Bold Strokes Books eBook FAQ
Electronic books may not be copied (except to make a personal
backup), resold, given away, or in any way distributed to anyone. They may not be posted on the
Internet for public usage. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work
is illegal.
Our authors only receive payment for eBooks obtained through authorized sales
channels. Please protect our authors' rights and do not file share.
An eBook (for electronic book) is the digital equivalent of a conventional printed book. Such
documents are usually read on personal computers or on dedicated hardware devices known as eBook
readers or eBook devices. eBooks are available in many different formats. A comprehensive list
of available formats can be found at Wikipedia.
BSB eBooks are available in four formats - Adobe Acrobat (.pdf), Mobipocket
(.prc), Sony Reader (.lrf) and Electronic Publication (.epub).
- Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) eBooks can be read using Adobe Acrobat Reader which can be downloaded and installed on any
computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) as well as handheld devices. If you plan to install the pdf on your smartphone or PDA,
you will need to have pdf supported software on your device.
Note: If you plan to purchase PDF versions of BSB eBooks to read on devices like the Sony Reader, Kindle or the nook, be aware
that increasing the font size on these devices can cause the formatting to become distorted. PDFs are created with the intention of printing on a standard 81/2 x 11-inch piece of paper.
Since the Reader's screen is smaller than 8 1/2 x 11 inches, the page will be scaled to fit on the screen and that will in most cases compromise readability.
- Mobipocket (.prc). You can download and install the Mobipocket Reader application to your
PC, Windows Mobile
Device, Blackberry,
Palm OS, or
Symbian
OS. For your IPhone and IPod Touch you will need to install the BookShelf, Stanza, or any other compatible application via the
ITunes App Store.
- Sony Reader (.lrf) - Also known as BBeB format.
- Electronic Publication(.ePub)
Note: Currently the ePub format is only available for titles released starting January 2010.
Backlist titles will be added as time permits. If your device requires the ePub format please see instructions on how to convert mobi titles
to ePub.
Below is a matrix of support formats and some platforms. Note: Not all supported platforms
are listed. If you are interested in other devices you need only verify that the device supports
one of the listed formats.
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Adobe (*.pdf)
(See note above about reading PDF files on dedicated eReaders.
)
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Desktop or laptop (Windows, Unix, Mac) |
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Kindle |
| * |
Sony Reader |
| * |
Barnes and Noble nook |
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Palm OS |
| * |
Pocket PC |
| * |
Windows Mobile |
| * |
iPad |
| * |
iPhone |
| * |
iPod Touch |
| * |
Blackberry |
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| * |
Symbian OS
(Some Nokia, Samsung and LG
devices) |
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| Mobipocket (*.prc) |
| * |
Windows Tablet |
| * |
Windows platform desktops & laptops |
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| * |
Windows Mobile Devices (Pocket PC and SmartPhone) |
| * |
iPad |
| * |
iPhone |
| * |
iPod Touch |
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| * |
SymbianOs
(Nokia Series 60, Sony Ericsson
UIQ,..)
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| Sony(*.lrf) |
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Sony Reader PRS-500 and PRS-505 |
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| Electronic Publication(*.ePub) |
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Sony Reader PRS-505 and newer |
| * |
Barnes and Noble nook |
| * |
Borders Kobo Reader |
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iPad |
| * |
iPhone |
| * |
iPod Touch |
| * |
Google Android Phones |
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Bold Strokes Books eBooks can be purchased at the
BSB Webstore.
After you complete the purchase of your eBook you will receive an email summarizing your
order. Included in that email will be an individual link for each eBook that you purchased. The
link will allow you to immediately download your eBook from our New Digital Delivery System. The
link is only valid for 48 hours after your order is placed.
If you have problems opening your eBook file send an email to bookshop@boldstrokesbooks.com explaining the problem.
We will respond as soon as possible and work with you to resolve the issue.
No -- eBooks are meant to be read on electronic devices and cannot be printed.
Here is
a sample of some of the more popular reading devices on the market at the moment that will allow
you to read your BSB eBooks. Space does not allow the inclusion of all available platforms.
