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This page compiles the most frequently asked questions on the ‘Mobipocket Format’. If you still feel the need for more information, kindly visit the ‘Help Desk’ and let us know. We will get back to you immediately with the information you are looking for.

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Mobipocket Reader FAQsGeneral FAQs

What is the Personal ID or PID?

The Personal ID (PID) is an unique identifier of your PDA (the PDA "serial number"), and is displayed in the ‘About’ box of the Mobipocket Reader. While downloading your eBook you are required to key in the PID to encrypt the book for your PDA. Follow the steps below, to find out the Personal ID (PID) of your device (the illustration below models a Palm OS).

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If I have erroneously entered an incorrect PID value, can I still download and read my eBook ?

You can download your eBook but you will be unable to read it on your PDA, the reason being that your eBooks are downloaded only to the device identified by the PID value keyed in by you at the time of download. If this value is erroneous, your book will anyway be downloaded onto your PC desktop, but will fail to successfully synchronize with your device, in which case you cannot open it on your PDA. In such an eventuality, please communicate the details via the Help Desk and we will resolve the issue in the best way possible.

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I keyed in the correct PID value of 10 characters, but received a ‘Wrong Personal ID’ message ?

Although MobiPocket version 4 supports 10 characters as a valid PID value, please ensure that you key in the first 8 characters of your PID only, irrespective of the version in use. The last two characters are merely used to calculate a checksum and are not mandatory. Exceeding 8 characters might result in the error as mentioned above. Also PID values are case-sensitive and cannot contain spaces; hence make sure that you enter the PID number correctly (in the right case and without any spaces).

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Can I read my eBooks on any PDA platform ?

The Mobipocket Reader is the Universal Reader for all major PDA platforms. A list of supported PDA platforms on Windows 95/98/NT/2000 is given below:

  • PalmOS 3.x, 4.x: Palm (Palm III, IIIx, IIIe, IIIc, V, Vx, Ve, M100/105/125/500/505/515), Handspring (Visor), TRGPro, Sony Clie, IBM Workpad
  • Windows CE 2.x, 3.x: Palm-size PC, Handheld PC, HPC Pro (HP, Compaq, Casio...)
  • Pocket PC 2000/2002 (HP, Compaq, Casio)
  • Epoc32: Psion Serie 5, Serie 5mx, Serie 7, Revo, OSARIS, Diamond Mako...
  • Franklin: eBookMan Series 900, 901, 911
  • Nokia: 9210, 9290
  • Casio BE-300

Note, however, that if you are a Mac user, you can read your eBooks only on the Palm OS platform.

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I do not have any PDA, just a PC or a Mac. Can I buy eBooks to read them on my computer?

Yes. You can read Mobipocket eBooks on your PC with Windows system using the Mobipocket Reader for PC (the Mobipocket Reader Emulator cannot open encrypted eBooks). You cannot read Mobipocket eBooks directly on your Macintosh.

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What are the system requirements for the Mobipocket Format ?

  1. Minimum system requirements for the ‘ Mobipocket Format’ on Windows platform:
    • Windows 95/98/NT/2000 with an Internet connection (Internet Explorer 4.0 required as a minimum)
    • Palm Desktop or PsiWin (2.1 or 2.3) or eBookMan Desktop Manager or ActiveSync 3.1 or PC Connect for CASSIOPEA
    • Palm OS (3.0 and above), Windows CE (2.0 and above)/ Pocket PC, Epoc32 or Franklin eBookMan OS on your PDA
  2. Minimum system requirements for the Mac platform (Palm OS only) :
    • Linux, Unix or MacOS installed on your computer and the Palm Desktop software
    • Palm OS (version 3.0 or above) on your PDA

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How do I download my eBook?

Before you download your eBook, you will need to download the Mobipocket Reader Software, which enables you to read your eBook on your preferred platform. The Mobipocket Reader is available for download and use on two platforms viz. PC and PDAs. Mobipocket eBooks can be read on all major PDA platforms including Palm OS, Windows CE/Pocket PC, Psion (Epoc 32), Franklin eBookman, Nokia and Casio BE-300, as well as on your PC. Choose the appropriate Reader to download the same. Once the Reader download is complete, download your eBook by clicking the ‘Start Wizard’ button and following the screen instructions.

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Can I transfer an ebook from the PC library to my PDA?

Yes. The Mobipocket Reader for PC includes a ‘Send to PDA’ option that enables smooth transfer of titles from the PC Library to your PDA.

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Can I read the purchased Mobipocket eBook on PC and PDA at the same time?

Yes. Our Mobipocket ebooks include multiple PID support. Hence, you can read your Mobipocket ebook on the PC and the PDA at the same time.

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Can I add my own notes to my eBook?

Yes. The Mobipocket Reader brings completeness and versatility to your reading experience with features like touch-screen page turning, bookmarking, adjustable font size and color, full text search. Click here to read more about the Mobipocket Reader format.

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How secure are my eBooks? How can I prevent my books from being illegally accessed or distributed ?

Your Mobipocket eBook downloads are authenticated on the basis of the ‘PID’ value keyed in at the time of download. This PID value is encrypted and is unique to your device and ensures that your eBooks are downloaded and accessed only by the device identified by this PID value. This prevents unauthorised access or distribution of your purchased content.

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How can I recover my eBooks in the event of a system crash or a device change ?

Mobipocket eBook downloads follow the ‘PID’ security model, which controls and authorises access to content on the basis of the encrypted PID value of your PDA. The PID (Personal Identification Number) uniquely identifies your PDA and all eBooks purchased by you will be readable only on the device identified by this PID.

In the event of a system crash, all you need to do is re-install your device's Desktop Software. Your eBooks on the PDA are secure and will not be affected.

If a system crash occurs on your PDA device, simply ‘Hotsync’ your titles again from your desktop to the device, as all your titles are stored on your desktop and can be retrieved at anytime.

But if you lose your device or buy a new one, then a simple redownload or hotsync will not suffice, as your PID value will have changed and the books currently in your account are locked to the earlier PID. In such an eventuality, kindly communicate the details to us via the Help Desk.

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Can I build my own digital library and search across all my titles?

All titles purchased by you are automatically shelved in the appropriate format bookshelf created for you in your personal library. When you buy a Mobipocket eBook it is shelved in ‘Your Mobipocket Bookshelf’ section of your Download Centre, from where you can easily access and download your title at anytime. As of now titles on the shelves cannot be searched, either on individual formats or across different formats.

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