|
Kindle (which is actually Mobileread) DRM, IS worse than ereader. Let me count the ways:
1: Moving the file to a different device requires logging into a central server. When the server goes away....so do all your ebooks (unless you just keep the original device and hope it never fails). With eReader, once you have the file, you just need your name and card number to unlock it. The server could be dead and gone and you would still have your books.
2: No support for sharing with friends and family. The Sony Reader at least supports 5 devices per purchase. The reason Amazon books are so cheap is because they expect you to buy a book for each family member or pass around the one kindle device. Um....no.
3: "Kindle" format, even though it really is Mobileread, can only be purchased for the Kindle and the iPod. Far too limited. I'd like to have a copy on my phone for those times I need a quick read. eReader format supports Mac, Windows, Palm, WinMobile, Symbian, iPhone, and anything that runs the PalmOS emulator (like the linux Nokia tablets).
Admittedly, I'd prefer no DRM at all, but publishers are slow to learn. Until then, I purchase eReader (mostly from fictionwise.com) as it is the "lesser evil." Of course, as a backup plan, I know that the lit, eReader, and Mobilread formats have been hacked.
Don't get me wrong, technically the Kindle is a pretty impressive piece of hardware, but it's more "walled garden" than the iPod/iTunes lockout. Hopefully they'll open things up a LITTLE bit like Apple (though they still refuse to support other devices for videos).
- Jim
|