have K2, want buy another device

[deltame]

I have the kindle 2 and love it. The only limitation for me, as I see it, is that I would like to read e-book from my library sometimes. I am lucky in that I have access to the NYC public library and their e-book (and also mostly audio-book) collection is quite impressive. The library offers e-book in DRM protected via both the PDF and mobi formats. Between Sony 505 and EZ-book, I cannot seem to decide which device would be best for me w.r.t. DRM contents from the library. Compatibility to Sony 505 is well documented on my library's website but some had said PDF viewing on 505 isn't ideal. I'm leaning towards EZ-book if I can be certain that it does support DRM-mobi format. I appreciate any feedback you can provide.

deltame
p.s. I am aware of certain scripts out there that people use & convert DRM-mobi into amazon kindle readable format. However, I'm not very literate in this area and since instruction is taken off-line, I'm not confident I can get it to work. I also worry too much, that amazon could one day decide to further restrict at the device level.

[wallcraft]

It is possible to read MOBI lending library ebooks on the EZ Reader, but you have to manually set the clock to get it to work. See Library eBooks Readable = Win.

It is a shame that Amazon threw its weight around at MobileRead, because kindlefix does not circumvent DRM and is entirely legal in the US. It is still available from its original blog posting (another indication of its legality).

It can be difficult to learn the "command line", but the good news is that the Kindle Visual Guide, once decimated by Amazon's strong arm tactics, again has sections on Command Prompt Vista/XP/Mac and Install Python Windows. This might be enough (with the readme.txt that comes with kindlefix) to get you to the point where lending library MOBIs work on your Kindle.

If not, see if you can use KindleDRM. This python script does not touch DRM, be it will tell you if an AZW/MOBI/PRC ebook has DRM or not. Even Amazon would likely agree that this script is legal, so we can tell you how to get it working (and all python ebook scripts are similar). If you can use kindledrm, you can use kindlefix and the kindle python script that can't be named.

[Lilly]

deltame, same situation; I have access to both NYC and Brooklyn libraries (I like BLP more then NYPL). I also have the Kindle 2 but I check out 95% of my library books with my Sony PRS-505. It's a great device and you can find a new one for about $275. I love my Blue PRS-505 and it's great having both a Kindle and a PRS-505!

[AbFabGab]

I have a RED Sony 505 and also have account with NY public library. I find it very easy to download and read books from there.

[Justy]

Originally Posted by deltame

I'm leaning towards EZ-book if I can be certain that it does support DRM-mobi format. I appreciate any feedback you can provide.

deltame

I have the BeBook, a variant of the EZ-Book, and I can confirm that it does support DRM-Mobi. Using the fix wallcraft mentioned in his post above does allow for library books to be read. It's a very simple process, I had no trouble reading the Mobipocket eBook I downloaded from my local library.

[DDHarriman]

Do not forget that the Cybook does permit you to read DRM-Mobi ebooks too.

good reading,

[toomanybooks]

I have a PRS 505 and have read pdf novels on it. I have found that reading novels in pdf actually works fairly well. The problems tend to start when you want to read something scientific or academic. The Sony doesn't handle charts and graphs intensive pdfs well.

[basschick]

and is a very fine device - thin and light with a nicely placed large page turn button as long as you're right handed. no folder support, but it does have dictionary lookup. it's perfect for reading DRM mobi.

Originally Posted by DDHarriman

Do not forget that the Cybook does permit you to read DRM-Mobi ebooks too.

good reading,

[kelly1010]

I have a Sony prs-505 and have read a few library books as well as books I have purchased in pdf format, and haven't experienced many problems.

The only thing I will point out, is at least with the 2 library systems I use, there are far more pdf format ebooks than mobi. I'm not sure what type of books you read, but I like romance novels and bestsellers.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by DDHarriman

Do not forget that the Cybook does permit you to read DRM-Mobi ebooks too.

good reading,

Unless you get the ePub firmware in which case you you'll be stuck with PDF if that firmware does support Adept since the NYPL does not yet have ePub.

