05-27-2008, 07:29 PM | #1 |
Wizard
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decisions, decisions - sony or ?
i had thought that since ereader was a sony format, that the sony 505 would be able to read it, and since the sony seemed to cover everything else i wanted, i was planning to get one.
but i just read at books on board that the sony won't read it. in fact, as far as i can tell, the sony 505 can't read anything at books on board, and that mobipocket is the format of choice there. so... that leads me back to the question i thought i had answered for myself. what is the best reader that 1. reads text files (preferably without annoying conversion) 2. has a large selection of current books available widely 3. can read html or other formats found on the older stuff at baen, gutenberg, etc? 4. can read simple pdfs (no images or weird formatting) 5. has no backlight, no shiny screen 6. not too large - i read everywhere i appreciate your help on this. i'm a complete newbie about electronic readers, but if i don't get one, we're going to drown under a huge and ever-growing pile of books - and besides, when you want a new book suddenly in the middle of the night, downloading is definitely the way to go |
05-27-2008, 07:32 PM | #2 |
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05-27-2008, 07:41 PM | #3 | |
Wizard
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i believe you have to convert every text file in order to read them on kindle - is that correct? also do many other stores sell books formatted for kindle? i found amazon kindle books to be pricy and i found more titles of books i like elsewhere. also if your wireless in your kindle goes down, or you're where there is no connection, can you still read the books you have already paid for?
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05-27-2008, 07:47 PM | #4 | |
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Not every file. You can read more detail here.
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05-27-2008, 07:52 PM | #5 |
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Text can be read without conversion. HTML and PDF needs to be converted. PDF conversion is frankly iffy but then so is reading unconverted PDF on a 6" screen. Simple text PDFs do pretty well. Tables often go wonky, in my experience. You can convert files with the Mobipocket software or have Amazon do it for you for free. If you want them to send the converted file to your Kindle wirelessly, that's an extra 10 cent charge.
If Sprint EVDO service is not available where you are, you can most definitely read. You can also load new files through the USB like other reading devices. The only things you couldn't do would be to download files or over wireless, shop the store from the Kindle itself (rather than your computer), do a web or Wikipedia search, or use the web browser for any other sort of internet stuff. You could purchase books from Amazon, download them to the computer, and transfer to the Kindle but I don't think you can do that with samples. I may be wrong but I think the free sample chapters only go wirelessly. The DRM-ed Mobipockets you may wish to buy from other stores can sometimes be read on the Kindle by using igorsk's hack. You may also want to look into the Cybook Gen3. It may cover more of the bases for you. Last edited by Alisa; 05-27-2008 at 07:53 PM. Reason: typo |
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05-27-2008, 08:17 PM | #6 |
reader
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The three mainstream 6" ebook readers in the US, are the PRS-505, Kindle and Cybook. Only the Cybook will read DRMed ebooks from multiple sources (MOBI), although some DRMed MOBIs are usable on the Kindle. None will read eReader ebooks, although the Astak Mentor series of devices will be available this summer from FictionWise supporting this format (see Astak's recent post).
My experience is that Kindle ebooks are often cheaper than other ebook sellers, although FictionWise (for example) has ways to make ebooks less expensive if you buy from them routinely. For Baen ebooks, I think you can now download any that you bought from them or from the free library formated for the PRS-505. This isn't the case for free Baen CD's though. So far as I know, all Baen ebooks are available in .prc format or in the new .mobi format (better cover page and TOC) - both of which will work on the Kindle and the Cybook. |
05-27-2008, 08:18 PM | #7 | ||
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1. txt files are read natively 2. Decent selection of books through the Sony store, though Amazon has a larger collection. *see note 3. HTML is not read natively, but is easily converted with free software. 4. Yes it can read simple PDFs about as well as any other 6" device, meaning "ok" at best. 5. It's the Vizplex e-ink screen, just like Amazon's Kindle. No backlight, truly pleasant to read on for hours. 6. In my very biased opinion the Sony 505 has the best hardware design of the bunch. Ok the note I wanted to make in regards to book selection centers entirely on the ability to convert from various formats to Sony's native format. The free program "calibre" can convert from many other formats and does a splendid job. Here's a link: http://calibre.kovidgoyal.net/ Taken from the FAQ on the calibre website : Quote:
Let me also direct you to a recent post I made right before I made my decision & purchase: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...2&postcount=19 This gives my take on the 3 main contenders, Amazon's Kindle, Sony's 505 and the Cybook Gen3, after doing a lot of research on them. Hope this helps some! |
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05-27-2008, 08:28 PM | #8 |
I'm Super Kindle-icious
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MobileRead has created this handy little eBook matrix in their wiki, which might be helpful to you. I used it when I was narrowing down my decision.
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05-27-2008, 08:35 PM | #9 | |
Sir Penguin of Edinburgh
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If you decide to get a dedicated reader, then I would recommend the Cybook. It reads Mobipocket, and that's as close to a universal format as exists. But I think you should also consider a used PDA or handheld PC. There is a vast number available on Ebay, and most will display Ereader and Mobipocket. I use an HP Jornada 720. I'm very happy with it. In fact, I've stopped using my Kindle. |
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05-27-2008, 08:57 PM | #10 | |
Wizard
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i have a pda. it's not as comfortable to hold or read from as the sony i tried at a couple stores. i like the idea of something the size of a paperback with a paperlike format. i work on my computer, and i have enough eyestrain that getting something that won't contribute further to sore eyes would be wonderful.
can a pda using mobi read drm-protected files? if not, what can? a lot to think about here... Quote:
Last edited by basschick; 05-27-2008 at 09:18 PM. |
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05-27-2008, 09:26 PM | #11 | |
Sir Penguin of Edinburgh
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https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23267 I understand how you feel about PDAs. I've had several. The Jornada is different. I can't explain it. |
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05-27-2008, 10:26 PM | #12 |
Wizard
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is the cybook the only e-ink reader that legally reads drm-protected mobipocket files?
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05-27-2008, 10:29 PM | #13 |
Sir Penguin of Edinburgh
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The Illiad can, but it costs a lot more.
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05-28-2008, 03:06 AM | #14 |
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eReader most certainly is NOT a Sony format - whatever made you think that it was? It's owned by Fictionwise, who aren't associated with Sony in any way whatsoever.
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05-28-2008, 04:49 AM | #15 |
Wizard
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i read it on a webpage.
i'm entirely new to the ebook thing - everything i know, i've read in the last 2 days, but i've probably spent 12 hours or more reading about it |
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