Quote:
Originally Posted by jacsiegel
I am confused about the Mobipocket software - is there some way I can get it to work with a Mac (other than running Windows on the Mac)? I tried the free download just for kicks, and, as I suspected, my Mac doesn't support it. Or maybe I downloaded the wrong software? Sorry to be so technically dumb, but this is my first exposure to the world of ebook readers and there's all kinds of terms and concepts that are new to me (like what's DRM).
|
That is a limitation of deciding to go with a device that uses the Mobipocket format when you you have a Mac. There is no reader software that you can run on your Mac for DRMed files. You can read non-DRMed files with Stanza.
DRM is "digital rights managment". It is encryption used to only allow the book to be read on a device which has been authorized to read it. The way mobi's DRM works is that each device has a "PID" (personal id number). You must provide this PID to the stores where you buy a mobipocket book from. The book will be encrypted with the PID you provide and that device will be able to read the book. Most mobipocket stores allow for up to 4 PIDs, so you can have 4 devices read that same file.
Kindle uses "similar" DRM to Mobipocket but the PID is not visible. You register 1-6 Kindles to your Amazon account and any Kindle book files you download from that Amazon account will work on those (up to) 6 Kindles. There is also no software AT ALL, PC or Mac that allows you to read your Kindle books... you can only read them on the Kindle.
BOb