Quote:
Originally Posted by astra
however I am glad they stand the ground and don't add any DRM support.
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Anyone remember NAEB? They wanted a DRM-free ebook reader, but ended up reselling the Cybook Gen3. At the time I was sure that adding a DRMed format was essential for a dedicated ebook reader. NAEB did not work out, but not because they bent their principles (
Mission Statement) and sold a DRM capable device. The jetbook is NAEB's dream device, but it is based on a looser enforcement of copyrights than we are used to. Its concept of operations seems to be to download "free" ebooks from the Internet.
I any case, it is much more feasible today than a couple of years ago to buy a DRM-free ebook reader and yet continue to support authors (and publishers) by buying ebooks. There are a few more DRM-free titles today, but there is more capability to strip DRM and vastly more awareness of the possibility of stripping DRM (for personal use only). The interest in OpenInkPot and FBReader are to some extent driven by this, although software is easier to support than hardware without a business plan. So I am no longer sure that DRM is required for the success of a reading device, but providing a DRMed format is still the safest option and this is becoming increasingly easy to do over time.