ePub flavors becoming cumbersome?

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by jandrew

Both require getting and installing some additional software in the first place, and then about the same number of steps for each book.

Non-kepub books I drop on calibre's window.
Done.

[Lynx-lynx]

@DiapDealer do you use Obok for cleaning kepub?

(I have yet to, but others find it successful)

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by Lynx-lynx

@DiapDealer do you use Obok for cleaning kepub?

(I have yet to, but others find it successful)

Yes I do. But it leaves a non-standard epub full of non-compliant markup behind (not its fault, mind you). I haven't tried the plugin that AnemicOak mentioned, but even if it works well, it's an extra step.

But I don't want to make this about DRM removal. My point is that I used to be able to buy epubs from anywhere (with the exception of iBooks) and read them on/in most any Adobe registered device/app. No DRM-removal required. Now I have to research whether or not I can even read what I want to buy without performing major surgery on it first. And now even after DRM removal, I may be left with something that's still not usable by my preferred reader without further massaging.

[JSWolf]

I do use Modify ePub on all of the ePub I read. It helps remove some of the junk inside the ePub.

[pgaunt]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

I went to buy a newly released book from Kobo (usually my first choice) and discovered that it's only available in Kobo's proprietary kepub format.

Just curious but how do I tell if a book on the Kobo store is available as an Adobe DRM download without actually buying it first?

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by pgaunt

Just curious but how do I tell if a book on the Kobo store is available as an Adobe DRM download without actually buying it first?

Add the sample to your library by clicking the "Save Preview" button on the book's main description page. Then go to your Library and look for the words:

"Download options: Adobe DRM EPUB"

beneath the title/author (you won't be able to actually download the preview but that phrase should still be there).

If it's not there, the book's very likely kepub and only kepub.

"Regular" ePub:


Kepub only:

[GreenMonkey]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Add the sample to your library by clicking the "Save Preview" button on the book's main description page. Then go to your Library and look for the words:

"Download options: Adobe DRM EPUB"

beneath the title/author (you won't be able to actually download the preview but that phrase should still be there).

If it's not there, the book's very likely kepub and only kepub.

"Regular" ePub:
Attachment 124858

Kepub only:
Attachment 124859

I actually haven't bought a single Kobo book because I'm not 100% sure I won't end up with a kepub. This method is helpful but not exactly speedy and honestly I haven't gone to the effort of configuring Kobo DRM removal.

I've been sticking with B&N and Google Books.

I agree with the premise of this thread.

[tilia]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Add the sample to your library by clicking the "Save Preview" button on the book's main description page. Then go to your Library and look for the words:

"Download options: Adobe DRM EPUB"

beneath the title/author (you won't be able to actually download the preview but that phrase should still be there).

If it's not there, the book's very likely kepub and only kepub.

"Regular" ePub:
Attachment 124858

Kepub only:
Attachment 124859

There also seem to be a difference which country you buy from. In the UK store, the preview of Cibola Brun has a download epub button. In US the publisher is listed as Orbit, UK is Little Brown, imprint Orbit.

I haven't come across many kebub-only books myself. Have anyone noticed if they are more common with certain publishers? From Norway, I can't buy the Expanse series at all at Kobo. (Amazon will sell them to me though, so it doesn't seem like it's because of geographical restrictions.)

[JSWolf]

When buying from Kobo, is there an easy way to tell if the eBook is a kepub?

[exaltedwombat]

It's about the content, not the reader. Don't fall in love with a particular reader app. Get what is necessary to read available content.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by exaltedwombat

It's about the content, not the reader. Don't fall in love with a particular reader app. Get what is necessary to read available content.

But some reader apps are not all that wonderful and the reading experience can be poor. So yes, you want to get a good app/reader that's to your liking. I know it's about the words, but it's how the words are delivered to you that's also important.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by exaltedwombat

It's about the content, not the reader. Don't fall in love with a particular reader app. Get what is necessary to read available content.

Keep on telling yourself, that pal. I wouldn't read a one ingredient recipe with Kobo's Android reader app.

Spoiler:

(that's a personal preference, I don't want to start a war those who might prefer it)

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

When buying from Kobo, is there an easy way to tell if the eBook is a kepub?

C'mon Jon, the instructions are like three posts up from the post of yours I quoted. I included pictures and everything.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

C'mon Jon, the instructions are like three posts up from the post of yours I quoted. I included pictures and everything.

I know that's there. That's why I asked for an easy way to tell. Adding every book as a sample to your library is not easy. It's annoying. You have to add the sample, go to the library, have a look and then remove it from the library. I want to know if there's a way to tell by just looking at the book's listing.

[TimW]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I know that's there. That's why I asked for an easy way to tell. Adding every book as a sample to your library is not easy. It's annoying. You have to add the sample, go to the library, have a look and then remove it from the library. I want to know if there's a way to tell by just looking at the book's listing.

On the thread "The Silkworm from Kobo is a furshlugginer Kepub!" (something like that) and someone posted that if Blackberry is a download option, then the standard ePub is available. I suppose the Kobo app for BlackBerry can't handle a Kepub. The Silkworm didn't have a BlackBerry listing...it sounds reasonable.