Hi -

I got my PRS-500 cheap a few months ago, and am happy with it, except
for the gray background. The words are definitely hard to read in dim light.

I'm told that the 505 has a much greater contrast, and a "whiter" shade of gray.

Can anyone confirm that the 505 screen is much better?

Thanks!

It's much better, easier to read, no ghosting. Faster page turning

It is specifically the readability in low light levels for which the 2nd Gen "VizPlex" screens show the greatest improvement. I always had to use to use a reading light in the evening with my PRS-500. With my Gen3 (which uses the same screen as the 505) I can comfortably read in normal ambient light.

That's good to hear. I've got $300 burning in my pocket, and I think it may go to purchasing a 505 upgrade.

:-)

Thread 1 (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23512)

Thread 2 (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23092)

Yes, the background is lighter and the black print is darker.
Is this solely because of the Vizplex or is it partly due to the 8 colors available, which I don't think all devices with the Vizplex screen have.

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That's good to hear. I've got $300 burning in my pocket, and I think it may go to purchasing a 505 upgrade.

:-)

Yes, the background is lighter and the black print is darker.
Is this solely because of the Vizplex or is it partly due to the 8 colors available, which I don't think all devices with the Vizplex screen have.

Nothing to do with the 8 vs. 4 grey-scales. "Black" is "Black" no matter how many grey-scales you have :).

But the "black" is blacker on the 505 compared to the 500 and not just in contrast to the background.
It's especially noticeable on the information bars at the top or bottom of the page.

It is indeed, but that's due to the VizPlex screen, not the number of grey scales. It's equally "black" on the Gen3, which has the same VizPlex screen as the 505, but only 4 grey-scales.

Thanks. I haven't seen any screens other than the 505.

Yes, except in full sun, which seems to ionize and weaken the image.

Try this experiment -- in full sun shade a portion of the screen. With the other hand flip the page. You will see the shaded portion much darker.