Question on PDF documents-- usability, preference, iphones, etc

[drc]

Before long I will be issuing a hobby related e-book (not fond of that term) in pdf format. What do people think of pdfs. Also can pdfs be read on iphones and such? The book is 6x9 inches (paperback size). Does that make it more or less readable in pdf. Is there a best size for iphones, etc?

The point of this is to get user input and preferences while designing. If someone thinks pdfs suck royally, feel free to say so and why.

Lastly, there also will be a print/paper version for those who prefer it that way.

Thank you,
David

[Fred]

PDFs are fine. I couldn't imagine trying to read a book on an I-phone though. I guess there's some things I just wont embrace.

[drc]

Fred, I don't have an iphone and know little about them. I don't even know if you can use a pdf on one, though a friend takes photos with hers.

[Rich Klein]

If for no other reason; than as Bill James used to say in the 1980's.
"The book can be there to be picked up at any time"

However; I do understand the reasons for PDF's and e-book format. Space is certainly a consideration at all times as well

Rich

[timzcardz]

Books on handhelds can be incredibly . . . well, handy! I would imagine that it depends on the format though.

Several years ago I read "A Christmas Carol" on my original Palm Pilot in the Palm Reader format. It was great, because it was always in my pocket and available when I had time.

I have no iphone experience.

Right now I use a Palm Treo with Windows Mobile for my phone and such, and although I can read PDFs, the nature of PDFs is not well suited for the device/OS, as it involves scrolling Left to Right, as well as Top to Bottom.

[jbsports33]

anyone can download a PDF reader for free, so PDF files are the best format for e-books, some phones can read them depending on the internet service they have on their phones and what software can be built in. Many small notebooks, laptops can also read PDF files with no problems. Apple will have the new iPAD out soon which will be great for reading.

Jimmy

[Griffins]

you can open a pdf on an iphone.

[rdwyer]

I use AjiReader on my iPhone. Not only do I have SCOBB in pdf format on it, I have all kinds of pdf's with huge databases of vintage BB card related data.

[drc]

Good info. The proof is always in the pudding, so I'll test it out on my friend's device (sounds rather graphic, but it's okay she's a girl).

One thing I learned long ago is that though looks one way on your computer doesn't mean it looks that way on another. I used to hop from computer to computer to see how my web page looked. Good exercise, at least.

[steve B]

I'm not a fan of PDFs, but my wife likes them.

The good stuff is the free readers, and they keep the formatting for someone who wants to print the book/document/whatever.

The stuff I'm not crazy about may be something you could work around
The biggest one is that everyone does their pages the traditional print way, long sides vertical. Which doesn't display as well on a screen that's long sides horizontal.

So usually the document ends up needing to be zoomed in on just to be barely readable. The scrolling up and down is awkward then, and if you scroll too far you're on the next or previous page. It's like reading a book when you keep losing your place. (I've a bit of ADD, so it's probably not as bad for most people)

For amtting the text horizontally would probably fix all that, but I haven't seen it done.

Steve

[drc]

Steve, good for bringing it up. That are some of the concerns I had before hand. It's possible I could issue it in different formats/sizes.

As I said, there will be a print version for those who require it that way. I myself prefer reading a paper book.