The Basics of eBook Formats and eBook Reading Devices
There are eBooks on almost any subject available online. Before you begin buying them however, it is best to familiarize yourself with the many different formats that they come in. It is also important to understand which type of eBook reading devices can be used with each format. Once you know about the different formats and reading devices, it will be simple for you to choose the ones that will work best for you.
Sony Reader Format or LRF
This format is designed specifically to be used with the Sony Reader. Books in this format can be purchased from Sony’s website which has a large selection of titles, and the reader can zoom up to three separate levels. The only problem with this format is that it can’t be read with any other reading device and this forces you to use Sony’s device. Since Sony’s reader is not compatible with many of the other eBook formats, you may find yourself needing to use a different eBook reader down the road.
Mobipocket Format or MOBI
MOBI book format is more of a universal format that does not need any specific reader in order to be accessed. Instead there is free MOBI software that must be downloaded in order to read the eBook off of other reading devices. While Amazon and other readers have made it possible for MOBI formatted books to be read on them, Sony has refused and it’s likely costing them many customers because of it.
Amazon Kinder Format or AZW
The AZW format is Amazon’s own eBook format for their popular Amazon Kindle reader. The Kindle can access both this format and other universal ones as well. Whether or not this costs Amazon some of their business, it certainly increases the use of their reading devices. AZW format eBooks can be purchased from the Amazon Kindle Store.
Adobe Reader Format or PDF
This is perhaps the most widely known and accessed format of eBook, and is the one that most beginner eBook readers tend to use. Most of the free books that you will find online will use the PDF format, and the reader software is free to download and use. Every other reading device is compatible with the PDF format for this reason. One of the only problems with the PDF format is that it was designed to display items as they would normally be displayed in print books, but this is not always compatible or readable with eBook reading devices. However, there are programs that can be used to convert PDF formats to those that would make the books easier to view.
With the popularity of online books increasing, it is important to understand the various formats and reader types that exist. Only by fully understanding the capabilities of these different formats and programs, can you choose the one that will work best for you. In most cases, looking into a reading device that supports multiple formats, and that is easy to use is the best.