Help with Reading App for iPad

[FlorenceArt]

Originally Posted by bongorash

If the OP still wants to go back to the old iBooks layout all you need to do is see if you can find a copy of the old iBooks file (iBooks 3.1.3.ipa) on your computer, then delete iBooks from your iPad, delete the current iBooks ipa file from the itunes\Mobile Applications folder and then copy the iBooks 3.1.3.ipa into your iTunes\Mobile Applications folder. Then restart itunes, connect your ipad and reinstall iBooks. Of course you may have to do this everytime you get an iOS update on your ipad.

True, I hadn't thought of that. It won't be overwritten by iOS updates but there may be compatibility problems after a while.

[bongorash]

I recently upgraded my new ipad mini retina to iOS 7.0.4 (?) and it installed the new ibooks, but luckily had backed up my itunes folder with the older ibooks .ipa in it, so I could revert back. (I prefer the older iBooks look). That said, I have just recently started using Marvin which seems likely to be my reader of choice from now on.

[49Kat]

Has Marvin started allowing DRM'd books to be read? I uninstalled it when I found myself unable to open DRM books with it.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by 49Kat

Has Marvin started allowing DRM'd books to be read? I uninstalled it when I found myself unable to open DRM books with it.

No, it can't open DRM'd books.

[49Kat]

Too bad, I guess it's not for me then.

[49Kat]

I liked the old look of the iBooks app, with the 'wood look' shelves and the animated page turns. I didn't know there was a way to keep that. I didn't use iBooks much anyway, though, as I actually haven't purchased any books from Apple, just downloaded some freebies and I've used it for pdf's. I've always been able to find better prices for e-books elsewhere.

I like being able to sync page locations and bookmarks between devices. So far Kindle and Kobo apps manage that the best. I've tried Bluefire, but I find the app tends to freeze when I have the sync enabled. The bookmarking method is also clumsy. A window opens up where you could type a note, and then you have to tap a 'save' button. It would be preferable to just tap the corner to bookmark a page.

I have the Overdrive app for borrowed library books. They have Overdrive One, which is supposed to allow sync-ing between devices, but I've found it doesn't always work that well. One of my e-libraries occasionally allows Kindle versions of e-books to be downloaded, which is great because the sync works so much better, although returning the borrowed item is a bit clunky. (Requires going to my Kindle library in a web browser.)

We all have different preferences and needs in reading, so what works for one person may not for someone else. I can't say I've found one app that meets all my reading needs, but I'm OK with things as they are.

[mXb]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

No, it can't open DRM'd books.

Originally Posted by 49Kat

Too bad, I guess it's not for me then.

How about Readmill ? It supports DRM, it says on itunes Store.

[49Kat]

I did install Readmill just to see how it would look. It's not bad, but there's no way to remove a book, nor do I see a way to organize collections. The minimalists and social readers would probably like it, though. I'm not sure if it does sync across devices. I downloaded a free book today on the iPad and then signed in on my iPhone. The app did say it was sync-ing, but the book I downloaded today on the iPad did not appear on the iPhone.

This is an app I will watch, however, because it will probably improve over time. It has potential.

[JSWolf]

Syncing does not copy a book from one device to another. Syncing syncs reading location and sometimes highlights/notes.

[mXb]

Originally Posted by 49Kat

I did install Readmill just to see how it would look. It's not bad, but there's no way to remove a book, nor do I see a way to organize collections. The minimalists and social readers would probably like it, though. I'm not sure if it does sync across devices. I downloaded a free book today on the iPad and then signed in on my iPhone. The app did say it was sync-ing, but the book I downloaded today on the iPad did not appear on the iPhone.

This is an app I will watch, however, because it will probably improve over time. It has potential.

Sounds like you want your cake and eat it too !

Not that I blame you, whats the good with having hundreds of thousands of Apps if you can't find one that fits a few simple criteria.......so you may have to settle on a compromize in the short term...

[markom]

Originally Posted by Big Kev

Hi all

I know a lot of you just love the new iBooks flat page format and that's great. But for me it's just turned my ebook reader (iPad) into just another ebook reader.

I just like to read books and really enjoyed the book look-alike interface so can anybody suggest another App for iPad that has a similar look to previous versions of iBooks.

Failing that any suggestions of an android App or alternative Reader that will do the job. Can't really afford to replace the iPad but will if it's the only way I can retrieve the enjoyment I got out being able to make my own decisions rather than have apple run my life.

Thanks
Kevin

For pdfs and comics you should try some of these.

http://www.ipadforums.net/ibooks/801...pdf-too-3.html

[bluemerle27]

Originally Posted by Big Kev

Hi all

I know a lot of you just love the new iBooks flat page format and that's great. But for me it's just turned my ebook reader (iPad) into just another ebook reader.

I just like to read books and really enjoyed the book look-alike interface so can anybody suggest another App for iPad that has a similar look to previous versions of iBooks.

Failing that any suggestions of an android App or alternative Reader that will do the job. Can't really afford to replace the iPad but will if it's the only way I can retrieve the enjoyment I got out being able to make my own decisions rather than have apple run my life.

Thanks
Kevin

For those who like the old look of Ibooks, of which I am one btw, I notice that gitden reader has released version 4 of there software which replicates the 'book' look that the old Ibooks had. There is also no margin adjust, which i would have preferred and maybe more control over line spacing, but I kind of liked it. Just thought would mention it

Thanks

David

[henrikberggren]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Syncing does not copy a book from one device to another. Syncing syncs reading location and sometimes highlights/notes.

This is exactly what it does. It keeps books, notes & highlights in sync between all of your devices.

[gluejar]

May I suggest you consider Readmill? I'm a big fan of the way they make it easy to load DRM-free epubs into their environment, syncing across multiple devices.

Eric

[kyteflyer]

Originally Posted by gluejar

May I suggest you consider Readmill? I'm a big fan of the way they make it easy to load DRM-free epubs into their environment, syncing across multiple devices.

Eric

49Kat said he/she already tried Readmill and it failed to meet requirements. I'm also not a fan although I have tried it a couple of times. One reads, it doesnt have to be a social event. Seems like everyone is trying to create social networks for their apps and websites and really, its crazy.