EBooks

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Electronic Books are getting more important, because the E-Ink technology makes the difference between paper- and electronic-reading nearly nothing. However electronic reading will never be a displacement for the normal paper books, it provides a useful addition.
Ebooks can also be read on a computer. If you do not wanna use a computer special Hardware is needed. The bookstores are trying to plug these kind of e-readers. Look for reviews on Bol [1] /Libris [2] /Selexyz [3] and other sites.

The main question of course is: "What makes a good eReader?"

Current

What can you now use on on which system? (Since 03 March 2010 I am the owner of a BeBook One).
An important questions because the market is young and the real answer is not given today!
See the list below, Y: Yes, U: Unknown, N: No, YC: Yes both are possible but not simultaneously.

eReader EPUB [4] Kindle [5] Mobi [6]
Windows computer Y Y Y
Apple Mac OS-X Y U Y
Linux N N N
Amazon kindle N Y N
BeBook One YC N YC
BeBook Mini Y N N
Bookeen Cybook Gen3 N N Y
Bookeen Cybook Opus Y N N
iRex Digital Reader N N Y
iRex iLiad N N Y
Sony Reader Y N N
Blackberry N N Y
iPhone (Touch) Y N N
Palm Handheld N N Y
Symbian Smartphone N N Y
Windows Mobile/Smartphone N N Y

  © 18:00, last modified: GMT: 08:07, 2024 March 29, EBooks

Pros and Cons

The Amazon Kindle store has a much larger selection of books than the Sony Connect Store, but the bottom line is that some books that are available at one store are not available at the other, and the two formats are incompatible. [7]

Hardware

To read ebooks without the need of a computer there are several solutions. But before making a choice of the most suitable solution it is of importance to know there are 2 security systems:

  • DRM Digital Right Management of Adobe. This system works with .pdf and .epub format. The system also work with Adobe Digital Editions (ADE). This will be also the format of the new Sony Readers (Open ePUB will replace Sony's own propriety System).
  • DRM Digital Right Management of Amazon. Books bought at Amazon are protected with this format which is based on the MobiPocket [6] format.

There is a lot of discussion on the Internet of owners of eBook readers who feel swindled. Most copyright protected eBooks are of course protected by a copy-protection mechanism.

 What I do not understand is why the manufactors of these systems try to invent the wheel again. 
 Use one system for all or do not create one!

A list of the latest eBook readers are:

  • Amazon Kindle. Information on this product will follow shortly.
  • BeBook, Dutch product without DRM.
  • Cool EReader
  • CyBook
  • Fiction wise eSlick
  • Sony brings 2 new eReaders, the Pocket (PRS-300) and the Touch (PRS-600) edition, and 1 somewhat olderproduct the PRS-505.

Hardware reader

Name Format
cm
Weight
gram
Screen Resolutie Battery Memory OS Boot Supported Formats [8]
Amazon Kindle 20.3 x 13.5 x 0.914 289 6" 600 x 800         Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, Audible (Audible Enhanced (AA, AAX)), MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion.
BeBook 18.4 x 120 x 10 220   600 x 800 8,000 512 MB
SD slot
Linux 10 sec AAC, Adobe PDF 10.0, BMP, DJVU [9], EPUB, GIF, HTML, LIT, Word, MOBI, MP3, PRC, PNG, RAR, RTF, TIF, WOL.
Cybook Opus 15.1 x 10.8 x 1 150 5"
12.7 cm
600 x 800 8,000 1GB
microSD
Linux -  
eSlick
Fictionwise
18.8 x 11.8x 0.2 180 6" 600 x 800   512 MB
2GB SD
Linux - eReader, PDB, ePub, PDF, txt.
Sony Touch
PRS-600
17.3 x 12.1 x 0.98 286 6"
15.24
600 x 800 7,500 512 MB
SD Card
Vista Instant Adobe PDF, BBeB, BBeB eBooks (Marlin), EPUB eBooks (Adept), Word, PUB eBook, RTF, TXT.
Sony Pocket
PRS-300
15.75 x 10.7 x 10.2 220 5"
12.7
600 x 800 6,800 512 MB
-
Vista Instant  
Cool-ER 18.3 c 117.74 x 10.89 178 - - 8,000 1GB
SD
Linux - EPUB, FB2, HTML, JPG, MP3, PDF, PRC, RTF, TXT

Formats

Extension From Description
.azw Amazon Kindle Based on the Mobipocket standard. Only used internally during the downloading process.
.epub International Digit The .epub or OEBPS format is an open standard for eBooks created by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). It combines three IDPF open standards:
  • Open Publication Structure (OPS) 2.0, which describes the content markup (either XHTML or Daisy DTBook)
  • Open Packaging Format (OPF) 2.0, which describes the structure of an .epub in XML
  • OEBPS Container Format (OCF) 1.0, which bundles files together (as a renamed ZIP file)

