going on past experiance where will most likely be the cheapest place to buy the 700 model?

Going on past experience, it will cost the same wherever you buy it...

Sony's pretty good (if that's the right term) about getting consistent pricing when their new models come out. :shrug:

It even said on my 25% off coupon for Border's Educator's Appreciation Weekend earlier this month, (in fine print) that it couldn't be used on the Sony PRS. :(

probably on the Sony website, they may offer deals if you sign up for their credit card as they did on the 505. I saved me $100 that way

ok sony shop then. Now would one be advised to pre-order to make sure you get one on day one?

on ebay you could get large distributors selling you with $25 off.. (predicted $375)
Newegg sells them the same price as in the sony store.

If you buy them straight from the sony store, you might get them the fastest though..
You can already pre-order them.

What's more, on the sony store you get a 100 classic books for free! ($399)

Don't get too excited about the 100 classics thing -- you can get most of those books right here at MobileRead, and generally they're formatted a good deal better. :wink:

I asked Sony when the 700 would be available in the Netherlands, but they couldn't get more specific than "2009"....

Too late/uncertain for me. ;) Can anyone recommend a online US store which will ship to the Netherlands?

www.bhphotovideo.com -- they list the 700 but say it won't be available until mid-November. They do ship internationally.

Thank you. It's great that these readers can be charged via USB, saves the worries of compliant power-adapters.

Any power adapter which charges a PSP (play station portable) will work with the reader.

Sony's pretty good (if that's the right term) about getting consistent pricing when their new models come out. :shrug:

In the United States in the olden days -- about 5 years or so ago -- a manufacturer could "suggest" a retail price but could not require retailers to sell at that price. That was because of trade legislation and a US Supreme Court decision from the 1960s (I think that is when -- it's been too long since I practiced law for me to remember accurately, plus I have gotten much more senile as I have gotten older and older and older . . .). But with the advent of the Bush court, that has changed and manufacturers can now not only "suggest" the price but enforce the price.

From my causual observations of the retail market in the US, I would venture that Sony is probably the manufacturer most likely to do this. There is rarely any difference between the Sony MSRP (suggested price) and the retail price regardless of the store, and there is rarely much price difference between retail stores of Sony products.

going on past experiance where will most likely be the cheapest place to buy the 700 model?

I got the 505 back for 40% off by going into the Sony Store at Pentagon City right after New Years. I'd like to tell you I'd carefully planned that but it was dumb luck. They had three 505's they'd used as window displays and were letting them go at $170 apiece.

Don't know if the same thing will happen again this year.

Any power adapter which charges a PSP (play station portable) will work with the reader.

You tried it before?
Seems interesting!
I still have my PSP adaptor laying around! Saves me some extra for chargers.
But even if,
I recently bought a digital camera,with mini-usb to usb connection; 5V,2000mah.
I bet it might work as well provided the Sony uses mini-usb.
Reason that I know is if the reader charges via USB, and my camera does as well,as long as the plug fits, the reader will charge..
Something to look out for in the 700 series (if they charge via USB or not).

So I'll have plenty of adaptors to choose from!

Worst case on a travel,I'll take the camera adaptor. It's smaller and lighter,and it (I presume) can charge both devices.

Are you saying that anything which uses a USB-mini port automatically uses the same voltage? I have a bluetooth earpiece which came with its own power adapter and uses the USB-mini jack but doesn't have anything to do with the USB port on my computer.

Is this some sort of standard that I didn't know about? Cool!

As for the PSP-adapter, yes I know it works because I interchangeably charge my reader and PSP from two different chargers, one which came with the PRS500 and one which came with the PSP.

USB is a standard voltage (5V) but you might find that 'dumb' chargers don't charge the Sony Reader via the USB port, although they will via the other (round) charger port.

USB is a standard voltage (5V) but you might find that 'dumb' chargers don't charge the Sony Reader via the USB port, although they will via the other (round) charger port.

you don't really need a smart charger to charge the battery; I have a strong hunch the reader has an internal system that coordinates the charging, provided it gets enough power to perform that task.
Even the Sony PSP adaptor is nothing more than a fancy old 'transformator',delivering the right voltage, & power, with build in capacitors to even out the output.

