Help – eBooks and eReaders
Customer Notice for Mac OS Lion users - we have been advised that many Adobe products including Digital Editions are encountering problems with Lion. We strongly recommend that Lion users investigate current issues with Adobe before purchasing any eBooks that have DRM and therefore require Digital Editions. This includes all eBooks from Foyles.
What are eBooks?
eBook stands for 'electronic book'. This is a digital version of a printed book and can be read on computers, smart phones, eBook readers and other electronic devices. The text can appear as a digitised version of the printed book or can be more interactive, depending on the device and format. The most suitable eBook format for you will depend on what you want from your eBook and what operating system you have. See below for a brief description of the different formats.
What eBook formats do you sell?
We sell Adobe (PDF); Adobe (ePub) and Audio MP3.
Please note ALL these include Digital Rights Management (DRM) and therefore any device you plan to read the eBook on must accept eBooks with DRM. ALL the eReaders Foyles sell are DRM compatible.
In order to download these eBooks you will require Adobe Digital Editions, as this manages the DRM for the publisher. This makes these formats different from ePub and PDFs without DRM. An Adobe PDF reader or ePub reader not compatible with Adobe DE will not work.
If a product is listed in these formats it means there is not a version of this product without DRM available to buy although other titles may be available without DRM. Information on DRM
More information on Adobe Digital Editions:
Adobe can be used on Windows and Mac computers, most eBook readers, smartphones and palm devices. Our latest information is that it cannot be used on the Apple Ipad but that once downloaded using ADE the titles can be transferred to the Ipad. We therefore strongly recommend that you check with the manufacturer or your manual to see if your device is compatible before buying any eBook from any supplier. You will need an Adobe ID for each computer on which you'd like to read your book; this will be automatically issued to you when you install Adobe Reader with Digital Editions. Adobe is available in two formats, PDF and ePub . You will need to download Adobe Digital Editions, which is available free. If you are being prompted to install Adobe even though you already have it on your system, this may be because a new edition has become available. In such cases Foyles strongly recommends upgradingm as some new eBooks may not work with older versions of Adobe (see below). You can check the systems requirements for Adobe digital Editions here.
NB: It is very important that the Adobe Digital Edition software is kept up to date. If you refuse an Adobe update, the software automatically provides something called a 'shortcut file' instead. You will then find that, although you can carry on using Adobe DE for eBooks that have previously been downloaded, you will be unable to download or view new items until you complete the upgrade.
When you do accept the option to upgrade to the latest edition, the shortcut file will automatically complete the downloads of all eBooks that you attempted whilst the Adobe DE was out of date. This is done without you having to connect back to the eBook provider, as all the information is kept in the shortcut file.
Because this is Open Source software, it can be used on ANY device that can read DRM-wrapped PDF or Epub. However, devices that have their own software and elibraries can still use Adobe PDF and Epub, although once in the software provider's elibrary, the book cannot be transferred to anything except their devices.
This means that, for example, a Sony Reader owner who chooses to use a Sony Library instead of the Adobe Elibrary, will only ever be able to use books on a Sony device. A Sony Reader owner who uses the Adobe Elibrary can transfer their books to their Sony Reader and any other device they want – within what is permitted under DRM.
A very useful site for further help and FAQs relating to Adobe is http://forums.adobe.com/community/adobe_digital_editions
or
http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/faq/
Adobe (PDF)
This is a fixed-format digital version of a book, designed to resemble the printed version as closely as possible. Some devices will allow you to change the size of the text but not generally to make formatting changes, such as changing page breaks, adding annotations, and so on. Zooming and panning are possible.
Please note these PDFs include Digital Rights Management and require Adobe Digital Editions to be downloadable not just the standard Adobe PDF reader.
Adobe (ePub)
ePub stands for Electronic Publication Format. It is an open source format that can be used by anyone to create an eBook. With ePub you can decide how you read your book regardless of which device you are using. It allows you to re-flow the text, adjust the font size and change the style and page size.
Please note these ePubs include Digital Rights Management and requires Adobe Digital Editions to be downloadable.
Audio MP3:
These audio eBooks can be downloaded to your MP3 player,iPod or iPhone by adding them to your itunes library, or onto your MP3 player library. Before making a purchase, please consult your PC or other device's instructions to check which formats are suitable, as refunds are not available.
How many times can I download my eBook from Foyles?
You can usually download the eBook up to 3 times from the eBookshelf page on your website (though publishers have the right to vary this). This should allow you to re-try if you encounter any problems with your initial attempt. It also allows you to download the eBook to a new eLibrary should the existing version be lost for any reason.
