MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - My Run-In With Topaz

Mak'em Lad · 03-12-2011, 06:45 AM

I am at present looking at getting a Kindle as there are a number of books I would like to read but find paperbacks uncomfortable to read for long periods due to text size & needing glasses.

The fact you can adjust the text size is great as that makes things easier.

I am at present testing on an Iphone, a PDA & my computer.

It's well known that PDA and computer screens are harder to read in bright sunlight although the Iphone is not too bad. The eInk devices on the other hand a easy to read in full sunlight.

My main concern is DRM, I feel that if I buy an ebook I should be able to read that at any time in my lifetime & do so with any divice I have at the time.

Yes DRM can be removed & the file converted but the Topaz format prevents that. As others also point out it looks crap.

Retailers should tell you what you are about to purchase therefore show in their product description the format & if DRM is present. That way it's your choice.

I understand they don't wish the files to be pirated & some have said they will refund if you complain.

I personally see no problems in making copies of any electronic data (books, music, programs etc.) provided that you

1: Retain the original & all the copies.
2: Pass on or distroy the copies if you pass on or sell the original.

At the moment an ebook can cost up to double the price of the hardcopy yet should Amazon ever go bust or stop selling readers that work with the Kindle format then all your ebooks are lost.

I for one will not buy any book in Topaz format & will think twice about any with DRM that can't be removed and/or converted.

03-12-2011, 06:45 AM	#34
Mak'em Lad Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: Iphone, PDA, may get a Kindle	I am at present looking at getting a Kindle as there are a number of books I would like to read but find paperbacks uncomfortable to read for long periods due to text size & needing glasses. The fact you can adjust the text size is great as that makes things easier. I am at present testing on an Iphone, a PDA & my computer. It's well known that PDA and computer screens are harder to read in bright sunlight although the Iphone is not too bad. The eInk devices on the other hand a easy to read in full sunlight. My main concern is DRM, I feel that if I buy an ebook I should be able to read that at any time in my lifetime & do so with any divice I have at the time. Yes DRM can be removed & the file converted but the Topaz format prevents that. As others also point out it looks crap. Retailers should tell you what you are about to purchase therefore show in their product description the format & if DRM is present. That way it's your choice. I understand they don't wish the files to be pirated & some have said they will refund if you complain. I personally see no problems in making copies of any electronic data (books, music, programs etc.) provided that you 1: Retain the original & all the copies. 2: Pass on or distroy the copies if you pass on or sell the original. At the moment an ebook can cost up to double the price of the hardcopy yet should Amazon ever go bust or stop selling readers that work with the Kindle format then all your ebooks are lost. I for one will not buy any book in Topaz format & will think twice about any with DRM that can't be removed and/or converted.