Best e-reader for linux user in Canada

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by spindlegirl

I wish I could find an ereader that didn't require a huge song and dance to set up.

The Kindle doesn't require any PC-based software at all, nor does it need to be "set up". Just buy, switch on, and use.

[spindlegirl]

Originally Posted by HarryT

The Kindle doesn't require any PC-based software at all, nor does it need to be "set up". Just buy, switch on, and use.

I suppose what I am really asking is "Which e-reader gives me the most freedom with my device?"

I almost exclusively read non-DRM books and would I be able to do that on a Kindle, or am I locked in to "Kindle books" only? Is sideloading possible?

[spindlegirl]

Originally Posted by mwerle

Hi spindlegirl,

You don't need Calibre to use it although I would highly recommend it.

Under Debian (using the Gnome desktop), when I plug the T1 in it gets automatically mounted. It's quite possible to just drag-and-drop compatible eBooks from the computer into the T1's ebook folder.

Cheers,
- Micha.

I love Calibre! Thanks!

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by spindlegirl

I almost exclusively read non-DRM books and would I be able to do that on a Kindle, or am I locked in to "Kindle books" only? Is sideloading possible?

Certainly; you can read any DRM-free Mobipocket book. Just copy it into the "documents" folder on the Kindle via the USB connection.

[spindlegirl]

Thank you Harry. The information you gave me has inspired me to explore and consider this in the contenders. The idea of something that works out of the box and I can put whatever I want on it reminds me of the old days when I had a cassette player and I'd play my own blank tapes on it. It is very appealing that under "System Requirements" it says None.

However, I have one question. I am considering the Kindle Touch and see that registering is optional. But on this page it says that de-registering it means that there are many features that would be unavailable to me.

To which features does this refer? I do have an amazon account, and don't mind registering, but if I decided not to, or decided to give it to my children, what features would I be missing out on? Are they store features or bookreading features?

[hidari]

Harry is right....Though I would say you are better off with at Sony T1 as epub is a format you can adjust more and Sony's PDF reflow is pretty good...though I hear the new Kindle format is based on html5

[spindlegirl]

Originally Posted by hidari

Harry is right....Though I would say you are better off with at Sony T1 as epub is a format you can adjust more and Sony's PDF reflow is pretty good...though I hear the new Kindle format is based on html5

True. I have considered Sony's T1 for a while now. And I am very used to Epub format after using the Kobo (wifi and touch) for the last 7 months. It still is a tossup for me.

[nosnoop]

Originally Posted by spindlegirl

True. I have considered Sony's T1 for a while now. And I am very used to Epub format after using the Kobo (wifi and touch) for the last 7 months. It still is a tossup for me.

Now there is one more reason to get the T1; it's only US$89.99 at B&H.
Total would be US$117.92 shipped to Halifax, all taxes/shipping included.

And you don't need any "set up" for the PRS-T1. The set up with Reader for PC program is only to authorize T1 to be used with DRM ebooks e.g. if you want to download from libraries directly to T1.

So if you use non-DRM ebooks, you don't need to set up anything. Just turn on the reader and use. And you can use Calibre to organize the ebooks and send the files to T1.

[spindlegirl]

If I skip setup, do I miss any e-reader features? Is there a difference in how sideloaded books get "treated"?

I see that the reader has some organizing features. I'd like to be able to have a separate shelf for fiction vs non fiction, collection organization (if a book has sequels), etc/

On the flip side, wireless library borrowing sounds right up my alley. It was a pain with the Kobo. We don't have a windows system, so I'd plug my Kobo directly into the Library's (physical) computer, and borrow my books that way. Still nice, as I could "carry home" 4 books without an extra bag, but a pain because I actually had to go *to* the library. (this is the only DRM content I use, because I want to support my library)

[nosnoop]

Originally Posted by spindlegirl

If I skip setup, do I miss any e-reader features? Is there a difference in how sideloaded books get "treated"?

No, nothing. The "Set up" is only for Adobe Digital Edition username/password account setup and your computer + reader device authorization. Without the set up, you cannot transfer DRM books to the reader.

As far as Sony is concerned, there has never been any difference between purchased books and sideloaded books (unlike Kobo). Same features are available to anything you send to T1.

The main function that Calibre cannot do (as compared with Sony Reader software) is the download of annotations that you have made on T1 to your desktop/laptop.

I see that the reader has some organizing features. I'd like to be able to have a separate shelf for fiction vs non fiction, collection organization (if a book has sequels), etc/

Sony uses "collections" or as "tags" in calibre. You can do all the organization in Calibre, and you can configure Calibre to automatically sync all the metadata every time you plug in the T1.

[spindlegirl]

You all have been majorly helpful. Karma for everyone!

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by spindlegirl

However, I have one question. I am considering the Kindle Touch and see that registering is optional. But on this page it says that de-registering it means that there are many features that would be unavailable to me.

To which features does this refer? I do have an amazon account, and don't mind registering, but if I decided not to, or decided to give it to my children, what features would I be missing out on? Are they store features or bookreading features?

If you don't register, the thing you can't use is collections. You can only create collections on a registered Kindle. And, of course, you can't buy books from the Amazon bookstore on the device itself unless you register. There's really no reason not to register, that I can see.

[spindlegirl]

Indeed. Registering makes sense. I was just wondering in case I wanted to ever re-gift it to someone else in the future. I appreciate all your help with understanding these.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by spindlegirl

Indeed. Registering makes sense. I was just wondering in case I wanted to ever re-gift it to someone else in the future. I appreciate all your help with understanding these.

That's no problem. If you pass it on to someone else, you just de-register it; there's a menu item for doing so, or you can do so from your Amazon account.

[jocampo]

Adding to what Harry said about registering a Kindle, I would lik to say sync capabilities.

Without registering and if you don't buy your books from Amazon, you won't be able to sync any of your books.

I like the whispersync feature because I can continue reading from where I left in any other Kindle device, including my PC or iPad. I am not aware or any hack or workaround to do the same with non Amazon books or without registering.