If the device can charge from a USB port it means the device needs a current of 500mA 5V or less,and some form of intelligent battery charging system inside.
I suspect the charger must be no less than 500mA, or you won't be able to slowcharge the reader via USB.

A mini USB connector generally has 4 lines,2 of which are powerlines (+5V, 0V), the 2 other are datachannels.
Generally a usb device taps power off the 2 channels, and even in chargemode normally doesn't interact with the charger. The arranging of charging (Smartcharger) is inside the reader itself.

Probably an AC adaptor using the chargerplug will only allow the reader to go into quickcharge.

A mini USB connector generally has 4 lines,2 of which are powerlines (+5V, 0V), the 2 other are datachannels.
Generally a usb device taps power off the 2 channels, and even in chargemode normally doesn't interact with the charger. The arranging of charging (Smartcharger) is inside the reader itself.


How's the phrase go - "In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice; In practice, there is"...

In practice, when you plug in a 'wall-wart' to the Sony via the usb socket, it won't (normally?) charge - They may show "USB connected" on the display, but the red LED, indicating power, won't stay lit. This may be in line with a strict reading of the USB spec, which does have something about devices being expected to negotiage at least the current to be supplied, but it's been a while since I looked at it & I don't recall the details enough to be sure either way. Generic PSP chargers using the barrel connector just work.

"Normally" as there might be some chargers that work, but if so, I'd expect that they have some form of 'smarts' in order to perform some form of communication with the device.

Then let me ask you why one is able to charge the device on a pc?
You'll notice that it doesn't matter what OS you have on the PC, even one that doesn't recognize the device, it should still be charging; unless you have multiple USB devices connected and the powerdraw of the reader would be too great to be supported by the USB port.

Normally if you connect only the reader to your USB port, and that USB port is the only port used in the USB hub of the pc, your pc should give 5V 500mA output.
This could drop to 300mA, 100mA, or even lower for standard data transfer only,when there are more than 1 device connected to the USB HUB.

On standard a desktop PC has 2 USB HUBs (differ with every pc), often one in the front connected to the cardreader and front USB plugs, and one in the back, often connected to 4 or 6 USB ports. Laptops usually only have 1 (connected) USB HUB.
A motherboard may have other USB hubs,or room for more hubs, but they're not always connected to a port.

That's one of the limitations there are to USB HUBs(the more you attach, the less power available).

According to me,the device does not need to connect to the pc sending data, the PC should automatically detect how much power the USB device draws. and if it's more than a USB port can provide, on old computers, the computer would hard reset;and on newer it'd just provide the mA it can provide to the device.
If the device, independantly of the computer knows that there is insufficient power available on the powerlines, it would shut down the charging process, and like you say,just open a channel for file or data transfert,or in case of an unsupported OS, it would open a channel which isn't replied by the OS, so you won't really be able to do anything with that channel.

If there is enough power available the device starts charging.

I don't know if fast charging is supported over the USB connection, but slow charging definately is.

If you don't believe me, then try out if you can find a USB extension cord and cut the data channel from the cord,it should still allow the reader to charge (normally)...

D+ & D- = datachannels.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/67/USB.svg/700px-USB.svg.png

I believe that just applying the right voltage to the right pins,with enough powerful poweradaptor should charge your batteries.
The reason being that there is no battery data transferred over USB connection

Then let me ask you why one is able to charge the device on a pc?
Because that level of connection is managed by the generic drivers, perhaps?

Normally if you connect only the reader to your USB port, and that USB port is the only port used in the USB hub of the pc, your pc should give 5V 500mA output.

Not necessarily - could, but not should - See the Battery Charging Spec v1.0 Spec and Battery Charging Adopters Agreement (http://www.usb.org/developers/devclass_docs/batt_charging_1_0.zip) for details.

I believe that just applying the right voltage to the right pins,with enough powerful poweradaptor should charge your batteries.
The reason being that there is no battery data transferred over USB connection
Yes, but only as long as the "right voltage to the right pins" matches the requirements of the Sony (which might or might not be what the spec requires, as I think the spec was agreed after the 505 was designed.)

'Should' notwithstanding, the fact is that in practice, at least in my experience & other reports, 505's don't charge from your basic "wall-wart" USB chargers...

Well,hopefully we'll see it soon enough,and I will be the first one to try it out then !

