Kindle Versus Other Ereaders

[countrykid]

I'd like to know is whether Kindle books can be downloaded to say a Kobo EReader or other EReader such as Nook, and vice versa can Kobo Books be downloaded to a Kindle. In short can any ebook be read on any Ereader and what is needed to make this possible - free App etc?

I am thinking of buying someone an Ereader and recently saw a "Nook Glowlight" advertised for £89 which seems cheap but which got good reviews and can store many more books than a Kindle, although I doubt that amount of storage is really needed.

Thanks in avance

[bhg481]

Kobo and Nook use a different format ebook than Kindle, so they are not interchangeable. Kobo and Nook can read ebooks from public libraries, only Kindle Fire can do this. You can join many libraries without living in the area (We are members of about 5 libraries) - gives you a good selection of books.

[countrykid]

Thanks bhg for putting it so simply. Just one further question following on from your answer. Can Ebooks from public libraries be viewed on an Apple Mini 2 Ipad and how does one access such books from public libraries for eligible EReaders. Someone at work has an ereader (Kobo I think) and would be pleased to find out about that service I'm sure.
Thanks again

[Buenchico]

>>>how does one access such books from public libraries for eligible EReaders

The instructions are on the websites of the relevant libraries. e.g. this is from our local library service:
http://suffolklibraries.co.uk/elibrary/

As you'll see from that link, an app called OverDrive is used for reading books from Suffolk Libraries. Clicking through to the list of compatible devices shows that there's a version available for iOS, as used on the iPad Mini:
http://help.overdrive.com/customer/portal/articles/1481744-ios

[bhg481]

From my experience, most libraries use the OverDrive system. It's very straightforward to use and with it you can browse their catalogue, take out books or reserve books, all without charge in all the libraries we're members of. The length of time you can borrow books for varies but it's usually 3 weeks. After that they are no longer readable on your device. You cannot be late returning them so there are no fines.
The only drawback is that the catalogue has fewer books in it than the conventional library, so you choice is more limited. (That's why we joined several libraries).

[hc4361]

Some libraries I download books from use the Adobe Digital Editions software.

I have a Sony eReader that will read most formats and Caliber software to convert the very few that it can't read.

[countrykid]

Many thanks to all who offered advice. I am now able to buy a suitable ereader safe in the knowledge of what it can do.

[Jeza]

Personally I like a book, buy them from market stalls or charity shops read them and give them back. Would often take a couple on holiday, read them and then put them in the book exchange. Technology is okay today but obsolete tomorrow.

[hc4361]

Jeza, it isn't an either/or situation for most people. Just because you have an eReader it doesn't mean you will never read a printed book again, although eReaders are a boon for those who can't manipulate paper books very well or have troublesome eyesight helped by the choice of fonts an eReader gives.

eReaders also have a big advantage as no unsold books are remaindered and pulped which is a total waste of raw materials, publishing, distribution and storage.

eBooks bought online or borrowed from a library at least sees the author getting some payment, which doesn't happen when you buy a second hand book.

No trees are harmed in the publishing of an eBook.

[bhg481]

Interesting comment from Jeza "Technology is okay today but obsolete tomorrow". Printing was the last word in technology a few hundred years ago, now being replaced by electronics. So does his comment apply to printed books?
As hc4361 says, the two systems of reading are not mutually exclusive - we take many books on holiday on E-readers for the weight and space of one paperback and we also read paper books at home.