CyberRead's Offer 50% Off

[pdurrant]

The problem with this approach is that it doesn't work for people with Mac or Linux computers (or old Windows computers), as Mobipocket Reader is only availabe for recent versions of Microsoft Windows.

Your FAQ

http://cyberread.custhelp.com/cgi-bi...hp?p_faqid=157

refers people to a mobipocket.com web page

http://www.mobipocket.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=74

which suggests that people who can't use Mobipocket Reader should log on to their Mobipocket.com account and enter their PID - not a helpful suggestion for a CyberRead customer.

I've also copied this reply to your support email.

Originally Posted by ClintBrauer

2.) We no longer require manual entry of the PID. Instead just install Mobipocket Reader and register your device...and the PID is handled from there.

[Lemurion]

I just bought two books from CyberRead using the 50% off coupon. I don't think I will ever buy anything from them again. I normally read on my Palm T|X, and the system they use means there is no way to get the book onto that device.

I can load it to either my desktop or laptop- but that uses up the one PID they allow. I can't enter the PID through the Palm's reader (though it does have a net connection) and even though its PID is registered with my desktop's installation of Mobipocket I don't have a "Send To" option for the device.

Now if I want to read the books on the device I purchased them for I will have to strip the DRM.

I think I'll go back to BoB and Fictionwise.

[JSWolf]

So exactly how would I purchase an eBook in Mobipocket format there with my Mobipocket Reader's PID?

[Lemurion]

The way it "works" is the same way a PX mobi book works at BoB but without the ability to manually add a PID. You download the file and then open it with reader- it asks for the login to the store and then replaces the original download with one coded to the PID of the reader you used to first open it. It's the combination of ONE PID and no manual entry that's the killer.

So I could download it to one of my two computers and open it-- but once that's done I'm stuck.

If you're going to strip the DRM it's not a big deal-- but having to strip the DRM to read it on my handheld device with its PID registered on the account I used to open/download it is going too far.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Lemurion

The way it "works" is the same way a PX mobi book works at BoB but without the ability to manually add a PID. You download the file and then open it with reader- it asks for the login to the store and then replaces the original download with one coded to the PID of the reader you used to first open it. It's the combination of ONE PID and no manual entry that's the killer.

So I could download it to one of my two computers and open it-- but once that's done I'm stuck.

If you're going to strip the DRM it's not a big deal-- but having to strip the DRM to read it on my handheld device with its PID registered on the account I used to open/download it is going too far.

But, if I have say a Gen3 and have it hooked to the computer and after putting in the UN/PW, send it to the Gen3, will the copy on the Gen3 have the PID of the Gen3 or will it have the PID of the computer?

[Lemurion]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But, if I have say a Gen3 and have it hooked to the computer and after putting in the UN/PW, send it to the Gen3, will the copy on the Gen3 have the PID of the Gen3 or will it have the PID of the computer?

It shouldn't be a real problem and they have instructions for the Cybook Gen3 here. Unfortunately it seems to take advantage of a "Send to handheld" option that's not present with my Palm.

[TallMomof2]

Lemurion - When I used a T|X I had no problem downloading DRMed Mobi books to it because I had the send to or sync option. Did you try sending the file with your Palm using the Palm quick install program? That's how I used to do it in order to avoid MobiPocket Desktop's predilection to want to send everything to the device.

[Lemurion]

Originally Posted by TallMomof2

Lemurion - When I used a T|X I had no problem downloading DRMed Mobi books to it because I had the send to or sync option. Did you try sending the file with your Palm using the Palm quick install program? That's how I used to do it in order to avoid MobiPocket Desktop's predilection to want to send everything to the device.

I tried both Hot-Syncing and direct transfer to the T|X before going the desktop reader route. Neither gave me any way to enter my PID.

Both BoB and Fictionwise let me enter the PID on their site so this never comes up. I can find ways around it; but that kind of defeats the purpose so I'm probably just going to let CyberRead go for the moment.

I did contact support yesterday, so I'll wait until I hear back, but at the moment they're too much work for me.

[ClintBrauer]

I'm a Mac guy myself...so definitely frustrated in that respect. But we will get some other formats to address those platforms eventually.

But I'm not sure that I understand your point? Mobipocket does not support Mac or Linux...therefore what use would it be to download Mobipocket files?

[Lemurion]

Originally Posted by ClintBrauer

I'm a Mac guy myself...so definitely frustrated in that respect. But we will get some other formats to address those platforms eventually.

But I'm not sure that I understand your point? Mobipocket does not support Mac or Linux...therefore what use would it be to download Mobipocket files?

Many Mac and Linux users have the CyBook Gen3, which does support Mobipocket. They simply download the files to the computer and then transfer them to the Gen3 as a mass storage device. If its PID is already registered with the store they can then read the book without a problem.

Others may have a smartphone or PDA that supports Mobipocket. They read on the portable device not the computer.

[ClintBrauer]

JSWolf - In the latest version of Mobipocket's software, your PID is the same thing as your device ID.

You can download the ebook to four different devices. If you want to add a fifth device, then you will need to delete one of the previous four devices from your account.

If you want to move the book to a sixth device....contact our support team because it's complicated.

I would not recommend stripping the DRM unless you have a technical aptitude and enjoy playing around with technology.

[ClintBrauer]

Lemurion - Thanks for the welcome note!

There are probably more than just a few books that need to be re-categorized or added to several categories. We'll definitely take care of those you mentioned.

In terms of formats, I think the ePub format will be the next format we add to the site. After that occurs, then we'll probably need to think through what is next. eReader is interesting but I would need to speak with the fictionwise fo

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ClintBrauer

JSWolf - In the latest version of Mobipocket's software, your PID is the same thing as your device ID.

You can download the ebook to four different devices. If you want to add a fifth device, then you will need to delete one of the previous four devices from your account.

If you want to move the book to a sixth device....contact our support team because it's complicated.

I would not recommend stripping the DRM unless you have a technical aptitude and enjoy playing around with technology.

If you are on a MAC or Linux, how would you transfer a book to your reading device?

[pdurrant]

It's not possible to read DRMed Mobipocket files on Mac or Linux, that's true. But it IS possible to read DRMed Mobipocket on Palm OS devices, or the Bookeen Cybook. All of which CAN be used with Mac OS and Linux.

I've mostly read Mobipocket ebooks since starting to buy ebooks several years ago. I can't read your Mobipocket offerings.

Paul

Originally Posted by ClintBrauer

I'm a Mac guy myself...so definitely frustrated in that respect. But we will get some other formats to address those platforms eventually.

But I'm not sure that I understand your point? Mobipocket does not support Mac or Linux...therefore what use would it be to download Mobipocket files?

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by ClintBrauer

But I'm not sure that I understand your point? Mobipocket does not support Mac or Linux...therefore what use would it be to download Mobipocket files?

I know you directed this to me... and others have responded... so I won't bother. Just ask if you understand the point now?

BOb