I finally decided to take the plunge on the Sony Reader 505 today and went to Borders to make my purchase. I was surprised to find that my local Borders was completely out of stock, especially since I saw a stack of them a couple of days ago. I went to another Borders a bit further and there was only 2 left. I didn't know it would be a hot Christmas item. The price on the Reader was $299.99 as I expected, but when I went to the register and used my Borders Reward card the cashier told me that she can take 20% off the item. That's a $60 saving! I didn't have to use coupon or anything. She just applied the saving at the register. I don't know if this is an after Christmas deal or what, but I am elated to get the Reader for only $239. Not only that, but the register also printed out a $50 coupon that can be applied at the Borders ebook store for any titles. The device also comes with a Border ebook store installation CD for new register that suppose to offer a $10 coupon code in the box, but I couldn't find it. So, I will bring the box and receipt to Borders tomorrow to see if I can get the coupon.

Anyway, I am very happy with the sweet deal that I got from Borders and Sony.

Here're the saving and values from Borders:
Reader $239.99 after 20% off with Borders Reward Card (after Christmas deal?)
Borders eBook store coupon $50
New register $10 credit at Borders ebook store (couldn't find the code in box, will see if I can get the coupon tomorrow)
100 Classic titles from Sony

After using my Reader for a few hours, I couldn't be more happier with my purchase, especially with the great deal I got from Borders! :)

Hello VanTT, Glad you are happy with your Sony

[snip]I don't know if this is an after Christmas deal or what, but I am elated to get the Reader for only $239. Not only that, but the register also printed out a $50 coupon that can be applied at the Borders ebook store for any titles.[snip]


Congratulations on your purchase and also congratulations for finding reading bliss -- I know I have read mine every day since I bought it last March and am dreading the day it might break!

I bet that those price savings are because Borders is hoping for large sales when its partnership with Sony goes live online in January. It's the old hardware/software issue -- make little or nothing on a content-driven piece of hardware and then make lots of money on subsequent purchases of content.

Enjoy it and be certain to pay the mortgage/rent and the utilities each month BEFORE visiting the Borders/Sony web-site! :D

To feed your reader....10,000 LRF (for Sony reader) formated books on a single DVD for $9.99
http://www.silkpagoda.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=650

classic books....

Hesitating to reply to my own response, the thought just popped into my head -- back after Sony got beaten in the VHS/betamax battle because of lack of content for the Sony product, they went out and bought Columbia, lock/stock&barrel so they would have great content for the CD battles they knew were coming as well as for the DVD battles they knew would eventually happen, and so they have been able to forge their own way.

I wonder if at some point Sony might buy a large publishing conglomerate in order to ensure content for the reader as it battles the Kindle and the cybook.

Hello all,
I got a PRS-500 display model w/o cover and password protected for $70.00. The Sony helpdesk told me how to reset the password, and kudos to them...I purchased a M-edge cover for it so I can take it to the gym for my elliptical workouts and then I found this wonderful site...Xmas was good!!! Happy New Year to all!

Congrats Van.

I checked at my two closest Borders now and they have zero discount on the Sony reader, even for a rewards card holder. Their holiday coupons specifically excluded the reader. Not only that but neither store manager has heard about the $50 credit deal! It does not show on their current or upcoming promotion lists, despite my showing them my Borders beta-site promotion print-out. They had no codes or special CD packages to give away with the readers yet.

All they could suggest is someone at corporate pulled the trigger too early.

The 20% off was a mistake as I am a Border's reward member and had the same coupon. It excludes the reader, so it was fortunate to get that deal. As for the $50 credit, the Borders staff where I bought mine didn't know about it either (although it is in their Ads and has been for weeks). When you purchase it, the register automatically prints out how to redeem the credit with your receipt, so you get that credit along with the $10 credit on the box.

So far I am very pleased with my Sony Reader as well, although the Borders/Sony Ebook Store leaves a lot to be desired. I could have put together something more professional and I'm just a hobbyist with programming and websites.

Which Borders was this? My local store claims that there was (and is) no such offer. I did get an e-mail 20% Rewards coupon, but it specifically excludes the Reader (and Zune).

