Extra Thimian

Ever since I found the Baen Free Library, I fell in love with eBooks, and their convenience (even though I still prefer dead-tree editions).

Ever since I got an iPod Touch, I’ve been reading eBooks on the go. At least, as far as Stanza’s library of content allowed. Which, while extensive, doesn’t cover my taste in light entertainment.

In theory, Stanza Desktop allows me to sync my eBooks with my iPhone, but since Stanza insists on its own version of Bonjour (and with Apple’s software I’m loathe to replace what comes with iTunes), this never worked out.

Until I discovered Calibre, that is.

Stanza has the ability to add content libraries (Random House offers a channel of free books exclusive to Stanza users, that alone makes Stanza worth checking out).

First, grab Calibre and Stanza from its website, and the iTunes App Store, respectively.

Once Calibre is started, add the eBooks you want to get on your iPod (or all of them). Calibre supports several formats, it seems, my collection is in .lit (MS Reader) and, now, ePub formats.

Once you have imported them, you’ll have to convert them. Calibre fortunately picks a sane default format (ePub), which Stanza understands.

After the conversion is finished, go to Calibre’s Preferences, select Content Server, and pick Start Server. You can test its functunality with the provided button: This will open the server’s website in your default browser.

Now all you need to do is configuring Stanza to access your eBook library.

From Stanza’s Library, Select Online Catalog:

Once there, touch the plus, and select “Add Website”.

In the new screen, enter Name, and the IP address of your computer, plus Calibre’s port:

Obciously, your iPod/iPhone has to be connect to the local WiFi in order to access your library. Now, with the touch of a button, you can get all your eBooks on your iPod, too.

Downside: There is no syncing for bookmarks / reading state for eBooks you happen to read on your PC.

Filed under: English Language Posts, Gadgets, Media by Phill