I'm just wondering if anyone who has received their Sony 700 can tell if anything is different (or better) between it and the store display models of the 700. I was told this weekend by a SonyStyle person that the display model was a "prototype" and that the actual units for sale may be improved in some way. Is there any truth to this? :chinscratch:

I'm just wondering if anyone who has received their Sony 700 can tell if anything is different (or better) between it and the store display models of the 700. I was told this weekend by a SonyStyle person that the display model was a "prototype" and that the actual units for sale may be improved in some way. Is there any truth to this? :chinscratch:

A few people on here have already gotten their 700's and have said there is no difference.

I haven't seen the prototypes, but the PRS700 I received today has a really poor screen compared with PRS505. It's worse than I expected, even after reading all the posts and seeing the pictures in this forum. It's going back to Sony.

You can also sell it, e.g. to this person (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31719) or on ebay for probably more than you paid.

I can't honestly sell this. The buyer would probably be as disappointed as I am with it.

not sure. some members have said they love their new 700.

not sure. some members have said they love their new 700.

The only reason they are "not disappointed" is because they want to justify thier purchase. The screen is simply horrific, and to debate that fact is an exercise in futility. :D

It's not really that bad, but really, check out the screen before you buy ;)

given that there are still people who insist they *prefer* to read on the small, backlit, lcd screen of a pda, whereas that approaches my idea of torture, i would say it's really difficult to claim that the 700 must be universally loathed... :rolleyes:

A few people on here have already gotten their 700's and have said there is no difference.

Thanks for your reply. I'm sorry, as I look back at other threads, I see where you were essentially wondering the same thing, but I can't seem to find a post where an owner of a PRS-700 has made that comparison to the display model of the 700.

given that there are still people who insist they *prefer* to read on the small, backlit, lcd screen of a pda, whereas that approaches my idea of torture, i would say it's really difficult to claim that the 700 must be universally loathed... :rolleyes:

Lol...true =) Someone's garbage is another person's gold, as they say :)

Lol...true =) Someone's garbage is another person's gold, as they say :)
precisely. ;)

and people are usually willing to pay for their gold. and if you sell it to someone outside the us who can't easily get one you'd be doing them a favor.

That a display model would be merely a "prototype" does not make marketing sense to me. Why would Sony want to display a model which is inferior to what it is actually selling, especially when it comes to the all-important screen quality? I think that salesman was making things up. I wouldn't be surprised.

I think most people that are looking to get a PRS700 haven't had the chance to handle one. They reasonably expect it to be at least as good as the cheaper PRS505. So, I don't think this is about preference but more about expectancy - one that is likely to end in disappointment with PRS700.

I think most people that are looking to get a PRS700 haven't had the chance to handle one. They reasonably expect it to be at least as good as the cheaper PRS505. So, I don't think this is about preference but more about expectancy - one that is likely to end in disappointment with PRS700.

I think you hit the nail on the head here. The screen on the 700 is okay...ish, but if you know what the 505 looks like, I don't see how you could think the 700's screen is nearly as nice.

Then again, the screen is everything for me, so maybe I'm a bit biased ;)

The only reason they are "not disappointed" is because they want to justify the purchase. The screen is simply not good, and to debate that fact is an exercise in futility.

Hm, for many, no e-ink screen is as "good" as the printed page, and for them to debate that fact is an exercise in futility:D

I have been reading on the 700. :bulb2:When well lit, the screen is fine, and from my limited experience, reading for extensive periods is actually easier on my eyes, than reading a paperback (probably mostly because of the lighting and perfectly flat surface, but nevertheless....)

For me, personally, it is the small screen size, which is more disruptive to my enjoyment. I may get used to it, but for now, I don't like it.

Also, when I looked at the 505 in the store (twice,) I did not find any of the available font sizes enjoyable, while the 700 seemed perfect.

As I said before, I am not keeping my 700, because daytime visibility, and just as importantly, because of screen size.

I am just trying to convince myself, that the iLiad's poor battery life is not going to be a huge problem for me.

I got the feeling, that most negative postings about the 700 is coming from jonnyr.
I am myself thinking of getting a 700, but lacking of a possibility to compare the 505 and 700, I am totally relying on the feedback of people on this forum.
The pictures taken here on the forum are not good. They either are taken with flash, which is a no-no, or they are made of taking the 505 in front of the camera and the 700 behind, where the light of the shop directly shines on the 700.
I would love to see more comparision pictures to make a my own opinion about it.
Could someon upload some pics? thanks!

