How to tell if an eBook is Topaz before purchase?

JSWolf · 03-06-2009, 09:44 AM

How can I tell if an eBook sold via Amazon is in Topaz format or AZW format? Topaz are 100% useless to me and I don't want to be stuck with them. Thanks!

Nate the great · 03-06-2009, 09:46 AM

Someone said that the Topaz books don't list a file size. That seems to be true, and it's worked for me so far.

AnemicOak · 03-06-2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate the great

Someone said that the Topaz books don't list a file size. That seems to be true, and it's worked for me so far.

Seems to be true from what I've found so far.

Also if you download the sample and it has a .azw1 or .tpz extension, that's a Topaz file.

More on Topaz here...
http://www.latenightcode.com/devblog...ations-part-i/

desertgrandma · 03-06-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

How can I tell if an eBook sold via Amazon is in Topaz format or AZW format? Topaz are 100% useless to me and I don't want to be stuck with them. Thanks!

When you download a sample, there will be a 1 or 2 next to the .azw file.

Also, page numbers instead of file size.

desertgrandma · 03-06-2009, 10:01 AM

A good example

"Glory Road" by Robert Heinlein. Lists 320 pages, and definitely a topaz format. Tor publishing. Lists no file size

JSWolf · 03-06-2009, 10:05 AM

Thank you all! I'll now be able to grab the sample of Glory Road and see if Kindle for iPod works with Topaz. I hope not.

JSWolf · 03-06-2009, 10:16 AM

Topaz eBooks do display on the iPod's Kindle app.

pilotbob · 03-06-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Thank you all! I'll now be able to grab the sample of Glory Road and see if Kindle for iPod works with Topaz. I hope not.

Can you get samples on the iPod? I didn't know that was possible. I didn't think you could access the Amazon store via the software and you have to go through safari to buy a book, add it to your media library then d/l it to the Kindle app?

BOb

pookielocks · 03-06-2009, 03:27 PM

what exactly is topaz?

Nate the great · 03-06-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pookielocks

what exactly is topaz?

Topaz is the Kindle DRM that has yet to be broken. That's why no one wants to buy a book encumbered with it.

The other DRM on Kindle ebooks is Mobipocket DRM. That has long since been broken.

pilotbob · 03-06-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate the great

Topaz is the Kindle DRM that has yet to be broken. That's why no one wants to buy a book encumbered with it.

Yes, but it is not just the DRM. Topaz book are some PDF like format that is "really slow" on the Kindle. The further you get into the book the longer it takes to turn each page. Also, the layout is actually BAD characters dropped under the line and cut off.

I am glad the only Topaz book I have was a freebee. I won't buy one.

BOb

sirbruce · 03-06-2009, 03:54 PM

Topaz also seems to allow for embedded fonts.

badgoodDeb · 03-06-2009, 03:55 PM

Actually, topaz isn't *quite* as slow on the Kindle 2. Yes, it's slow to open a book -- specially to open it in the middle, if you've already been reading it. Yes, it's slow to come out of sleep mode, if the book is open underneath.

*BUT* page turning as you read is quite snappy. I think they are pre-loading the next screenful. If you are actually reading the book (i.e. taking a little time on each page) the next page is almost immediately there. If you are paging through to find where you were, that's still slower. But the pre-loading is at least an improvement!

bwaldron · 03-06-2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Yes, but it is not just the DRM. Topaz book are some PDF like format that is "really slow" on the Kindle. The further you get into the book the longer it takes to turn each page. Also, the layout is actually BAD characters dropped under the line and cut off.

Yes, same here. Being unable to strip the DRM is not the only reason I avoid the Topaz books like the plague. Mind you, it's a sufficient reason for me -- I don't buy anything (books, music, video) with DRM I can't remove.

StanDaMan · 03-06-2009, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate the great

Someone said that the Topaz books don't list a file size. That seems to be true, and it's worked for me so far.

Good tip. thanks for that

03-06-2009, 09:44 AM	#1
JSWolf Mobile Reader Geek Posts: 34,204 Karma: 13801264 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Sony Reader PRS-650, iPad	How to tell if an eBook is Topaz before purchase? How can I tell if an eBook sold via Amazon is in Topaz format or AZW format? Topaz are 100% useless to me and I don't want to be stuck with them. Thanks! __________________ Jon 2013 Reading List

03-06-2009, 09:46 AM	#2
Nate the great Sir Penguin of Edinburgh Posts: 10,018 Karma: 2422819 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DC Metro area Device: Shake a stick plus 1	Someone said that the Topaz books don't list a file size. That seems to be true, and it's worked for me so far. __________________ The Digital Reader blog - www.the-digital-reader.com

03-06-2009, 10:01 AM	#5
desertgrandma Enjoying the show.... Posts: 14,221 Karma: 7720386 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Arizona Device: A K1, Kindle Paperwhite, an Ipod, IPad2, Iphone and an Ipad Mini.....	A good example "Glory Road" by Robert Heinlein. Lists 320 pages, and definitely a topaz format. Tor publishing. Lists no file size __________________ How To Join Our Happy Family! -- What is "Karma" and How Does it Work? What is Our Wiki. -- How to Start a Poll The "Introduce Yourself" Thread and Why You Should Use It How to use the MobileRead Patricia C. Clark Memorial Library

03-06-2009, 10:05 AM	#6
JSWolf Mobile Reader Geek Posts: 34,204 Karma: 13801264 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Sony Reader PRS-650, iPad	Thank you all! I'll now be able to grab the sample of Glory Road and see if Kindle for iPod works with Topaz. I hope not. __________________ Jon 2013 Reading List

03-06-2009, 10:16 AM	#7
JSWolf Mobile Reader Geek Posts: 34,204 Karma: 13801264 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Sony Reader PRS-650, iPad	Topaz eBooks do display on the iPod's Kindle app. __________________ Jon 2013 Reading List

03-06-2009, 03:27 PM	#9
pookielocks Member Posts: 10 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: Kindle 2	what exactly is topaz?

03-06-2009, 03:54 PM	#12
sirbruce Provocateur Posts: 1,859 Karma: 505847 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Columbus, OH Device: Kindle Touch, Kindle 2, Kindle DX, iPhone 3GS	Topaz also seems to allow for embedded fonts.

03-06-2009, 03:55 PM	#13
badgoodDeb Wizard Posts: 4,095 Karma: 9501039 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chicago outskirts Device: Palm-many, Kindle1, K3, iPad, iPhone 4	Actually, topaz isn't quite as slow on the Kindle 2. Yes, it's slow to open a book -- specially to open it in the middle, if you've already been reading it. Yes, it's slow to come out of sleep mode, if the book is open underneath. BUT page turning as you read is quite snappy. I think they are pre-loading the next screenful. If you are actually reading the book (i.e. taking a little time on each page) the next page is almost immediately there. If you are paging through to find where you were, that's still slower. But the pre-loading is at least an improvement! __________________ -----------Found him! Wanna join the chat?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Need help in Australia (ebook purchase)	heymae	News	14	01-21-2013 10:33 PM
First ebook purchase!	gumleaf	Introduce Yourself	5	10-10-2010 06:22 PM
Classic eBook Purchase Problems	qpid360	Barnes & Noble NOOK	6	12-12-2009 01:06 AM
Can't Purchase eBook outside of US?	Jakodai	Mobi	2	01-15-2009 08:12 PM
Identifying Topaz/AZW1 files prior to purchase	texasnightowl	Amazon Kindle	1	09-05-2008 04:53 PM


Advertisement Enthusiast