[sirmaru]

I just downloaded the latest Adobe Digital Editions. It will not allow me to open DRM protected PDF books purchased from another registered computer which I used to own. It only registered my present PC for new books. Adobe will let you have 6 devices registered but the particular books can only be read on one device.

Also, if you buy a new PC, you will have to re-download those books files. It appears that Sony discontinues many books over time and those particular books will not be available for download. It appears that once sales taper off for a particular book, Sony removes them from their inventory.

Before scrapping the old PC be sure to unregister it from the Sony store. Then register the new PC when it is set up. You will have to re-download the book files. However, Sony allows one to register up to 5 other portable devices (eReaders) and all books can be read on all 5 of those devices. It appears that only one computer can be registered at one time and books cannot be shared between computers.

Also, Sony and BN now have 3G connectivity over the air just like Amazon so all three can remove books from your inventory at will if they are so disposed.

The way I see it is the pBooks are yours to keep until the paper deteriorates which could be hundreds of years if properly preserved. The eBooks are disappearing assets due to changes in fomats, software and hardware. We buy them for the READ and that is all. However, our very lives are also disappearing assets so there is really no problem at all reading eBooks. Few ever go back to re-read any book in any event other than a Bible.