Quote:
Originally Posted by Musicman
The EZ-Reader will read the following file formats:
ADE (Adobe Digital Edition), PDF, TXT, PDB, DOC, HTML, FB2, LIT, MP3, EPUB, PRC, WOL, CHM, PPT, TIF, PNG,GIF, RAR, ZIP, DJVU, JPG, BMP, with future support for Ereader DRM which is my preferred format (the only other reader that is available and says they will support Ereader DRM is Eslick).
The Mobi/PRC is non DRM.
I actually prefer how FB2 looks. Does Sony Support FB2?
Not supporting Mobi/PRC in its non DRM format is in my opinion a negative.
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OK, highlighting the ones that Sony's Readers also have in red, that leaves:
- DOC: Haven't seen a eBook in DOC, but any WP will convert to TXT; and DOC is a legacy format anyway, what no DOCX?
- HTML: Same as above, any WP converts, so anyone with a Sony's got that one too
RAR & ZIP: Not seen as eBook formats, these are just compression utilities that wrap a valid eBook format
DJVU, TIF and PPT: Visual formats for looking at pretty pictures, but no utility as an eBook format.
WOL, CHM, FB2: Can you even FIND a eBook in this format? Not one of the top ten eBook merchants carry this format, so unless you subscribe to some George Noory Double Secret Probation Newletter that is ONLY published in one of these formats, they are doing nothing but wasting ROM/RAM on your reader.
That leaves onlytwo formats on the Ezreader that are the useful difference from what the Sony devices offer: PRC/MOBI and LIT
LIT: Nearly abandoned except there is a HUGE amount of content from MS Reader's early attempts to digitize books. Calibre has level this playing field entirely, if the Ezreader can read it, the Sony owner is about 12 seconds behind in converting, loading and reading the same content.
PRC/MOBI: This is where it gets interesting. Granted Ezreader can load this, but not at the same time as the ePub firmware, right? So if you claim PRC/MOBI you can't claim ePub (or vice versa). I don't think lack of PRC/MOBI is such a loss, its easily converted, the ePub format continues to be improved and PRC/MOBI use is declining (except in Kindles) since Amazon is strangling the installation base.
That actually leaves one other very popular and widespread format not covered on both machines: Sony's LRF/LRX which Ezreader doesn't have, and can't even gain access too since it isn't an easy format shift. That is quite a deficit for the ezreader that there is so much LRF formatted content available that the Ezreader can't get to at all. And all the other major/popular formats not directly available on the Sony are an easy format shift (THANK YOU CALIBRE!).
You mention one future format that is your favorite and we'll just have to disagree there: eReader, the Palm Data Base format that is very long in the tooth with no growth potential. I was anxiously awaiting B&Ns re-opeing of their ebook store and SO disappointed that they elected to remain in the 1980s.
I don't own either device, Sony or Ezreader, but having carefully studied the specs I can say I'd accept an Ezreader as a gift, but if I'm spending MY money, it'll be the Sony over the Ezreader every time.
Now before we start a flamin', I sense you truly enjoy your device, and so what else matters? If you feel justified in your purchase, and have a pleasant consumer experience, I'm proud for you and I'm glad you and other are willing to live a little more on the edge with electronics by purchasing from lesser known but agressively growing electronics manufacturers and systems integrators. That helps me by forcing the big and well known names in the industry to continue pushing their capabilities and decreasing their price point. You help me by liking your device, so I like that you enjoy your Ezreader. But I'm willing to pay the premium for a rock solid consumer experience from a polished product delivered from one of the 800 lb gorillas in the field. And that's why they make Ezreader Yugos and Sony Camrys.