We strongly recommend that if you encounter any error messages during downloading you use these to check with the software provider, your Internet Service Provider or Foyles Customer Services before attempting your third download. After 3 downloads a message will tell you that you have reached your download limit. Please note that as most other error messages relate to your local PC or internet service, contacting Foyles Customer Services should really be your last resort.
How many times can I download the book once it is in my elibrary on my device or PC?
Each format has its own rules about how many times you can download an eBook and to how many different devices. Please check with your software provider.
In addition the Digital Rights Management set by the publisher will override default format settings. See What is DRM – Digital Rights Management?
Can I print my eBook?
The publisher of some Adobe eBooks may allow you to print a limited number of pages, depending on the individual title. This is built into the Digital Rights Management. You will need to check with the publisher of the specific book you are concerned about.
What is DRM – Digital Rights Management?
DRM is an encryption layer that allows the publisher to prevent the illegal copying, printing or sharing of files, and may restrict the number of times a product can be downloaded. If an eBook has DRM status, it can be read only on authorised computers or handheld devices by authorised users. In order to find out what restrictions apply please contact the publisher of the product you are interested in, as DRM information is not available to retailers, although customers using Adobe will be able to obtain this information once the book is in their elibrary.
ALL the eReaders that Foyles sell are DRM compatible. The Bebook Neo allows Adobe Digital Editions to be loaded onto the device itself, which allows eBooks to be bought directly onto the device.
Digital Rights Management is only added at the point when the product is downloaded. This is because the DRM needs a specific code to tie the purchase to the customer. This is called different things by the format providers, but each of them has some sort of ID number that you will be required to enter – for example, Adobe User ID.
Although DRM is controlled by the publisher and can vary, the most common standard is that the DRM will allow you to download to 6 different devices BUT those devices will need to be registered to the ID number. So, for example, when you create an Adobe User ID, you list the devices that you will want to download your books to. You can then add to or amend the list of devices but always keeping within your allowance of 6.
If you are downloading an eBook using a Sony ID, then you will always have to use Sony devices for further downloads of that book.
As the publisher determines whether the eBook includes DRM rather than the retailer we cannot remove or amend it. Should the publisher allow the eBook to be sold without DRM, Foyles will certainly do so. Many free and out of copyright eBooks do not have DRM.
Will my book always be available once I have paid for it and downloaded it?
Yes, once you have successfully downloaded your eBook, it is yours to read as many times as you like. However, like any other electronic file, it must be properly saved in order to be retrieved. The procedure for saving files varies between formats, if in doubt, please check with your software provider.
As you can download the item up to 3 times you can also re-download to your elibrary should you need to. See also: How many times can I download the eBook from Foyles?
How do I see all available eBook formats for a title?
You can use our Quick Search or Advanced Search to see all available versions of a particular title. ISBN searches will usually display only the one format related to that ISBN. This is true of all types of books whether paperback, hardback, audio CD or eBook. However, on occasion, publishers may have used the same ISBN for more than one format. In these cases, performing a title or other search will yield more than one result, depending on how many different books have been allocated the same ISBN, although it will be clear from the search results list which format/s are available.
If you want to browse our entire eBook selection, use the Browse by option to choose the format eBook. You can further refine this by eBook format and/or cross-reference by a particular subject.
Do I purchase an eBook as I would any other book?
Yes, these appear in your shopping basket as normal and you use the Checkout to complete the purchase. If you are purchasing only eBooks and already have a Foyles Login, you will be taken to the Preferences and Gift Message screen, followed by the Payment Details. This is because a delivery address is not required. However, if you are purchasing physical books too, the delivery page will be displayed.
If you do not already have a Foyles Login you will also be asked to input Billing address details.
When is payment taken and do I get a receipt?
As with all purchases on the website, we do not charge your credit card on the website; we do, however, reserve the funds when your card is checked during checkout. eBooks are provided to you as soon as the Checkout is completed.
Once the order is downloaded payment will be completed using your chosen payment type and you will be emailed your invoice, which is also your receipt. If you ordered physical books at the same time, the invoice may be included with their delivery instead of being emailed.
Can I put books and eBooks in the same basket?
Yes, you can put any combination of products in the same basket.
My total order comes to more than £10 but the amount spent on books is less than £10 – am I still eligible for the free postage offer?
Yes, you will still be eligible for free postage on the books in your basket, even if their total cost is under £10.00.
Do I have to pay VAT on eBooks?
eBooks are subject to VAT, and the VAT component is included in the purchase price shown. The VAT amount will be displayed on your invoice-receipt.
