Which reader is the most conversion friendly

[jerryleejr]

I am leaning towards the Sony Reader but I have come across a few books that I want to read that are only in Mobipocket format. I understand that the Cybook will work for this. But there are also a few that are in MS reader format that I can convert for the Sony. I really wish there would be one standard format or allow readers to reconize multiple formats. I really dont think it would be that difficult to release a book in multiple formats.

Jerry

[HarryT]

In fairness, most books are released in multiple formats.

LIT books can trivially be converted (where legal) to both Sony and MobiPocket formats with free tools; each conversion is equally straightforward.

My personal preference is for a device which can read MobiPocket books, because MobiPocket is supported by a very wide range of different devices; you're not tied down to a single manufacturer as you are to a certain extent with Sony.

[wallcraft]

Books without DRM are routinely available in multiple formats for a single price (buy once, download as many times as you want in as many formats as you want, for personal use only obviously).

Books with DRM are also usually available in multiple formats, but if you want two formats you have to pay the full price twice. This is a requirement imposed by the publishers. To be fair to them, it may be because they have to pay the DRM providers. It would be a huge step forward if we could buy a 2nd format for a nominal price - this would actually bring in more revenue, cover the costs of the DRM, and make buyers more comfortable with e-books. Multiple formats at no extra cost would be even better, but I don't see than happening any time soon.

[jerryleejr]

I guess I was really hoping to get one of my collections/favorite authors on a format other than mobipocket.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by jerryleejr

but I have come across a few books that I want to read that are only in Mobipocket format.

FWIW, sometimes books appear to only be available in MP format, but with enough looking other formats are available. For instance I've found a few books in LIT format only for sale at ebooks.com and nowhere else. ebooks.com charges full list price (no discounting), but in a few cases it's worth it.

Also sometimes contacting the publisher gets results. I know I bugged Hatchette about a series (and encouraged other fans to do it too) they were only putting out in MP & eReader and I'm glad to see now they've made it available in LIT format. Not that my contacting them necessarily got them to do anything, but it couldn't hurt. A lot of the publishers are still feeling there way with ebooks and are glad for input.

[jerryleejr]

I just received an email from the publisher that said they had just signed a deal with Amazon for there books. I really dont want a kindle. But maybe version 2 will work for me. I just really liked the form and function of the 505.

[ProfJulie]

Originally Posted by jerryleejr

I guess I was really hoping to get one of my collections/favorite authors on a format other than mobipocket.

What's wrong with Mobipocket? Out of all the eReader software I've tried, I prefer Mobipocket.

I looked around and researched eReaders for several weeks and finally decided to get the Cybook Gen3....mostly because there were so many Mobipocket bookstores where I could buy books and I found a library that has an extensive Mobipocket collection where I can check books out.

Since I've been hanging around here, I''ve learned how to convert LIT books into Mobipocket, and I am so happy to have the Cybook. I just wish it handled PDF files better, but then most of the eBook readers don't handle PDF files so well.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by ProfJulie

What's wrong with Mobipocket? Out of all the eReader software I've tried, I prefer Mobipocket.

He has a Sony 505, that's what's wrong with it.

[ProfJulie]

Oh, I thought he had not yet made a decision. Oh well...

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by ProfJulie

Oh, I thought he had not yet made a decision. Oh well...

Maybe he hasn't :shrugs:, just going by his listed device.

[recycledelectron]

Take a look at Hanlin's Jinke ebook reader. It seems to support more formats than everyone else put togeather.

Andy

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by recycledelectron

Take a look at Hanlin's Jinke ebook reader. It seems to support more formats than everyone else put togeather.

Andy

But - and please correct me if I'm wrong - I don't believe it supports ANY of the standard DRM formats, does it? That could be a major issue if you wish to buy commercial eBooks.

[Gudy]

Originally Posted by HarryT

But - and please correct me if I'm wrong - I don't believe it supports ANY of the standard DRM formats, does it? That could be a major issue if you wish to buy commercial eBooks.

You are right. The Hanlin e-book readers only support their own proprietary WOLF format, although there are persistent rumours that Jinke is working on Mobipocket support.

[jerryleejr]

I was getting a 505 from my wife but I told her to hold off until I sort out the format issues. ( I have a mac, not alot of access to a PC etc.) I have been downloading PDF's on my laptop for the moment until I figured out which device worked better for me. I really like the sony cant see spending the extra money on the kindle or CYBOOK I dont know. I am looking at every angle.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ProfJulie

What's wrong with Mobipocket? Out of all the eReader software I've tried, I prefer Mobipocket.

I looked around and researched eReaders for several weeks and finally decided to get the Cybook Gen3....

You've purchased the wrong device. The Gen3 is not eReader compatible. Any eReader books you may have purchased won't work with it.. In fact, no eink based device can read DRM eReader books.

All that aside, please refrain from incorrectly using the term eReader because it may cause someone who doesn't know to purchase some device or eBooks that cannot be used.