At least in the SonyStyle store in the Pentagon City Mall here in Northern Virginia. Salesman said it had been on display for about 20 minutes when I got my hands on it. And he said you can buy them now.

Feels about like the 505 with a similar screen. I do like the built in light.

Took me a while to get the hang of turning the pages by touching the screen. I've got an iPhone and the screen is much more user friendly although it may just be a question of getting used to the Sony screen. After fooling around with it for a while, I was turning pages more smoothly.

Thanks for posting. I've got so many questions. I will settle for two :). Is the the LED light truly uneven? did it bother you while reading?

Edit: Also, While using it, did the screen bear any sign of your fingerprints? Did it get, as a poster here qualified it, greasy??

Thanks for posting. I've got so many questions. I will settle for two :). Is the the LED light truly uneven? did it bother you while reading?

Edit: Also, While using it, did the screen bear any sign of your fingerprints? Did it get, as a poster here qualified it, greasy??

The shop lightening was so bright, I couldn't really tell what affect the built in light had.

And, yeah, there were lots of fingerprints

And, yeah, there were lots of fingerprints

That's not good. At least not for me :(. Did you try cleaning it? how visible they were? did they detract from your reading experience?

I didn't try cleaning it. If it's like the iPhone, that wouldn't be much of a problem. The fingerprints were not all that noticeable and did not detract at all from the reading experience.

there are buttons you can use instead of the screen.

Dale

So did you end up buying it?

I didn't try cleaning it. If it's like the iPhone, that wouldn't be much of a problem. The fingerprints were not all that noticeable and did not detract at all from the reading experience.

Thanks, that's good to know.

How was the build quality? Like the 505? better? did it feel plasticky, if you understand what I mean?


[Sorry, I've got heaps of questions and right now you're my only source of information...:)]

So did you end up buying it?

No I didn't. I already have a 505 and the 700 isn't that much cooler. Although, were I to find a buyer for my 505, I might be tempted.

Thanks, that's good to know.

How was the build quality? Like the 505? better? did it feel plasticky, if you understand what I mean?


[Sorry, I've got heaps of questions and right now you're my only source of information...:)]

It felt exactly like the 505. Same heft and size. In fact, they had a couple of 505's on the same display stand and, holding them at the same time, they felt about the same

So as to avoid fingerprints on the screen you can use a stylus! :)

So as to avoid fingerprints on the screen you can use a stylus! :)

Correct and the stylus is housed in a slot on the upper right side like an iPaq. Also, like the iPaq, probably pretty easy to lose.

When turning pages, do you feel that a "thumb swipe" would have accomplished the task?

So, can anyone tell us what is the body casing made of, extruded aluminum or plastic? :)

If anyone can get to that (or another) shop and buy a unit, I'll be willing to pay some extra over the price to get one early.

If anyone can get to that (or another) shop and buy a unit, I'll be willing to pay some extra over the price to get one early.

I'll be going on Monday. If you want to buy an extended warranty, let me know.

I'm very interested in the battery life of the 700!!

I'll be going on Monday. If you want to buy an extended warranty, let me know.
Thanks! No need for extended warranty (I hope) :)

Were they really for sale, or was the salesman just talking through his hat? I find it odd that buying one through the SonyStyle web-site it won't be available until Nov. 14 when you've got them in a local store!:(

Were they really for sale, or was the salesman just talking through his hat? I find it odd that buying one through the SonyStyle web-site it won't be available until Nov. 14 when you've got them in a local store!:(

The salesman said they were for sale. But he may have well been talking through his hat. I'll try to get back there today and confirm one way or the other.

Were they really for sale, or was the salesman just talking through his hat? I find it odd that buying one through the SonyStyle web-site it won't be available until Nov. 14 when you've got them in a local store!:(

I just called the store. The PRS-700 is on display, but will not be sold until 14 November.

Drat.

I just called the store. The PRS-700 is on display, but will not be sold until 14 November.

Drat.

I just called both the Sony stores at Pentagon City and at Tysons and both confirmed what Nate just posted. In fact, the Pentagon City store used the same expression about the salesman I talked to yesterday; i.e., he was talking through his hat.

I probably should have bought the damn thing on the spot. Oh well, at least you can go look at the thing. If I get a chance, I'll drop by Target and see if they have them on display.

I'll have to go to my local SonyStyle store to see if they have a 700 on display. I'm interested to see one. Have to stock up my SD card.

