A note on eBook Formats
There are several ways to read text documents or view images on your PalmOS or or PocketPC PDA. A comprehensive comparison of these formats (and more) is available at Memoware.com.
Installation tips and recommended eBook readers are discussed here.
This site provides eBooks in the following formats:
- Plucker
- Plucker is an extended text-and-graphics document format for handhelds. It can be used for both local and remote (e.g., Internet) files. Plucker will display extended formatting and graphics, is free, and open source. Palm, PocketPC, and Nokia 770 compatible.
- Doc (recommended for new folks)
- DOC, or Doc, is a generic name for a type of text document format usable by nearly all PDA platforms. Note that this format is not the same as the .doc filename extension usually given to Microsoft Word document files. These files will have a ".pdb" filename extension. Doc files can be read by a variety of readers, including eReader, iSilo, CSpotRun, TiBR, WeaselReader, TealDoc, and many more.
- iSilo
- Silo has a couple of advantages over the DOC format, such as higher compression rates (which saves precious RAM) and extended formatting (such as bold, italics, horizontal dividers, and hyperlinks). iSiloX files are slightly more advanced, and include chapter bookmarks and graphics (when available), but require iSilo version 3.1 or better.
- Rocket eBook
- The standard format for Rocket eBooks or eBookwise-1150. (Not available for Palm or PPC)
- zTXT
- zTXT is similar to Doc format, but features much better compression and the ability to embed bookmarks in documents. zTXT documents can be read on PalmOS using Weasel Reader or TiBR Pro.
- PDF and Large Print PDF
- A file format created by Adobe, initially to provide a standard form for storing and editing printeable documents. Documents in .pdf format can be seen and printed by users on a variety of computer and platform types. To view files of this type, download the Adobe Acrobat Reader, available at Adobe's Web site.
- iLiad PDF
- A document formatted with margins, font-sizes, and images tailored to the iRex iLiad.
- Palm Reader now known as eReader
- Originally created by Peanut Press, this format can only be read by Palm Digital Media's $15 "Palm Reader/eReader". There is some extended formatting and reasonable compression. (works with Palm or PPC, as well as Mac or PC desktop computer.)
- TCR
- A compressed text format, used by Symbian or Siemens cellphones (Siemen's phones must use MicroReader), or EPOC palmtop devices. TCR files can be read by ReadM, Ebook for Nokia, Ebook for EPOC, or MicroReader.
- iPod Notes
- Large text files can be split into multiple, linked "Notes" which can be read on Apple's iPod. Requires an iPod Mini or 3rd Generation or later iPod. To create your own Notes, please visit Daniel Duris' iPod ebook Creator.
- Sony aka Librié, LRF, or BBeB
- A proprietary format that can only be read on the Sony Librie or Sony Reader.
- Mobipocket
- A proprietary format with support for many platforms - see mobipocket.com for details. The mobipocket files on this site are not DRM infested or protected in any way.
- Newton Paperback
- For the Apple Newton.
- RTF
- Standard rich text format - can be read in many wordprocessing applications, on many platforms. Supported on some devices, such as the iLiad.