EDIT as of 12/26/2009
The Sony Reader Daily Edition PRS-900BC - eBook reader 7.1" E Ink ( 1024 x 600 ) has now been released and I believe is an excellent upgrade to the PRS-505.The Touchscreen issues that made the PRS-700 an abomination have largely been corrected and the larger format is great for larger fonts and minimizing page turns.
However, my current preferred reader is now the Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device (9.7" Display, U.S. Wireless, Latest Generation) because of the availability of content and large screen.
However, I still love my PRS-505 and it still works great despite heavy use by myself and my son!A true classic ereader.
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This past fall, I bought the Sony PRS-505/LC Blue Digital Book Reader a few weeks PRIOR to finding out that Sony was going to be releasing a new model.At first, my inner gadget-aholic was crushed -- I wouldn't have the latest and greatest.
However, after now being able to compare and contrast -- I'm convinced that the PRS-505 is still a better reader.
-- The PRS-505 screen is a non-glare screen so that it doesn't show fingerprints and smudges.
-- I believe the buttons make for a much more user-friendly interface than the touch screen.I just don't really see the value of the touch screen.
-- The screen (and more importantly, the print) is significantly clearer on the PRS-505.This is due to the fact that in an effort to appease the "why isn't there backlighting" crowd, Sony has added LEDs around the frame to try to facilitate reading in the dark.This has had the effect of significantly reducing the contrast and clarity of the type.
-- From a tactile perspective -- I really don't like the ridges on the left hand side of the device.I'm left-handed so I tend to hold the reader with my left hand and it is not a nice feeling.
-- The PRS-505 is nearly 150.00 bucks cheaper than the 700.This will buy a lot of ebooks!And the trade off -- having to push buttons rather than having a touch screen is not worth the money.
It is clear that Sony has put the PRS-700 out to compete with the iRex iLiad Book Edition which has a touch screen and is twice the price. But it just doesn't cut it because the wireless capability is still not there.
If you would like to download newspapers etc, I would suggest checking out Calibre -- though, come to think of it, not sure if it works with the 700.
Calibre is a free/shareware book management utility and it also has a feature that allows you to "Fetch News". The list includes the Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Washington Post, Newsweek, Wired, CNN, BBC, LA Times, and many foreign news sources as well. You can set up a schedule to have them downloaded auto-magically to your computer and to your Sony Reader.
Here is the link for Calibre:
[...]
Also, the MobileRead Forum is a very useful place to get information on where to get additional content any reader that exists today:
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[[ standard disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with either of these sites or organizations -- I just found them to be EXTREMELY useful if you are new to the world of eReaders, DRM issues, device management etc.]]
When you compare the Sony PRS-700BC against the PRS-505 -- you are MUCH better sticking with the 505.
That said, if you are trying to decide between the Kindle or the Iliad, Sony, in my humble opinion still has the advantage.
-- Cost:The Sony PRS-505 is much less expensive than the Kindle and has a much better build and aesthetic quality (no cheap plastic here).
-- Supports a wider variety of formats than the Kindle: Amazon's Wireless Reading Device (though the Iliad is best from that respect -- but not 300.00 bucks better).
-- you can buy from a wide range of stores with Adobe Digital support.Today, I purchased a new fiction book that cost about 6.00 US (it costs 19.00 US via the Sony bookstore!!!)
-- better response time and page turns
No, the Sony still doesn't have wireless -- but again, that is not a limitation for me.If you really want to read newspapers on the eReader, you can get Calibre (a shareware format conversion and library management program) and download periodicals onto your PC and then use the USB connection to get them onto the reader.
For me, the thing that I really like about the Sony readers is that they are solidly built -- they use a metal case as opposed to cheap plastic.This makes the device heavier but to me, that is a bit like reading a hardcover vs a paperback.I personally prefer the more substantial feel.
The upshot -- if you are trying to decide whether to get the "latest Sony Technology" -- don't.Save your money and stick with the PRS 505.However, if you are trying to decide between Sony and one of the the main competitors (Iliad, Kindle, Ectaco jetBook e-Book Reader - Red), then go with the Sony.
NCJAR
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Sony Reader Digital book - Red (PRS505RC)Product Description: The Reader Digital Book holds about 160 eBooks. Its portable size makes it the perfect travel companion, allowing you to read a variety of books whenever and wherever you want. With thousands of eBook titles available at The eBook Store from Sony, you can choose to download new releases, classics and popular book titles as well as view other document formats such as Adobe PDF10, RTF, TXT, BBeB and Microsoft Word. Its long battery life lasts up to 7,500 continuous page turns, and the amazing paper-like screen technology is easy on the eyes.
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I must say first, that I am extremely picky about scratches, etc. on my electronic investments.The leather Kindle case definitely helps protect the device, but I wanted something to protect it from smudges and dirt.These protective decals/stickers are perfect.They were super easy to apply.They remove easily if you don't get them perfect the first try (no sticky residue!), and they make your Kindle look awesome!The only problem I had was choosing which design.The Lost Souls design struck a cord, and I'm so happy that I chose this one.Perfect!
