Thinking of getting a Kindle, Can I really get library books for it?

[kristinanoel]

TallMom and ChiLady - are you able to do this with adobe (pdf) library books, or only with mobi library books? I've figured out how to do this with the mobi books, but the selection on the adobe side is much more extensive and I'd love to be able to get some of those books!

I really wish they'd figure out a way to make this easy - I'm not a book hoarder/owner, I just want to read and return or delete!

[pboss]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Source???


With agency pricing for a lot of the titles they used to take a loss on it's not the same as it was. Even then it was really only a small number of titles (mainly current bestsellers) that they were taking a loss on (and still are on some Random House titles). Most/all back catalog titles weren't loss leaders.

Yes I completely agree, my bad. The point I tried to make was just the opposite. I got disturbed while posting and forgot to dismantle my ironic self.

With the agency pricing model, Amazon is most definitely not taking a net loss on ebook sales. They even started to give commissions on them (again). So as of now, Kindle appears to be a relatively low cost entry to their high priced book store. If they take loss on something, that's really the Kindle. Sorry for the confusion.

As for the epub support, I don't remember where I read it but it sounded credible at the time.

[zorah]

I have Kindle on my iPhone, ASUS netbook tablet, regular netbook, Mac, and iPhone. I also have ADE on all (except for the iPhone which obviously doesn't support ADE)
My county library system doesn't offer e-books which is too bad because I would love it. I am hoping they will come on board, but I guess like all things, it costs money. For nonfiction books, I like owning a bunch, but for novels, I'd love to be able to loan and delete.

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by zorah

II also have ADE on all (except for the iPhone which obviously doesn't support ADE)

Yes it does, see txtr app reads Adobe ACS4 DRM ebooks on the iPhone.

[TallMomof2]

Getting ePub library books onto your Kindle requires stripping the DRM which we are not allowed to discuss here. Google is your friend. Once the DRM is gone, you can use Calibre to convert the file to mobi and load it on your Kindle.

Since ePub is so popular I wish Amazon would add it as a supported format. That would make the Kindle just about perfect and I would stop searching for perfect device.

[tomsem]

Or get a Kobo for $150 or Sony Pocket Edition for $170. Either will do the library borrowing thing, and ePub. I wouldn't expect Amazon to provide this capability any time soon.

[SensualPoet]

Originally Posted by TallMomof2

Since ePub is so popular I wish Amazon would add it as a supported format. That would make the Kindle just about perfect and I would stop searching for perfect device.

Yes: being able to add library books to the Kindle would seal the deal.

Yes: removing DRM from library ePubs to plop onto a Kindle turns out to be extremely simple. But, really, who wants to do that? It's a last resort.

So, a Kindle is a near ideal e-reader ... except for library books. Enter the Kobo as the Library Card; the Kindle for the personal library.

Darn it: except the Kobo doesn't (yet) handle ePubs reliably (the dreaded mouse-type ... make that fly-speck type ... font glitch). And, the Kobo doesn't have a dictionary. And, the Kobo can't make highlights. And, so on. Alas.

If the Kindle ALSO handled DRM ePubs -- Amazon could draw the format line there -- what an impact on marketshare. And imagine if the ADE interface -- just for library books from Overdrive -- ran through the Amazon Kindle 3G Whispernet network to help ensure "compliance" on returns.

[TallMomof2]

ITA, I've tried all the ebook readers and while none are perfect the Kindle comes the closest for my desires and needs.

Another advantage to ePub is the ability to embed fonts so you don't need a font hack.

[SionedOSyr]

Originally Posted by SensualPoet

This turned out to be ridiculously easy -- snagging the Kindle pid,

So, any info on snagging a Kindle pid for the PC version only, if you don't have a Kindle?

[SionedOSyr]

Originally Posted by SensualPoet

[I]
So, a Kindle is a near ideal e-reader ... .

You do know that the Nook handles .epub, ADE, library lending and it's own lending services right? Best as I have found the Nook is much closer to ideal than the Kindle, but that's just imo.

[zorah]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

Yes it does, see txtr app reads Adobe ACS4 DRM ebooks on the iPhone.

Oh-cool, thanks. I will have to take a look at that. In my world of apps, how'd I miss that one??

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

Yes it does, see txtr app reads Adobe ACS4 DRM ebooks on the iPhone.

But, the txtr app does not support the time limited form of Adept DRM. So that means no library ePub. But, Overdrive is going to have an iPod & iPad apps for eBooks via libraries. So that will support Adept.

[sunseeker]

Kindle has proprietary software. Libraries can not support it. Get the Nook instead.

[sunseeker]

After reading this entire thread I see people have figured out how to get around Kindle's software to borrow books from the library. My apologies for being behind the curve although technically my answer is correct. People always find workarounds. Personally, although I wanted the Kindle originally for many reasons, I am very, very happy with my Nook Color. I don't have to strip DRM or whatever one does to borrow books from the library. We are blessed to have a library that embraces technology. Thus far I've been able to get all the books I want to read although there may be a short wait for some of the newest books. I think I am a touch pad person because I've been using the iPhone for quite a while. Recently I read a book that had pictures embedded in the pages. The pages were clear and the pictures that were in color of course show on the screen in color. I LOVE IT!

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by sunseeker

Kindle has proprietary software. Libraries can not support it. Get the Nook instead.

Actually, if you want the best library experience from an eink reader, Sony 650 is the best choice for a 6" screen. it has the Pearl screen, a very nice touch interface, and it's a sexy looking reader too.