Note: It is not possible to read Adobe DRM protected ebooks on the Kindle. Do not buy a Kindle ebook reader (besides Kindle Fire) with the expectation that you will be able to read DRM protected ebooks that you have previously downloaded to Adobe Digital Editions.
For details on what types of ebooks can be read on the Kindle, see below.
E-Ink devices like the those described below are smaller, cheaper and lighter than tablets. However, the real advantage lies with the e-Ink screen technology which is easier on the eyes, has less glare problems and uses less power than the LCD screen used on a tablet. E-Ink technology only uses power to redraw the page and isn’t backlit, so you need a light to read by as with a real book.
Sony Reader, Kobo eReaders and Nook Ebook Readers use Adobe Digital Editions to transfer ebooks in PDF or ePub format protected with Adobe DRM from the computer to the device. Amazon Kindle does not use Adobe Digital Editions.
As given here (see the question 'What is the maximum number of computers and devices that I can authorize?' you are able to download or transfer the same ebook to up to 6 computers and devices that have been authorized with the same Adobe ID number.
With the exception of Kindle Fire (which allows you to download the Bluefire app), Kindle ebook readers can only access DRM protected ebooks that are protected with its own proprietary DRM (Kindle DRM). It is not possible to read Adobe DRM protected ebooks on the Kindle. Do not buy a Kindle ebook reader (besides Kindle Fire) with the expectation that you will be able to read DRM protected ebooks that you have previously downloaded to Adobe Digital Editions. However, the Kindle does support DRM-free PDF's. Simply hook up your Kindle to your computer through a USB cable and drag-and-drop the PDF's from your computer to the Kindle.
The Kindle also supports DRM free ePub files (like those you download from Google Books) however they must be converted from ePub into a file format the Kindle can understand such as PDF or MOBI. To do this you need Calibre - an ebook management and ebook file converter available for free download to your computer or if you don't want to bother with Calibre's tricky user interface there’s also RetroRead, a free site/service that converts DRM free ePub files to the Kindle-compatible MOBI file format suitable for reading on the Kindle.
There is a Kindle app optimized for the PC and MAC as well as Apple devices (iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch), Android devices and Windows Phone 7 devices giving users the ability to read purchased Kindle ebooks on different devices. Amazon Whispersync automatically syncs your last page read, bookmarks, notes, and highlights across devices (including the Kindle), so you can pick up where you left off on another device. For information on how to do this, go to the Kindle App (from Amazon) information on the Ebook Reading Apps for Smartphones/Tablet Devices page. 73 Places For Free Kindle eBooks Online (Legally)
Connect your Kobo into the USB drive on your computer. Adobe Digital Editions should prompt you to authorize your Kobo. Use the same Adobe ID as you used to authorize Adobe Digital Editions on your computer. Adobe Digital Editions will now recognize your Kobo and will list it within the Bookshelves area of the Adobe Digital Editions window.
In Adobe Digital Editions make sure you are still in the Library viewing mode. To move ebooks onto the Kobo simply drag and drop them to the Kobo icon. After copying the ebook/s to the Kobo, “eject” the Kobo from your computer and safely unplug the USB cable. The ebook/s should appear on your Kobo. If the ebook/s do not appear, try restarting the Kobo.
Connect your Nook into the USB drive on your computer. Open Adobe Digital Editions. Adobe Digital Editions will now recognize your Nook and the Device Setup Assistant box should appear. Adobe Digital Editions should prompt you to authorize your Nook. Use the same Adobe ID as you used to authorize Adobe Digital Editions on your computer.
In Adobe Digital Editions make sure you are still in the Library viewing mode. To move ebooks onto the Nook simply drag and drop them to the Nook icon on the left-hand side of Adobe Digital Editions. After copying the ebook/s to the Nook, “eject” the Nook from your computer and safely unplug the USB cable. The ebook/s should appear on your Nook. If the ebook/s do not appear, try restarting the Nook. (Be aware that currently you cannot buy ebooks for the Nook from the Barnes & Noble Bookstore outside of the U.S.)