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“Kindle is a convenient, portable reading device with the ability to
wirelessly download books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs.
Designed to provide an exceptional reading experience, Kindle utilizes a
revolutionary new display technology called electronic paper. Reading
Kindle's screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper--and nothing
like the strain and glare of a computer screen.
Kindles are currently available in these formats.
- Kindle 3G (Free 3G + Wi-Fi) - 3G works globally, Graphite 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl technology. Battery life of up to One Month on a single charge. Global 3G Coverage. Built in Wi-Fi. Holds up to 3,500 books. Books in 60 Seconds with fast, free wireless delivery. Text-to-Speech capable
- Kindle Wi-Fi - Graphite 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl technology. Battery life of up to One Month on a single charge. Built in Wi-Fi. Holds up to 3,500 books. Books in 60 Seconds with fast, free wireless delivery. Text-to-Speech capable.
- Kindle DX - A 9.7" diagonal E Ink screen. Read up to 1 week on a single charge with wireless on. Turn wireless off and read for two to three weeks. Global 3G Coverage. Holds up to 3,500 books, periodicals and documents. Books in 60 Seconds with fast, free wireless delivery. Text-to-Speech capable.
Information gathered from the Amazon Kindle FAQ at
http://www.amazon.com/ and Wikipedia. Please visit the Amazon site if you need more information
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The Sony Reader is a line of eBook readers from Sony that uses E Ink technology. Sony Readers are currently available in these formats.
- Reader Pocket Edition - Your favorite book on the thinnest and lightest eReader - Features a 5" Full Touch Screen, Two Week Battery Life, 12 Dictionaries and space for up to 1,200 Books
- Reader Touch Edition - A Full touch screen the reads like a real books - 6" Full Touch Screen, Audio/MP3 Capability, 12 Dictionaries, and space for up to 50,000 books (with expansion memory).
- Reader Daily Edition - Download books and subscriptions wirelessly. - 7" Full Touch Screen, Wi-Fi and Free 3G, 22 Days Battery Life and space for up to 50,000 books (with expansion memory).
Information gathered from http://www.sony.com/ and Wikipedia. Please check the Sony site for up tp date information
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The Nook is the first electronic book reader to be based on the Android platform,
and has a MicroSD expansion slot for extra storage. nook's easy-to-read E Ink® display is more like a traditional book than a computer screen.Browse eBooks, magazines and newspapers on AT&T's 3G Wireless Network or on Wi-Fi.
Features of the nook include
- With 2G of memory, NOOK stores up to 1,500 books, magazines and newspapers. An expansion slot allows even more books to be stored on the NOOK
- NOOK lets you read for up to 10 days on a single charge
- LendMe™ Technology - NOOK's LendMe™ technology lets you share books with a friend for up to 14 days.
- Color Navigation Panel
- Built-In Merriam-Webster Collegiate® Dictionary
The nook is available in the following configurations
- NOOK Wi-Fi
- NOOK 3G+Wi-Fi
- NOOKcolor Wi-Fi - 7-inch color touchscreen
Information gathered from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/index.asp Please check the Barnes & Noble site for the most up to date information.
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A large, high-resolution LED-backlit IPS display. An incredibly responsive Multi-Touch screen. And an amazingly powerful Apple-designed chip. All in a design that’s thin and light enough to take anywhere. iPad isn’t just the best device of its kind. It’s a whole new kind of device.
The iPad is available in multiple configurations. Please check the Apple website for more information.
Information gathered from http://www.apple.com/ipad/design/
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The Kobo eReader is a Canadian based eBook reader that supports ePub and PDF formats. The Kobo Reader is available in two configurations
- Kobo eReader (original) - 6" E Ink Display. 1 GB internal memory that will hold up to 1,000 books. Memory expansion up to 4GB via SD Memory Card. Battery Life up to 2 weeks
- Kobo Wireless eReader - All the features of the original eReader with the addition of wireless connectivity.