I got the feeling, that most negative postings about the 700 is coming from jonnyr.
I am myself thinking of getting a 700, but lacking of a possibility to compare the 505 and 700, I am totally relying on the feedback of people on this forum.
The pictures taken here on the forum are not good. They either are taken with flash, which is a no-no, or they are made of taking the 505 in front of the camera and the 700 behind, where the light of the shop directly shines on the 700.
I would love to see more comparision pictures to make a my own opinion about it.
Could someon upload some pics? thanks!

Lol...yeah, I've been pretty vocal about it, but I'm basing my posts not only on my experience with the device, but also other's who have posted here. I'm not the only one that sees the issue.

However, it doesn't mean the 700 isn't for you. Do you have a Sony Style store close to you?

Also, for a pic, check out my pic of side by side I took at the sony store:


Also, for a pic, check out my pic of side by side I took at the sony store:

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31608&highlight=pic&page=3

Post # 40

The screen isn't terrible, but when compared to the 505, there is a pretty big difference. It's ultimately up to you if the 700's screen is ok or not.

@jonnyr: I just reread my posts and must apologize to you. I did not mean any offence, it just seems that most postings when negative was posted by you. I am quite disappointed about the unsharp display mentioned here. 1 week earlier I would have bought the 700 in an instance. Right now I really think not to buy it, but instead, to buy the 505 which is 35% cheaper for me than the 700.

One question, is switching pages on a 505 slow? How long does it take in average?
I am not a fan of LCDs, but have not seen any eInk devices in my life before.

There is no SonyStyle store in Germany (where I live) and that's the reason why I cannot compare and check for myself.. but I think, under this condition, I would prefere a good screen to an inferior one...

(...)have not seen any eInk devices in my life before.

There is no SonyStyle store in Germany (where I live) and that's the reason why I cannot compare and check for myself.

DerHund, where in Germany do you live ? i know we have other german members, check this thread (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26574) to see whether any of them living near you have offered to give a demo of an e-ink device, so you can see how it works. if no-one has made a post, why not add your own post requesting a demo ? mention your city in the post.

also, since we have a german-language forum, you might want to create a thread like that in german ; we have one in french, in the french forum. it makes a big difference to see the screens in person, i agree. good luck !

@jonnyr: I just reread my posts and must apologize to you. I did not mean any offence, it just seems that most postings when negative was posted by you. I am quite disappointed about the unsharp display mentioned here. 1 week earlier I would have bought the 700 in an instance. Right now I really think not to buy it, but instead, to buy the 505 which is 35% cheaper for me than the 700.

One question, is switching pages on a 505 slow? How long does it take in average?
I am not a fan of LCDs, but have not seen any eInk devices in my life before.

There is no SonyStyle store in Germany (where I live) and that's the reason why I cannot compare and check for myself.. but I think, under this condition, I would prefere a good screen to an inferior one...

Heh, no offense was taken, and like you said, I am probrably one of the more vocal members on the forum about this issue. I just want people to know what they are getting, before they buy, so they can make an educated decision on what reader suits them best.

Take me for instance: I was about to purchase a 700 on the sonystyle site, but because of some comments on here, I decided to look at it first in the Sony Store. I'm glad I did, because the 700 was not for me, and I now have a 505 on the way.

Take me for instance: I was about to purchase a 700 on the sonystyle site, but because of some comments on here, I decided to look at it first in the Sony Store. I'm glad I did, because the 700 was not for me, and I now have a 505 on the way.

I am exactly the opposite.

The 505 is such a slow poke for me - not only in turning pages which is bad as it is when you read fast - but in moving between books, moving back and forth - in ergonomics - once you use the buttons on the 700 you wonder how you could use those small buttons on the 505, leaving aside touch which I love

Then 505 is without integrated light which I started loving more and more on my 700 once I got used to its slightly eerie feeling, and that is quite important for me.

I would not buy the 505 unless almost free, while I was willing to spend 400+tax+2 year plan on the 700 on sight, and while the first time I saw it in the store it was not available, the second time it was and I bought it...

So think what is important. If you are a fast reader and read a lot, the slowness of the 505 may annoy you a lot.

Is this PRS-700 come with cover?

