So I am getting a 505 for christmas. Do I really need windows installed to transfer stuff to the 505 or can I use Linux?
I don't really want to install Windows just because of that.

You don't need windows unless you plan to buy books from the SONY book store (hence DRM books) since they only support Windows and Mac.

You can use calibe an open source program to transfer books to your SONY PRS-505.

=X=

And books that I buy on other places that have DRM? Like the ones at baen books.

And books that I buy on other places that have DRM? Like the ones at baen books. Baen books are DRM-free. They have ePub and LRF versions, both of which will work on the Sony.

For DRM-ridden ebooks, it might be possible to download Adobe PDF and ePub ebooks by using Windows Adobe Digital Editions under wine. You would need to authorize your Sony Reader to your AdobeID account one time on a Windows PC.

The alternative is to buy DRMed eReader or MOBI ebooks, both of which work from any web browser, strip their DRM and convert to LRF or ePub using Calibre. For MOBI you would need to provide a PID from a device supporting MOBI DRM. The easiest is probably a Windows PC running MobiPocket Reader. You just need the PID (a 10 character identifier), then everything else works under Linux.

Wallcraft always give solid advice so I'd listen to him.

All I can add is every DRM except for eReader will require you to register with a Windows PC. You capture the information you need like a PID for mobi, ineptkey for Adobe, key from LIT and you can liberate your books.

The one advantage with MOBI is that it is the best supported. And the Kindle for PC works great on Linux under wine. You will be able to also read Mobi books with the Kindle App.

=X=

Mobipocket DRM works fine with a linux PC. Devices which use mobipocket DRM have a PID that you can read directly on the device, then you communicate this PID to the stores on which you buy books. No need of windows anywhere in the process.

Back to epub format. I've seen indeed people mention that they can use adobe digital editions with wine under linux. I had trouble doing that in the past, but I just succeeded! :)

coredump, in case you want to try it, the link to download the installer for digital editions is:

http://www.adobe.com/support/digitaleditions/ts/documents/kb403051/digitaleditions1x7x1.exe

and you can find free drm'ed books on board, look on the 'help' link on the left of their home page (I _think_ the book is epub but I'm not sure, but since it opens with digital edition it should be the same kind of drm). When you download the book, only a small file is provided, called 'URLLink.acsm'. Save it and then drag and drop it in digital editions.

EDIT: Turns out the file you can get at books on board is a pdf. It would be nice to be able to find a free drm'ed epub for testing.

If you have a copy of windows laying around you can also just install windows in VirtualBox (make sure to get the personal version since it has USB support) and then install the Sony software or the Adobe software whichever you need. That should work well enough mind you probably a bit slow but hey your just transferring books.

yes ADE installs on wine, but I can't browse their store :)

The VM solution was the best. Installed VirtualBox with a XP license and now all that I need is the reader :P

Cool! :)

Now you'll have a hard time waiting for christmas though... :p

yeha. I still trying to find a store where I can buy online and ship to a friend of mine who is in Belgium but will be here (brazil) December 15, tho. :(

yeha. I still trying to find a store where I can buy online and ship to a friend of mine who is in Belgium but will be here (brazil) December 15, tho. :(

You do realize the 505 was discontinued right? Very few stores have it in stock any more.

BOb

You do realize the 505 was discontinued right? Very few stores have it in stock any more.

BOb

Yep, that's why it is so hard to find. That doesn't mean that they don't exist and I can settle for an used one with no problems at all :)

Too bad that Sony insisted in getting a grayish touch screen on the 600.

But I must admit that the search is being a little frustrating, and I can end buying one of those Jinke device that are rebranded all over the planet.