Customers outside of the EU or who have VAT-exempt status for any reason should use normal channels to reclaim any VAT charged. However, if you wish to arrange in advance with Foyles not to be charged VAT please contact Customer Services before placing your order.
How will it be delivered to me?
Once you have completed your order the eBook should be ready to download. Click on the eBookshelf link at the top right of every page on the website. You will need to login into your account.
Then you will be shown all the eBook titles you have ordered from Foyles, with the most recent listed at the top of the page. The status of the order will be displayed for each item. Items that are ready will display as 'Click here to: Download.'
Click Download: A new screen will open. The screen shown will depend on the format of the eBook you have chosen to buy.
Adobe requires software to download orders, which will be offered to you should you not already have downloaded it. Please note that the software and the downloads facility using this software are not guaranteed by Foyles.
When you have the download software and choose to download the file, normally you will have the choice of whether to open the File or Save it. Foyles recommends that you follow the standard instructions of your software provider. Again, we are not responsible for the download process.
What if the download is not available on the eBookshelf?
If the eBook is not yet ready to be downloaded the status of the eBook will say 'Check Status'. Please click on this to get the latest information. If the eBook has become ready the status will change to 'Click here to: Download.'
If there has been an error in receiving the eBook from our supplier this will be displayed to you. Please contact our Customer Services team on orders@foyles.co.uk or telephone us on +44 (0)20 7437 5660 with the details from the eBookshelf screen.
You have not yet been charged for the product and we will only do so once the eBook has been made available for download to you.
What if I can't download it?
Foyles are deemed to have provided the product to you when it is ready to download from our website. At this point it is your choice when and how to download it. We cannot take responsibility for the download process as this uses software and hardware that we do not control.
Please be aware that Internet Security Protocols can hinder or completely prevent downloads. Please check your software provider's instructions on what settings can impact on downloads. As a rule of thumb, anyone using blanket settings of High Security will not be able to download. That is true of all downloading from the internet, not just eBooks.
If you are encountering difficulties, please also see the section on Adobe in What eBook formats do you sell?
If you do encounter any errors in downloading the product, please first check your software documentation and Help options. Should your software provider advise you that the fault is in the download file itself we will arrange for the file to be checked. You will need to contact our Customer Services team on orders@foyles.co.uk or telephone us on +44 (0)20 7437 5660 with all the details from the eBookshelf screen.
Should the file contain any error it will be replaced. In the very unlikely event that the file cannot be replaced the order will be cancelled.
I've changed my mind about this book, can I get a refund?
Refunds are not available on eBooks as, for practical and copyright reasons, we cannot reuse the product once we have supplied it to you, so please make sure you check that you are ordering the correct format for your machine.
I don't live in the UK, can I still buy eBooks from your site?
Yes. However, publishers may restrict the territories in which they can sell particular products. If a product is not available in your region the 'Buy now' button will not be displayed and you will see a message advising you of the non-availability of that specific product in your region.
Why is there no 'Buy Now' button for certain eBooks?
This means that the publisher does not have the rights to sell this product to anyone in your region of the world. Foyles can therefore not sell it to you. It may well be worth looking for a different version of this title either as an eBook or physical book, as restrictions vary across different formats.
What is an eReader?
An eReader is an electronic handheld device that can be used to read eBooks and other electronic documents. eReaders differ from laptops, phones etc. because of a special eInk screen, which is not backlit and mimics the appearance of ordinary ink on paper thereby making it easier to read.
What eReaders does Foyles sell?
There are various eReaders available. We sell five different eReaders – the BeBook Mini, the BeBook Neo, the Sony Pocket, Sony Touch and the Cbyook Opus. ALL the eReaders that Foyles sell are DRM compatible.
Why should I buy one?
- You can store around 350 books on each eReader. All our eReaders except the Sony Pocket allow you to use SD cards for extra storage. So it's quite possible to have your entire library on one device.
- As well as an ever-growing range of new titles, there are many free, out-of-copyright eBooks available that can be downloaded to your reader.
- eBooks you purchase can be downloaded instantly.
- You can read eBooks wherever you want, not just at your computer. Enjoy the eInk display, which is truly readable without backlighting, as on a PC or mobile.
- For your greater comfort, font size and face can be adjusted, removing a dependence on large print books.
- An eBook can automatically open at the last-read page.
- You can hold backups of your eBook on your digital library on your PC, so if your eReader were to get damaged you wouldn't lose all your books.
- Printed books use 3 times more raw materials and 78 times more water to produce: the production of e-books does not consume paper or ink.