One question, is switching pages on a 505 slow? How long does it take in average?
I am not a fan of LCDs, but have not seen any eInk devices in my life before.


First of all "slow" is not a quantifiable period of time. eInk screens are "slow" when compared to LCD or CRTs certainly. However, it is only "slow" when the image needs to be changed. That is not done often in the normal use of reading a book. The time it takes the screen to display the new page after you press the next page button is probably the same or less than it would take you to turn a page in a physical book.

I would say the whole process of turning a page in a book from picking up the arm that is not holding the book, grabing the single page, flipping it, adjusting the hand you are holding the book with take more time than pressing the next page button with your thumb. In actuality because with a paper book when turning the page you are distracted by the act of turning the page you don't notice the time that this takes. While pressing the next page with your thumb takes almost no effort so the perception is that the page turn is "slow". But, I think for your average human by the time your eye moves back to the top of the screen an focuses the page refresh is done.

That all said... where you will most notice the "slow" part of an eInk screen is when you are navigating the TOC or the Library. Stuff like that where we are used to LCD's will seem much slower. however, it really isn't all that bad, mainly because there are sporadic procedures.

BOb

I am exactly the opposite.

The 505 is such a slow poke for me - not only in turning pages which is bad as it is when you read fast - but in moving between books, moving back and forth - in ergonomics - once you use the buttons on the 700 you wonder how you could use those small buttons on the 505, leaving aside touch which I love

Then 505 is without integrated light which I started loving more and more on my 700 once I got used to its slightly eerie feeling, and that is quite important for me.

I would not buy the 505 unless almost free, while I was willing to spend 400+tax+2 year plan on the 700 on sight, and while the first time I saw it in the store it was not available, the second time it was and I bought it...

So think what is important. If you are a fast reader and read a lot, the slowness of the 505 may annoy you a lot.

Yeah, I love the 700 in every other way, but I just can't get past the screen. The most important thing for me in a reader is how nice the screen is, and how easy it is to read.

Is this PRS-700 come with cover?

Sure - hinged black cover that can be folded back for one handed reading.

Regarding slowness - even the normal page turning in the 505 is slow in my opinion in the sense that is noticeable and pulls you away from the book train of thoughts. When I read a paper book and turn a page I do not have time to be distracted from the book. Similarly with the 770, iTouch, or the 700, but on the 500 and from my tries 505 it's just too distracting and unbearable over time - I tested the 505 10 times easily in stores the past year since I *really* wanted an eink.

Reading a page, or maybe for a slower reader it may not be a big deal, but I read almost 200 novels this year plus rereads, short stories and the 505 would just not do.

I thought about the Kindle once in a while, but since I could not test it, I never considered it seriously - leaving aside that I would implicitly pay for its wireless capability which would be mostly useless to me

Sure - hinged black cover that can be folded back for one handed reading.

Regarding slowness - even the normal page turning in the 505 is slow in my opinion in the sense that is noticeable and pulls you away from the book train of thoughts. When I read a paper book and turn a page I do not have time to be distracted from the book. Similarly with the 770, iTouch, or the 700, but on the 500 and from my tries 505 it's just too distracting and unbearable over time - I tested the 505 10 times easily in stores the past year since I *really* wanted an eink.

Reading a page, or maybe for a slower reader it may not be a big deal, but I read almost 200 novels this year plus rereads, short stories and the 505 would just not do.

I thought about the Kindle once in a while, but since I could not test it, I never considered it seriously - leaving aside that I would implicitly pay for its wireless capability which would be mostly useless to me

I read very fast, and while the 505 may seem "slow" it takes about the same time as turning a real page would. Now the Kindle, thats slow.

My thought is, what good is a really fast reader if actually "reading" it is a pain? (contrast)

Also, I know that most people with slower readers (Kindle, 500) learn to hit the page turn button before they get to the end of the page. After a while it becomes second nature. (according to them)

I tested the 505 and the 700, page turning appeared to be the same speed. Everything else I'm sure is faster, but basic page turning? Negligible difference.

I read very fast, and while the 505 may seem "slow" it takes about the same time as turning a real page would. Now the Kindle, thats slow.

I disagree. The Kindle and 505 page turn speed is pretty much identical.

BOb

I disagree. The Kindle and 505 page turn speed is pretty much identical.

