eReader to match Amazon... more is always better!

[rhadin]

Originally Posted by derrell

I buy eReader books from Fictionwise using my linux pc all the time. The pid is your credit card number.

It isn't clear to me how the PID works. Although I am a member at Fictionwise (thanks to HarryT who convinced me to give it a try), I only buy multiformat books. I have though about buying Secure eReader, but it isn't clear to me how I can use that format on my 505. How do you get Secure eReader to work on the 505?

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by ficbot

They are run by the same company and I would prefer to stick with one store, so I don't see why they are not matching it.

A single-format store with low prices is an excellent way to improve market penetration of the eReader format. That is why B&N is doing this, but I agree that a single store is easier on consumers. However, I have found using FictionWise and the Kindle Store about equally has been relatively painless. I prefer FictionWise (LIT format if available) unless they are much more expensive or the ebook is only available in MOBI which is what I get at the Kindle store. I can see some people doing the same with FictionWise (or BoB) and ereader.com - use the primary store and your favorite format unless eReader is cheaper. This assumes either multi-format devices or a willingness to strip DRM.

Currently, FictionWise has the same price for all ebook formats (with an 5% discount at checkout for eReader). So it might not be easy (or possible) for FictionWise to offer different prices for eReader than for (say) MOBI. Also, I assume that ereader.com will simply drop some ebooks that are too expensive to sell at $12.95, but these can still be sold at FictionWise.

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by rhadin

I have though about buying Secure eReader, but it isn't clear to me how I can use that format on my 505. How do you get Secure eReader to work on the 505?

The eReader DRM is the least restrictive of the popular DRM schemes, e.g. it does not set a limit on the number of devices you can read on and never requires re-initialization after initial download. However, it is based on your credit card number and this means that you have to remember old numbers (although FictionWise does allow redownload with a new number if you want).

There is currently no released DRMed eReader software for EInk devices, although FictionWise is working on a SDK and Foxit and Astak have said they will support this soon. Sony could add this format to their Readers, but probably won't do so.

So your option for getting eReader ebooks to your PRS-505 is to strip the DRM (see eReader Decoder Tool). Stripping the DRM for personal use from ebooks you paid for isn't legal in some places but I am not aware of any jurisdiction where this is actively enforced. Calibre can format shift practically any DRM-free format for your Sony, and the recent 0.6.0 Beta can import DRM-free eReader ebooks (as well as the HTML from ereader2html.py) and export LRF or ePub for your PRS-505.

The eReader format is less feature-rich than the other popular formats, see A Comparison of format limitations based on The Hobbit, but it is "good enough" for the typical fiction ebook. It may even be the best choice overall if you read on small mobile devices (where it is excellent) as well as on an EInk reader.

[=X=]

Originally Posted by rhadin

I have though about buying Secure eReader, but it isn't clear to me how I can use that format on my 505. How do you get Secure eReader to work on the 505?

It's a pain esp compared to other formats that take almost no effort.

eReader is not native to PRS-505 so you have to remove the DRM

The tool that removes drm generates HTML so you have to modify the HTML unless you are happy with a poorly formated eBook.

There is a modification of that tool that generates PML. You can then use calibre the beta version to convert ziped up PML to convert to LRF or ePUB.

Originally Posted by wallcraft

Also, I assume that ereader.com will simply drop some ebooks that are too expensive to sell at $12.95, but these can still be sold at FictionWise.

That was my first inclination.

It seems to be a hit and miss. The threshold seems to be books over $30 but I found a $48 book selling for $12.95.

=X=