza and exported to .azw format. So I think I am safe for now. (Haven't Tried DRM'ed ereader yet to get off the wallet for any yet!)

JJ

Hey Bob I just ran some ereader formatted books thru Stanza and exported to .azw format. So I think I am safe for now. (Haven't Tried DRM'ed ereader yet to get off the wallet for any yet!)

JJ

I assumed the following when answering your question...

1. That you had DRMed eReader files.
2. That you were not removing the DRM.

Pretty much any format that is not DRMed can be converted in some way to another format.

BOb

Can anyone report on the actual user experience? What's still missing? What extras are there? This isn't from a typical user, but see teleread's more thoughts from Fictionwise co-owner Steve Pendergrast on eReader for the iPhone (http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/07/10/ereader-for-the-iphone-first-screen-shots/#comment-846817).

Taken off the e-Reader site:

eReader Pro for iPhone and iPod touch
JUST RELEASED! eReader Pro for iPhone and iPod touch is an award-winning application used to read eReader eBooks on your Apple iPhone or iPod touch. eReader Pro has more features than ever before, including free eBooks, the ability to read dictionaries and more! Download your eReader.com or Fictionwise.com bookshelf wirelessly to your iPhone or iPod touch.

How to install eReader on iPhone and iPod touch:To get eReader onto your iPhone or iPod touch, first use iTunes 7.7 or later to upgrade your iPhone or iPod touch to the 2.0 operating system, then download the FREE eReader application from the application store and follow the easy installation instructions. eReader can be found in the REFERENCE category of the App Store that appears on your device after upgrading to the 2.0 operating system (note: it's not quite in alphabetical order so keep scrolling until you find eReader). Please note the 2.0 iPod touch upgrade costs $9.95 from Apple while the upgrade is free for iPhone. The new iPhone 3G already comes with 2.0 installed. You can get the latest iTunes upgrade here: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Price: $0.00

They should say that while 2.0 is available, it cannot be had because Apple really screwed up on releasing too much at once with a low load website.

This isn't from a typical user, but see teleread's more thoughts from Fictionwise co-owner Steve Pendergrast on eReader for the iPhone (http://www.teleread.org/blog/2008/07/10/ereader-for-the-iphone-first-screen-shots/#comment-846817).
Some interesting comments from the developers. The biggest flaw (as I see it now) is that you cannot get content you already have to be able to read. But it was said that in a few weeks there will be a new release to address this. That is good news. So we'll just have to wait for the maintenance update in order to take full advantange.

Did Steve Jobs miss you off his Christmas Card list or something, Jon? :)

Did Steve Jobs miss you off...

I think what Jobs did to Jon rhymes with "miss you off".

Now when I check for an update to the Touch, it says that 1.14 is the current version. WHy is it doing that and how do we fix it?

Now when I check for an update to the Touch, it says that 1.14 is the current version. WHy is it doing that and how do we fix it?

I just read on engadget that the activation servers are down. I would guess they pulled the updates..... because if you update your iPhone and can't activate it, then won't work.

BOb

I installed the eReader app yesterday and once I added my Fictionwise user name and password I was given my bookshelf from my Fictionwise account. Picked a book and it asked me for the credit card information that was used to purchase the book and I was off and reading. The free books I had didn't need anything extra to make work. It is a pretty sweet app. For the most part I will be sticking with my Kindle but in a pinch this eReader app just might do.

Just my 2 cents.

Greg

I'm pretty disappointed at the lack of features for the iphone app. There is no way to make annotations. No bookmarks. Still has that irritating space between paragraphs.

You can only download one book at a time. - sorry - I figured out that if I tap the folder in the upper right corner I can download all the books. Still not sure how to access my fictionwise account though.

I've purchased the bookshelf for $9.99 and that is far more full functional (not to mention that you can read the books you've already purchased so long as they fit the supported formats).

I think what Jobs did to Jon rhymes with "miss you off".
:rofl::rofl::rofl:


Now when I check for an update to the Touch, it says that 1.14 is the current version. WHy is it doing that and how do we fix it?

Jon I really think it is a conspiracy between your computer, Apple, and the Internet. I hope you get it worked out because Harry will never let it go!
:D

Hi, i am new here so i need more information about this iPhone directly.
=====================================
jenniferjen
Use Both DoFollow And NoFollow Links
stop identity theft (http://articles.securitymailbox.com/category/identity-theft)

Sounds Suspicious is that you Fruit?

Now when I check for an update to the Touch, it says that 1.14 is the current version. WHy is it doing that and how do we fix it?

