epub or kepub?

[MSWallack]

I've been reading on a Kindle Oasis for several years. Recently, I acquired a Kobo Sage. I'm presently comparing the devices to determine which I prefer.

In any event, I've seen references to .kepub when working with a Kobo reader. Should I be converting my .epub books to .kepub before sideloading to my Kobo? What are the advantages and/or disadvantages to doing so?

Also, I've also seen references to Calibre plugins for the Kobo. Are these necessary, worthwhile, or just "nice to have"?

[Sirtel]

You don't need to convert. If you want to try kepub, use the KoboTouch Extended Driver, which will send a kepub to your Kobo. To switch back to sending epubs, flip between Extended and ordinary driver.

Kobo Driver is essential IMO, the rest are optional.

I use kepubs on the Sage and epubs on the Libra 2. I slightly prefer kepubs, as they're a bit faster and you can zoom images. Epubs have better layout and typesetting, but I don't care about the latter and the layout is not so noticeable on a 8" screen.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by MSWallack

In any event, I've seen references to .kepub when working with a Kobo reader. Should I be converting my .epub books to .kepub before sideloading to my Kobo? What are the advantages and/or disadvantages to doing so?

I like consistent ePub page numbering instead of KePub numbering that changes with a font size adjustment, or a margin change. So I usually choose ePubs for that reason.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by rcentros

I like consistent ePub page numbering instead of KePub numbering that changes with a font size adjustment, or a margin change. So I usually choose ePubs for that reason.

I only use the progress bar while reading, the rest takes up too much screen space for me. Total page count, as calculated by Calibre, is displayed in the book details and that's enough for me.

[ps67]

If You need to enlarge images or You read books with notes use Kepub. Otherwise it is not so different but anyway epub has a better typography.

[Lys]

I like kepub more (and contrary to rcentros I love kepub numbering, so to highlight once more how personal the choice is ) and my whole library is converted to kepub nowadays, but I second the suggestion to try both and check which one you like more

[Aleron Ives]

I've found the WebKit renderer used with KEPUB to be a bit faster and more stable than the EPUB renderer, which is based on ADE. When reading long novels, I've had worse performance (very long page turns between chapters) and a couple freezes when using EPUB. The ability to hold the page turn button and rapidly flip through pages is also very handy with KEPUB, so I convert all my EPUBs before loading them on my Libra 2.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by Aleron Ives

When reading long novels, I've had worse performance (very long page turns between chapters) and a couple freezes when using EPUB.

Funny, I haven't had those on my Libra 2, where I read epubs exclusively. And I've read several thick doorstoppers there.

[jackie_w]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Funny, I haven't had those on my Libra 2, where I read epubs exclusively. And I've read several thick doorstoppers there.

When it comes to responsiveness, I think the total length of the book is less relevant than the length of the individual chapters, i.e. big HTML files can be sluggish to load and render. I've always thought that kepubs were a bit faster than epubs for long chapters but I've never done a proper scientific comparison.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

I only use the progress bar while reading, the rest takes up too much screen space for me. Total page count, as calculated by Calibre, is displayed in the book details and that's enough for me.

My eyes are still picky about front-lit screens, so I move from one eReader to another depending on what's most comfortable at the time. I use the page number for syncing. I can't do that if I'm using KePub on the Kobo.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by Aleron Ives

I've found the WebKit renderer used with KEPUB to be a bit faster and more stable than the EPUB renderer, which is based on ADE. When reading long novels, I've had worse performance (very long page turns between chapters) and a couple freezes when using EPUB. The ability to hold the page turn button and rapidly flip through pages is also very handy with KEPUB, so I convert all my EPUBs before loading them on my Libra 2.

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Funny, I haven't had those on my Libra 2, where I read epubs exclusively. And I've read several thick doorstoppers there.

I haven't had any trouble with ePubs on the Kobos either — nor have I had any trouble with KePubs.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by rcentros

My eyes are still picky about front-lit screens, so I move from one eReader to another depending on what's most comfortable at the time. I use the page number for syncing. I can't do that if I'm using KePub on the Kobo.

I also move between my Sage and Libra. I just use the chapter number or find my place manually, as I usually remember where I left off.

[ownedbycats]

I prefer kepub. Several reasons:

• The number of pages adjusts when changing font sizes. Though, as mentoned above, YMMV for this.
• I like the little graph showing the chapter lengths.
• You can zoom in on images.

I believe that Kobo Store always (or almost always; it's possible there's a setting for this that I can't remember) downloads the kepub.

If you use the standard KoboTouch driver to sideload with Calibre, you'll get ePubs. KoboTouchExtended sends kepubs instead.

Originally Posted by Sirtel

You don't need to convert. If you want to try kepub, use the KoboTouch Extended Driver, which will send a kepub to your Kobo. To switch back to sending epubs, flip between Extended and ordinary driver.

The KTE driver can also selectively pick which books to kepubify. My template checks that "send as epub" is not in #admintags.



(note: 'in' is an error; it should be 'inlist'. I corrected it.).

The inverse would be program: if 'send as kepub' inlist $#admintags then 'True' fi

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

I also move between my Sage and Libra. I just use the chapter number or find my place manually, as I usually remember where I left off.

One of the books I'm currently reading is 2,300+ pages, split into 8 "chapters" (originally volumes). So going by chapter would be about useless there. But even on "normal" books, I'll stop in mid-chapter and using my page number is faster. Besides, it's a built in habit — it's just the way I'm used to doing it.

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by rcentros

...even on "normal" books, I'll stop in mid-chapter and using my page number is faster. Besides, it's a built in habit — it's just the way I'm used to doing it.

It hasn't been my experience as I switch between a kepub on my Kobo and the ePub on my Nooks. On my Nook, I don't even show the page, but instead the time left in the chapter. But everyone's different.

Current book, I'm going to likely jump between kepub (Kobo), ePub (Nook) and KFX (Kindle) as I'm determined to read a book on the Kindle I was given. Wish me luck!