This would be a great price, but I can't seem to duplicate your feat (and they have six or seven Readers sitting in a case!)

The 20% off was a mistake as I am a Border's reward member and had the same coupon. It excludes the reader, so it was fortunate to get that deal. As for the $50 credit, the Borders staff where I bought mine didn't know about it either (although it is in their Ads and has been for weeks). When you purchase it, the register automatically prints out how to redeem the credit with your receipt, so you get that credit along with the $10 credit on the box.

So far I am very pleased with my Sony Reader as well, although the Borders/Sony Ebook Store leaves a lot to be desired. I could have put together something more professional and I'm just a hobbyist with programming and websites.

VikingDave,

If you also installed the CD and registered with the Borders/Sony Ebook Store, try to redeem the $50 credit using the code gift code HOLIDAYGIFT (case sensitive) under "Account", then "Redeem a code." On my receipt, that's the code that was printed. Must redeem code by 1/15/08. Worth a try if you didn't get the deal. :) Let us know if it works. Also, I received my $10 credit code when I went back to Borders yesterday. It was a sticker with a scratch off area for the code. Borders just didn't stick it on my box.

Which Borders was this? My local store claims that there was (and is) no such offer. I did get an e-mail 20% Rewards coupon, but it specifically excludes the Reader (and Zune).

This would be a great price, but I can't seem to duplicate your feat (and they have six or seven Readers sitting in a case!)

Curtw,

The Borders I went to was at Clearwater, Florida. Some members suggested that the 20% discount was a mistake by the cashier. I think I believe that might be the case. I expected to pay $299.99, but the cashier just told me she could take 20% off and applied at the register. I was so grateful that I didn't ask why I am qualified for the discount, in case she changed her mind. :D On my receipt, the code she used was "20%STANDARD". I apologize if you went to Borders expecting the same deal. As mentioned in my original post, I didn't know why I received the great saving.

Congrats Van.

I checked at my two closest Borders now and they have zero discount on the Sony reader, even for a rewards card holder. Their holiday coupons specifically excluded the reader. Not only that but neither store manager has heard about the $50 credit deal! It does not show on their current or upcoming promotion lists, despite my showing them my Borders beta-site promotion print-out. They had no codes or special CD packages to give away with the readers yet.

All they could suggest is someone at corporate pulled the trigger too early.

Penforhire,

As a Reward member, I received a promotional email from Borders on the 26th for their after Christmas deals. On the bottom was a promotion for the $50 ebook credit on the Sony Reader. When I went to purchase the Reader that day, I expected the $50 credit but not the 20% discount. That's why I was so elated when I got home and had to share my experience at this forum. If this was indeed a mistake by the cashier, I apologize to everyone who was inconvenienced by my post while trying to get the same deal.

Congratulations on your purchase and also congratulations for finding reading bliss -- I know I have read mine every day since I bought it last March and am dreading the day it might break!

...

Enjoy it and be certain to pay the mortgage/rent and the utilities each month BEFORE visiting the Borders/Sony web-site! :D


Yes, so far, I love using my Reader. On my first night, I downloaded ten books from the Borders/Sony store. 4 contemporary bestsellers (A Thousand Splendid Suns, Einstein, The Pillars of the Earth, Collapse) and 6 Classics. I still haven't used up my credits. :) The problem on my first night was I didn't know which book to begin...lol! I ended up finishing "A Thousand Splendid Suns" in two nights. I was totally absorded and engrossed by the tragic tales of the characters. However, having also read "The Kite Runner" by the same author, I don't know if I can stand another round of heartbreaking tragedies if he decides to write another similar book. I will try to pick something that is lighthearted tonight. :) Keep enjoying your Reader as well!