You first need to go to the Apple Store web site and click the link to buy the firmware update from there (I can't see a way to get to it directly in iTunes, although the link on the web site opens iTunes). Once you've bought the update from the iTunes Store, you THEN do a "check for updates" on the Touch and it tells you that firmware 2.0 is available and offers it for download to you.

Buying the update worked fine for me this morning. It's downloaded (it's 222.6MB in size, according to iTunes), and the updater is currently in the process of backing up the contents of my Touch (which takes rather a long time for a "full" 32GB iPod Touch!)

Everything... eventually downloaded... and after connecting to ereader.com it recognized all my fictionwise bookshelf items.

The books downloaded without a problem, although I remember now how much I hated having to unlock books with the CC# (I am glad I keep records of them, It has been awhile since I bought ereader books, and the card is expired).

It looks and works surprisingly good. Much brighter than my Palm Zire72.. and color!

Nope, it won't replace my eInk devices, but it is a good functional reader, with all the additional functionality of the iPod touch (music, video, bowser, and now games).

I think this will be a fine addition to ebook devices, and maybe spur more people tomake the jump to digital books.

I did finally get the Touch updated to 2.0. It was relatively painless once it actually decided to let us do it.

iTunes just sucks. When we searched for eReader, there was no info that it needed the 2.0 firmware. Now you know why iTunes is hated world wide.

Actually it does. If you search for eReader, then click on eReader... on the right side there is "Application Description".... under that is a "Requirements" section where it states.. "Requires iPhone 2.0 Software Update".

BOb

You first need to go to the Apple Store web site and click the link to buy the firmware update from there (I can't see a way to get to it directly in iTunes, although the link on the web site opens iTunes). Once you've bought the update from the iTunes Store, you THEN do a "check for updates" on the Touch and it tells you that firmware 2.0 is available and offers it for download to you.

Buying the update worked fine for me this morning. It's downloaded (it's 222.6MB in size, according to iTunes), and the updater is currently in the process of backing up the contents of my Touch (which takes rather a long time for a "full" 32GB iPod Touch!)

I know this isn't an ipod touch forum but I can't find anywhere else on the web discussing this (the apple forums are down just now.)

HarryT - I updated mine this morning fine and everything working really fast but I have had to charge the battery twice - it is now only lasting about 2 hours. Do you have the same problem? I promise not to ask any other questions apart from Bookeen and ebooks!

You can access both the Fictionwise and the eReader bookshelves from within the ereader application so long as you use different login/password combos.

I've had problems downloading my ereader books from the Fictionwise account but had zero problems doing so with eReader.

Last night, while it took several hours and 5 attempts, I was able to purchase a book from the ereader.com site and then download it from within the ereader application - all from the iPhone.

I wasn't sure if the ereader.com site was just being hammered by traffic but it error'ed out 4 times in my attempts to make a purchase. It was super frustrating. I don't see it being a Kindle killer yet.

I keep getting an error on my iPhone, while trying to download books from my fictionwise bookshelf:

Download Error

An error occured while downloading. book ID ******. Please contact support@ereader.com

I sent an email to the address above, but have received no response since yesterday. Anyone else getting this error?

Probably related to this (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26325).

HarryT - I updated mine this morning fine and everything working really fast but I have had to charge the battery twice - it is now only lasting about 2 hours. Do you have the same problem? I promise not to ask any other questions apart from Bookeen and ebooks!

No, I haven't noticed any change in the battery life at all, so far. Watching video (my main use for the iPod Touch) I typically get about 4h from a battery charge.

I did just successfully buy and download a book on the eReader site and then transfer it to my iPhone 3G. I did the transfer by getting on the iPhone, clicking the eReader icon. This takes you to the Bookshelf from which you click the plus sign (+) in the upper right corner. That took me straight to my eReader bookshelf and the book I'd just bought was there.

Cool

There are now lots of screenshots of the iPhone using eReader on the web, but none that I could find posted here. I like Cartwright Reed's review ebooks on the iPhone (http://www.cartwrightreed.com/2008/07/ebooks-on-the-1.html), which includes side by side screenshots of the Kindle and the iPhone. Given the difference in device size though, I think I would read in landscape mode on the iPhone.

I keep getting an error on my iPhone, while trying to download books from my fictionwise bookshelf:

Download Error

An error occured while downloading. book ID ******. Please contact support@ereader.com

I sent an email to the address above, but have received no response since yesterday. Anyone else getting this error?

