MAJOR FLAW in the Amazon Kindle - Page 2

Nate the great · 11-21-2007, 08:18 AM

I don't think it is a flaw so much as it's a deficiency.

It si something Amazon had to do once they decided to make Mobipocket and Kindle Edition non interchangeable. If they released a desktop reader, it would be very similar (under the hood) to the Mobipocket PC Reader. I bet it would be identical.

azog · 11-21-2007, 08:25 AM

Well, as a computer geek since circa 1980, and a full-time computer professional since about 1985, I have to disagree with the basic argument presented here. I haven't jumped into the e-book readers until the E-ink became available. Having spent almost 30 years in front of monitors of any sort, I did not want to do that to myself when I want to read a book. I've used PDAs, but even those somewhat strenuous on my eyes, if it's just little less.

But for me, the biggest thing is the "curling up" issue. I often read in bed, before I go to sleep. I'll put the book down, turn out the light, and bam, I'm out. If I find myself nodding off while reading, so be it. Sometimes the light doesn't even get shut off!

Having used the CyBook for a couple of weeks now, I can actually do this. I can read as long of a stretch as I want without my eyes getting tired. And when the sandman calls, I just roll over. I do have a Kindle on order, and it's a little bigger than the CyBook, so I don't know how that'll work out.

But as for "e-book readers are for computer illiterate" (or for non-computer professionals), that's just pure hogwash.

sirmaru · 11-21-2007, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate the great

I don't think it is a flaw so much as it's a deficiency.

It si something Amazon had to do once they decided to make Mobipocket and Kindle Edition non interchangeable. If they released a desktop reader, it would be very similar (under the hood) to the Mobipocket PC Reader. I bet it would be identical.

Can MobiPocket PC Reader be used to read Kindle book files? If it can, then the problem is resolved.

Where can MobiPocket PC Reader be downloaded? Has anyone tried it with a Kindle book file?

HarryT · 11-21-2007, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirmaru

Can MobiPocket PC Reader be used to read Kindle book files? If it can, then the problem is resolved.

Not currently, because MobiPocket books are encoded for specific devices, and there's no way (at present) to encode a Kindle book for a desktop PC. It could potentially be done in the future, however, since it appears that Kindle books are nothing (or very little) more than standard DRM-encoded MobiPocket books.

Quote:

Where can MobiPocket PC Reader be downloaded?

http://www.mobipocket.com

Quote:

Has anyone tried it with a Kindle book file?

Several people have - see other threads. The desktop reader shows you the book's cover page and tells you that the book has not been "activated" for the desktop machine.

JSWolf · 11-21-2007, 08:48 AM

If I was to take my ebooks and read them only withmy computer, I'd have two choices. My computer or the laptop. If I went anyplace where that was not feasible, I would have to stop reading my ebooks. With my 505, I can take my ebook and move along. I use public transport when I go into town and being able to take along my ebooks is quite nice.

Have you actually seen an eink based reader? Go to Borders and have a look at the 505. The screen is the same as used on the Kindle and the Gen3 so you'll get an idea of how they'll both look.

sirmaru · 11-21-2007, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

If I was to take my ebooks and read them only withmy computer, I'd have two choices. My computer or the laptop. If I went anyplace where that was not feasible, I would have to stop reading my ebooks. With my 505, I can take my ebook and move along. I use public transport when I go into town and being able to take along my ebooks is quite nice.

I rarely leave my house so my PC IS my major viewing device for all my life activities including reading, investing, banking, gaming, chatting, etc. When I do leave my house, I use my car and the only device I carry there is my Garmin GPS. Reading and driving do not mix.

The Kindle could be a good supplementary reader for waiting in offices or when accompanying my wife going shopping. However, I still require a PC Reader for my usual life style.

I would want to be able to sync my bookmarks and notes between the Kindle and my PC Reader. A good compromise would be for Amazon and Microsoft to cooperate so that Microsoft Reader could read Amazon Kindle files. If that cooperation happened, I would definitely buy the Kindle as my SUPPLEMENTARY Reader.

If that happens, I would hope that the Kindle would also be able to read MS Reader files as well. Then I could use all my present book files on my PC and on my Kindle and have a wide variety of sources where I can purchase books.

Failing all that, I prefer to stick to Microsoft Reader for PC viewing of books.

HarryT · 11-21-2007, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirmaru

The Kindle could be a good supplementary reader for waiting in offices or when accompanying my wife going shopping. However, I still require a PC Reader for my usual life style.