Currently, the format can be read by the Sony Reader, BeBook, Adobe Digital Editions, Lexcycle Stanza, BookGlutton, AZARDI, WordPlayer on Android and the Mozilla Firefox add-on OpenBerg Lector. Several other reader software programs are currently implementing support for the format, such as dotReader, FBReader, Mobipocket, uBook and Okular. Another software .epub reader, Lucidor, is in beta. Adobe Digital Edition uses .epub format for its e-books, with DRM protection provided through their proprietary ADEPT mechanism. The recently developed INEPT framework and scripts have been reverse-engineered to circumvent this DRM system.

.lbr
.bin
Libris Libris is a Java based eBook reader for mobile devices such as cell phones. Libris will run on most Java enabled devices that support MIDP.
.lit Microsoft Reader DRM-protected LIT files are only readable in the proprietary Microsoft Reader program.
.lrf
.lrx
Broadband eBooks The digital book format used by Sony Corporation. It is a proprietary format, with no known reader software for non-Sony devices. The LRX file extension represents a DRM encrypted eBook.
.opf E-Book Systems Open Electronic Package (OPF) is an XML-based standard.
.pdb PalmPilot PDB file type can be converted to PDF. How to convert PDB to PDF.
.pdf Adobe Portable Document Derives from PostScript. One of the most common standards. To optimize PDF formats for an eBook Reader use CuteWriter [10].
.pdg SSReader The digital book format used by a popular digital library company in China.
.prc
.mobi
Mobipocket [6] The Mobipocket e-book format based on the Open eBook standard using XHTML can include JavaScript and frames.
.ps PostScript PostScript is a Page Description Language used in electronic and desktop publishing.
.tr2
.tr3
TomeRaider TomeRaider is a propriety format. Versions are available for Windows,Palm, Symbian.

Amazon

Amazon delivers the Kindle not only in the USA, but also international since October 2009.In 2009 also introduced are a PC-version and an iPhone version. Downloaded eBooks can be used simultaneous on 6 different platforms/devices.
The international version also has serious disadvantages. The price of international eBooks higher than in the USA ($14.99 vs $ 9.99 [11]). Named reasons are:

  • Higher network costs
  • Taxes for eBooks are higher than paper versions.

Since these are temporary reasons for higher prices I suspect prices to fall in 2010. Supported formats are Kindle (AZW), TXT, Audible (Audible Enhanced (AA, AAX)), MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; PDF, HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion. So not epub.

Barnes & Noble

  • B&N Desktop Reader for PC
  • B&N eReader for iPhone
  • B&N Bosktore for iPhone


BeBook

The BeBook uses usb 1.1 which make transferring ebooks very slow. The review at Trusted Reviews make the Sony PRS-505 the clear winner.
BeBook supports Mobipocket DRM from August 2008, one of the most prolific e-book publisher formats in the world, so it promises to have plenty of titles available for it, in addition to standard e-books with no DRM. This year BeBook will come with a new eBook reader with 3G/wifi-connectiviteit [12]

Cool

CyBook

Fictionwise

  • eSlick Reader powered by Fiction Wise features:
    • Screen: 6" E Ink® Vizplex screen 600 x 800 pixel resolution, 4-level grayscale
    • Size: 7.4" x 4.7" x 0.4" (188x118x9.2mm)
    • Weight: 6.4 ounces (180g) battery included
    • Color: Black, Gray (black back), White (light gray back)
    • Operating System: Embedded Linux
    • Supported Formats:eBook Formats: eReader PDB, ePub, PDF, TXT, Any printable document (after converted to eReader PDB format with eReader eBook Studio tool or to PDF using included software)
    • Sound Formats: MP3
    • Internal Memory: 512MB
    • Storage Memory: SD Card (2GB included)
    • Expandability: SD card slot

Software by name:

  • Stanza for the iPhone and the eReader application for the PC (Lexcycle Inc).
  • eReader for iPhone.

Mobipocket software

Mobipocket delivers software for reading all kind of books. The software is supported by translators for Office documents, PDF-Files, HTML-files, Text,CHM and epub files to the mobipocket format. Unfortunately the results are not perfect.
The Mobipocket readers are available for:

  • Cybook, iLiad, Pepper-pad
  • PalmOs
  • Windows Mobile, Smartphone
  • SymbianOs
  • Blackberry

Software by name:

  • Mobipocket Reader for PC.

