Getting back into reading...updating Calibre and new device questions

[texasnightowl]

Hi all! In recent years I didn't do much reading but I am getting back to it.

I have upgraded Calibre. I was at 2.85. I am now at 4.23. I skimmed enough threads to see that v5 has changed code, so I have held off on that for now since I'm not sure which plugins, etc. that will affect.

I have a Kindle Keyboard and a K4 (non-touch). I have also just ordered an Oasis thanks to Prime Day. And this is probably where my questions come in.

With the new Oasis (3), what do I need to know about formats?

Most of my library is epub and mobi files. Most of those mobi files are likely from Amazon azw files that changed to mobi on import to Calibre. The epub files are a combination of purchases from other sites or conversion from mobi to epub.

On a few newer purchases, I have azw3 files?

What files will the Oasis have? Does it introduce a new format to my library?

Is there anything I should specifically do/remember/look out for re: any of these formats in Calibre?

Also, are there any specific plugins I need in order to manage the Oasis or any new file formats in Calibre?

Basically, anyone have any guidance for someone who has been out of touch for several years? What are the current best practices for importing purchases in Calibre? Download to Oasis and then connect and import? Or download from Amazon choosing the transfer by USB option? If transfer by USB option, should I continue to use my K4NT as the target or can I choose the Oasis as the target?

[jhowell]

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

Hi all! In recent years I didn't do much reading but I am getting back to it.

Good for you.

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

What files will the Oasis have? Does it introduce a new format to my library?

Most books these days support Enhanced Typesetting. Amazon will deliver those books to your Oasis in KFX format.

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

Is there anything I should specifically do/remember/look out for re: any of these formats in Calibre?

Amazon is aggressive about maintaining the security of KFX DRM. You may be used to connecting your Kindle to a computer and using calibre to transfer Amazon purchases from it. That won't work anymore with your new Oasis. You will still be able to see what books are present on the device and transfer books to the device from calibre if you desire.

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

Also, are there any specific plugins I need in order to manage the Oasis or any new file formats in Calibre?

The KFX Input plugin can convert from KFX format, but will be unlikely to be of use to you because of DRM.

If you want to convert your own books from EPUB to KFX to enable the Enhanced Typesetting features of your Oasis you can do that using the KFX Output plugin. Be aware that using KFX has some downsides that you can read about in the plugin documentation.

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

Basically, anyone have any guidance for someone who has been out of touch for several years? What are the current best practices for importing purchases in Calibre? Download to Oasis and then connect and import? Or download from Amazon choosing the transfer by USB option? If transfer by USB option, should I continue to use my K4NT as the target or can I choose the Oasis as the target?

Using the website option to Download & transfer via USB will work with your Oasis the same as it does with your older Kindle. Amazon does not deliver KFX format that way so you will get MOBI (azw) or KF8 (azw3) by doing that. It won't matter which device you choose when downloading as long as you have your DeDRM software configured properly. (DRM removal details cannot be discussed here on MobileRead.)

[texasnightowl]

OK, thanks for the info jhowell!

Let's see if I understand correctly.

Oasis introduces (to me at least) the KFX format. It is currently not possible to de-drm this and it would only be readable on my Oasis. However, even though it cannot have DRM removed, is it possible to store a KFX book in Calibre? And then be transferred back to the Oasis to read?

I will look into the KFX Input and Output plugins. I do want to see what the downsides of the KFX Output plugin are. (Side Q: Is there an azw3 output plugin? Any reason to convert epub to azw3 vs. azw/mobi?)

I do have the DeDRM plugin correctly configured...at least, it has always worked with my KK and K4.

I am curious...is there a summary of what the "enhanced typesetting" is? What makes the KFX format better than MOBI/azw or KF8/azw3 format?

[jhowell]

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

Oasis introduces (to me at least) the KFX format. It is currently not possible to de-drm this and it would only be readable on my Oasis.

Yes. KFX DRM can only be removed if a book is downloaded using outdated Kindle apps or firmware because Amazon has quickly revised KFX DRM whenever it has been broken.

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

However, even though it cannot have DRM removed, is it possible to store a KFX book in Calibre? And then be transferred back to the Oasis to read?

You can copy books in KFX format to your calibre library if the KFX Input plugin is installed. They will show up as KFX-ZIP format if they have DRM.

There is no mechanism to restore these files back to a Kindle device. Why would you want to do that anyway?

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

Is there an azw3 output plugin? Any reason to convert epub to azw3 vs. azw/mobi?

AZW3 (aka KF8) output is built into calibre. It will provide superior formatting that closer matches the EPUB source file when viewed on your Kindle.

The main downside is that book cover thumbnails for those books will not appear in your library unless you take steps to make that happen.

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

I do have the DeDRM plugin correctly configured...at least, it has always worked with my KK and K4.

For your new device you will have to repeat what you did originally to make that work.

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

I am curious...is there a summary of what the "enhanced typesetting" is? What makes the KFX format better than MOBI/azw or KF8/azw3 format?

You can read more about Enhanced Typesetting here: Enhanced Typesetting (KDP)

[texasnightowl]

Originally Posted by jhowell

You can copy books in KFX format to your calibre library if the KFX Input plugin is installed. They will show up as KFX-ZIP format if they have DRM.

There is no mechanism to restore these files back to a Kindle device. Why would you want to do that anyway?

I keep all my books, read and unread, in my Calibre library. It is possible that I might put a book that is unread into Calibre and then want to move it to the Oasis later to read. So am I understanding correctly that this is not possible?

Sounds like my work flow is going to continue to be to download for transfer via USB for everything. So not really a change from what I was doing before.

[jhowell]

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

I keep all my books, read and unread, in my Calibre library. It is possible that I might put a book that is unread into Calibre and then want to move it to the Oasis later to read. So am I understanding correctly that this is not possible?

It is technically possible, but it would require you to manually copy files. You cannot do it using calibre.

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

Sounds like my work flow is going to continue to be to download for transfer via USB for everything. So not really a change from what I was doing before.

You can continue to that.

[Deskisamess]

Originally Posted by texasnightowl

I keep all my books, read and unread, in my Calibre library. It is possible that I might put a book that is unread into Calibre and then want to move it to the Oasis later to read. So am I understanding correctly that this is not possible?

Sounds like my work flow is going to continue to be to download for transfer via USB for everything. So not really a change from what I was doing before.

You can use an old version of Kindle for PC, and get those books into Calibre. That's what I do, and have no issues transferring books to my Oasis. Don't let the app update automatically and you'll be good to go. I use 1.17.0 which can still be found on the interwebs.

Complete details can't be trotted out here on MobileRead...

I do typically download my books normally from Amazon, but use Calibre to make changes if desired. I also like having my books all accessible even if I don't have a connection to the web. I also sometimes buy books from other sources and like the ability to keep all my books in one place, not to mention format shifting and other edits.

[texasnightowl]

Originally Posted by Deskisamess

You can use an old version of Kindle for PC, and get those books into Calibre. That's what I do, and have no issues transferring books to my Oasis.

Thanks. I do still have an installer for one of the 1.17.x versions, so I could install that. Most (all?) of my past Amazon purchases are already in Calibre, so I haven't bothered installing K4PC recently since I just do the USB transfer option for individual purchases. Using K4PC = KF8/azw3, right?

I also like having my books all accessible even if I don't have a connection to the web. I also sometimes buy books from other sources and like the ability to keep all my books in one place, not to mention format shifting and other edits.

Same.

[texasnightowl]

Originally Posted by jhowell

It is technically possible, but it would require you to manually copy files. You cannot do it using calibre.

Ok...good to know/understand that bit.