I would want to be able to sync my bookmarks and notes between the Kindle and my PC Reader. A good compromise would be for Amazon and Microsoft to cooperate so that Microsoft Reader could read Amazon Kindle files. If that cooperation happened, I would definitely buy the Kindle as my SUPPLEMENTARY Reader.

If that happens, I would hope that the Kindle would also be able to read MS Reader files as well. Then I could use all my present book files on my PC and on my Kindle and have a wide variety of sources where I can purchase books.

Failing all that, I prefer to stick to Microsoft Reader for PC viewing of books.

Sounds as though the Gen3 might be a better choice, given your lifestyle. Lots of different eBook stores to buy books from, nice desktop reader, and you can sync your bookmarks between the Gen3 and the desktop reader.

sirmaru · 11-21-2007, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Sounds as though the Gen3 might be a better choice, given your lifestyle. Lots of different eBook stores to buy books from, nice desktop reader, and you can sync your bookmarks between the Gen3 and the desktop reader.

I notice that my POCKETABLE Garmin Nuvi 750 GPS is 4 3/4" x 2 7/8" x 5/8". It fits perfectly into my shirt or jacket pocket. The Kindle is 5.3 inches by 7.5 inches by 0.7 inches. It will NOT fit in my pockets. Thus, it is not even good as a Supplementary Book Reader.

The difference is that the QWERTY keyboard is on a non-screen location of the Kindle surface while the Garmin QWERTY keyboard is available within the screen. All control features are available through the SCREEN. Using non-screen locations for important features is LAST YEAR'S technology.

What are the measurements of the Gen3? Is it compatible with Microsoft Reader? If it is pocketable, uses the same E-ink technology as Kindle and can read MS Reader files, it definitely would be better for me.

What is the link to their store?

slayda · 11-21-2007, 10:00 AM

Although I am not quite 70 yet (another 5 years) & I do NOT have 20/20 uncorrected vision, I do read on my PC & my Sony. Toward the end of the day, whether or not I have done any PC work, my eyes get tired even with E-ink. I find that I must increase the font size as this happens.

The main reason I prefer the Sony is (not the curl up in bed since I also just sleep there) but that I don't have a really comfortable chair at my PC.

Still I would like the right to read my ebooks on my PC at least & preferably on any ebook reader.

JSWolf · 11-21-2007, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Sounds as though the Gen3 might be a better choice, given your lifestyle. Lots of different eBook stores to buy books from, nice desktop reader, and you can sync your bookmarks between the Gen3 and the desktop reader.

Actually, it sounds like the 505 is a better choice. With ConvertLIT and lit2lrf, getting the MS Reader books formatted for the 505 is actually easier.

UncleDuke · 11-21-2007, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Virtually everyone I work with buys books from Amazon. I wouldn't describe any of them as a "computer addict". They just use a computer as a part of their work and find it convenient to shop on-line.

I'm sorry, but I disagree. As I said in my earlier post, personally I've been reading on hand-held devices since, if I recall recorrectly, 1985, when I bought my first "personal organiser" (a Psion II).

i'm a bit behind you harry old chap, i once had a psion 3

nice clamshell but not as sexy as the sony reader, my now ex kept using it as a door wedge

sirmaru · 11-23-2007, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Sounds as though the Gen3 might be a better choice, given your lifestyle. Lots of different eBook stores to buy books from, nice desktop reader, and you can sync your bookmarks between the Gen3 and the desktop reader.

Harry,

I'm looking at the Cybook Gen3 as possibly a better reader for me than the Kindle. I have some questions about it.

At BooksOnBoard.com there is shown three types of book files: MobiPocket (MP), MobiPocket (OD), and eReader. Which of any of these types of files can I read. Which of any of these files can I read on my PC with the MobiPocket Reader.

I notice in the Cybook Gen3 User Guide they mention a PID which has to be submitted to buy books. Where do I find this PID?

HarryT · 11-24-2007, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirmaru

At BooksOnBoard.com there is shown three types of book files: MobiPocket (MP), MobiPocket (OD), and eReader. Which of any of these types of files can I read. Which of any of these files can I read on my PC with the MobiPocket Reader.

The first two (they are the same format - just different publishers). Not eReader.

Quote:

I notice in the Cybook Gen3 User Guide they mention a PID which has to be submitted to buy books. Where do I find this PID?