(Still waiting on my bid to come through)

It's a shame that B&H won't accept Paypal...

We accept PayPal payments (via our website only) provided that the shipping address is a PayPal confirmed address. PayPal is accepted for U.S., Canada & UK customers only.

The only other option would be a creditcard, which I don't have unfortunatly (offtopic: It has always puzzled me why you would want to buy something with borrowed money). I'm afraid I have to wait for Sony to release the 700 in the Netherlands... :(

It's a shame that B&H won't accept Paypal...



The only other option would be a creditcard, which I don't have unfortunatly (offtopic: It has always puzzled me why you would want to buy something with borrowed money). I'm afraid I have to wait for Sony to release the 700 in the Netherlands... :(

Use a debit card then were you pay directly.

Use a credit card and pay the bill entirely before the due date -- that way there's no interest, and it's the same as paying cash, only you get more protection and if the shipment is incorrect and the vendor won't fix it you have the credit card company to help you or reverse the charges. Plus, using a credit card often extends the manufacturer's warranty.

With debit cards, you are out the money immediately with very little recourse to get it back if the deal goes bad.

With debit cards, you are out the money immediately with very little recourse to get it back if the deal goes bad.

I'm not familiar with debitcards either, but isn't that what Paypal does, minus the monthly fees?

I just think it's unfortunate that B&H only seems to "trust" Paypal within USA, Canada and UK. Oh Well, life goes on. :)

I'm not familiar with debitcards either, but isn't that what Paypal does, minus the monthly fees?Not precisely. If you link your PayPal account to a bank account it acts as a debit mechanism, pulling the funds straight from that linked bank account. If I recall correctly (it's been a while since I did mine) that's part of the "confirmation" they're talking about. :shrug:

Not precisely. If you link your PayPal account to a bank account it acts as a debit mechanism, pulling the funds straight from that linked bank account. If I recall correctly (it's been a while since I did mine) that's part of the "confirmation" they're talking about. :shrug:

That's correct - you link it to a bank account, and have a credit card as a "backup" for it. PayPal makes a request for the funds from the bank account, but if the request is refused, it charges the card instead.

That's correct - you link it to a bank account, and have a credit card as a "backup" for it. PayPal makes a request for the funds from the bank account, but if the request is refused, it charges the card instead.

Maybe Paypal works different in different countries? Might explain why they only 'do' UK, USA and Canada.

Here, it works like this. No credit card needed; just a bankaccount from which you send some money to Paypal. This is then stored on your account, until you spend it.

That's correct - you link it to a bank account, and have a credit card as a "backup" for it. PayPal makes a request for the funds from the bank account, but if the request is refused, it charges the card instead.

Actually I generally change my purchase to ding the credit card instead of my bank account. This is an option when you make the purchase.

Dale

Hello,
I got a question, at the B&H store site, the description for the product PRS-700 is Sony PRS-700BC PORTABLE READING SYSTEM(BLK). If I remember right, BLK means BULK. Does Bulk in this case means it comes without softcover and package???
Is there any other store besides B&H that ships international?

Cheers,
Andreas

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/587201-REG/Sony_PRS_700BC_PRS_700BC_PORTABLE_READING_SYSTEM_B LK_.html

Hello,
I got a question, at the B&H store site, the description for the product PRS-700 is Sony PRS-700BC PORTABLE READING SYSTEM(BLK). If I remember right, BLK means BULK. Does Bulk in this case means it comes without softcover and package???
Is there any other store besides B&H that ships international?

Cheers,
Andreas

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/587201-REG/Sony_PRS_700BC_PRS_700BC_PORTABLE_READING_SYSTEM_B LK_.html

If you look at the way they're selling the PRS-505, the word in parentheses is the color. I'd be willing to bet that BLK is shorthand for "black."

If you look at the way they're selling the PRS-505, the word in parentheses is the color. I'd be willing to bet that BLK is shorthand for "black."

Jep.. I think you are right. Seems to be black.
Do you know other stores beside B&H that would ship internationally?
Thanks!

