Need help understanding Kobo vs Pocketbook

[pypeke]

Originally Posted by DNSB

For what it may be worth, I use both of Kobo's native renders, RMSDK for most epubs since I prefer it's font handling which is likely of little interest to anyone who doesn't find themselves commenting "why would they use Flox Regular for an entire book?" I use the Kobo Webkit based renderer (kepub.epub) for books where I like being able to zoom images and for ePub3 ebooks using features such as fixed layout.

I have both KOReader and Plato installed and play with them occasionally but since Kobo improved their PDF handling, I haven't had much of an excuse to use KOReader. Given that I edit my ebooks before sending them to my Kobos, there is little need to being able to tweak my ebooks on device.

Thanks. It is worth a lot that you are trying to help!

I think the stock reader will be fine for me. Did you say Kobo has 2 stock readers?

What exactly is a kepub, epud2, and epub3? I won't need to zoom in. I will probably edit books before moving to Kobo eReader once I get smart enough to do it.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by pypeke

Or maybe download new fonts on the Kobo. Does PocketBook let me download new fonts?

Originally Posted by pypeke

All I THINK I know is that is sideloading books is necessary with Pocketbook (no store) and that Kobo has its own store. Does Kobo work like Nook and Kindle where you can use your eReader to download straight from their store?

Yes, you can download fonts to a PocketBook. I use Constantia — basically for everything.

PocketBook doesn't provide a built-in store that's very useful to English speakers (and readers) but it doesn't mean you have to sideload. Since PocketBooks have ADE "built-in," you can download books directly from eBook stores, like eBooks.com, or even borrow books directly using Overdrive. You can use the eInk browser to do this directly, but it's easier to buy the book with a computer or smartphone and use the "Send-to-PocketBook" feature to send the ACSM file to the PocketBook, which will then download the ePub from Adobe.

[pypeke]

Does ACSM mean that is the file for a PocketBook book?

Amazon is KFX or AZW3?

Nook is epub?

Does that mean a Kobo book is a kepub?


Trying to figure everything out, but I am guessing.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by pypeke

Does ACSM mean that is the file for a PocketBook book?

Amazon is KFX or AZW3?

Nook is epub?

Does that mean a Kobo book is a kepub?

Trying to figure everything out, but I am guessing.

The ACSM file is what allows you to download the ePub book from an Adobe server. With Nooks and Kobos that process is normally handled by them when they deliver the book directly to their eReaders. But if you download the book from Kobo or Barnes & Noble (via your computer) you can still get ACSM files as well. (Doing this with Barnes & Noble is convoluted, but it can be done.) If you get the book from a place like eBooks.com or Google, you'll download the ACSM file. On your computer you can use Adobe ADE to download the actual ePub book (if you're not using Linux, there is no ADE for Linux). PocketBook and (I believe) Tolino allow you to bypass ADE (on your computer) because they have it built-in into their eReaders. Sony used to do this as well, years ago, but their certifications weren't updated and that feature is no longer available.

I believe Amazon uses their own system for DRM protection.

Kobo can use ePub. KePub is just their "enhanced" ePub. I believe you can change the extension to ePub and use their books on other eReaders. (if the DRM protection is disabled.) PocketBooks actually have two readers built-in. One for ePub 2 and one for ePub 3, which has some newer features. Normally it's just handled automatically, but if you press and hold on the book cover, you can choose which reader software you would prefer. I believe PocketBook uses the most advanced ePub "engine" — RMDSK — in eReaders (but I don't know a lot about it). Kobo has gone with their own ePub enhancements (KePub) but can use standard ePub books as well. I think all eReaders (besides Kindles) work with ePubs

Sorry for rambling. I'm sure others can explain this more clearly than I have.

[pypeke]

Originally Posted by rcentros

The ACSM file is what allows you to download the ePub book from an Adobe server. With Nooks and Kobos that process is normally handled by them when they deliver the book directly to their eReaders. But if you download the book from Kobo or Barnes & Noble (via your computer) you can still get ACSM files as well. (Doing this with Barnes & Noble is convoluted, but it can be done.) If you get the book from a place like eBooks.com or Google, you'll download the ACSM file. On your computer you can use Adobe ADE to download the actual ePub book (if you're not using Linux, there is no ADE for Linux). PocketBook and (I believe) Tolino allow you to bypass ADE (on your computer) because they have it built-in into their eReaders. Sony used to do this as well, years ago, but their certifications weren't updated and that feature is no longer available.

I believe Amazon uses their own system for DRM protection.

Kobo can use ePub. KePub is just their "enhanced" ePub. I believe you can change the extension to ePub and use their books on other eReaders. (if the DRM protection is disabled.) PocketBooks actually have two readers built-in. One for ePub 2 and one for ePub 3, which has some newer features. Normally it's just handled automatically, but if you press and hold on the book cover, you can choose which reader software you would prefer. I believe PocketBook uses the most advanced ePub "engine" — RMDSK — in eReaders (but I don't know a lot about it). Kobo has gone with their own ePub enhancements (KePub) but can use standard ePub books as well. I think all eReaders (besides Kindles) work with ePubs

Sorry for rambling. I'm sure others can explain this more clearly than I have.

Thanks. To clarify... (Still confused on #1-3.)

1. Do I WANT only ASCM files? I thought epubs were what I wanted to send to a Kobo.

2. If I get a book from Google or eBooks, then I want ASCM files? No other file formats? Then download Adobe ADE to my laptop and use my laptop to do something to the book before sending it to the eReader (PocketBook or Kobo)? Confused on this one.

3. PocketBook has built in ADE so nothing to do if I download a book directly to a PB device. If I use my laptop to download a book, then the book has to have something done to it with Adobe ADE before I send it to a PB device?

4. PocketBook uses epub2 and epub 3. I read that one of those allows for zooming in to maps, etc.

5. Nook uses epub.

6. Kobo uses epub and kepub.

7. Amazon uses KFX currently. (AZW3 for older books.)

[Sirtel]

ACSM means an epub with DRM. If the book has DRM, you'll get an ACSM file; if it has no DRM, you'll get an epub.

[John F]

Originally Posted by pypeke

Thanks. To clarify... (Still confused on #1-3.)

1. Do I WANT only ASCM files? I thought epubs were what I wanted to send to a Kobo.

2. If I get a book from Google or eBooks, then I want ASCM files? No other file formats? Then download Adobe ADE to my laptop and use my laptop to do something to the book before sending it to the eReader (PocketBook or Kobo)? Confused on this one.

3. PocketBook has built in ADE so nothing to do if I download a book directly to a PB device. If I use my laptop to download a book, then the book has to have something done to it with Adobe ADE before I send it to a PB device?

4. PocketBook uses epub2 and epub 3. I read that one of those allows for zooming in to maps, etc.

5. Nook uses epub.

6. Kobo uses epub and kepub.

7. Amazon uses KFX currently. (AZW3 for older books.)

Look at it this way. Download the file from wherever you want. If it has an ASCM extension, you need to open the ACSM file with ADE (Adobe Digital Editions) or something else that will handle the ACSM file (I believe there is a calibre plugin also). If you download an Epub, you are done.

[pypeke]

Originally Posted by John F

Look at it this way. Download the file from wherever you want. If it has an ASCM extension, you need to open the ACSM file with ADE (Adobe Digital Editions) or something else that will handle the ACSM file (I believe there is a calibre plugin also). If you download an Epub, you are done.

Originally Posted by Sirtel

ACSM means an epub with DRM. If the book has DRM, you'll get an ACSM file; if it has no DRM, you'll get an epub.

Ahhh! I understand. Thank you both!