While travelling around this summer, I was looking for a way to bring web articles with me on my e-reader. Instead of being limited to reading strictly books or PDF files, you can actually read anything you find online using your e-book reader, without needing a device supporting wifi or 3G (exactly like the Kobo, for example). The benefit of this solution is that when you find yourself with some spare time (say on that boring morning commute), you can read articles you’ve been meaning to read for months, yet haven’t gotten around to.
The solution I’ve found uses a combination of Instapaper (written about previously here) and calibre. Just as a quick recap, Instapaper allows you to create a list of “read-it-later” articles. Combined with a very useful export to ePub feature, you can take your news with you on your reading device.
Here’s how it works:
1) Login to your Instapaper account and tell it to export to ePub as shown here:
In my case, the file downloaded is named “Instapaper-ReadLater-2010-09-12”, given I exported it on September 12.
2) Fire up Calibre (a great e-book management software which I highly recommend), add the Instapaper file to your library (through the wonders of drag-and-drop), and transfer the ePub file over to your reading device:
3) Profit (well, enjoy having your news with you on the go, without having to specifically buy a newspaper, or have a 3G enabled device).
I’m sure some news agency is lamenting the death of their traditional print model, but regardless, this is a really great way to read your news for free, wherever you happen to be (assuming you have your reading device with you, at the time).
On an off note, sorry for the lack of posts – between travelling, work, school and volleyball, I’ve been pretty short on time.
Until next time,
Syd
Header image – courtesy of Matteo Penzo – iLiad Test Drive / CC BY 2.0
That’s a really great idea, Syd.