Information gathered from http://www.borders.com/ and Wikipedia
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The iPhone is a line of Internet and multimedia-enabled smartphones designed and marketed by Apple Inc
The iPod Touch is a portable media player, personal digital assistant, and Wi-Fi mobile platform designed and marketed by Apple Inc.
Apple iPhone and iPod Touch are available in multiple configurations. For the latest information and feature list please visit Apple's website at http://www.apple.com/
Information gathered from http://www.apple.com/ and Wikipedia
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Android is a mobile operating system initially developed by Android Inc. Android was purchased by Google in 2005.
The Android OS can be used as an operating system for cellphones, netbooks and tablet PCs.
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“BlackBerry smartphones allow you to stay in touch
with everything that matters to you while you’re on the go. Email, phone,
maps, organizer, applications, games, the Internet and more. Some smartphones
even include a multi-media player and/or camera so you really have everything
you need in one stylish device.”
Information gathered from http://www.blackberry.com/
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Treo Centro
“ Palm’s smallest smartphone ever with touchscreen and full
keyboard.”
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Palm TX
“Introducing the Palm® TX handheld. With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®
technology, this is the wireless device you've been waiting for. Browse the
web and check email from your office, campus, or a home Wi-Fi network—and
places like airports, cafes, and hotels1. Carry your Word, Excel, and
PowerPoint files and get more done anywhere. Web pages, presentations,
spreadsheets, photos, and videos come to life on a large color screen that
rotates from landscape to portrait mode. Have time to unwind? The Palm TX
handheld even lets you listen to MP3s and read eBooks. It's anything but
business as usual.”
Information gathered from http://www.palm.com/
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The Amazon Kindle supports two of the eBook formats provided by BSB. You can read the
mobipocket(.prc) and the Adobe (.pdf) formats.
If you purchase a mobipocket(.prc) file you have two options for transferring your file to
your Kindle using the provided USB cable or via wireless transfer.
- To transfer the .prc file using the provided USB cable
- Connect your Kindle to computer with the USB cable. If you are using a PC, your Kindle
will appear as a removable storage drive in Windows explorer. If you are using a Mac, your
Kindle will appear as a drive in Mac OS Finder. If you have an optional SD memory card (Kindle 1 only)
installed it will also appear as drive independent of the Kindle
- Copy the .prc file to the documents folder on your Kindle.
- To transfer the .prc file wirelessly email the file to your dedicated Kindle email
address (found on the Manage Your Kindle page at Amazon). The file will be wirelessly delivered
directly to your Kindle. There is a fee for this option. Please refer to the
Kindle website
for more information and determine if the wireless option is available in your location.
Amazon now includes a dedicated PDF reader for the Kindle and Kindle DX.
Your Kindle can now display PDF documents without losing the formatting of the original file. Send PDF documents
directly to your Kindle (via your @Kindle address) or drag and drop PDF files from your computer to your Kindle
(when connected via USB). You can also magnify PDFs by viewing them in landscape mode.
Note: Some features are not currently supported, including annotations, Text-to-Speech, and zooming and panning
when the file is transferred using the USB cable. As Amazon has indicated the formatting is not lost when on the Kindle when reading a PDF file, however the
original font size if very small. When the switch is made to the landscape mode the font is larger however the number of reading lines in decreased to approximately
10 lines per page.
If you prefer to have your personal PDF documents converted to the Kindle format so you can take advantage of Kindle functionality such as
variable font size, annotation, Text-to-Speech, etc., type "Convert" in the subject of the e-mail when you submit your personal document to your @kindle.com address.
Note: If you decide to "convert" your file the resulting file with have the formatting issues that were described
at the beginning of the FAQ
If you need more information on using your Kindle check the Kindle site on Amazon
Support.
The Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch supports three of the eBook formats provided by BSB. You can
read the ePub(.epub), Mobipocket(.prc) and the Adobe (.pdf) formats. Which format you use depends on which Apple App you use.
