Portable Ebook Reader

The PRS-700 is Sony’s 3rd generation ebook reader.  It comes with some fancy new features, like a touch screen, side lighting (for reading in the dark), and a much improved user interface.  It retails for approximately $349 USD.

Some of the other improvements from previous Sony Reader generations include:  increased speed for page turns, faster CPU (now 532 MHz, like the Amazon Kindle 2), larger font sizes, and better PDF viewing.  Unfortunately not everything can be seen as an improvement.  The new touch screen functionality requires a layer on top of the eInk display, as well as frame-mounted LED side lights.  This all adds up to worse contrast and glare and takes away from the eInk viewing experience.

Features of the Sony Reader PRS-700

Advanced Design

• Small size – 6.8″ x 5.2″ x 0.4″
• Light weight - only 10 ounces!
• Both internal and expansion memory – 512 MB internal, up to 36 GB SDHC expansion card
• Long battery life - Li-Ion battery provides up to 7500 page turns between charges

Enhanced Reading

• Touch screen – allows users to annotate by way of a virtual keyboard
• LED lighting – better reading in low light conditions

File Formats Supported

• DRM-free Text - LRF, PDF, TXT, RTF, ePub
• DRM Text – LRX, Secure PDF, ePub
• DRM-free Audio – MP3, AAC
• Images – GIF, PNG, JPG, BMP
• RSS – limited to 20 featured blogs

Sony Reader PRS-700 Recommendation

The Sony Reader PRS-700 is a big improvement over Sony’s previous ebook readers (PRS-500, PRS-505), but it still leaves a bit to be desired.  Some folks may find the touch screen useful and trendy, but we think it’s ahead of its time if it conflicts with the readability of eInk technology.

Considering that its nearest competitor is the Amazon Kindle 2, Sony has definitely thrown down the gauntlet, as it beats the Kindle 2 in the areas of PDF viewing and having a touch screen (if you consider that a good feature, of course).  On the other hand, the Kindle 2 is arguably easier to read and has more internal memory (more storage for books).  So in our opinion, it’s a toss-up as to which of these two devices is better.  We’d recommend that you try to find a friend who has each device and take them for a test drive to make your own decision.

Rating:
(7.00 out of 10)  Loading ...

Popularity: 8% [?]

The Sony Reader PRS-505 was released by Sony on Oct 2, 2007.   It has been a big success since, primarily because there hasn’t been a whole lot of competition.

Specs

• Weight - 9 oz (250 g)
• Thickness - 0.3″
• Size – 6.9″ x 4.8″
• Screen Size - 6″
• Battery Life - 7500 page turns
• Storage – 256 MB internal + MMC/SD/SDHC/Memory Stick Pro Duo expansion slots
• Price - $250

The screen on the PRS-505 is very easy on the eyes. This is likely due to a 20% improvement in contrast from the last Reader (the 505).

Sony also made improvements to the controls, which have been rearranged to that the menu list is aligned with the buttons.  This definitely improves the usability of the PRS-505.

Direct page access is now possible simply by pushing a number button.  The numbers cycle around the three digits shown on the screen, so if you accidentally select the wrong button just keep pushing the page number.  Again, this a noticeable improvemnet over the previous general Reader.

Here’s a few more features that Sony added new to the PRS-505:

• USB mass storage – The internal memory can be accessed just like any mass storage device.
• Menu power off – You can now turn the device completely off simply by using the menus.
• Updated design – Comparing the 505 and 500 side by side, it’s obvious that the 505 looks like a newer, more attractive design.

Summary

The PRS-505 is a huge improvement over its older sibling.   The better contrast ratio, the improved button design, and the addition of USB are a few changes that make a large difference in user experience and enjoyment.  You’d be hard pressed to find a better portable ebook reader for the price.

Editor’s Note – [June 2009] The rating of the PRS-505 has been updated to reflect its comparison against current ebook readers.

Rating:
(6.00 out of 10)  Loading ...

Popularity: 7% [?]