A very big difference when comparing the Nook vs Kindle side by side is is the way they read Epub files. Let’s take a look at what each device is capable of and how they differ when it comes to reading an Epub book.
Reading EPUB’s On The Nook
For the Nook (Nook Simple Touch, Color and Tablet), it’s a relatively simple process. These files are read directly on the device, so one can get an EPUB file from somewhere like http://www.gutenberg.org as an epub file and read it.
The BIG difference for the Nook, however, is that EPUB’s from the library can be read on the device. That means one can log into the public library website of one’s choice, choose a book, and download for reading.
What’s the big deal about EPUB’s? Who cares?
The big deal is that within “Overdrive”, the system that most public libraries use to check out free books, there are a heck of a lot more EPUB files available than any other file. That means a larger choice between titles for the ebook checker-outer.
Reading EPUB’s On The Kindle
For the Kindle, one needs to get a little creative to be able to read an EPUB file. As much as Amazon is trying to make the EPUB issue a moot point by offering a large amount of free Kindle files, the fact is, there are still a heck of a lot more books published in EPUB format than in Kindle format. There are Kindle files now available within Overdrive for free check out, however, there are vastly more EPUB files available.
One solution for Kindle users is to convert EPUB files to usable files on the Kindle through the use of Calibre, a free open source ebook management software. This is a simple process, allowing people to read books found on Google Books, and other places that use the EPUB format.
Reading Library EPUB’s On The Kindle
However, if one checks out an epub file ebook from a public library, there is a DRM attached to the file. The “DRM” is a “Digital Rights Management” that is put on the file that inhibits the use of it in certain circumstances. For instance, a DVD not working in a foreign country.
Since there is a DRM attached to the epub’s checked out at public library websites, these files cannot be read on the Kindle, nor converted by the Calibre software. There are ways to strip the DRM from the epub file, but they are all illegal!
The EPUB Bottom Line?
Amazon is trying with all it’s might to make the epub issue a moot point, giving people alternatives to using the epub file, but they’ll never be able to sweep the issue under the rug. The Kindle is still a great product with a loyal fan base, but the Nook offers the Library EPUB file, a golden feature one may want to take into account when choosing between the two ebook readers.
December 17, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Thanks for the great review! The epub issue is NOT addressed in other reviews I’ve read on the web. This has made the my decision much easier and that is the Nook hands down.