Format Compatibility

• Most of the books sold by Barnes & Noble for the Nook e-reader are distributed in the ePub file format. A few older books are still distributed in the older, eReader format with the .pdb file extension. Sony Readers do not support this file format. Because the Nook Color, Barnes & Noble’s newest reader, does not support the older eReader format, it may be phased out.
  
  

Digital Rights Management

• The Sony and Nook readers support the ePub format. The compatibility issue stems from the way DRM is implemented on each device. It is possible to purchase a DRM-protected e-book from the Sony bookseller’s site, download the Adobe DRM software, register your device and read that book on your Nook reader. Unfortunately, due to the bookseller’s DRM implementation, this process will not transfer a book purchased on the Barnes & Noble site to a Sony Reader.
  
  

Exceptions

• Books purchased through other vendors without DRM protection will work on both devices. The Sony Reader & Nook support plain text, Adobe’s PDF and the ePub format. Reading material in this category can be viewed or shared on either device.
  
  

Purchasing Considerations

• The initial purchase price of a reading device shouldn’t be your only criteria when shopping for a new reader. This is particularly true when you have an existing library of e-books. Depending on the size of your existing collection, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a slightly more expensive reader that is compatible with your favorite vendor’s specifications as well as your current electronic reading material.