If you purchase an ePub(.epub) or PDF file, the easiest application to use to read your eBook is iBooks. The iBooks application is available for free via
the Apple App Store.
iBooks Transfer Instructions
- Attach your Apple device to your computer and start iTunes
- Once iTunes starts, drag your eBook file to your Library (Note: The first time you attempt to transfer books using iTunes the "Books" option will not be listed. After you have sucessfully transfered a book the "Books" option will be listed. DO NOT drag the file to your iPad directly. This action will cause iTunes to crash. )
- After you have transfered the file to iTunes sync your device and the file should appear in iBooks
Two other applications that can be used with ePub formatted books are Bookshelf ($4.99) and Stanza (free). Each application is available via
the Apple iPhone App Store. Each application has several options to choose
from for transferring your titles. Instructions on using each can be found at their corresponding website.
If you purchase a Mobipocket(.prc) formatted eBook you can transfer your Mobipocket file to iBooks using Calibre. See the instructions below on
How to transfer Mobipocket eBooks to Apple Devices.
If you would like to use the Mobipocket file without using Calibre you can use Bookshelf or Stanza -- Note: Some customers have experienced problems using the latest version of
Stanza with Mobipocket files. This is a problem with Stanza and not the eBook
file. If you have a Mobipocket file that will not transfer to Stanza please
follow the link above on How to transfer files using Calibre.
Note: You will need to have an account created at the BSB Webstore to download books directly to your device
The Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch supports three of the eBook formats provided by BSB. You can
read the ePub(.epub), Mobipocket(.prc) and the Adobe (.pdf) formats. Which format you use depends on which Apple App you use.
If you purchase an ePub(.epub) or PDF file, the easiest application to use to read your eBook is iBooks. The iBooks application is available for free via
the Apple App Store.
eBook download Instructions
- Sign in to your BSB Webstore account
- Select Completed Orders
- Find the order that you would like to download and select Download Files
- Transfer to iBooks
- Select the link to the ePub version of the eBook (file name ends in .ePub) or the PDF version of the eBook (file name ends in .pdf)
- Select Open in "iBooks" to open the eBook in iBooks or Select Open in... to select from the Apps on your device that support ePub files.
- Transfer to other Apps on your device
- There are eReader Apps available from the App Store that support ePub, Mobipocket and PDF files. If you have other eReader Apps installed on your device you can follow the instructions above to download eBooks to those Apps. You will be presented with a list of supported Apps when you select the eBook download link.
The Sony Reader 500 supports the Sony (.lrf) format and the Adobe (.pdf) format
The Sony Reader 505 and newer Sony readers support all of the eBook formats provided by BSB but the
transfer process is different depending on which format you have. The Sony(.lrf), Adobe(.pdf), and ePub(.epub) can be transfered using the Sony Reader Library
software that can be downloaded from the Sony website at http://ebookstore.sony.com/howitworks/
To transfer the .ePub or .pdf file using the provided USB cable and the Reader Library software
- Launch the Reader Library software
- Connect your Sony Reader to your computer using the USB cable provided.
- Once the Reader Library software is running select the Computer icon from the side menu to find the book you want to transfer.
- Drag the title or icon of your eBook from your personal Library to the 'Reader' icon located in the left menu of the Reader Library software.
- Once the status icon has stopped rotating, eject your Reader.
To transfer the Mobipocket (.prc) format to your Sony Reader the best course of action is to use the Calibre application. See instructions below on how to transfer your files.
The Calibre application is a popular Library management tool and can also be used to transfer your .epub and .pdf files. More information about Calibre can be found at http://calibre-ebook.com the application website.
Three of the formats provided by BSB can be transferred to your nook. Adobe(.pdf)and ePub(.epub) can be transferred directly.
The mobipocket(.prc) can be transferred using Calibre.
If you have the ePub or PDF format of a BSB title you can transfer your title using the following instructions.
To transfer the .ePub or .pdf file using the provided USB cable
- When your nook has connected via the USB cable, your personal computer should detect it.
- On a PC running Microsoft Windows, your nook will appear in the list of drives or you will be presented
with a choice that includes "Open folder to view files". If you receive the Open folder message box
choose that option
- On a MAC, an icon labeled nook appears on your desktop.