Another solutions is to move to Boston where we do have ePub and get a 505.

[deltame]

A big thank you to everyone here - added "karma" to all who replied.

I managed to convince myself to try and, eventually (with help from Google) figured out the command line thing - I'm happy to report that I got a couple e-books from the library onto my K2 and they look great on it. I'm especially glad to have read/heard that by this process such e-books would automatically expire from my kindle after the loan period set forth by the library - clean and clear conscious.

Now do I still want buy another device despite the "minor" success with command line? Yes, as soon as I receive/free-up some play money :-) I have my eyes on EZ-Reader over Sony 505 mainly for its multi-language support and easily replaceable battery. I should probably visit a local Sony store to get a feel of the 505 to see whether I could resist its design/build temptation.

[kamm]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

It is possible to read MOBI lending library ebooks on the EZ Reader, but you have to manually set the clock to get it to work. See Library eBooks Readable = Win.

It is a shame that Amazon threw its weight around at MobileRead, because kindlefix does not circumvent DRM and is entirely legal in the US. It is still available from its original blog posting (another indication of its legality).

Did I miss something? What happened?
There's no legal danger here from Amazon, can't imagine what are you referring to...

It can be difficult to learn the "command line", but the good news is that the Kindle Visual Guide, once decimated by Amazon's strong arm tactics, again has sections on Command Prompt Vista/XP/Mac and Install Python Windows. This might be enough (with the readme.txt that comes with kindlefix) to get you to the point where lending library MOBIs work on your Kindle.

If not, see if you can use KindleDRM. This python script does not touch DRM, be it will tell you if an AZW/MOBI/PRC ebook has DRM or not. Even Amazon would likely agree that this script is legal, so we can tell you how to get it working (and all python ebook scripts are similar). If you can use kindledrm, you can use kindlefix and the kindle python script that can't be named.

Get me a used K1 around $200 or less and I'll make those scripts into a no-brainer binary you just have to run after you magically found it on a European server, hosted in a country Amazon has no business, links pointing to a Chinese anonym ftp space...

Seriously though, why would anyone care about Amazon's DRM?
If you don't like it, don't buy goods with intrusive DRM including ebooks (this is my way of life.)

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by kamm

Did I miss something? What happened?
There's no legal danger here from Amazon, can't imagine what are you referring to...

See Amazon uses DMCA to restrict where you can buy e-books. I agree that there was zero chance of Amazon suing, but I was not the one being threatened by Amazon and it would not have been the first time a company with deep pockets sued without merit.

This had real consequences, for example Visual Kindle Guide was originally deleted and its entries for KindleFIX and KindlePID are still missing in action. It was also the case that before this letter there were no restrictions on giving advice on the use of KindleFIX (because it does not remove DRM), but now there is less discussion about KindleFIX than (say) mobidedrm. The only major use for KindleFIX is to allow MOBI lending library ebooks to work on the Kindle, but that is a significant capability that Amazon should not be able to interfere with.

[kamm]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

See Amazon uses DMCA to restrict where you can buy e-books. I agree that there was zero chance of Amazon suing, but I was not the one being threatened by Amazon and it would not have been the first time a company with deep pockets sued without merit.

This had real consequences, for example Visual Kindle Guide was originally deleted and its entries for KindleFIX and KindlePID are still missing in action. It was also the case that before this letter there were no restrictions on giving advice on the use of KindleFIX (because it does not remove DRM), but now there is less discussion about KindleFIX than (say) mobidedrm. The only major use for KindleFIX is to allow MOBI lending library ebooks to work on the Kindle, but that is a significant capability that Amazon should not be able to interfere with.

I see now, thx for the links.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by basschick

and is a very fine device - thin and light with a nicely placed large page turn button as long as you're right handed. no folder support, but it does have dictionary lookup. it's perfect for reading DRM mobi.

I'm left-handed and find the nav controls on the CyBook to be very well-placed. We should have folder support on the CyBook pretty soon now.