maximum six computers for Sony verified & possible workarounds

hermes · 06-12-2011, 03:18 AM

On the same day I went in to both the Sony Store and enquired with Customer Service Sony.

The store clerk told me that there is a limit of five but that there is a workaround (though he didn't use that word). His technical explanation was a bit complicated for this machine fool and lazy bugger. The short story seemed to be downloading to memory card, skipping the computer software. And it would be necessary to buy the Sony Touch Edition (pocket edition does not have this capability).

Sony telephone service suggested I buy the Sony 900 or 950 Daily.

This is all being done to prevent 'fraud' two Sony staff members said. I believe they meant copyright infringement.

The fact remains that Sony limits number of computers to 6 plus devices to six (12 in total). When one goes over that one gets an error message. One can then de-authorize a computer/device in options -> rename. But eventually Sony will say it is too many changes and one has to call Sony. "Then, it'll be OK".

Best Buy staff recommended using an ereader Sony with a removable memory card. Apparently one can use this with a million different computers and devices and Sony will not be able to tell.

Starting to question whether Sony smallest's super portability is worth the trouble. Solutions to Sony seem to be either a hassle or an added expense. But I like the idea of a removable memory - very James Bond.

HarryT · 06-12-2011, 03:22 AM

The limit is not imposed by Sony, but by the Adobe Digital Editions software (ie it applies to any ADE ePub device). It's a sufficiently generous limit that I don't think many people would consider it terribly onerous.

FizzyWater · 06-12-2011, 03:56 AM

As long as the DRM is still intact, I don't think you can just swap out the card to unregistered Readers. I'll admit, I've never tried it, but I don't think it works that way.

HarryT · 06-12-2011, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FizzyWater

As long as the DRM is still intact, I don't think you can just swap out the card to unregistered Readers. I'll admit, I've never tried it, but I don't think it works that way.

It wouldn't work. The encoding is in the file, not the storage medium, so the file has to be encoded for the correct ADE account.

pdurrant · 06-12-2011, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermes

The store clerk told me that there is a limit of five but that there is a workaround (though he didn't use that word). His technical explanation was a bit complicated for this machine fool and lazy bugger. The short story seemed to be downloading to memory card, skipping the computer software. And it would be necessary to buy the Sony Touch Edition (pocket edition does not have this capability).

There is another solution. It involves a Google search for Apprentice Alf. It's also not one that you'll find recommended by Sony staff.

And that's probably as much as I should say on Mobileread.

wallcraft · 06-12-2011, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

It wouldn't work. The encoding is in the file, not the storage medium, so the file has to be encoded for the correct ADE account.

Yes, but the device "knows" which account it is authorized for via another file on the memory card. So the memory card might work in any mobile ADE device, i.e. this is plausible. It would not work on a computer that was not already authorized for the same AdobeID, because desktop ADE works differently.

This sounds like something only retail staff with time on their hands would try.

elemenoP · 06-12-2011, 10:07 AM

what do you need more than 6 computers for? You are really going to install ADE at all your internet cafes?

eP

Shopaholic · 06-12-2011, 11:34 AM

It's all moot anyways. He retured his Sony.

I refer back to my original statement to the OP - stick to paper books.

06-12-2011, 03:18 AM	#1
hermes non-techy Posts: 110 Karma: 50586 Join Date: May 2011 Location: wherever I can afford to get laid and eat vegetarian Device: Sony pocket edition and Kobo touch both died - looking at Kindles	maximum six computers for Sony verified & possible workarounds On the same day I went in to both the Sony Store and enquired with Customer Service Sony. The store clerk told me that there is a limit of five but that there is a workaround (though he didn't use that word). His technical explanation was a bit complicated for this machine fool and lazy bugger. The short story seemed to be downloading to memory card, skipping the computer software. And it would be necessary to buy the Sony Touch Edition (pocket edition does not have this capability). Sony telephone service suggested I buy the Sony 900 or 950 Daily. This is all being done to prevent 'fraud' two Sony staff members said. I believe they meant copyright infringement. The fact remains that Sony limits number of computers to 6 plus devices to six (12 in total). When one goes over that one gets an error message. One can then de-authorize a computer/device in options -> rename. But eventually Sony will say it is too many changes and one has to call Sony. "Then, it'll be OK". Best Buy staff recommended using an ereader Sony with a removable memory card. Apparently one can use this with a million different computers and devices and Sony will not be able to tell. Starting to question whether Sony smallest's super portability is worth the trouble. Solutions to Sony seem to be either a hassle or an added expense. But I like the idea of a removable memory - very James Bond.

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06-12-2011, 03:22 AM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	The limit is not imposed by Sony, but by the Adobe Digital Editions software (ie it applies to any ADE ePub device). It's a sufficiently generous limit that I don't think many people would consider it terribly onerous.

06-12-2011, 03:56 AM	#3
FizzyWater You kids get off my lawn! Posts: 4,220 Karma: 73492664 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Device: Oasis 2 and Libra H2O and half a dozen older models I can't let go of	As long as the DRM is still intact, I don't think you can just swap out the card to unregistered Readers. I'll admit, I've never tried it, but I don't think it works that way.

06-12-2011, 10:07 AM	#7
elemenoP Wizard Posts: 1,717 Karma: 3790058 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: NYC Device: Kindle Paperwhite, Sony 650	what do you need more than 6 computers for? You are really going to install ADE at all your internet cafes? eP

06-12-2011, 11:34 AM	#8
Shopaholic Cockatoo Mom! Posts: 1,509 Karma: 1841741 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Device: PW4, Kobo: A1, Clara, Libra 2, iPad Pro 11, iPad Mini	It's all moot anyways. He retured his Sony. I refer back to my original statement to the OP - stick to paper books.