Vantt - THANK YOU so much! The code worked! :D I got the following for $1.48:

Born Standing Up - Steve Martin
Musicophilia - Oliver Saks
Lone Survivor - Marcus Luttrell
Walt Disney - Neal Gabler
Scientific American's Ask The Experts


The funny thing is that I attempted to purchase Lone Survivor for the full ebook price but my CC had a protection hold from the bank, and when I got it removed it wouldn't go through... added the other ones and since the final amount was different, it went through. So you saved me $8 and got me 4 free books! Thanks! :D



The other books I got for ~$30 total (had another $50 Sony credit):
Einstein - Walter Isaacson
The Nine - Jeffrey Toobin
The Best Book Of Useless Information Ever - Noel Botham
Choosing A Jewish Life - Anita Diamant
On Writing - Stephen King
A Short History of Nearly Everything - Bill Bryson
I Am America - Stephen Colbert
Fair Game - Valerie Plame Wilson
House To House - David Bellavia

And of course the 100 Classics
Sadly I paid the full $323.24 for my reader :( But worth every penny.


Now if I could find the time to READ them... nah, too much to ask.

Yesterday, I decided to splurge on the black Sony Premium Leather Case but all 3 Borders that I went were out of stock. I saw a few pink ones though. I also visited CompUSA to get a generic AC charger as the Sony brand is $29.99. CompUSA is going out of business and most of the items are marked down 10-30% off. I saw a demo Reader as none is in stock. I am curious as to how much CompUSA will discount the Reader if it's in stock.

Vantt - THANK YOU so much! The code worked! :D I got the following for $1.48:

...

.

Yay, I am so glad that the code worked for you! :2thumbsup Btw, let me know if you would recommend "The Best Book Of Useless Information Ever". I nearly picked that title last night. I need some funny materials after "...Splendid Suns." :)

Yay, I am so glad that the code worked for you! :2thumbsup Btw, let me know if you would recommend "The Best Book Of Useless Information Ever". I nearly picked that title last night. I need some funny materials after "...Splendid Suns." :)I liked it. Read a couple of chapters. Nothing Earth-shattering. I think I'm not totally in love with it because I could have gotten something like the Disney book instead with a lot more substance, but it IS an enjoyable couple of hours.

I read two tidbits in the Most Useless book that I had heard in Duel (TV game show that I loved) on TV the week before :D

Yesterday, I decided to splurge on the black Sony Premium Leather Case but all 3 Borders that I went were out of stock. I saw a few pink ones though. I also visited CompUSA to get a generic AC charger as the Sony brand is $29.99. CompUSA is going out of business and most of the items are marked down 10-30% off. I saw a demo Reader as none is in stock. I am curious as to how much CompUSA will discount the Reader if it's in stock.

DO NOT GET THE SONY CHARGER!! The Reader uses the same charger as the PSP (already tried it myself with a cheap knockoff PSP charger).

VikingDave,

If you also installed the CD and registered with the Borders/Sony Ebook Store, try to redeem the $50 credit using the code gift code removed (case sensitive) under "Account", then "Redeem a code." On my receipt, that's the code that was printed. Must redeem code by 1/15/08. Worth a try if you didn't get the deal. :) Let us know if it works. Also, I received my $10 credit code when I went back to Borders yesterday. It was a sticker with a scratch off area for the code. Borders just didn't stick it on my box.

I bought mine for costco, which came with a free $50 coupon. I tried redeeming gift code HOLIDAYGIFT, and it gave me another $50. I guess that works even if you don't buy from borders.

DO NOT GET THE SONY CHARGER!! The Reader uses the same charger as the PSP (already tried it myself with a cheap knockoff PSP charger).

Yes, I brought a generic brand from CompUSA for $15. It's from ReTrak and the cord can be extended or retracted. However, that feature is more of a gimmick as the retract mechanic doesn't work well at all, but charges just fine. The funny thing is that I keep wanting to charge my Reader even though the battery is full. I am so used to the mentality of always charging my portable devices that I forget the Reader can last for weeks with a single full charge. :) Btw, I brought "Walt Disney" and "...Useless Information..." from your list. Cheers!

I bought mine for costco, which came with a free $50 coupon. I tried redeeming gift code rmeoved, and it gave me another $50. I guess that works even if you don't buy from borders.

I have a Costco membership and I didn't see the item when I was there last week. What's the price on Costco? Glad to know that the $50 code worked on a non-Borders member. $100 worth of ebooks is a great value! Happy reading!

I have a Costco membership and I didn't see the item when I was there last week. What's the price on Costco? Glad to know that the $50 code worked on a non-Borders member. $100 worth of ebooks is a great value! Happy reading!

