Sony, kindle or kobo?

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ApK

I learned a while ago that your definition obsolete is not one that is shared by the rest of the English speaking world. The KK will not be obsolete as long as it keeps doing what we want it to do. Plenty of K1s are still not obsolete. Just because something is no longer sold, or there is something newer, does not make it obsolete.
And if history is a guide, Amazon will keep the KK not only usable and viable, but supportable for years.

(and IMO, it's not even outdated, as I find it superior to anything else currently available.)

You have a strange way of defining obsolete. You think just because something is being used & sold it's not obsolete. I have to say, that's wrong. Amazon is using AZW (Mobipocket) which is obsolete.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

We can tell from the what Amazon said about KF8 that it won't be usable on the K1, K2, and the DX models.

And given that the K4's are all different enough under the hood, it's possible that the K3/KK will no have KF8 support. But since we really don't know for sure, it would be silly to buy a KK instead of a K4 Touch because if it's true that the KK won't have KF8, then that would make it obsolete.

There is no certainty that KF8 will render anything obsolete (or even be really popular), and Amazon's said that content will work on all devices:
(From the KF8 FAQ)
"Q: Will I have to provide two versions of my titles going forward?
A: No. The upcoming updates to our Kindle Publishing Tools will take care of this for you. KindleGen 2 will convert your content so that it works on all Kindle devices and apps. You will be able to preview how your title will look on the range of Kindle devices and apps using Kindle Previewer 2. "

And we also know better than to base purchasing decisions on what MIGHT happen in the future.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You think just because something is being used & sold it's not obsolete.

Yeah, Me and Mr. Webster, we're wacky that way.

ob·so·lete/ˌäbsəˈlēt/
Adjective:
No longer produced or used; out of date.

[ProfCrash]

Originally Posted by ApK

There is no certainty that KF8 will render anything obsolete (or even be really popular), and Amazon's said that content will work on all devices:
(From the KF8 FAQ)
"Q: Will I have to provide two versions of my titles going forward?
A: No. The upcoming updates to our Kindle Publishing Tools will take care of this for you. KindleGen 2 will convert your content so that it works on all Kindle devices and apps. You will be able to preview how your title will look on the range of Kindle devices and apps using Kindle Previewer 2. "

And we also know better than to base purchasing decisions on what MIGHT happen in the future.

Gee maybe they will offer two versions of each ebook so that people with older devices can buy the book and people with newer Kindles can use the new fancy scmancy format.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ApK

Yeah, Me and Mr. Webster, we're wacky that way.

ob·so·lete/ˌäbsəˈlēt/
Adjective:
No longer produced or used; out of date.

to make obsolete by replacing with something newer or better; antiquate

of a discarded or outmoded type; out of date

Mobipocket was replaced with MS Reader and that was replaced with ePub.

And Mobipocket is outmoded and out of date.

So what part of obsolete don't you get? Mobipocket is obsolete.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

Gee maybe they will offer two versions of each ebook so that people with older devices can buy the book and people with newer Kindles can use the new fancy scmancy format.

Yes, Amazon will. But if the person with the KK finds KF8 is not supported and wants KF8 support, then that person won't be happy that you recommended the purchase of a KK that's become obsolete (if that happens).

[foghat]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

to make obsolete by replacing with something newer or better; antiquate

of a discarded or outmoded type; out of date

Mobipocket was replaced with MS Reader and that was replaced with ePub.

And Mobipocket is outmoded and out of date.

So what part of obsolete don't you get? Mobipocket is obsolete.

Your 'definition' does not define obsolete, but describes one way to make something obsolete. Just because something is replaced with a newer or better product does not necessarily make the replaced product obsolete.


Obsolete means: no longer in general use. Since azw is based on the mobipocket standard, I'd suggest mobipocket is far from obsolete.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by foghat

Your 'definition' does not define obsolete, but describes one way to make something obsolete. Just because something is replaced with a newer or better product does not necessarily make the replaced product obsolete.


Obsolete means: no longer in general use. Which, clearly, mobi is.

I have an iPhone 3G. I use it. But it's obsolete. It was obsolete when I got it.

Same as Mobipocket is still in use but it's obsolete when you buy any eBooks in that format.