Jep.. I think you are right. Seems to be black.
Do you know other stores beside B&H that would ship internationally?
Thanks!

it looks like J & R Music World will do it. I've purchased from them in the past, and they're dependable.

http://www.jr.com/information/help.jsp#internationalBilling

http://www.jr.com/product/productListing.jsp?Ntt=prs700

it looks like J & R Music World will do it. I've purchased from them in the past, and they're dependable.

http://www.jr.com/information/help.jsp#internationalBilling

http://www.jr.com/product/productListing.jsp?Ntt=prs700

from your first link :

At this time, we ship to the U.S., U.S. Territories, Puerto Rico, Canada, and APO/FPO only.

it doesn't look like they will ship internationally (although they'll take your money from anywhere in the world. :rolleyes:).

It looks like they can send overseas
http://www.adorama.com/SOPRS700BC.html
about shipping:
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=FAQ
Shipping Charges for 2 day air, overnight, overseas, APO and FPO, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands are additional

from your first link :



it doesn't look like they will ship internationally (although they'll take your money from anywhere in the world. :rolleyes:).

Sorry. Like you noted, O saw that they'll take money from anywhere. I interpreted that as meaning they'd also ship product.

It is interesting that Sony still sell PRS-505 model on http://www.sonystyle.com website.
I think it will be good if they start offer upgrade from PRS-505 to PRS-700BC model for customers who already purchased PRS-505 some time ago. I think many people will be glad to upgrade it for reasonable price.

Sorry. Like you noted, I saw that they'll take money from anywhere. I interpreted that as meaning they'd also ship product.
yep, it would seem logical, wouldn't it ? :rolleyes:
It is interesting that Sony still sell PRS-505 model on http://www.sonystyle.com website.
I think it will be good if they start offer upgrade from PRS-505 to PRS-700BC model for customers who already purchased PRS-505 some time ago. I think many people will be glad to upgrade it for reasonable price.
if memory serves, sony has said the 700 doesn't *replace* the 505 ; it's just the higher-end model.

yep, it would seem logical, wouldn't it ? :rolleyes:

if memory serves, sony has said the 700 doesn't *replace* the 505 ; it's just the higher-end model.

Yes I know but it will be difficult to sell both models when price difference is $100 only.

"only" 100$ ? 100$ seems like a lot of money to me. i suppose everything is relative.

"only" 100$ ? 100$ seems like a lot of money to me. i suppose everything is relative.

Will see. I guess they will drop the price for Sony 505 and after it this model will be discontinued the same way as Sony 500 model very soon.

Will see. I guess they will drop the price for Sony 505 and after it this model will be discontinued the same way as Sony 500 model very soon.

I doubt they will be getting rid of the 505, considering the 700's screen is horrific, and I doubt it will be a huge seller.

I doubt they will be getting rid of the 505, considering the 700's screen is horrific, and I doubt it will be a huge seller.

It will be interesting to compare Sony 700 with iREX screen. I didn't find any topics that compare both touchscreen models yet.

It will be interesting to compare Sony 700 with iREX screen. I didn't find any topics that compare both touchscreen models yet.

that would be a very interesting comparison. however i believe they are different sorts of touchscreen ; the sony screen can take input from a finger or stylus, but the iliad, if i've understood correctly, requires a special wacom "pen". perhaps this allows them to use a less intrusive screen, and the comparison might be a little like apples to oranges.

i'm still curious to know how much of the quality loss on the sony display is due to the touchscreen, and how much to the lighting system.

that would be a very interesting comparison. however i believe they are different sorts of touchscreen ; the sony screen can take input from a finger or stylus, but the iliad, if i've understood correctly, requires a special wacom "pen". perhaps this allows them to use a less intrusive screen, and the comparison might be a little like apples to oranges.

i'm still curious to know how much of the quality loss on the sony display is due to the touchscreen, and how much to the lighting system.

It looks like people who received Sony 700 not too excited about screen:
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31849

It looks like people who received Sony 700 not too excited about screen:
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31849
yes, this is why i wonder how much of the loss of quality is due to the lighting system. personally, i do not want an integrated light source, and if that is the cause of the degraded display, i find it really disappointing (and rather infuriating, in fact).

on the other hand, i *do* think a touchscreen is a huge added value, for all the functions it makes possible / easier ; so if the touchscreen is the cause i am still disappointed but it seems easier to justify.

i think those stupid lights were a big mistake though. much better to add the lighted cover, or a clip-on light, or --radical idea !!-- use a lamp. sheesh.