- On a computer running Linux, an icon labeled nook appears on the desktop and a file manager
window appears.
- Copy the .ePub or .PDF file to the my documents folder on your nook.
- Eject the nook from your computer
- Ensure that no USB operations are still in progress
- Use the procedure that is appropriate for your computer to eject
or unmount that nook USB drive and the drive for the supplemental microSD
card if present:
- On a PC running Microsoft Windows, Click Start > Computer, right-click the
nook drive and choose Eject. If you have a supplemental microSD card, also eject
drive. Choosing Safely Remove from the right-click menu or Safely Remove Hardware
from the taskbar does not work. You must eject the drives.
- On a Mac, Ctrl-Click the icon for each drive and choose Eject
- Unplug the USB cable from your computer and your nook.
- Check for the new content you just added.
- On the Home menu, tap my library
- In the My Documents section, tap Check for new content
If you have the Mobi(.prc) format of a BSB title you can transfer the title to your nook using Calibre. The instructions are below.
Three of the formats provided by BSB can be transferred to your nook. Adobe(.pdf)and ePub(.epub) can be transferred directly.
The mobipocket(.prc) can be transferred using Calibre.
If you have the ePub or PDF format of a BSB title you can transfer your title using the following
several different methods.
- Transfer the ePub or PDF file by draging and dropping the file to your Reader
- When your Kobo has connected via the USB cable, your personal computer should detect it and you will be prompted on your Kobo to
Keep Reading or Manage Library your Kobo. Select Manage
Library
- Your Kobo will now display a Connected message and your Kobo will appear as a drive on your system.
- Drag and drop eBook files from your local hard drive to the Kobo
- Eject your Kobo (right-click the Kobo drive and select Eject)
- Disconnect your Kobo from your commputer
- Your Kobo eReader will now process your new contect
- Transfer the ePub or PDF file using Adobe Digital Editions.
- Launch Adobe Digital Editions
- Attach your Kobo eReader to your computer
- Select Manage Library and your Kobo eReader will be detected by ADE.
- Upload your eBook to Adobe Digital Editions (if you haven't already done so) by Selecting Library then
Add Item to Library.
- Drag your eBook from your Library to your Kobo eReader
- Eject your Kobo (right-click the Kobo drive and select Eject)
- Disconnect your Kobo from your commputer
- Your Kobo eReader will now process your new contect
- Transfer the ePub or PDF file using Calibre
- See intructions below on how to transfer an eBook file using Calibre
Below are several Android apps that can be used for reading your BSB titles on your Android Device.
WordPlayer Mobipocket or ePub formatted)
- First install the WordPlayer e-book reading app from the Android Marketplace onto you phone.
- Plug your phone into the computer with a USB cable. calibre should automatically detect the phone.
- Transfer books to your device by clicking the Send to Device button
Aldiko (ePub format only)
The instructions for uploading eBooks to Aldiko have been well documented on the Aldiko website. Please visit their FAQ for detailed instructions.
fbReader for Google Android (ePub format only)
Place your ePub file in the Books directory on your SD Card.
To transfer your Mobipocket file to your Apple Devices, Sony Reader, Barnes and Noble NOOK or Kobo eReader you will first need to install the Calibre eBook Library
management tool. The application can be found at the Calibre website. http://calibre-ebook.com/download
There is a demo video on the site that provides step by step instructions on how to install the application and also how the transfer files to
your device. You can also transfer books using the following instructions if you don't want to watch the video.
These instructions assume the software has already been installed and are limited to just the transferring of books to your device. The Calibre application can be used for other task that
are better explained by viewing the user documentation at the Calibre website .
- Launch Calibre.
- Attach your reading device to your computer using the supplied USB cable and wait for Calibre to recognize your device. You will know that your device has been recognized
when it appears like the image below.
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Select "Add Book" and the select the book from your drive that you want to add to your device.
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Once the book of your choice is listed, select the "Send to Device" option and the Mobipocket book with automatically be converted
to a Sony or nook compatible format and transferred to your device. Wait until you have been notified that the conversion/transfer process
has completed before you remove your device.
