What format to convert to?

onipar · 10-08-2010, 07:56 PM

Hi all.

I just ordered a Kindle 3 from Amazon and I downloaded Calibre to convert some PDF's while I wait for the delivery. I know if I had my Kindle here I could just plug it in and Calibre would automatically convert the books to the necessary file.

But I wanted to start converting now, and I wasn't sure which format to convert to. After some reading, I thought it'd me MOBI, but I wasn't sure.

Is this correct?

Also, if I download free books from Barnes and Noble, can I convert these with Calibre to work on the Kindle?

Thanks!

whitearrow · 10-08-2010, 07:58 PM

It's mobi. Be aware that many PDF's don't convert all that well. If you have the original source in some other format, such as .rtf or .doc, you'd be better off converting from that.

As for the B&N books, no, not without removing the DRM, which even most free books include.

onipar · 10-08-2010, 08:06 PM

Thanks, Whitearrow.

No, unfortunately I only have the PDF's. But they are all ebooks (not magazines, or strangely formatted manuals), so I was hoping the conversion would work out okay. I guess I'll see.

Too bad about the DRM problem.

That does remind me though, I know libraries loan out epub formatted books now. I'm assuming those are DRM also? I guess they'd have to be for a "loan out" system. DO you happen to know though?

Thanks again.

susan_cassidy · 10-08-2010, 08:09 PM

Yes, libraries use DRM.

onipar · 10-08-2010, 08:14 PM

Yeah, figured. Thanks, Susan.

This was a consideration while I was choosing between the Kindle and Nook, but I figured going to the library to take out books wasn't too big a deal. Besides, I still prefer reading regular books anyway. :-)

Thanks again.

10-08-2010, 07:56 PM	#1
onipar Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Kindle 3	What format to convert to? Hi all. I just ordered a Kindle 3 from Amazon and I downloaded Calibre to convert some PDF's while I wait for the delivery. I know if I had my Kindle here I could just plug it in and Calibre would automatically convert the books to the necessary file. But I wanted to start converting now, and I wasn't sure which format to convert to. After some reading, I thought it'd me MOBI, but I wasn't sure. Is this correct? Also, if I download free books from Barnes and Noble, can I convert these with Calibre to work on the Kindle? Thanks!

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10-08-2010, 07:58 PM	#2
whitearrow Guru Posts: 808 Karma: 2260766 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: Kindle Oasis 2	It's mobi. Be aware that many PDF's don't convert all that well. If you have the original source in some other format, such as .rtf or .doc, you'd be better off converting from that. As for the B&N books, no, not without removing the DRM, which even most free books include.

10-08-2010, 08:06 PM	#3
onipar Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Kindle 3	Thanks, Whitearrow. No, unfortunately I only have the PDF's. But they are all ebooks (not magazines, or strangely formatted manuals), so I was hoping the conversion would work out okay. I guess I'll see. Too bad about the DRM problem. That does remind me though, I know libraries loan out epub formatted books now. I'm assuming those are DRM also? I guess they'd have to be for a "loan out" system. DO you happen to know though? Thanks again.

10-08-2010, 08:09 PM	#4
susan_cassidy Wizard Posts: 2,251 Karma: 3720310 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Device: Kindle, iPad (not used much for reading)	Yes, libraries use DRM.

10-08-2010, 08:14 PM	#5
onipar Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Kindle 3	Yeah, figured. Thanks, Susan. This was a consideration while I was choosing between the Kindle and Nook, but I figured going to the library to take out books wasn't too big a deal. Besides, I still prefer reading regular books anyway. :-) Thanks again.

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