Quote:
Originally Posted by ziphnor
Hi,
Im considering buying the Kindle DX for use in Denmark. Im having a hard time figuring out the alternatives available as well as getting an impression of how problematic the limited format support of the kindle is in practice. (and before anyone asks: Yes i did checkout the reader matrix and perform a few searches before posting 
To be precise, here are my questions:
1. Despite the fact that i live in Denmark, im pretty much only interested in US/UK literature. I get the impression that Amazon has the largest selection (even with the regional restrictions of the Kindle DX). Is that correct? Or can the same selection be found by visiting several other ebook stores?
2. I get the impression that most ebook stores beside Amazon use Adobe ADEPT DRM in combination with either EPUB or PDF. Is that correct?
A little google search easily provided me with tools to strip the APEPT DRM (this is legal in Denmark if you cannot use the protected content otherwise). Given that it seems so simple to strip the DRM of these files i am wondering whether it isnt a perfectly viable option to buy epub books, strip the DRM and then use Calibre to convert to a format the kindle understands.
3. Since im considering converting from epub i am wondering about the impact on file size and display quality. I understand that the kindles own format is inferior to epub, but are these limitations significant for typical simple fictional books? Is there any software i could use to make this comparison on my own PC before buying?
How about PDFs intended for ebook readers, do they display in the same quality as on other readers?
5. Finally, what are the alternatives? Can i buy a better reader with the similar screen size/built-in dictionary and still get access to the same book selection? I got the impression that one of the Kindle DRM schemes arent so easy to remove (in case i wanted to buy from Amazon and use a different reader).
Thank you very much for your feedback |
You don't have to worry about regional restrictions. There are very simple (and legal) workarounds, so you'll have access to the entire US selection.
You can download Adobe Digital Editions and Mobipocket Reader and/or Kindle4PC. This will give you some idea about the various file formats. Personally, I find ePUB and Mobipocket very similar, time for conversion in "calibre" accordingly is very brief.
Concerning Kindle DRM, you probably refer to TOPAZ books. That's about 5% to 10% of the Kindle selection. It can be stripped from DRM, but it really isn't very comfortable yet and the results aren't perfect either.
Amazon really sometimes has the best selection. But especially for fiction, you'll usually get your books in ePUB format as well.
Just an idea: Go for iPod touch/iPhone as an additional mobile reader, purchase Kindle books and convert them to whatever format you need, if you don't want to go for Kindle.
But you easily can check out, whether you'll get your books in other formats. Just do a test with, let's say, the 10 to 20 books, you'll probably buy next. Amazon still may be slightly ahead, but the gap is way smaller than it has been a while ago.
Concerning the "perfect" reader it really depends on your needs: Touchscreen or not? 6" or bigger? Dictionary or not?.........
Personally, for fiction I can recommend:
- nook: Simplistic, but great for "casual" reading and fantastic cost/benefit ratio.
- Sony 900: In my opinion, the most stylish reader out there.
- BeBook Neo: Surprisingly low price and tons of features.
- iRex 800: Relatively expensive in Europe, but in general good response in the market for the display size.
As simplistic as it may seem,
I'd consider nook for you. With the B&N shop, you'll have nearly as much books to choose as with Kindle. You can exchange the US SIM and replace it with a Danish one. You have dictionary support and easily can hack it for 3rd party applications. You can sideload ePUB books, so it's very open for other eBook sources.
That's for fiction. I wouldn't recommend nook for "professional" books, given its screen size and features,