How do the book pages work in the 650?

[blu-]

For example it usually goes page: 1, 1-2, 2.

Sometimes I would also get pages such as: 38, 38, 38-39, 39.

I don't really get it. Is there a way to make it just go 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.?

[dwig]

Originally Posted by blu-

For example it usually goes page: 1, 1-2, 2.

Sometimes I would also get pages such as: 38, 38, 38-39, 39.

I don't really get it. Is there a way to make it just go 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.?

Nope, primarily because there is no such thing as a "page" in an ebook.

Different ereaders using different formats approach this issue in different ways. What you are seeing is a translation of some printed version's page numbering which doesn't match the screen display on your ereader. When you alter the font size on your ereader, different amounts of text fit a single screen which will alter what page or pages the text on that screen came from.

Some formats (e.g. the various Mobipocket formats, AZW, MOBI, PRC) don't reference any printed version. Instead, they simply count a fixed size block of text, as measured in characters, and display that as the "Location". These numbers are more precise than the "page" references, with several locations being displayed on a single screen at most text sizes, and, like the "page" method, are a consistent reference regardless of display device and its settings.

It would be possible for an ereader the display a screen number, but those numbers would be of little use as they wouldn't be the same if you changed the text size.

[tech_au]

EPUB are formatted to a certain page size, usually the same size as the original hardback or paperback but not always.
The page display in the reader is where about in the page you are hence the 38,38-39,39 display.
When you read a Sony lrf/lrx ebook they are formatted such that each page is a separate page so you won't see the partial page display.
Kindles I believe have a location(I think its called this) rather than a page display so you could have 600 locations for a 280 page books for example.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by blu-

For example it usually goes page: 1, 1-2, 2.

Sometimes I would also get pages such as: 38, 38, 38-39, 39.

I don't really get it. Is there a way to make it just go 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.?

A page in ePub is based on 1024 characters so it's not based on the text size on the screen. When a page is fully on the screen, you get one page such as 38 of 242 but if the page number end in the middle of a screen page, you get 39-40 of 242 to indicate that you are at the end of 39 and the beginning of 40. It's the best way to do page numbering for a reflowable format such as ePub without making it reliant on the text size.

[blu-]

Thanks for the replies.

[jashsu]

This is a pretty thorough explanation of the state of page numbering in epub:

http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/...ing/m-p/692216

[Papi]

I personally would prefer an accurate calculated page number, even if it means it's re-calculated when you change text size (maybe it would be a bit long to calculate ?), which I guess most users wouldn't do all the time when reading a given book. After all, even if the ebook itself is reflowable and has no intricate notion of page, the eReader displays a given amount of text at a time. But I have a feeling this has been discussed many times...

[doreenjoy]

*Anything* is better than the "Kindle location" system

With the exception of school books where the instructor needs to reference a specific page, page numbers in eBooks are unnecessary and confusing. It would be better for the reader software to calculate the approximate number of screens needed for the entire book then reference that as Screen x of y. As @Papi suggests, it could easily recalculate if you change the text size. That is how the decade old PDA reader software typically worked. With todays fast processors doing the calculation only takes moments and could be done in the background. Perhaps the optimum screenization system--a play on the word pagination--would be to display Screen x of y, zzz% read. That would give me at a glance all the information I need.

Making references in eBooks does not require an accurate page or screen number with the possible exception of classroom references. Most eBook readers have a search function that will find any reference someone gives you. Most eBook readers support Tables of Content that will at least get you in the ballpark, so to speak. And if a publisher is totally anal about letting you know what "printed version page number" you are on, let them hardcode it into the eBook.

And @doreenjoy is absolutely correct in that the Kindle system does little more than confuse people. It does at least give a percentage read number and status bar, so that helps.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by doreenjoy

*Anything* is better than the "Kindle location" system

ePub page numbers and Kindle locations are based on exactly the same principle - a count of characters in the file. ePub page numbers are a count of 1024 characters in the file; Kindle locations are a count of 128 characters. It's really not "better" or "worse".

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by HarryT

ePub page numbers and Kindle locations are based on exactly the same principle - a count of characters in the file. ePub page numbers are a count of 1024 characters in the file; Kindle locations are a count of 128 characters. It's really not "better" or "worse".

Actually, the ADE way of doing page numbers is more in line with how people are used to seeing page numbers. Granted, it's not perfect, but it's a lot better then locations.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Papi

I personally would prefer an accurate calculated page number, even if it means it's re-calculated when you change text size (maybe it would be a bit long to calculate ?), which I guess most users wouldn't do all the time when reading a given book. After all, even if the ebook itself is reflowable and has no intricate notion of page, the eReader displays a given amount of text at a time. But I have a feeling this has been discussed many times...

But if you recalculate the page numbers when you change the text size, you then cannot go to say page 50 and be on the same or a page off from the same page. So really, the way it's done in ADE is the best way to do it other then what you are suggesting (which overall is not good).

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Actually, the ADE way of doing page numbers is more in line with how people are used to seeing page numbers. Granted, it's not perfect, but it's a lot better then locations.

It depends what you want to use them for. If you want to use them to give a reference to a point in a book, the finer granularity of Kindle locations is a benefit. As you know, an ePub "page" will often extend across several "screens" of a typical eBook reader, so simply giving someone the "page number" won't be any guarantee that they'll be looking at what you want them to. With a Kindle location, you can be pretty sure that the text you want to refer to will be visible on the screen at a particular location.

[trekchick]

Originally Posted by doreenjoy

*Anything* is better than the "Kindle location" system

People are used to reading pages in books, so "page" is a comfortable metaphor for text quantity and placement within a document. But it's an imperfect term for measuring ebook content. I think that Kindle locations, coupled with its display of percentage complete, are an excellent system. After all, a location remains constant no matter the text size or screen orientation.

Of course, I also think that we, in the US, should have switched to the Metric System back in the 70's (or before), so I'm accustomed to holding an unpopular, minority opinion when it comes to systems of measurement.

That said, the ePub method or Kindle's method are both better than the old .lit method of repaginating every time the text display is adjusted. It was confusing to be on "page" 1177 on my Axim and 88 on my computer.

[tech_au]

Sony lrf/lrx works the way Papi describes. On small font you can be on page 69 of 612 then you change to medium font and you can be on page 104 of 862 for example.
At least with Epub numbering you will always be on page 69 of 612 when you change font size but there will be more sub-pages until you get to page 70.