I visited the Sony Style store in Tysons Corner, Virginia. The 700 was on display with either two 505s or a 500 and a 505 (I admit I didn't look closely at all 3). I had the chance to check out the new device... it feels good and looks better than the 500 series, and the page-turn, either by "finger-swipe" or button, is noticeably faster on the 700 than the 500s. The backlight wasn't bad. Even my wife thought it was a pretty good piece of work.

When I asked about purchasing, the salesgirl told me that the 700 could be preordered, at the store or online, for a "sometime in November" release, so it is not available to take home yet. (I declined.)

I just called both the Sony stores at Pentagon City and at Tysons and both confirmed what Nate just posted. In fact, the Pentagon City store used the same expression about the salesman I talked to yesterday; i.e., he was talking through his hat.

Scary, isn't it? In fact, on a related note, while on the road I tried to use a mobile 411 service to see if there was a Sony store in Bethesda, Md, or Tysons Corner. We were told there was neither, but there were stores in Hyattsville and Landover. Upon returning home and checking the website, I saw that there was indeed a Tysons store, but none in Landover and Hyattsville.

So you can't get straight answers from salespeople... and you can't even get straight answers on if the store is really there.

I just received the Borders Shortlist they send out. The Sony PRS 700 is advertised at the bottom of the list. When you click for more info and it sends you to their website, it says that you can pre-order it, but that the release date isn't until December 2nd. :blink:

Pictures and my notes will be up in a short while.

Maybe a salesperson that gets his products a couple of days later, and is slow in processing them; or maybe some people are on holidays over there?

It is a possibility!
Sony's website states:
Pre-sale item available on or about 11/14/2008 (friday).
give or take they start procesing the orders on monday 20th
arrives in store by thursday 23
gets processed and by friday 24 to monday 27 are send to the customer.
arrive @ customer wed 29.
Things should be bout like that.

Pictures and my notes will be up in a short while.
Cool.
If you create a new topic, could please drop a link over here?
Ta!

Here you go:

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30874

I just received the Borders Shortlist they send out. The Sony PRS 700 is advertised at the bottom of the list. When you click for more info and it sends you to their website, it says that you can pre-order it, but that the release date isn't until December 2nd. :blink:
I have pre-ordered the reader from the website. I got an email a couple of days ago that my order is not expected to ship until Nov 18th. It still shows when you look on the website that its the 14th. I hope its not delayed until December!

I pre-ordered from the SonyStyle web-site and the order info in my account there is showing that it's supposed to ship on or about Nov. 14, but the e-mail confirmation I received only says that I will be notified when it ships.

Was your e-mail from SonyStyle?

I pre-ordered from the SonyStyle web-site and the order info in my account there is showing that it's supposed to ship on or about Nov. 14, but the e-mail confirmation I received only says that I will be notified when it ships.

Was your e-mail from SonyStyle?
Yes. Did you pre-order it right away? I only ordered it a few days ago so maybe they will be a bit backlogged with orders and that is why.

Here is what I got a couple of days ago from sonystyle:

Dear Lisa,

Thank you for your recent Sony Style purchase.

We would like to inform you that the status of your order has been updated. The PRS700BC you purchased on order has been rescheduled to ship on or about 11/18/2008. You will receive an email once your order ships.

I ordered mine Oct. 16, so 5 days ago.

It'll be interesting to see who gets theirs first -- I'm in New Hampshire, so shipping will take a bit longer from California than to almost anywhere else in the country, so the apparent 2-day lag in projected shipping date for yours might not matter if you live nearer the shipping point.

I'm in Colorado and opted for the free ground shipping. I'm not too concerned but its just like a kid at christmas. I want my new toy!

I got the free ground shipping, so even if yours ships 2 days after mine, you'll probably have it a day or two before me.:(

I certainly agree with your "child at Christmas" sentiment -- especially after the review that Natch posted today.

Though Sony says that the '14th' is going to be the release day, the 14th is on a friday.
I don't know if they work on saturday and sunday. But if not they probably will have a lot of work shipping out hundreds of orders on monday.
I may suspect they would go for the big orders first (from shops) and do the smaller orders later for customers.

I got the free ground shipping, so even if yours ships 2 days after mine, you'll probably have it a day or two before me.:(

I certainly agree with your "child at Christmas" sentiment -- especially after the review that Natch posted today.

