eBook Reader Source

For those that want to read protected Mobi Pocket eBooks on their Kindles, Igor Skochinsky has created some Python files that allow you to do just that.

This comes in very handy if you want to be able to read eBooks from your public library. See my other article on why your public library should be used for finding eBooks:

Don’t Forget Your Public Library!- A Great Source for Free eBooks and Other Digital Media

Where to Download the Tools and Instructions

Kindle MobiPocket Tools- You need to download the MobiPocket Tools from Igor’s blog.

Instructions on How to Install- This is taken from a post by Knitterific on the Amazon forums on how to install and use the Kindle Mobi Pocket Tools. The instructions are below. (note: I have added section headers for better readability but this is otherwise all the work of Knitterific and all credit goes to them for writing this)

Where to Download Python

“To run the scripts you need Python. If you have a Mac, it’s installed by default. For Windows you should be able to go to http://www.python.org/download/ , pick the “2.5.1 Windows Installer - Windows Binary does not include source” and install that. Leave everything at defaults and you should be fine.

Verify Your Python Installation

Verify your Python interpreter is working. On Mac type Terminal into Spotlight on the top right and pick the result under Applications with the icon that looks like a black and white computer screen. On Windows go to Start –> Run put cmd in the field and press OK. Both should open a small text based Window. Type python and hit enter. If installed correctly you should see a line or two with some copyright dates and such and the last line should be “>>>” and a blinking cursor. Hit Ctrl-D to quit — this should return you to the original prompt which looks something like “knitterifics-computer: knitterific$” on mac or “C:\Documents and Settings\Knitterific>” on Windows.

If you saw the >>> line, you can continue.

Put Files in Correct Directory

Now, you need to be in the same directory as your Igorsk scripts (kindlefix.py and kindlepid.py) and for simplicity any books you’re trying to work with. If you aren’t comfortable with the command line, I would keep them on my Desktop in both OS’s.

By default these directions should get you where you want to be. Use the window we already have open, or follow the directions above to open a Terminal window or Command Prompt. Type “cd Desktop” without quotes (capitalization matters). To make sure you’re in the right spot type “ls kindle*.py” on mac or “dir kindle*.py” on Windows. Look for kindlefix.py and kindlepid.py to be displayed. If you see “File Not Found” or “No Such File or Directory” either you didn’t put the Igorsk scripts on your Desktop or you made an error in the “cd Desktop” command. Try closing the window and doing it again.

Getting Your Device PID Number

First we need your PID — this is the device ID that you put into Overdrive to lock the books to your Kindle. type “python kindlepid.py putserialnumberhere” (take gray cover off back it’s printed there). Use the same capitalization as printed on the Kindle. The result should be “Mobipocket PID for Kindle Serial # is <PID here>”. Write down PID. You only need to do this step once.

Download a Book From Your Library to Test

Go to your library, add the PID to your account, checkout a book, save the file on your desktop. I will use MapOfBones.prc as my example, change it to the filename of your book.

Use a terminal/cmd prompt window following the directions above to make sure you are in your Desktop and your Igorsk scripts are there. Now do “ls *.prc” on mac or “dir *.prc” on Windows. You should see the book you just downloaded listed on the screen. If not, either you didn’t put the book on your Desktop or you are in the wrong directory. Reread and try again.
You have your Overdrive book, your PID, and are in the right directory in your terminal/cmd window. Type “python kindlefix.py MapOfBones.prc PIDGOESHERE”. Capitalization matters. You should see a message that indicates it’s successful.

Copying the Book to Your Kindle

If you close the window and look at your desktop you should see another file with the same name but with .azw as the extension. This is the one we want to keep. This is the one you want to copy to your Kindle.

Sometimes the computer hides the extension and makes it hard to tell the difference between the original and .azw. Right click on the icon and select Properties on Windows or Get Info on Mac. You want the one that says “Type of file: AZW file” on Windows or under “Name & Extension” on Mac make sure it ends in .azw.

Connect Kindle via USB. It should show up as a disk drive. Open the Kindle drive, double click on Documents, and drag that .azw file into the Documents folder. Then Eject the kindle, disconnect USB, and check your home screen for success! You should also be able to attach and email it to your Kindle email address if you don’t mind paying the $0.10.

The Kindle will delete the file when your rental period expires.”