What Should I Consider Before Buying an eReader?
- You must have a PC for your digital library. This will require additional software (Adobe Digital Editions) to handle the Digital Rights Management, but this is provided free. For the Bebook Neo Adobe Digital Editions is downloaded into the device to allow eBooks to be wirelessly downloaded. It is still free.
- eReaders require electrical power and must be charged. However, you generally get around 7,000 page turns per charge.
- eReaders can get damaged and may not be repairable, so although your eLibrary is still safe, there might be the replacement cost of a new eReader.
- Not every printed book is available as an eBook. Currently it is only a small percentage of the vast number of titles in print. However, this is improving all the time.
- Some books available as eBooks cannot be read on some eReaders because they are not supplied in a format those readers allow (see next section below).
What formats do eReaders read?
eBooks come in a variety of formats. The two BeBooks, Cybook Opus and the two Sonys read ePub and Adobe PDF (along with various other lesser-used formats). ePub is an open-source format (meaning anyone can use it freely to create eBooks) and was created specifically for eBooks and eReaders. It allows the reader greater flexibility with the look of the text on the screen, providing a better reading experience. Adobe PDF files are common but were originally created for computer screens rather than eReaders and can therefore be a little unwieldy compared with ePub. In both cases when publishers add Digital Rights Management to the eBook file this creates a difference between ePub without DRM and Adobe PDF without DRM. There is more detailed information on formats in the eBook section above, What eBook formats do you sell?
How do I put eBooks on my eReader?
The three eReaders we sell can all be used to read any PDF or ePub formatted document. They can also read word documents and various other lesser-used formats (Please see the technical specifications for details. As previously mentioned, it is recommended you have an eLibrary on your pc (Adobe Digital Editions will allow you to store various file types). You connect your eReader to your computer using a usb cable (supplied). You can then take any eBooks from your eLibrary and place them in your eReader. Once connected to your computer, the eReader will appear as an external drive. You find this by clicking on 'My Computer' in the start menu. You then cut and paste (or drag) the eBook from your eLibrary onto the folder of your choice in your eReader.
OK. I have an eBook on my reader. What now?
Switch on your eReader. Using the menu options (or touching the correct menu on the Sony Touch or BeBook Neo) select the menu where you placed the book. Then select the book and you can begin reading. You can change the font size and orientation to suit, and turn the page using the keys or the sidewheel on the BeBook Mini. You can bookmark the page you are on at any time so that you will return to that page next time. If you don't bookmark the eReader will remember the page you were last on until you choose to read something else. The Sony Touch and BeBook Neo allow you to add notes (using the supplied stylus). On the Sony Touch you can also double tap on a word to get a brief dictionary definition.
Where do I get an eLibrary from?
An eLibrary is where you store your eBooks on your computer. It is also therefore a backup for all books on your eReader. You may already have an eLibrary on your computer. However, when you ebooks that include DRM you will need Adobe Digital Editions, which can be downloaded for free from Adobe and this will include its own Adobe eLibrary.
Can the eReaders connect to the internet wirelessly?
Only the BeBook Neo can connect to the internet wirelessly. You can then access selected eBookstores around the world, including Foyles. The selection is updated constantly.
How do I charge my eReader?
The Readers can be charged by connecting the USB cable (supplied) to your computer. You can also buy an AC adaptor, which allows you to charge from a plug socket.
Can I make notes on my eReader?
The Sony Touch and BeBook Neo allow you to make notes.
Why does the screen flicker when I turn the page?
The eInk technology is still relatively new. Every reading device has a brief flicker while the page is turned. This can be a little off-putting at first; however, most people get used to it very quickly. Try reading a few pages in a row and you should find you stop noticing the flicker.
Which eReader is right for me?
The BeBook Mini, Sony Pocket and Cbyook Opus are light and easy to carry. The Cybook Opus is the lightest. Both the BeBook Mini and Sony Pocket can store around 350 eBooks. However, the BeBook Mini can hold many more on SD cards. The Sony Pocket does not have this option. The Cybook Opus can hold around 800 and also has an SD card slot. If you need something portable and easy to use then any of these is a good choice for you. The Sony Touch is more advanced. It is bigger and heavier but has extra features such as the dictionary and the ability to make notes. If you need to annotate documents and books as you read then this could be the eReader for you. The BeBook Neo is the most advanced eReader. As with the Sony Touch, you can annotate documents but, unlike the other readers, you can access the internet wirelessly and download anywhere with a WIFI connection. The BeBook Neo's screen is also clearer than the Sony Touch's screen and so gives a better reading experience.