I have had good results using mobipocket, it's not perfect but does a reasonable job and yes ePub is the way to go just need to copy the file over via usb and you're away. Most issues are around large detailed images and for some reason book covers (?) but the result is very useable and all text including code samples are converted well. Amazon has it's own convertor for Kindle owners via email but I haven't tried it as yet. Not used Calibre and wasn't aware of it till now, I may give it a try over the w/end and report back.
Purchased technical books direct from Amazon in Kindle format are very good and it looks as if more publishers are jumping on the band wagon. Apparently the engine for PDF has been improved from 2-3 gen but I have not experienced it first hand, currently have an unconfirmed shipping date of the 10th. So if a Kindle is for you be prepared to wait... Simon On Fri, Sep 3, 2010 at 1:12 PM, David Burstin <david.burs...@gmail.com>wrote: > Simon/Ken, > > I've seen a number of options for converting pdfs into a suitable format > for the Kindle (rather than loading them directly onto the Kindle) such as > using MobiPocket or Calibre, converting the PDF to HTML first, some via ePub > format. A Google search on "PDF to Kindle" produces an array of options. > Have you used any of these to read technical PDFs on the Kindle? What are > the results like? > > Also, do you know if the PDF rendering engine is better on the Kindle 3 > than the Kindle 2? > > Any other advice/insights for reading pdfs on the small size Kindle? > > Cheers > Dave > > > On Fri, Sep 3, 2010 at 3:05 PM, Simon Reed > <simon.spectre.l...@gmail.com>wrote: > >> +1 agree with Ken >> >> Also compared to a backlit device such as an iPad or tablet I find the eye >> strain considerably less especially when reading for long periods. Battery >> life on Kindle is also comparable to the Sony's month, but as Ken mentioned >> it is more to do with page turns. >> The third gen Kindle (which I have now been waiting to be shipped for a >> month grrrr) is supposed to have a better contrast ratio than the second gen >> (which I currently have) and is a slightly smaller device but with the same >> screen size. >> >> Simon >> >> >> On Fri, Sep 3, 2010 at 12:51 PM, Ken Schaefer <k...@adopenstatic.com>wrote: >> >>> Hi, >>> >>> You can read it outside just like a book. >>> >>> Battery life for e-Ink is sometimes rated in "page turns" rather than >>> hours, as power is mostly consumed in changing the screen. My Sony would >>> last a month between charges, which makes it more "book like" in terms of >>> functionality: I can just pick it up and toss it into my bag >>> >>> The Kindle has the free world-wide 3G, which is, unfortunately, terribly >>> addictive. I took my Kindle to Singapore, and wanted some books, so I just >>> bought them. Two minutes later, they are on the Kindle. >>> >>> Cheers >>> Ken >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com [mailto: >>> ozdotnet-boun...@ozdotnet.com] On Behalf Of Bill McCarthy >>> Sent: Friday, 3 September 2010 11:29 AM >>> To: 'ozDotNet' >>> Subject: RE: verdict on kindle/ebook reader? >>> >>> Thanks Ken, >>> >>> So what are the plus sides of not having a back-lit screen? Longer >>> battery life; lighter; less glare etc ? >>> Generally speaking are they easier on the eye to read in a well lit room? >>> >>> >>> >>> >