------------
I had this same error all weekend, and finally figured it out. There is a section on fictionwise where is says "update my profile" in a little box in the left column of the home page. Click on it, and there is a place to enter a credit card number for the "secure ereader key" which apparently you must do in order to download any books. They don't actually charge anything to your card and as soon as I entered my info and it was verified, I went to my iphone and was able to download the 2 books I purchased over the weekend without any problem. Hope this helps!

I went to my iphone and was able to download the 2 books I purchased over the weekend without any problem. Hope this helps!

I assume thought that you did specifically purchase the eReader format of the books?

In other words, I can't download books to the iPod eREader app that I purchased in the LIT format?

BOb

When you purchase an eBook from Fictionwise, you cannot go back and then download it in a different format. You would have to repurchase LIT as eReader in order to get the eReader ediion.

When you purchase an eBook from Fictionwise, you cannot go back and then download it in a different format. You would have to repurchase LIT as eReader in order to get the eReader ediion.

That's what I thought but I wanted to make sure. I wondered if because they now owned the eReader format they weren't making you re-buy the book if you already bought it in another format.

BOb

When you purchase an eBook from Fictionwise, you cannot go back and then download it in a different format. You would have to repurchase LIT as eReader in order to get the eReader ediion.

True -- except for their non-DRM'd multi-format books.

That's what I thought but I wanted to make sure. I wondered if because they now owned the eReader format they weren't making you re-buy the book if you already bought it in another format.

BOb

It seems that if they wanted to let you redownload a secure book in another format then they'd have to pay the publishers again.

It seems that if they wanted to let you redownload a secure book in another format then they'd have to pay the publishers again.

That's absolutely correct. You have to pay separately for each secure format. With DRM-free "multi-format" books you can download in as many different formats as you wish for the one single payment.

The app works great, I had to replace my beloved T|X and went with the iTouch. I was able to download multiformat books from Fictionwise and ebooks from eReader. The iTouch will be a backup reader, eInk is far, far better on my eyes but it's nice to have the option.

To answer some of the questions about upcoming features, Steve P. posted this to the Fictionwise's Yahoo group yesterday. Specifically, someone had requested the option of turning off full justification.
Don't fear, we are adding many new features. A new release should come
out sometime next week (assuming we don't have unexpected trouble). That
one will not have justification optoins but it will have several other
options people have been asking for (tap option to turn page, reverse
video mode, access to web content other than fw or er, some sorting
options on the shelf, etc.)

There will be releases every 2 to 3 weeks until we get the bulk of the
features in, so you will not have too long to wait.

-Steve P.

For those confused, "fw or er" refers to Fictionwise and eReader.

I hope this is of some use to people here.

Jack

To answer some of the questions about upcoming features, Steve P. posted this to the Fictionwise's Yahoo group yesterday. Specifically, someone had requested the option of turning off full justification.


For those confused, "fw or er" refers to Fictionwise and eReader.

I hope this is of some use to people here.

Jack

Actually all of the standard releases already have many of the features, including justification, that are being added. Hopefully any new ones will be back ported to the standard release.

Dale

Hi everyone. I've not been ereading for quite a while now... that is until I've installed eReader for iPhone. I'm impressed not only because I can access both eReader.com and Fictionwise.com collections but also because I've always liked how the iPhone renders text.

I can't seem to download from eReader but had no problems at Fictionwise. (Incidentally, there are a lot of free multiformat classics at Fictionwise which I also got).

Oh, it takes a while to get used to "flicking" pages ... and my fingers kept on subconsciously looking for a scrollwheel (I didn't realize the Clie had such a lasting impression).

Anyway, I've got a couple of books downloaded and careful about downloading too much (this is after all, on an iPhone Classic (4GB), unlocked, pwnaged).

Lastly, I found a Kindle and iPhone comparison shot (http://flickr.com/photos/shipstone/sets/72157606223470807/detail/) at Flickr, if you'd like to see.

http://machinist.salon.com/blog/2008/07/21/iphone/index.html
______
Dennis

http://machinist.salon.com/blog/2008...one/index.html


Apparently he contends that the iphone is not a good ereader because of too many other things that you can do on the phone? That seems silly to me.

I am planning on getting a iphone when my current cell phone dies, which probably won't be for another year.

Amy

One nice thing about the iPhone is that it renders italics and bold properly. I have come from Windows Mobile devices (and MS never really understood typography) where italics tended to be simulated (to save device memory) and generally looked awful. I was very pleased when some italics appeared in the book I was reading and it was "proper" italics.

It is great that eReader, BookShelf and Stanza are all being actively developed for the iPhone. As it stands eReader on the iPhone is already much better than it was on my Windows Mobile platform, it loads much faster, and doesn't crash if the device sleeps when eReader is running. I am very pleased so far...