Just because something is obsolete doesn't mean it isn't used or sold. Obsolete can mean that there are better newer things out there to replace what's obsolete. And in this case, we have ePub. That makes Mobipocket obsolete.

[foghat]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I have an iPhone 3G. I use it. But it's obsolete. It was obsolete when I got it.

Same as Mobipocket is still in use but it's obsolete when you buy any eBooks in that format.

Just because something is obsolete doesn't mean it isn't used or sold. Obsolete can mean that there are better newer things out there to replace what's obsolete. And in this case, we have ePub. That makes Mobipocket obsolete.

We will agree to disagree. You cannot still buy a new iphone 3g, so, I agree, even though many are still in use, they could be considered obsolete.

The existence of a better competing technology does not necessarily make the 'inferior' technology obsolete. Using your definition, clearly epub has not yet replaced mobi (at this point it is merely an alternative), so I don't see how you can call mobi obsolete.

here is a good definition more relevant to the computer world:

"Technical obsolescence may occur when a new product or technology supersedes the old, and it becomes preferred to utilize the new technology in place of the old"

You could argue epub has superseded mobi, but it may be harder to argue it has become preferred to use epub given that mobi is still pushed by amazon and last I checked, they are pretty much the leader in the ebook sales space.

[JSWolf]

World wide, ePub is the #1 format. So given your next definition, Mobipocket is obsolete.

You are here: Home › Mobipocket - Obsolete Format

That comes from eBookMall.

[ProfCrash]

LOL right.

Show me the numbers that say more EPub books are sold then Mobi. I have a sneaking suspicion that it is more like Mobi dominates in the US and EPub in the rest of the world but that it is close to a 50-50 split when all is said and done.

Something is not obsolete because you have an irrational hatred of it.

[foghat]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

World wide, ePub is the #1 format. So given your next definition, Mobipocket is obsolete.

That definition clearly says 'it becomes preferred to use the new technology instead of the old technology'. Common sense prevailing, 'preferred' has to mean by some substantial ratio and by all the major players, not the likely what is close to a 50-50 split on ePub vs. Mobi.

If you think a format (even if it is #2) that is still actively used and sold by the biggest ebook seller in the world is obsolete just because a better technology exists that is used by the smaller players, so be it.

Who cares if you can still buy it, who cares if millions of people still use it daily - it is number 2 in the market, it is an inferior technology, therefore it is obsolete.

I don't argue that ePub is superior and will likely render mobi obsolete someday, but we are not there yet.

btw, just 'casue eBookMall decides not to carry a particular format anymore and give their reason as 'obsolete format', does not make it so.

[Rizla]

It think it a little unfair to call the KK obsolete, but IMO it is probable the KK will become less and less supported. This is the case with the DX and the DX owners are annoyed.

Re: the Kobo, I played with one the other day. Nice looking unit, slick, black rubberized feel. However, it was slow to respond. And no buttons, ick. Hate that.

Re: the T1. Also played with one. Nice device, really nice. The browser was really nice. And yes, I have a Sony, so I'm likely to have Sony fan-boy tendencies though I try to resist. They also had a 350 in the sony store for 75$ though it was pink Wouldn't bother me.

[ProfCrash]

It is the case with all models when a new model is released. The Nook Classic does not get many updates these days. The Sony 50 series probably is not going to get any major updates. The Kobo Classic is not going to get much love.

The DX is a bit of a strange case because a new model has not been released so people think it should be updated. Also, it was released less then a month before the K3 was announced so there was an expectation that it would be updated to match the K3 which did not happen. Toss in how expensive it is and some DX owners who bought it when it first came out feel a little peeved.

[bcgirl]

Interesting conversation going on here, love it! Back to my decision, I went to Best Buy today and still love the Sony pocket reader ($99 can) or refurbished $59, or the PRS T1 6" .The sales guy did not know if you can purchase Amazon books with it. The other one they have was a Kobo which seems to sell like hot cakes! But again as i mentioned, dont like the plasticky look of it. Tomorrow I go to Staples to see the Kindle. I am not familiar yet with ePub or so, on my iPad I just purchase Kobo, Amazon books and they all downloaded very simple? Have no experience with dedicated ebook reader.