Sony

Overall these are solid devices, but their proprietary DRM and lack of acceptance for other DRM's limits the amount of books available for them and obligates its user to buy only Sony books. Sony has its own Reader Store and versions of readers for the PC. Unfortunately the software for the PC is buggy. On my PC with Vista and several other readers installed this one does not work at all. The Adobe Library does work, but I have not try to buy an eBook at the Sony Store yet. Sony does not provide the customer with an international support, but only gives regional country support. Since these guys does not know anything else than their own brand, the help is useless. I sincerely advise against buying a Sony eReader at this moment!
Sony has 3 readers:

Sony has also software for usage on the PC the eBL (eBook Library Sofware) which enables:

  • Shop thousands of eBook titles including New York Times Bestsellers.
  • Take your library with you by transferring to your Sony Reader.
  • Read eBooks on your PC or Mac with adjustable text and two-page view.
  • Search inside your collection of eBooks.
  • Borrow books from your library (library card required).

Pocket Edition

The Reader Pocket Edition™ lets you access up to 350 of your favorite books from anywhere. Its elegant, lightweight design is small enough to slip into a purse or jacket pocket, and features a 5" display with E Ink® Vizplex paper-like screen technology for easy reading, even in direct sunlight. For added versatility, it supports multiple file formats including ePub and PDF, offering access to more books from more places, including The eBook Store from Sony and over one million free public domain titles from Google Books.

  1. Dimensions (Approx.) : 6 1/4 x 4 1/4 x 13/32 inches (LxWxD)
  2. Weight (Approx.) : Approx. 7.76 oz
  3. General : OS: - Microsoft® Windows Vista® (32-bit or 64-bit) home Basic/ Home Premium/ Business/ Ultimate with Service Pack 1 or later. Microsoft Windows XP (32-bit only) Home Edition/ Professional/ Media Center Edition 2004 & 2005 with Service Pack 2 or later. - Mac OS X version 10.4.11 or later, Mac OS X version 10.5.6 or later. CPU: - 800 MHz Celeron class processor or better for Windows. - Intel, Power PC G3, G4, or G5 processor for Mac RAM: -128 MB or more (minimum 512 MB for Windows Vista) Free space on hard disc: - 20 MB or more, but depending on the content amount, more space may be required. Monitor: High Color or more, 1024 x 768 pixels or more (True Color, 1280 x 1024 pixels or more recommended) Other devices: USB port (High-Speed USB Compatible) Internet connection (broadband recommended, some fees may apply) is also required on your computer.
  4. AC Power : DC 5.2 V
  5. Battery Life (Approx) : 7,500 (BBeB Book) Continuous page turns; 6,800 (ePub) Continuous page turns
  6. Battery Type : Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery: DC 3.7 V

Touch Edition

Thinner, smaller and lighter than most magazines, the Reader Touch Edition™ lets you access up to 350 (or more with memory expansion card slots) of your favorite books from anywhere. The intuitive 6" touchscreen display makes navigation a breeze, letting you turn pages with the swipe of a finger. An included stylus offers freehand highlighting and annotation. With support for multiple file formats including ePub and PDF, you can enjoy books from more places, including The eBook Store from Sony and over one million free public domain titles from Google Books.

  1. Dimensions (Approx.) : 6.9 x 4.8 x .4 inches (LxWxD)
  2. Weight (Approx.) : 10.1 oz
  3. General : OS: - Microsoft® Windows Vista® (32-bit or 64-bit) home Basic/ Home Premium/ Business/ Ultimate with Service Pack 1 or later. Microsoft Windows XP (32-bit only) Home Edition/ Professional/ Media Center Edition 2004 & 2005 with Service Pack 2 or later. - Mac OS X version 10.4.11 or later, Mac OS X version 10.5.6 or later. CPU: - 800 MHz Celeron class processor or better for Windows. - Intel, Power PC G3, G4, or G5 processor for Mac RAM: -128 MB or more (minimum 512 MB for Windows Vista) Free space on hard disc: - 20 MB or more, but depending on the content amount, more space may be required. Monitor: High Color or more, 1024 x 768 pixels or more (True Color, 1280 x 1024 pixels or more recommended) Other devices: USB port (High-Speed USB Compatible) Internet connection (broadband recommended, some fees may apply) is also required on your computer.
  4. AC Power : DC 5.2 V
  5. Battery Life (Approx) : 7,500 (BBeB Book) Continuous page turns; 6,800 (ePub) Continuous page turns
  6. Battery Type : Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery: DC 3.7 V

Basic Questions

So after all this information the 2 basic questions:

  1. Why should I buy an eBook reader?
  2. Which one to choose?

Why an eBook Reader

  • Save nature. Obvious eBooks don't use any wood.
  • Save shelf space. Obvious. My iPod does the same.
  • Save my eyes. Reading an eBook is the same as reader a paper book.
  • Save money. Ebooks are cheaper than paper books. But the price difference is still very low.

