Adam’s Comments (group member since Feb 26, 2009)

Adam’s comments from the eReader group.

I can only speak about Sony. You can register both readers to the same account then all purchases from that account can be read on both devices.

Glad you got it working.

The acsm file is actually a license that allows you to download the ebook and not the ebook itself. If you click on the acsm file on your computer it will ask if you wish to open or save the file. Always choose open and the epub file will open in either ADE or Sony software.

Opening the file will automatically save it to your computer. If you have Windows it will be under My Documents (not sure how it saves under other OS's).

Once you have the actual ePub file, use whatever method Bluefire recommends to get the book from your computer to the iPad.

All of my information assumes you do not want to remove DRM. If you wish to consider that option, there are others who could help you down that road.

Kindle supports a DRM version of Mobipocket. This DRM version can only be purchased through Amazon and can only be read on the Kindle. Kindle also supports non-DRM Mobipocket and PDF. There are a few places like Feedbooks, Smashwords, Mobileread and others where non-DRM books can be downloaded for free or for a small price.

Most other ebook readers on the market (including Sony and B&N Nook) support the Adobe ADEPT DRM version of ePub and PDF. Any ebook store that sells ePub and PDF can be read on the multitude of devices available. The one exception is ebooks from Barnes & Noble have a different DRM scheme that can only be read on the Nook, but the Nook can read ebooks from any retailer that sells ePub and PDF.

If you have a good library and they offer borrowing of ebooks, they will probably have a selection of ePub, PDF and some Mobipocket. The ePub and PDF books have the Adobe DRM (see above) and these books can be read on most devices, other than Kindle.

If you plan to purchase books then I would write down the last 10 books you read, or books to plan to read, and compare prices. Use a site like www.inkmesh.com which will show you all the retailers and prices for a particular book and/or author.

Personally, I have a Sony and the majority (90%) of my reading is through the public library. I don't like to spend too much on books so getting current fiction/non-fiction for free is the path that works for me.

Chicago burbs (where I live)
different Chicago burb (girlfriend's sister)
Chicago Public (reciprocal lending with the burbs)
Philadelphia (paid $15)
San Diego (borrowed from friend)

I have 5 library cards and about 90% of my reading are ebooks from the library.

Sony Readers can read books purchased from Borders but not B&N. B&N uses a different DRM scheme that is not compatible with Sony.

I also have the Touch Edition and don't often buy books but when I do I will use Sony's Reader Store, Kobo Books or Books on Board. To find the best prices use a site like Inkmesh and it will give the prices across various ebook stores. Also, check your local library as they carry a lot of current fiction and best of all they are free. No need to visit the library as the ebooks can be downloaded from your home computer.

My Sony Reader is always in a case and have never used a screen protector on my current 600 or my previous 505. The screens are pretty durable and I've never have never broken mine but accidents do happen.

Sony does not have an app for blackberry, android or iphone so you cannot sync a book between multiple devices. I do occasionaly read on my android phone but they are different books than what I keep on my Reader. I typically get free/cheap books from feedbooks or smashwords to read on my phone.

I know Calibre works on Mac. I have no experience with Mobireader.

Most of the readers out there can now handle PDFs (expect the Kindle 1 and 2 which need conversion by Amazon). Make sure you understand that PDF is not the most ideal ebook format as typically a PDF page is formatted for a 8 1/2 x 11 page and this does not translate well to a 5" or 6" screen, which most readers are. The newer readers should all have pdf reflow which helps with fixed page PDFs but only those PDFs that are text based and do not have a lot of pictures/charts/graphs.

You may want to look at the new crop of 5" devices: Sony 300, Cybook Opus, Pocketbook 360, Astak Pocket Pro. These can be had for between $199 for Astak and Sony to $240 or $250 for Opus and Pocketbook. All of these devices support DRM and non-DRM PDF and should reflow text based PDFs.

If you are looking for specific information or user's reviews on various devices visit mobileread.com.

Glad you found a device that may work for your needs. Enjoy your many hours of happy reading.

I have a Sony 505 and it has been the best device I've ever owned. I know that electronic readers are not for everyone but this is the perfect device for me. My reading tastes are wide ranging so I can always find something to read. I have found many free books (not just classics) and use ebooks through my public library as well. Also very useful when vacationing and not having to bring a small carry-on filled with paper books.

Do you have formats other than Kindle?