Is the Sony Library Software really this Bad?

[xanlexian]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

The installer doesn't work on 64bit OS. I think there is a thread here somewhere about how to get it working/installed on 64bit.

No you don't need it at all if you won't be buying from the Sony store. Although you will need it if you plan to use Adobe Secure books on the Sony. Once again, there is a thread where someone outlines how to get it working on 64bit. These things should be put on the Wiki if they are not already.

BOb

Wow Bob! Thank you for such a speedy replay!!

Okay, that answers my question. I've got a few other OS's running in virtual machines. I'll just give it a whirl in plain 'ol XP-Pro.

What I'm really interested in is the indexing? re-paginating? whatever the Sony software does to books that the reader doesn't need to index that Calibre doesn't do -- that the reader takes extra time to index (or convert?). I read it somewhere here and the exact terminology escapes me at the moment (and I'm just too lazy to go searching).

Again, thank you.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by xanlexian

What I'm really interested in is the indexing? re-paginating? whatever the Sony software does to books that the reader doesn't need to index that Calibre doesn't do -- that the reader takes extra time to index (or convert?).

Yes it does index/paginate the ebooks as it transfers them. However, the Sony reader will do that the first time you open an ebook. It doesn't take that long, and only does it once (for each font size). So, it is not a great loss if you don't use it.

BOb

[xanlexian]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Yes it does index/paginate the ebooks as it transfers them. However, the Sony reader will do that the first time you open an ebook. It doesn't take that long, and only does it once (for each font size). So, it is not a great loss if you don't use it.

BOb

Yep! That's exactly what I was talking about. I'd rather the PC do the processing and just treat the PRS-505 as a static dumb terminal (if that makes sense).

I'm posting this from my XP virtual machine. I was solely using this for my Axim X50v since I can use an older version of ActiveSync and sync via WiFi. Adding the ebook software would be a perfect addition to this setup. Just keep Vista out of the loop entirely.

By the way -- the Sony eBook Library software installed flawlessly.

Again, thank you for steering me in the right direction. It is very much appreciated.

[xanlexian]

PilotBob,

Well, I received my reader yesterday. Spent the last few days getting my library together (over 8000+ books -- found on my deceased brother's computer... long story, not for this forum -- although, hence why I do not plan to purchase books), and I absolutely ***LOVE*** this device!!!

I've just been using Calibre to get everything converted to LRF. You were absolutely right. I do not need that Sony software for anything. Even a 3000+ page book only took about 10-15 seconds to "repaginate" itself on the reader. I can certainly deal with that.

That PRSCustomizer software is amazing as well. I should head over into that thread and thank the developer. I see he is quite active on the forum.

Again, thank you Bob. PRS-505 + Calibre seems to be a match made in geek heaven!

Most sincerely,
--Alex

[ProDigit]

Originally Posted by xanlexian

PilotBob,

Well, I received my reader yesterday. Spent the last few days getting my library together (over 8000+ books -- found on my deceased brother's computer... long story, not for this forum -- although, hence why I do not plan to purchase books), and I absolutely ***LOVE*** this device!!!

I've just been using Calibre to get everything converted to LRF. You were absolutely right. I do not need that Sony software for anything. Even a 3000+ page book only took about 10-15 seconds to "repaginate" itself on the reader. I can certainly deal with that.

That PRSCustomizer software is amazing as well. I should head over into that thread and thank the developer. I see he is quite active on the forum.

Again, thank you Bob. PRS-505 + Calibre seems to be a match made in geek heaven!

Most sincerely,
--Alex

I'm using Book Designer, to convert books. It is really handy for anything but PDF I find, because it gives the opportunity to edit/correct books before they get into the LRF format.
It's only when you want your books to be 'perfect' though...

I'd suggest not to put the internal memory of the reader completely full to the brim, but leave about 5 to 10MB of the internal flash available at all times!
I've noted the reader can crash and reboot multiple times if it does not have sufficient space available.

I would also suggest to use small SD cards (like 64MB to 512MB).
Or at least I mean, to only use that amount of space for books on an SD card.
Anything from 1GB up (hosting more than 1200-1500 books) will make the reader very slow.
I use a 4GB card, and believe me, the reader starts acting all weird when having more than 1,5GB of books on it.
Also depending on the books, most LRF's that are books are below 5MB/book.
If they are comic books(or contain lots of pictures), they can easily reach higher than 10MB/book.

Enjoy your reader!
Also, you can find even more books on this forum and on gutenberg.org!

[xanlexian]

Even with the vast collection I've got, I don't even bother with the cards. I've got a shoebox *FULL* of 32meg SD cards. Perfect for flashing.

I've got somewhere around 150 books installed on the reader, and have around 80-90ish megs free.

I may have two eyes, but can only read one book at a time. I always just assumed that all of that extra storage was for when you'll be away from a computer for a LONG time and need to bring your library with you. Or MP3's/Audiobooks.

I'll have to give Book Designer a whirl. I do want my books to be 'perfect' -- and have no problem taking the time to tweak them.

I'm not all that concerned with PDFs. I have a few and that pdf2lrf program (the one that was removed from this forum) works quite well on the PDFs I do have.

I read about maxing out the internal memory and it having issues. So, I figure 100+ loaded at any given time? Gives me plenty of time to get the next 100 or so prepped when it is time to swap out.