What is PDB?

Palm DOC (PDB) is a database and ebook format used by Palm Pilot PDAs for reading digital books and documents.

What is MOBI?

MOBI is the legacy ebook format used by Amazon for older Kindle devices, based on the Mobipocket format.

When Should You Use PDB vs MOBI?

PDB vs MOBI: Key Differences

• •The core technical difference: PDB relies on lossy compression whereas MOBI uses lossy compression.
• •Neither format changes compression philosophy — both are lossy compression — so any size differences are due to encoding efficiency, not a shift in quality approach.
• •Transparency: N/A
• •PDB files are typically 200KB to 1MB per book while MOBI files range 400KB to 3MB
• •Use case fit: PDB targets legacy palm device ebooks, retro reading and MOBI targets older kindle devices, legacy ebooks — your choice depends on which workflow stage you are serving.

Advantages of PDB

• ✓PDB applies lossy compression specifically calibrated for Legacy Palm device ebooks, retro reading.
• ✓PDB enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
• ✓PDB delivers impressive compression ratios, shrinking files dramatically while keeping visual quality high.
• ✓You will find PDB support built into virtually every tool that handles Legacy Palm device ebooks, retro reading — no plugins or converters needed.

Advantages of MOBI

• ✓The lossy nature of MOBI means file sizes stay reasonable while handling Older Kindle devices, legacy ebooks efficiently.
• ✓From mobile devices to enterprise servers, MOBI is recognized and supported everywhere.
• ✓Storage and bandwidth costs drop significantly when using MOBI thanks to its efficient compression.
• ✓MOBI is a first-class citizen in all major software ecosystems, from creative suites to development environments.

Common Use Cases for PDB to MOBI Conversion

• Travel guides and maps
• Cookbook layouts
• Comic and graphic novels
• Children picture books
• Reference encyclopedias
• Photo books and portfolios

Industry Applications

Best Practices for PDB to MOBI Conversion

• →Converting PDB to MOBI: test the output on multiple reading devices before distribution
• →MOBI offers good compatibility with various e-readers
• →Include proper metadata (title, author, ISBN) for better discoverability
• →Always keep a backup of your original files before converting
• →Choose the appropriate quality settings for your specific use case

Troubleshooting PDB to MOBI Conversion

• !Formatting lost when converting PDB to MOBI → complex book layouts with CSS may not transfer perfectly
• !Images not displaying in the MOBI ebook → check that image formats used in PDB are supported by MOBI
• !Table of Contents broken after PDB to MOBI conversion → some ebook formats handle navigation differently
• !MOBI file has DRM issues → DRM-protected PDB files must be unlocked (where legally permitted) before conversion

Related Ebook Converters

All Ebook Formats

More Ebook tools