Does Kindle offer most flexible ebook buying?

Maike13 · 11-05-2009, 09:24 AM

I'm still looking to buy my first eReader. I was initially put off the Kindle by the limited format choices but, as I've learned more about eReaders and eBooks, it seems to me that perhaps Amazon would actually offer me the largest choice of eBooks (and eBook prices). Here's my reasoning and I'd appreciate if everyone could let me know if there are flaws in my thinking.

1. I've visited a lot of eBook source sites and it seems like most (all except Amazon?) sources of eBooks allow you to download them to your PC, one way or another. There are also tools out there so that most (all?) of these eBooks can be converted to unprotected .prc, which I believe you can use on the Kindle. I can therefore get an eBook from any of these sites, convert it to unprotected .prc, and e-mail it to a Kindle (I think e-mail is the only way to transfer a book to the Kindle, but please let me know if there is an easier way).

2. In addition, with a Kindle, all of Amazon's eBooks are available. I don't see any way of buying these unless you have a Kindle (or am I wrong here?).

So with a Kindle I have all of Amazon's eBooks + all the others. With a different eReader, I only have all the others (assuming the other eReader offers a format that I can convert eBooks to fairly easily).

desertgrandma · 11-05-2009, 09:33 AM

Amazon is also going to offer the abiility to read Kindle books on your PC..........

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.htm...28630_13490320

You can transfer books from your computer to your Kindle using the USB cord provided.........easiest and always free.

Amazon offers a great 30 day money back offer, (you pay return shipping only), allowing your time to play with it, download books, and see if its the device for you.

Right now, the K1 is being sold, refurbished, with the full one year warranty for $149, free two day shipping, no tax. (US)

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_3_...sprefix=Kindle

The DX for $399

The K2 for $219

wallcraft · 11-05-2009, 09:48 AM

You can load DRM-free MOBI (PRC) ebooks onto a Kindle via USB. So, if you strip DRM and use Calibre (say) to convert to MOBI, any ebook store can provide ebooks for a Kindle,

Currently, Amazon's Kindle ebook store is only available if you own a Kindle or an iPhone (or iPod Touch). However, Amazon is about to introduce Kindle Reading software for Windows PCs. We don't know for sure yet, but most likely this will mean that you will be able to strip the DRM from Kindle AZW ebooks (not all Kindle ebooks are AZW, but most are) bought for a Windows PC to produce DRM-free MOBIs that can in turn be used on any ebook Reader (perhaps after conversion via Calibre).

JSWolf · 11-05-2009, 09:57 AM

Actually, I think for now, it'll be the nook that will be the most flexible due to it's support of ePub.

HarryT · 11-05-2009, 10:00 AM

You should consider the fact that Amazon are now pretty much the ONLY manufacturer not to support the industry-standard ePub book standard. Yes, you CAN convert ePub books to Mobipocket format, for use on the Kindle, but why bother when you can simply buy a device which supports ePub in the first place? Consider, too, that Mobi book creation tools are basically at a dead end, while there is a burgeoning in new ePub creation tools.

I would urge you to get an ePub-supporting device.

11-05-2009, 09:24 AM	#1
Maike13 Connoisseur Posts: 64 Karma: 28 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Houston, USA Device: IRex Iliad 1st Ed.	Does Kindle offer most flexible ebook buying? I'm still looking to buy my first eReader. I was initially put off the Kindle by the limited format choices but, as I've learned more about eReaders and eBooks, it seems to me that perhaps Amazon would actually offer me the largest choice of eBooks (and eBook prices). Here's my reasoning and I'd appreciate if everyone could let me know if there are flaws in my thinking. 1. I've visited a lot of eBook source sites and it seems like most (all except Amazon?) sources of eBooks allow you to download them to your PC, one way or another. There are also tools out there so that most (all?) of these eBooks can be converted to unprotected .prc, which I believe you can use on the Kindle. I can therefore get an eBook from any of these sites, convert it to unprotected .prc, and e-mail it to a Kindle (I think e-mail is the only way to transfer a book to the Kindle, but please let me know if there is an easier way). 2. In addition, with a Kindle, all of Amazon's eBooks are available. I don't see any way of buying these unless you have a Kindle (or am I wrong here?). So with a Kindle I have all of Amazon's eBooks + all the others. With a different eReader, I only have all the others (assuming the other eReader offers a format that I can convert eBooks to fairly easily).

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11-05-2009, 09:33 AM	#2
desertgrandma Enjoying the show.... Posts: 14,270 Karma: 10462841 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Arizona Device: A K1, Kindle Paperwhite, an Ipod, IPad2, Iphone, an Ipad Mini & macAir	Amazon is also going to offer the abiility to read Kindle books on your PC.......... http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.htm...28630_13490320 You can transfer books from your computer to your Kindle using the USB cord provided.........easiest and always free. Amazon offers a great 30 day money back offer, (you pay return shipping only), allowing your time to play with it, download books, and see if its the device for you. Right now, the K1 is being sold, refurbished, with the full one year warranty for $149, free two day shipping, no tax. (US) http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_3_...sprefix=Kindle The DX for $399 The K2 for $219

11-05-2009, 09:48 AM	#3
wallcraft reader Posts: 6,975 Karma: 5183568 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mississippi, USA Device: Kindle 3, Kobo Glo HD	You can load DRM-free MOBI (PRC) ebooks onto a Kindle via USB. So, if you strip DRM and use Calibre (say) to convert to MOBI, any ebook store can provide ebooks for a Kindle, Currently, Amazon's Kindle ebook store is only available if you own a Kindle or an iPhone (or iPod Touch). However, Amazon is about to introduce Kindle Reading software for Windows PCs. We don't know for sure yet, but most likely this will mean that you will be able to strip the DRM from Kindle AZW ebooks (not all Kindle ebooks are AZW, but most are) bought for a Windows PC to produce DRM-free MOBIs that can in turn be used on any ebook Reader (perhaps after conversion via Calibre).

11-05-2009, 09:57 AM	#4
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 74,015 Karma: 129333114 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Actually, I think for now, it'll be the nook that will be the most flexible due to it's support of ePub.

11-05-2009, 10:00 AM	#5
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	You should consider the fact that Amazon are now pretty much the ONLY manufacturer not to support the industry-standard ePub book standard. Yes, you CAN convert ePub books to Mobipocket format, for use on the Kindle, but why bother when you can simply buy a device which supports ePub in the first place? Consider, too, that Mobi book creation tools are basically at a dead end, while there is a burgeoning in new ePub creation tools. I would urge you to get an ePub-supporting device.

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