Um, who posted today?!? :rofl:

I got the free ground shipping, so even if yours ships 2 days after mine, you'll probably have it a day or two before me.:(

I certainly agree with your "child at Christmas" sentiment -- especially after the review that Natch posted today.
I decided to upgrade because I have some tendinitis problems when I type to much or on the 505 when I read for long sessions. I think using a touchscreen will really help that. The button presses on the 505 really bother me. And the extra fonts as well was a big reason for me to upgrade. I find some of the adobe DE books I borrow from the library start at a really small font and large is still not really what I wanted. Oh and the front lite seemed pretty cool too.

Um, who posted today?!? :rofl:

I am deeply sorry -- I couldn't look it up while writing the message, and I am hanging my head in shame. :o:o:o

Thank you Nate, for posting that review! I promise I will never get your name wrong again. (until the next time, that is.) :)

Hey Guys's...

I am looking forward to getting the PRS700, and in anticipation, I called the SonyStyle store closest to me, the one at the Providence Place Mall, and they said that they have a display model, but there aren't any for sale quite yet.

Also, I am selling my PRS-505 on eBay right now, and there are over 30 people who are watching it, and right now, it's at $242 and counting. It looks extremely popular overseas.

I went to a local SonyStyle store here in Schaumburg to check out the new 700 and honestly I was a bit disappointed. Comparing side by side with the 505, the contrast of the 700 seemed quite a bit worse. The background looked darker then on the 505. I hope that was just this one particular demo unit.

Has anyone else compared the two models side-by-side and noticed this difference in contrast?

I had a chance to check out the prs 700 at the sony style store in paramus. I actually went there just to fondle the thing. I really like the controls they felt smooth and the device was faster then the kindle and typing on the keyboard without the stylus was as good as could be expected. I really hope they add dictionary support later because I plan to buy it.

The 700 has 16 shades of grey.Maybe what you thought was white could be one of the lighter shades of grey?

The 700 has 16 shades of grey.Maybe what you thought was white could be one of the lighter shades of grey?

Where did you hear it had 16 shades? The web site says 8. I would like 16 of course. It could be that the front view plastic cover for the led may be slightly darkening the display under some lighting conditions.

Dale

Hey Guys's...

I am looking forward to getting the PRS700, and in anticipation, I called the SonyStyle store closest to me, the one at the Providence Place Mall, and they said that they have a display model, but there aren't any for sale quite yet.

Also, I am selling my PRS-505 on eBay right now, and there are over 30 people who are watching it, and right now, it's at $242 and counting. It looks extremely popular overseas.
I sold mine as well on ebay recently. At first I tried just to sell it in the US and get no takers, 3 days ago I relisted it internationally and had a buy it now price of $250 and someone took it in less than an hour! With a credit card deal from Sony for $150 off my first purchase, the 700 should cost me $250 so I was glad to sell my 505 for that.

Where did you hear it had 16 shades? The web site says 8. I would like 16 of course. It could be that the front view plastic cover for the led may be slightly darkening the display under some lighting conditions.

Dale

Sorry,you're right!8 tints.
:)

I sold mine as well on ebay recently. At first I tried just to sell it in the US and get no takers, 3 days ago I relisted it internationally and had a buy it now price of $250 and someone took it in less than an hour! With a credit card deal from Sony for $150 off my first purchase, the 700 should cost me $250 so I was glad to sell my 505 for that.

they get pretty popular indeed!
As long as they are near to new and in flawless condition, and all accessories are included, you can get away with 250.
Also depends from day to day. some days they go secondhand for 222, some days for 250 (usually when extras are included like an SD card, Purchased e-books, light, luxury carry bag, or dockingstation).

They sell them new for 275 on ebay, though you'll need a confirmed adress, something that's the cause of much misery to get it to work...

I don't get it. Why to buy second hand for 250 if you can buy a brand new for 300? or even less?

Well, if you don't have the extra $50 in your "New Toys" jar .... :shrug:

I don't get it. Why to buy second hand for 250 if you can buy a brand new for 300? or even less?
I sold mine to someone in Russia. I don't think they can easily get a new Sony Reader there. And mine was only a month old. I liked enough of the features of the 700 model to go ahead and pre-order it and sell the 505. So mine was in pretty "like new" condition.

Well, if you don't have the extra $50 in your "New Toys" jar .... :shrug:
Dunno.
If you have as much as 250 and it is difficult to obtain another 50, then it just one more reason not to risk such a big sum of money and spend on second-hand that might stop working in 1 week time.

