Tech Wham | Ereader Tablet and Ebook Reader Reviews, Videos, and Comparisons

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.

Are you one of those many people that get giddy and excited when they talk about their Kindles? Do you preach about the greatness of it to your friends and family, and attempt to convert Nook users whenever you can?  Then get ready for 3 more reasons to love the Kindle. These 3 Kindle tricks will give you more enjoyment, put your ereader to better use, and give you some tricks to talk about to fellow Kindle users.

Trick #1- Book Swapping-  I’m not talking about the 2 week book swapping where you have to return the title before you finish the book. This is swapping books with your friends and family for good.

Follow these steps for book swapping:

1. Log into your Amazon account
2. De-Register Your Kindle
3. Have your friend or family member log into their account and add your Kindle to their account.
   -This means you’ll have to read them your serial number as they enter it into their account.
   -Click “add new Kindle” after serial number is entered.
4. Go to your Kindle home page and click on “Archived Items”
   -This will be a list of your friend or family member’s books.
5. Click on titles you want to have on your device.
   -These will automatically download to your device, keeping them safely on the original owner’s Kindle.
6. Have your friend or family member de-register your Kindle from their account.
7. Re-register your Kindle to your account.

Now you have all the titles you want from your friend or family member! This can be done up to 6 times per digital book.

Trick #2- Reading Library Books on The Kindle- It’s a well known fact that the Kindle isn’t compatible with EPUB files. It’s a simple process to convert these to a readable file using Calibre, but EPUB files that have a DRM attached to it cannot  be read by the Kindle at all, without stripping the DRM and breaking some laws in the process.

There is a way to read Mobi-Pocket files on the Kindle though. That means that if you belong to a library that allows checking out of Mobi-Pocket files, then you can read books from the library, and check them out for free just like users of other ebook readers.

Just click to get the free program and learn how to read library books on the Kindle.

Trick #3- Secret Games On the Kindle- That’s right, there are secret games on the Kindle right out of the box.

1. Hit “Shift+ALT+M” for access to Minesweeper.
2. While in Minesweeper, hit the letter “G” for access to GoMoku. GoMoku is a game closely related to tic tac toe. For access to Minesweeper again, click “M”.

So there you have some great Kindle tricks you can definitely try at home. Next time you get caught in a Kindle vs Nook argument you can pull out these morsels of knowledge. If you have any other tips or tricks please share them with us in the comments.