For instance, Microsoft’s LIT ebook format was a popular choice several years ago, but none of today’s major ebook devices natively support those files. Here are some tips for getting at those ebooks, including the newspaper’s suggestions as well as some of my own.

Note: if the LIT ebook is locked up with DRM, you may have to authorize your Windows PC first to open them.

If you’re using Windows

There are two basic paths you can take. The first is to give up on reading those LIT files on your device. Instead, install Microsoft Reader and just read them on your Windows PC.

Obviously that’s not an ideal solution. Your other option is to try to convert them into something your Kindle can read. The Washington Post suggests Convert LIT, a free app that should do the job. However, it can be a little difficult to use if you’re not comfortable with the command line interface (here’s a brief tutorial). Another option is to download ABC Amber LIT Converter, another free application that should be able to turn your LIT file into something more compatible.

(Hint: if it’s a basic text and you want to read it immediately, convert it to TXT; otherwise try the HTML conversion and then use Calibre to convert that into a Kindle-friendly format like MOBI.)

If you’re on a Mac

For newer Macs, if you can dual-boot into a Windows environment and use the above solutions, I recommend that.

If you’re sticking purely with OS X, there’s an OS X version of Convert LIT that should work for OS 10.3.5 and higher, although I haven’t tested it.

Otherwise, I suggest you try the online conversion service:

If you want to use a web service

Try Zamzar.com. I’ve had mixed results with the service in the past–sometimes it works fine, sometimes I never receive the file from them at all and have to start over after waiting a day or so. However, the service does promise to convert LIT files directly to MOBI format, which will display on your Kindle.

(Photo: pacomexico)

If you’re growing a large library of ebooks and you want a long-term solution, I still recommend Calibre, which can also convert files to Kindle format but has the added benefit of letting you organize your books in an iTunes-type interface. But for quickie or one-off conversions–say you want to send something to a fellow Kindle-owner, for example, but you don’t want to use Amazon’s email conversion service–this is a good online tool to bookmark.

Simplicissimus

Amazon originally said they’d charge 10 cents per document some day. The reality, which went into effect on May 4th, is that they’re charging 15 cents per megabyte rounded up.

That means you’ll pay at minimum 15 cents for each conversion. If your doc is, say, 1.14 MB (or 1140 KB, if that’s how your computer displays it to you), then you’ll pay 30 cents, and so on.

There are two ways to avoid this:

1. Have Amazon email the converted file back to you instead of sending it on to your Kindle.
   When you registered your Kindle, you set up an email address along the lines of “name”@kindle.com (where “name” is your name, of course). Attachments sent to this address will incur the fee and be forwarded on to your Kindle.

   To avoid that, send attachments to “name”@free.kindle.com instead. The converted Kindle-formatted file will be emailed back to you instead of sent to the device, and you won’t be charged a thing.

2. Convert the document yourself using software on your computer
   The easiest and best way to do this is with the free software program Calibre, which will convert several different formats into the MOBI format, which your Kindle can read without problems. You can also try the desktop version of Stanza or Mobipocket eBook Creator (Windows only) if for some reason Calibre won’t meet your needs.

Either path will result in you having a Kindle-friendly document on your computer, which you’ll then need to transfer over to your Kindle via USB. No, it’s not quite as hassle-free as letting Amazon send it directly, but if you want to save the equivalent of a Kindle text messaging fee for each conversion, you’re gonna have to start transferring it yourself.

(Photo: LabyrinthX)