What File Format do Portable E-Books Use?

[Solidus]

Can the RCA and Franklin E-books read .txt files? do they have thier own format? is there any way to convert it? i have a lot of .txt and .html ebooks on my PC, but i hate reading on my monitor. i would only buy an ebook if i can read all my books on it. And, what is the best, prefferebly cheapest, ebook? thanks.

[daveleau]

I have been very curious about this as well but cannot find what file format e-boks are in and whether or not the Pocket Rocket or other such devices can read regular PDF files. I have found this and this might help in your quest for the best reader. It appears that PALM has stepped into the ring as you can read e-books on your palm os. This might be the best reader.... http://www.ebookconnections.com/PalmOSGuide/
Dave

[Solidus]

Someone converts the text files into ebook format. is it possible to get ahold of one of those ebook format converter programs? i'm sure it's not too hard too hack.

[daveleau]

I emailed RCA about their line of e-books. This is my email and their response:

Me:

INQUIRY INFORMATION

INQUIRY TYPE: Feature Definitions and their Use
PRODUCT TYPE: eBooks

QUESTION: Hello,
I am very curious about your e-book devices REB1100 and REB1200. I
would like to know if they can read any PDF file format (items I create to
be read on the device or product manuals and instructional PDFs). Is
there any info you can send about the e-book format and what is required
for an e-book to be read on your device. Also what are the
limitations? Is there a specific format for animations?


RCA's response (which was VERY quick, I am pleased to say)

Thank you for contacting us regarding our eBook products.

These devices were created so that author's and publisher's copyrights
are protected; therefore, the device does not allow for
self-publishing.

If self-publishing were allowed, a book could be scanned and made into
a text file and then converted into eBook format for distribution.

This is not a technology or design flaw, but a conscious decision that
was made to protect intellectual property rights.


So, it looks like this is not going to fit my purposes. Oh well. I do not see anyone REALLY scanning in an entire book. That would be bordering on psychotic.

Dave