Windows Mobile Devices supports two of the eBook formats provided by BSB. You can read the
Mobipocket(.prc) and the Adobe (.pdf) formats.
If you purchase a mobipocket(.prc) file and you are using a PC the easiest way to transfer
your eBook to your device is via Mobipocket Reader. You can download the software from the
Mobipocket Website. Make sure you select the Windows Mobile version of the software. Download Mobipocket
Reader.
- Connect your Windows Mobile device to your PC. Mobipocket Desktop eBook Reader should
recognize any reading device on first connection and install the appropriate mobile reader
automatically. If you device is not recognized, you can manually add your device by doing the
following.
- On the bar along the left side of the screen, click "Reading Devices"
- On the bar along the top, click "Install new Device"
- Select your device.
- Follow the instructions to synch your device and load Mobipocket Reader installation
files on your device
- Open your eBook in Mobipocket Reader by either double clicking your .prc file or by opening
the file via Mobipocket Reader (File -> Open)
- On the bar along the top of the screen, click "Send" and then select your device. Your
books should be sent to your device immediately.
If you need more specific information, please refer to the Mobipocket Support website.
If you purchase an Adobe(.pdf) file you will need a pdf viewer installed on your Windows
Mobile device. Transfer your eBook to your device using the instructions provide by the
manufacturer of your device.
Blackberry supports two of the eBook formats provided by BSB. You can read the
Mobipocket(.prc) and the Adobe (.pdf) formats.
If you purchase a mobipocket(.prc) file and you are using a PC the easiest way to transfer
your eBook to your device is via Mobipocket Reader. You can download the software from the
Mobipocket Website. Make sure you select the Blackberry version of the software. Download Mobipocket
Reader.
- Connect your Windows Mobile device to your PC. Mobipocket Desktop eBook Reader should
recognize any reading device on first connection and install the appropriate mobile reader
automatically. If you device is not recognized, you can manually add your device by doing the
following.
- On the bar along the left side of the screen, click "Reading Devices"
- On the bar along the top, click "Install new Device"
- Select your device.
- Follow the instructions to synch your device and load Mobipocket Reader installation
files on your device
- Open your eBook in Mobipocket Reader by either double clicking your .prc file or by opening
the file via Mobipocket Reader (File -> Open)
- On the bar along the top of the screen, click "Send" and then select your device. Your
books should be sent to your device immediately.
If you need more specific information, please refer to the Mobipocket Support website.
If you purchase an Adobe(.pdf) file you will need a pdf viewer installed on your Blackberry.
Transfer your eBook to your device using the instructions provide by the manufacturer of your
device.
Palm OS devices support two of the eBook formats provided by BSB. You can read the
Mobipocket(.prc) and the Adobe (.pdf) formats.
If you purchase a mobipocket(.prc) file and you are using a PC the easiest way to transfer
your eBook to your device is via Mobipocket Reader. You can download the software from the
Mobipocket Website. Make sure you select the Blackberry version of the software. Download Mobipocket
Reader.
- Connect your Palm OS device to your PC. Run Mobipocket Desktop eBook Reader and then run
HotSync with your Palm OS device. After the HotSync is completed, Mobipocket reader should
automatically recognize your device. If you device is not recognized, you can manually add
your device by doing the following.
- On the bar along the left side of the screen, click "Reading Devices"
- On the bar along the top, click "Install new Device"
- Select your device.
- Follow the instructions to synch your device and load Mobipocket Reader installation
files on your device
- Open your eBook in Mobipocket Reader by either double clicking your .prc file or by opening
the file via Mobipocket Reader (File -> Open)
- On the bar along the top of the screen, click "Send" and then select your device. Perform a
HotSync on your Palm OS Device to transfer your eBook.
If you need more specific information, please refer to the Mobipocket Support website.
If you purchase an Adobe(.pdf) file you will need a pdf viewer installed on your Blackberry.
Transfer your eBook to your device using the instructions provide by the manufacturer of your
device.
Revised:
12/07/10.