I've been playing around with Calibre and found some books I want, which don't come from BN. Went through the tutorial so I'm comfortable nagivating around basically, I think. I have a Nook Color.

Now, my question and it's more something I want to double check. I noticed the "red lock" next to a few of the book selections -- mostly by the Amazon choices. I also noticed the "question mark" by other selections -- I also noticed that they're mostly by the BN choices. I'm guessing that it doesn't matter what I download because Calibre will take care of the format conversion, correct? And when I move it over to my Nook (which I understand goes to the downloads) it should be formatted so I can read it? I know Nook Color reads ePub but I'm not sure if there is anything else other than txt.

I just want to make sure before I purchase a couple things from Amazon that it'll convert automatically to ePub.

Has anyone had a case where something didn't format correctly through Calibre and you got it from a source that normally wouldn't be compatable with your ereader?

I'm guessing that it doesn't matter what I download because Calibre will take care of the format conversion, correct?

Susan, yes and no.  If the books you are looking at have DRM then in order for you to read them on your Nook color you have to strip the DRM and then convert the book to a different format.  Calibre does this but it does take a little bit of work and you have to get some plug-ins.  The software to strip DRM does not come standard to Calibre.  (ETA: everything is still free)

And when I move it over to my Nook (which I understand goes to the downloads) it should be formatted so I can read it?

Yes, before you move any book to your Nook make sure it is in a format that can be read.

I know Nook Color reads ePub but I'm not sure if there is anything else other than txt.

Nook Colors do read other formats but ePub is an industry standard.  Outside of Mobi (Amazon's format) ePub is the most widely used.  From Wikipedia this is what Nook Colors can read: Supported file formats include EPUB (DRM and non-DRM), PDF, Microsoft Office formats (DOC, DOCX, XLS, PPT, etc.), TXT, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, MP3, AAC, and MP4.

Emily linked to a couple of great blogs with directions for stripping the DRM here. I did it over the last weekend and all of the Amazon DRM protected books I bought converted and loaded on the Nook just fine. Personally, I feel if you purchase the book and there is technology that lets you convert it, do it. I found 3 WL books for 99 cents each at Amazon that B&N didn't have available anywhere near that price, so score for me.

You also need to set the preferences in Calibre to your specific eReader.  This selects the page size.  I have to change it when I switch eReaders.  Otherwise I can end up with large white spaces and funky line spacing.

If the books you are looking at have DRM then in order for you to read them on your Nook color you have to strip the DRM and then convert the book to a different format. Calibre does this but it does take a little bit of work and you have to get some plug-ins.

Oh bummer. Thought it sounded too easy! lol How did you guys figure this out? Or is it in the Calibre directions somewhere? What other plug ins?  (Figured it out)

You also need to set the preferences in Calibre to your specific eReader.

Is this in the directions too? I know when I set it up I told Calibre what ereader I had.

Maybe I'll just got to fictionwise. It seems easier.  What program do I need to download on my computer to use Fictionwise? The only one I see mentioned is ADE but then, won't the only format I can read be PDF? Can I use Nook for PC to download from Fictionwise? And then move it over after I've attaced my Nook with the USB cord?

(ETA: Fictionwise is owned by BN??!?!? They should make it easier then to download for us Nook users!

Thanks Emily ....

Do you happen to know how I would know if a book is DRM-less? Will it come out and say it's non secure?

I default to ADE being as I am a heavy library user. So far all I've used Calibre for is conversions. Fictionwise - if it downloads in a PDF, you will still have to manually go put the PDF into ADE and then sync the Nook. If it is in Epub, it will auto-load right into ADE.

!!!! Check the publisher on every book before you hit the go button at Fictionwise. I didn't catch that the ones I wanted were Samhain so none of the discount codes applied. I ended up paying 4.50 a book. I got steamed because the exact same book at B&N was 3.60 and had LendMe capabilities. Just because FW is a B&N company does not mean it will have the same or better pricing. Grrrr.

I will often open eBooks in ADE, then transfer them to Calibre.

Ok, going to download ADE in a little bit. If I choose this route, how do I move the books from ADE to Calibre?

I default to ADE being as I am a heavy library user.

Once I get it downloaded, I see myself borrowing library ebooks.

Fictionwise - if it downloads in a PDF, you will still have to manually go put the PDF into ADE and then sync the Nook.

What does this mean? I'm a total dolt when it comes to terminology. How do I "put" the PDF into ADE? And how do I sync it? Won't it auto sync?

What other programs, aside from ADE, does Fictionwise use? I'm guessing you can use the Kindle and nook aps if using a smart phone? What about Nook for PC -- can you download from Fictionwise into that and then move to the Nook Color?

Calibre has a big button in the top corner to add books.  Click the button, select the Digital Editions folder, then the file.  (Making sure that you select the Digital Editions folder, so it has already been entered into ADE to unlock.)  The formatting (AKA stripping DRM) happens as the books get added as long as you have added that option.

Nancy is using ADE to load her Nook.  I use Calibre to load mine.  There is a button to send books to your Nook once your eReader USB is plugged in.   And the option to review what is on the Nook and remove books. 

I select ePubs from Fictionwise whenever I can. 

I believe that ADE requires you to register all your devices that you will use.  (Unless you unlock, then move.)  Kindle also requires the device to be registered, but they are much easier to navigate.

(Have I mentioned that I hate ADE?  It is lacking in help or directions.  Adobe aims it's services towards big corporate computer users.  Their website and help is very confusing and is not aimed at the digitally slow.  Calibre has an overload of help, so it is often hard to find a specific topic.  But it is there.  Often repeatedly, with blogs to explain to the confused.   Adobe does not care about us small time users.  They do not explain things.  Not even how to register your device.  Nasty.)

Have I mentioned that I hate ADE?

LOL Maybe once or twice!

I think I'm going to stick to ePubs on Fictionwise too. Much easier.

And, I have success! I downloaded ADE. Borrowed my first library book and got it successfully on my Nook. And I can read it -- it transfered nicely. I also successfully transfered that library book to Calibre as well. So now I just have to figure out which one I want to use on a regular basis.

I think stripping the DRM is a bit complicated for me right now -- I told my DD and she's going to download the plugins and try it first.

I feel successful! lol

Thanks for all the help. I do have another question that I'm going to pose in a different thread.

If I can do it, anybody can do it. Right now I'm downloading my first audiobook from the library and has that turned out to be more complicated getting set up than I planned! But I'm waiting to see how this first one does with loading onto the Ipod and then if the second one goes smoother once all the needed software is installed from the start.