While reading any book on the Gen3, bring up the menu and select "Advanced..." then "About...". The PID is shown in the "About" box. It's a 10 character alphanumeric string.

sirmaru · 11-24-2007, 02:47 PM

Harry,

I downloaded and installed eBook Library and Mobipocket reader. Can I purchase eBooks from Content without purchasing the Sony Reader? In the same manner, can I purchase Mobipocket books and read them with their Mobipocket reader without buying the Cybook Gen3?

I'm still hoping that Amazon will give us a PC reader as well eventually.

Thanks for your help.

igorsk · 11-24-2007, 03:26 PM

Yes, you can download and read Connect books without purchasing a Reader, and Mobi book without a Cybook or Iliad or Palm etc.

11-24-2007, 02:47 PM	#29
sirmaru Wizard Posts: 2,426 Karma: 6561538 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: Kindle PW 2013, HDX 2013, Galaxy S5 2014	Questions on the various PC programs Harry, I downloaded and installed eBook Library and Mobipocket reader. Can I purchase eBooks from Content without purchasing the Sony Reader? In the same manner, can I purchase Mobipocket books and read them with their Mobipocket reader without buying the Cybook Gen3? I'm still hoping that Amazon will give us a PC reader as well eventually. Thanks for your help.

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11-21-2007, 08:18 AM	#16
Nate the great Sir Penguin of Edinburgh Posts: 12,375 Karma: 23555235 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: DC Metro area Device: Shake a stick plus 1	I don't think it is a flaw so much as it's a deficiency. It si something Amazon had to do once they decided to make Mobipocket and Kindle Edition non interchangeable. If they released a desktop reader, it would be very similar (under the hood) to the Mobipocket PC Reader. I bet it would be identical.

11-21-2007, 08:25 AM	#17
azog Enthusiast Posts: 49 Karma: 33 Join Date: Oct 2007 Device: Cybook Gen3, Kindle	Well, as a computer geek since circa 1980, and a full-time computer professional since about 1985, I have to disagree with the basic argument presented here. I haven't jumped into the e-book readers until the E-ink became available. Having spent almost 30 years in front of monitors of any sort, I did not want to do that to myself when I want to read a book. I've used PDAs, but even those somewhat strenuous on my eyes, if it's just little less. But for me, the biggest thing is the "curling up" issue. I often read in bed, before I go to sleep. I'll put the book down, turn out the light, and bam, I'm out. If I find myself nodding off while reading, so be it. Sometimes the light doesn't even get shut off! Having used the CyBook for a couple of weeks now, I can actually do this. I can read as long of a stretch as I want without my eyes getting tired. And when the sandman calls, I just roll over. I do have a Kindle on order, and it's a little bigger than the CyBook, so I don't know how that'll work out. But as for "e-book readers are for computer illiterate" (or for non-computer professionals), that's just pure hogwash.

11-21-2007, 08:48 AM	#20
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,798 Karma: 146391129 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	If I was to take my ebooks and read them only withmy computer, I'd have two choices. My computer or the laptop. If I went anyplace where that was not feasible, I would have to stop reading my ebooks. With my 505, I can take my ebook and move along. I use public transport when I go into town and being able to take along my ebooks is quite nice. Have you actually seen an eink based reader? Go to Borders and have a look at the 505. The screen is the same as used on the Kindle and the Gen3 so you'll get an idea of how they'll both look.

11-21-2007, 10:00 AM	#24
slayda Retired & reading more! Posts: 2,764 Karma: 1884247 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: North Alabama, USA Device: Kindle 1, iPad Air 2, iPhone 6S+, Kobo Aura One	Although I am not quite 70 yet (another 5 years) & I do NOT have 20/20 uncorrected vision, I do read on my PC & my Sony. Toward the end of the day, whether or not I have done any PC work, my eyes get tired even with E-ink. I find that I must increase the font size as this happens. The main reason I prefer the Sony is (not the curl up in bed since I also just sleep there) but that I don't have a really comfortable chair at my PC. Still I would like the right to read my ebooks on my PC at least & preferably on any ebook reader.

11-24-2007, 03:26 PM	#30
igorsk Wizard Posts: 3,442 Karma: 300001 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Belgium Device: PRS-500/505/700, Kindle, Cybook Gen3, Words Gear	Yes, you can download and read Connect books without purchasing a Reader, and Mobi book without a Cybook or Iliad or Palm etc.