What ebook reading devices work well without Windows or Wine?
I want to purchase an eBook reader device and eBooks. I don't use Windows, Mac OS or Wine. Most eBooks sold today are encumbered with DRM. Therefore, I need a workflow to buy and read DRM eBooks either using only the device or using Ubuntu.
The three popular types of DRM in use today are:
- Adobe Digital Editions(ADE) used with the ePub format on multiple devices with books from several stores. This software requires Windows, Mac or Android. Sony Reader and B&N Nook Apps appear to be variants of ADE.
- Apple iTunes. This software requires Windows or Mac (or an iDevice).
- Amazon Kindle. This requires, a Kindle, Kindle software (such as on Androids) or Kindle Cloud (through web browser).
This leaves me with two option
- an Android device with a DRM app (Kindle or ADE)
- a Kindle
Both can directly communicate with a store and handle the DRM themselves, a computer is not required. To my knowledge there is no Android device with an eInk display.
Other devices are not an option because although the support ePubs with ADE DRM, it appears that a computer with the ADE software or some variant thereof is required (according Google eBooks, B&N, Sony) While many readers have Wifi or 3G, no manufacturer states that you can buy DRM books without going through a computer with the ADE software.
This brings me to the conclusion that Amazon's kindle is the only eInk device that will work for me. Can you name an alternative?
I want to purchase an eBook reader device and eBooks.
Purchasing an eBook (or eReader) is just like buying a computer. You first have to identify the software ('books') that you are going to want, and which 'platform(s)' supports them.
For eBook purchases: Amazon is the market leader (in terms of selection, market value, or market share). Barns and Noble (Nook), Sony, etc., are other alternatives ..
For free eBooks: The Internet has myriad sources for (quite literally) millions of titles. Most are in .epub and .pdf format, but plenty are available in the format of your choice.
I don't use Windows, Mac OS or Wine.
You don't need any of these. The suppliers want you on their website. For example, Amazon.com actively encourages you to send your purchases directly to your device. This can be done a any time, by 'syncing' your device. Anyone can do this, without any technical expertise ..
Most suppliers support (or allow) downloading the file to your PC. The device can simply be connected via USB, allowing easy management of all content.
Most eBooks sold today are encumbered with DRM.
YES, that is true. And these eBooks are NOT intended to be used on multiple platforms (eg. Nook and Kindle). Sadly, this is about protecting their market share and NOT the authorship ..
Therefore, I need a workflow to buy and read DRM eBooks either using only the device or using Ubuntu.
You ONLY need Calibre and a browser.
sudo apt-get install calibre
Calibre will manage your (ever-growing) collections of books, convert between nearly ALL possible formats, has a built-in eBook reader, and will connect and manage most devices.
It will NOT convert the format of DRM eBooks - but unless you have multiple brands of eReader under one roof, and want to freely share, this should not be an issue ..
I have some 15,000 titles (mostly free), and use Calibre on Ubuntu 11.10 to manage my Kindle 3. I previously used various earlier versions, and on Ubuntu 10.04 LTS.
Note: You have NOT stated what version of Ubuntu you are using, and an older OS (or newer device) may require some additional care & feeding.
for example: (I used this, about a year ago)
Using Calibre with a Kindle 3 on Ubuntu 10.04
http://www.peppertop.com/blog/?p=1054
UPDATE 20-Aug-2012
Still using Calibre (now v0.8.64), now under Ubuntu 12.04 LTS.
No longer using Kindle 3, gave it to a friend. Now I have two Kindle 4 (non-touch), one for home use the other for work/traveling.
Basically, no issues to report ..
I am the owner of a Kindle and, until a couple of weeks ago, of a Sony Reader. As you explain, and not everyone understood, you can manage both devices with Calibre, but you CAN NOT manage DRM epubs on the Sony unless you use their software (=> Windows). You have to register in Adobe or something like that (actually, I never cared to do it) and it's not possible in Linux.
So your choice is reduced to the Kindle, honestly. First of all, a Kindle is actually a modified Android (it gets recognized as such if you visit certain websites). In addition, I can't think of any Android device with e-ink display.
My advice would be to go for the Kindle. It's a great device for reading, buying from their shop is ridiculously easy and you won't have any problems finding free books for it elsewhere (if you can't find them in .mobi, which is rare, you can convert them with calibre).
I actually bought the Sony in the first place because I was concerned about the EPUB issue, but found out that is almost never an issue.
A lot of time has passed since this question was asked, but I think that it's worth adding that as of today, both Barnes and Noble's Nooks and Kobo's ereaders allow you to purchase content without going through your computer, not just the Amazon Kindles. I've used both Kobos and Nooks, and can manage with Ubuntu without any major complaints.
In addition, DRM-unencumbered books can be copied to these devices via USB from Ubuntu as if you were transferring files to any mass storage device.
It appears possible, but complicated, to install the Kobo Desktop via WINE, but the OP didn't appear interested in this.