It was $250 at costco, but for the 500 and not the 505. With $100 in credits, I'm not complaining.

What was the Costco coupon code? Worth a try :D

VikingDave,

If you also installed the CD and registered with the Borders/Sony Ebook Store, try to redeem the $50 credit using the code HOLIDAYGIFT (case sensitive) under "Account", then "Redeem a code." On my receipt, that's the code that was printed. Must redeem code by 1/15/08. Worth a try if you didn't get the deal. :) Let us know if it works. Also, I received my $10 credit code when I went back to Borders yesterday. It was a sticker with a scratch off area for the code. Borders just didn't stick it on my box.

Wow! I bought my PRS 505 one month ago from SonyStyle. This coupon code worked for me today! Thank you very much!

VikingDave,

If you also installed the CD and registered with the Borders/Sony Ebook Store, try to redeem the $50 credit using the code Gift code removed (case sensitive) under "Account", then "Redeem a code." On my receipt, that's the code that was printed. Must redeem code by 1/15/08. Worth a try if you didn't get the deal. :) Let us know if it works. Also, I received my $10 credit code when I went back to Borders yesterday. It was a sticker with a scratch off area for the code. Borders just didn't stick it on my box.

It worked for me. Brought my reader Abt about 24 days ago.

Gotta add my two cents. I got my 505 at Borders without the discount card but..... with the 100 free classic book deal and now finding out about the $50 coupon (Thanks Mobile Read web folk) plus the great books constantly being posted on this site, I iconsider the 505 my best purchase of 07. Enjoy it.

I iconsider the 505 my best purchase of 07.

I have to agree. I got mine in the middle of October & after reading 66 books & about a dozen short stories on it I still love it (not perfect, but darn good). :thumbsup:

I finally got my hands on a working model at my local Borders (haven't had the chance to try one out since the 500 came out!). Personally, I like the form factor, the e-ink screen, and the size. I was also surprised to see Borders out of stock of the 505, but I wasn't planning on parting with $300 this weekend anyway.

Still, now that I've actually seen one in action, I have a lot more interest in getting one down the road... even if it's just to see how well my books display on one.

Still, now that I've actually seen one in action, I have a lot more interest in getting one down the road... even if it's just to see how well my books display on one.

If you're reasonably polite and friendly with the Borders staff and management, I bet they'd let you load your books on their sample, at least temporarily. Especially if you can make it clear you are an author with books for sale, although having print versions of your books available in the store might be more effective.... Can stores like Borders find your works in a catalog to order? (assuming that the physical book is POD.)

Roger

If you're reasonably polite and friendly with the Borders staff and management, I bet they'd let you load your books on their sample, at least temporarily. Especially if you can make it clear you are an author with books for sale, although having print versions of your books available in the store might be more effective.... Can stores like Borders find your works in a catalog to order? (assuming that the physical book is POD.)

I don't have print or POD books... only e-books, which you can get from my site, or from Amazon (though somehow, I doubt Borders will want to promote my Kindle editions!).

I received a Sony EBook reader purchased from Borders with the Gift Code attached to the box yesterday (Jan 1st). Guess what? When I registered my Reader a few minutes later, the promotional code was invalid. Apparently there was a limited number available (unreasonably low, in my opinion) and they were all used up.

Now I can see where they went.

Not happy about this at All.

I received a Sony EBook reader purchased from Borders with the Gift Code attached to the box yesterday (Jan 1st). Guess what? When I registered my Reader a few minutes later, the promotional code was invalid. Apparently there was a limited number available (unreasonably low, in my opinion) and they were all used up.

Now I can see where they went.

Not happy about this at All.
Did you contact Borders and/or Sony about this issue?

Sams Club webpage has the Sony 505 for $279.86
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=386639
I hope the link works.

Hello!! I'm new here, I just ordered the Sony 505 from Buy.com. They only have the blue one in stock though. It's $271.99 and free shipping. You can also use a $10 coupon if you are a new customer.

http://www.buy.com/prod/sony-prs-505-reader-digital-book-dark-blue/q/loc/101/205857013.html

Here is the coupon:
http://www.buy.com/retail/coupon.asp?prid=82955137