This. I donated half a lifetime's collection of physical books a few years ago, when I moved into my girlfriend's apartment. I kept books which are either a) impossible to get electronically (mostly technical or academic works), or b) worthless on screen (mostly large-format photography and art books, or c) for which I have a sentimental attachment to the physical artifact (a couple of first editions; some gifts; some that bring back particular memories).
It's so freeing! I read a LOT, and being able to curate a massive library in Calibre, and keep >3k books on my Kindle, is (for me) entirely superior to lugging around heavy physical objects.
I rip DRM off of (most) every ebook I buy, and back up the files, so I'm not worried about losing access, either. Even if the apocalypse arrives my Kindle + a solar charger fit in my bug-out bag better than a box of books.
I've done the DRM ripping in the past, but from what I've understood Calibre or other tools are unable to do that for the latest DRM variants Amazon is using. Is that correct? I would like to back up my entire Kindle collection as it is now.
As I understand it the problems are with Kindle Unlimited files, and it's more complicated if you don't actually own a Kindle (like, you have to use the Kindle app, but only some app versions work?). I don't have KU, and I import the files directly into Calibre from my Kindle and it all Just Works. Or it did last time I ripped a batch a month or two ago. Maybe something's changed in the meantime and I'm due for some frustration the next time I try. I dunno.
Thanks. I'll try that. I have a Kindle, but in the past I downloaded the books to the PC when I wanted a backup, and used Calibre on that. I did this because the docu said that it could only un-DRM books in "PC" format, the Kindle used something different. This is from a few years ago.
It's so freeing! I read a LOT, and being able to curate a massive library in Calibre, and keep >3k books on my Kindle, is (for me) entirely superior to lugging around heavy physical objects.
I rip DRM off of (most) every ebook I buy, and back up the files, so I'm not worried about losing access, either. Even if the apocalypse arrives my Kindle + a solar charger fit in my bug-out bag better than a box of books.