Calibre is a free and open source eBook library management application developed by users of eBooks for users of eBooks.
Features of Calibre include :
Library Management
Calibre manages your eBook collection for you. It is designed around the concept of the logical book, i.e., a single entry in your library that may correspond to actual eBook files in several formats.
eBook Conversion
Calibre can convert from a huge number of formats to a huge number of formats. It supports all the major eBook formats.
Syncing to eBook reader devices
Calibre has a modular device driver design that makes adding support for different e-reader devices easy. At the moment, it has support for a large number of devices, the complete list of which is here. Syncing supports updating metadata on the device from metadata in the library and creation of collections on the device based on the tags defined in the library. If a book has more than one format available, Calibre automatically chooses the best format when uploading to the device. If none of the formats is suitable, Calibre will automatically convert the e-book to a format suitable for the device before sending it.
Downloading news from the web and converting it into eBook form
Calibre can automatically fetch news from websites or RSS feeds, format the news into a eBook and upload to a connected device. The eBooks include the full versions of the articles, not just the summaries. Examples of supported news sites include:
Comprehensive eBook viewer
Calibre has a built-in eBook viewer that can display all the major eBook formats. It has full support for Table of Contents, bookmarks, CSS, a reference mode, printing, searching, copying, customizing the rendering via a user style sheet, embedded fonts, etc.
Content server for online access to your book collection
Lots of features for a free software. Long live open source! Visit Calibre eBook.
Amazon Kindle DX Review
As an alternative to Amazon’s original Kindle, which is still available with global wireless access, Amazon decided to release a model that would cater towards those with a little extra money to spend on a larger screen. There may be a few added features, but is the Kindle DX really worth the added expense?
Features of the Amazon Kindle DX
* 9.7 inch e-Ink display,
* 10.4 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches in size,
* Built in keyboard and speakers,
* 1.1 lbs,
* Built in PDF reader,
* 3.3GB memory,
* Supports DOC, PDF, RTF, TXT, HTML, PRC, BMO, GIF, PNG, JPEG and MP3,
* 3G wireless connectivity to the Kindle store.
Pros of the Amazon Kindle DX
For those outside of the US who were wondering when the Kindle and Kindle DX would become available, the good news is that the wireless connection now works in a number of countries around the world – however, customers will still need to buy from Amazon.com and pay for international shipping.
The major benefit of choosing the DX model over the traditional Kindle is that the screen is 2.5 times the size, making it far easier to read books and even broadsheet newspapers than ever before. This is especially useful for those who tend to read large print books. The larger screen means that books, documents and websites can be read in a way that they were intended, rather than breaking off in the middle of sentences due to size restrictions.
The DX has excellent support for PDF files, and it is easy to transfer documents from your computer. Other added functions include rotation of the screen from portrait to landscape, and a larger storage capacity than the traditional Kindle.
Though other devices, such as the Apple iPad, offer more features than the Kindle DX at a similar price, the e-Ink screen still makes this device favorable for those who want a more relaxing reading experience that doesn’t strain the eyes.
Cons of the Amazon Kindle DX
It’s a given that the DX is going to be more expensive than the standard Kindle – in fact, it’s more expensive than many other readers on the market. However, it does have some added features to help make up for this fact.
The fact that the Kindle is larger may be added value for money, but there have been some complaints that it is also heavier.
Despite the larger storage space, some people may be put off by the fact that the DX doesn’t have support for external storage. There is still no Wi-Fi for the Kindle, the battery is sealed into the back and you will be charged extra if you download overseas.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about buying a reader that is as comfortable as possible on the eyes then the Kindle DX may well be the one for you. With fantastic e-Ink display technology, and a screen much larger than traditional eBook readers, eBooks look more like real books. However, if you’re worried about price and the features you’re going to get, you might consider comparing the Kindle DX to the latest offerings such as Apple’s iPad.