I knew a guys who worked very hard to get money for a laptop. He worked in warehouse, night shifts, really hard...then he bought second hand laptop that stopped working within a few weeks. He could add just a little bit more and get brand new one from a shop with warranty.

There is Russian saying: I am not so rich to buy cheap(meaning rubbish) stuff.

Well, IMHO.

I sold mine to someone in Russia. I don't think they can easily get a new Sony Reader there. And mine was only a month old. I liked enough of the features of the 700 model to go ahead and pre-order it and sell the 505. So mine was in pretty "like new" condition.

They can easily order from B&Hphotovideo.

I would never risk so much money for electronic gadget. Just because the money are so hard to get.

Someone who sells it might have drooped it. Although it works right now it is not like a new anymore. They might have clumsy hands and press/push buttons like I would never do.
:shrug:

They can easily order from B&Hphotovideo.

I would never risk so much money for electronic gadget. Just because the money are so hard to get.

Someone who sells it might have drooped it. Although it works right now it is not like a new anymore. They might have clumsy hands and press/push buttons like I would never do.
:shrug:
I know what you are saying and I agree as a buyer. I don't have much interest in buying an electronic device used but as a seller and one that is honest I am glad I was able to sell it for $250. I think in general things get crazy at ebay and people get into a bidding frenzy without thinking how ridiculous it is sometimes. I have seen used kindles go for just $10 less than a new one at Amazon which I think is a bit crazy.

I sold mine as well on ebay recently. At first I tried just to sell it in the US and get no takers, 3 days ago I relisted it internationally and had a buy it now price of $250 and someone took it in less than an hour! With a credit card deal from Sony for $150 off my first purchase, the 700 should cost me $250 so I was glad to sell my 505 for that.

Yeah, Mine sold for $245, with $33 more for shipping to Australia.

I know what you are saying and I agree as a buyer. I don't have much interest in buying an electronic device used but as a seller and one that is honest I am glad I was able to sell it for $250. I think in general things get crazy at ebay and people get into a bidding frenzy without thinking how ridiculous it is sometimes. I have seen used kindles go for just $10 less than a new one at Amazon which I think is a bit crazy.

Please, don't get me wrong. I am not saying you are dishonest. I just don't understand the buyers :)

Please, don't get me wrong. I am not saying you are dishonest. I just don't understand the buyers :)

Many people have the mentality that if it is on ebay that's the best price. They don't even look elsewhere.

BOb

sonystyle.com has a VISA card promotion. Get their credit card, on your first purchase - buy something at $300 or over from them and get $150 credit. A $400 reader is now $250.

I just got an email that my PRS-700 will ship around 11/18/08 from them....

I don't get it. Why to buy second hand for 250 if you can buy a brand new for 300? or even less?

Why would you not save $50,when you do save $1 on buying cheaper butter in the store, or save $ 10ct because the gas station on the other side of the road sells for 3,99 instead of 4,01 ?

Why would you not save $50,when you do save $1 on buying cheaper butter in the store, or save $ 10ct because the gas station on the other side of the road sells for 3,99 instead of 4,01 ?

Too many reasons, would make a long to list :)

When you try to save on a an item you buy everyday and it is a general attitude of you life, in a long run you save money => you don't risk anything.

When you buy a second hand electronic gadget on ebay or anywhere else you do risk your money and although it looks like saving at the moment of paying in a long run you loose because if it is your general attitude, then sooner or later you buy a defective gadget. Then the amount of money you loose makes all the savings efforts all-for-nothing. When you buy electronic gadget you buy it one time and for a long period time.

Hope it helps :p

sonystyle.com has a VISA card promotion. Get their credit card, on your first purchase - buy something at $300 or over from them and get $150 credit. A $400 reader is now $250.

I just got an email that my PRS-700 will ship around 11/18/08 from them....

When did you order yours? I ordered mine on 10/16/08 and my account info at sonystyle is still showing exected ship date of 11/14/08. The reason I'm asking about when you ordered is that you're not the only person who got that e-mail saying the expected ship date for yours is 11/18/08 and I'm just wondering if it's a matter of shipping in order of date-placed or what. Perhaps I just never got the email and mine will wait until the 18th, too.

My order for the PRS-700 was placed on 10/19/08.

So it does appear as if it's a first-come/first-served basis.

I wonder when the shipping date would have been had I ordered it the day of the announcement?

The fact that the stores seem to be saying that it will be available for sale on 11/14 indicates that it might not have mattered.