Which one?

  1. BeBook, Most supported formats and good reviews
  2. Sony Touch, new and not very known. Windows Vista seems to be a disadvantage.
  3. Cool-ER, not much information.
  4. iPhone, LexCycle (Stanza) [13] provides a eBook reader for the iPhone.



bb-techpdf01.jpg

See also

  • Amazon, Probably the best and most (e)Books. Home of the Kindle, now available in Europe also.
  • Barnes & Noble, Nook by Barnes & Noble, supported formats ePub and eReader Formats and using the propriety .pdb format. An iPhone version is available. Barnes and Noble has partnered Google Books.
    The .pdb-books are located in the directory "%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My BN eBooks". In the directory AppData Roaming directory are metafiles (extension .kz).
  • BeBook, Endless Ideas BeBooks website.
  • Feedbooks.com library contains a list of the newest and most popular books. Daily up to date. Free downloads on Author, title or popularity.
  • LexCycle, home of the Stanza application available for desktop, laptop and iPhone.
  • Libris Webshop, Dutch website for all (e)books.
  • MobiPocket [6], (with Extension .prc)
  • Scribd, Nice but not free. The collection is bigand broad.
  • Smashwords
  • Stanza Stanza reader for PC and iPhone from Fictionwise. Also library.

General

Libraries

Link Description
12Books Dutch 12eBooks (Cliq Direct BV) has a wide range of eBooks and formats (ePub, PDF, BLIO).
AKO Dutch Bookshop AKO has an (e)Book Webshop
All Romance eBooks Romantic and erotic books
Amazon Amazon is of coarse the biggest bookshop of the world with a tremendous amount of (e)Books.
BeBook [14] BeBook's library for Free downloads
Boek-Plus Dutch Webshop Boek-Plus (Zwolle) has more than 550.000 books (not only eBooks).
Bol.com Dutch Website Bol.com sells everything, so also eBooks.
Books on Board Library for buying ebook and audiobooks. Largest independend bookstore.
Bruna Dutch Bruna Book shop has an eBook website
Devx eBook The Internet.com eBook Library brings together the best in technical information, ideas, and coverage of important IT trends to help technology professionals build their knowledge and shape the future of their IT organizations. The eBooks cover a broad range of topics and represent the diverse challenges that present themselves to IT managers.
eBook.nl Dutch library for buying eBooks (Erik Rigters). Protection mechanism used from Google/Sony.
eBookStore eBookStore (Reader Store) library from Google & Sony eBooks
eBoek Stunter Dutch website has cheap eBooks in English and Dutch.
Free Book Spot [14] Free Book Spot is a free e-books links library where you can find and download free books in almost any category.
Gutenberg Gutenberg project, library containing free books.
Hongkiat [14] Honkiat contains a list of 20 websites to download free eBooks.
Life in Book [14] Now Nigmae.NET Community
Many Books Many Books has Free eBooks for your PDA, iPhone, or eBook reader.
Selexyz Dutch Webshop Selexyz is created by a consortium of large Bookshops in the Netherlands. Scheltema, Verwijs, Kooyker, Gianotten Broesse, Donner, Scholtens
Studon Studon has English and Dutch eBooks.
Stanza Books Stanza by Fictionwise titles are delivered in .pdb format. The Stanza application can read both unencrypted and DRM-encrypted .pdb titles. All eBooks at Stanza by Fictionwise can be viewed using the Stanza application, as well as using the eReader application.
Waterstones eBooks from the UK.

Where?

References

  1. Bol.com
  2. Libris eBooks
  3. Selexyz eBooks
  4. EPUB on wikipedia is the standard chosen by Adobe and Sony.
  5. Kindle is the name for the Amazon eReaders,
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 MobiPocket is an Amazon.com company.
  7. Hardware Secrets for the Sony PSR-505
  8. Wikipedia Comparison of eBook formats gives a list of all availabale formats
  9. DjVu is a digital document format which allows for the distribution of very high resolution images of scanned documents, digital documents and photographs on Internet and on DVD.
  10. CuteWrite can produce PDF file by printing the document to a printer.
  11. WebWereld, Internationale Kindle blijkt kat in de zak
  12. WebWerld, Nederlandse BeBook neemt het op tegen de Kindle
  13. LexCycle's Stanza is a free application for your iPhone and iPod Touch. Use it to download from a vast selection of over 100,000 books and periodicals, and read them right on your phone. It’s a wireless electronic library that stays open 24/7.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 The given link comes from the BeBook manual.