New and Confused

Kathy · 11-14-2007, 03:04 PM

Hi, Reading the info on this site has been fantastic in helping me understand ebook readers but still need help understanding content availability. Do I understand correctly that each brand of ebook reader is locked to a particular content provider? Which readers make it easiest to buy content from multiple sources?

Also any thoughts on a Hanlin 3 v a Cybook 3?

NatCh · 11-14-2007, 04:21 PM

Hey, Kathy, welcome to MobileRead.

Readers aren't really locked to a particular provider, though some locked to a particular file format, but those formats can generally be converted.

Several of the newer devices, such as the Cybook Gen3 you mentioned, can use multiple formats. So can the Sony, the iLiad, and the Hanlin V3.

Which is easiest to buy content for depends a bit on what, if any, file format you prefer. I think that Mobipocket is perhaps the most readily available format, which would steer you towards the Cybook or the iLiad.

For purchase content is only available in Sony's pet format from two places, but it handles RTF files and there are fairly easy to use utilities available that can convert any number of other formats to the Sony BBeB (aka LRF or LRX) format if you're willing to accept that extra work.

I believe that Bookeen (the makers of the Cybook), and I know that Sony have both committed to supporting Digital Editions .epub format whenever it finally releases for mobile devices. That alone could knock the whole availability equation on its ear.

My only other relevant thought on the Hanlin is that it's difficult to get ahold of outside of China, but that also applies (somewhat less so) to the Sony devices outside of the U.S.

Do you have an e-book format that you'd prefer to use/purchase in? That will make some difference in which device might best suit you.

yvanleterrible · 11-14-2007, 04:33 PM

Don't hesitate to browse through the Wiki section, information is better organized there. For instance there is a list of places where you can get ebooks, some free and some you pay. And we have beautifully prepared ebooks here too that are adapted to the basic formats of the different devices. Just click in the blue menu bar at the top to find out.

11-14-2007, 03:04 PM	#1
Kathy Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: none yet	New and Confused Hi, Reading the info on this site has been fantastic in helping me understand ebook readers but still need help understanding content availability. Do I understand correctly that each brand of ebook reader is locked to a particular content provider? Which readers make it easiest to buy content from multiple sources? Also any thoughts on a Hanlin 3 v a Cybook 3?

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11-14-2007, 04:21 PM	#2
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	Hey, Kathy, welcome to MobileRead. Readers aren't really locked to a particular provider, though some locked to a particular file format, but those formats can generally be converted. Several of the newer devices, such as the Cybook Gen3 you mentioned, can use multiple formats. So can the Sony, the iLiad, and the Hanlin V3. Which is easiest to buy content for depends a bit on what, if any, file format you prefer. I think that Mobipocket is perhaps the most readily available format, which would steer you towards the Cybook or the iLiad. For purchase content is only available in Sony's pet format from two places, but it handles RTF files and there are fairly easy to use utilities available that can convert any number of other formats to the Sony BBeB (aka LRF or LRX) format if you're willing to accept that extra work. I believe that Bookeen (the makers of the Cybook), and I know that Sony have both committed to supporting Digital Editions .epub format whenever it finally releases for mobile devices. That alone could knock the whole availability equation on its ear. My only other relevant thought on the Hanlin is that it's difficult to get ahold of outside of China, but that also applies (somewhat less so) to the Sony devices outside of the U.S. Do you have an e-book format that you'd prefer to use/purchase in? That will make some difference in which device might best suit you.

11-14-2007, 04:33 PM	#3
yvanleterrible Reborn Paper User Posts: 8,616 Karma: 15446734 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Que Nada Device: iPhone8, iPad Air	Don't hesitate to browse through the Wiki section, information is better organized there. For instance there is a list of places where you can get ebooks, some free and some you pay. And we have beautifully prepared ebooks here too that are adapted to the basic formats of the different devices. Just click in the blue menu bar at the top to find out.

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