BOb

Hmm...wierd...I took my buddy (with his kindle) to target and tested it against the 505....Kindle was by far much slower.

Perhaps the book he had on the kindle was super big?

Hmm...wierd...I took my buddy (with his kindle) to target and tested it against the 505....Kindle was by far much slower.

Perhaps the book he had on the kindle was super big?

Perhaps it was a Topaz book? Those certainly turn much slower. However, that would compare to using a PDF on the Sony.

BOb

Perhaps it was a Topaz book? Those certainly turn much slower. However, that would compare to using a PDF on the Sony.

BOb

Possibly....

What reader do you own Bob?

Possibly....

What reader do you own Bob?

I own a Kindle and a PRS500.

BOb

I own a Kindle and a PRS500.

BOb

How does the 500 compare to the kindle speed-wise?

How does the 500 compare to the kindle speed-wise?

The 500 is certainly slower.

BOb

The 500 is certainly slower.

BOb

I would have thought so. Thanks.

I finally decided what to buy... my highest priority was the screen and the visibility. That fancy stuff (light, touch screen) are nice to have, but not a must for me. Especially if I look at the price. I can purchase the 505 for 240 Euro incl. shipping cost. the 700 whould cost me 460 Euro at least (VAT, shipping costs etc.).
I ordered the 505!
Thanks to Jonnyr :P .. his pictures are just too convincing.
Hope I would not regret it.
Cheers,
Andreas

Tomorrow, Sony is getting a call and it will be returned. It's a shame; if not for the screen, it would be a kickass unit. It's very disappointing.

I'm debating between the PRS-505 or waiting for the PRS-707. I hope that the negative feedback that Sony gets from the multitudes of returned units will convince them to work harder on the screen issue

If you don't want it, you should consider selling it on our flea market - there are some people outside US who would like to get one.

Regarding slowness - even the normal page turning in the 505 is slow in my opinion in the sense that is noticeable and pulls you away from the book train of thoughts. When I read a paper book and turn a page I do not have time to be distracted from the book. Similarly with the 770, iTouch, or the 700, but on the 500 and from my tries 505 it's just too distracting and unbearable over time - I tested the 505 10 times easily in stores the past year since I *really* wanted an eink.

I own a PRS505 and the speed is fine to me. I've found that I automatically press the page turn button before I get to the end of the last line on the page - somewhere in the middle of the last line - and by the time my eye scans to the end of the line the page is turning. It feels to me very much like turning a page in a p-book - your brain seems to interpolates between one page and the next so they become a seamless whole, and you no longer notice the join (the page turn).

I own a PRS505 and the speed is fine to me. I've found that I automatically press the page turn button before I get to the end of the last line on the page - somewhere in the middle of the last line - and by the time my eye scans to the end of the line the page is turning. It feels to me very much like turning a page in a p-book - your brain seems to interpolates between one page and the next so they become a seamless whole, and you no longer notice the join (the page turn).

I think it's all up to what you are comfortable with. For me, the 505 is way too slow, but I rarely read a book page after page. I tend to speed read a whole page/screen at least on the 770 or on the 700 and turn page, and sometimes things happen in the book that seem strange, so I turn back see if I missed something or just that's the way the book is, so I tend to flip a lot of pages back and forth

I also move a lot between books - when a book hooks me, yes I tend to finish it, but usually I have maybe 10 started books - both p and e - and I read from at least 3-4 until I decide which I finish.

This is why speed is essential for me and the 505 just does not cut it. I am pretty happy with my 770, just that it's getting old and it feels a bit. But with the 700 I am really very happy.

I already finished 2 novels on the 700, a 320 and a 672 page one print equivalent, and to my surprise I read most of the 672 page one in the original pdf review arc I received from the publishers rather than in the - decent - lrf obtained from extracting text, since the pdf reflowed nicely in M size and was very readable on the 700 even vertically at full page

I have 3 *must read - waited impatiently for them since previous series books* print books and at least 2 more are coming, and I cannot let the 700 aside for now to read those, so I am moving to another 2 novels on it for now :)

I am exactly the opposite.

The 505 is such a slow poke for me - not only in turning pages which is bad as it is when you read fast - but in moving between books, moving back and forth - in ergonomics - once you use the buttons on the 700 you wonder how you could use those small buttons on the 505, leaving aside touch which I love

Then 505 is without integrated light which I started loving more and more on my 700 once I got used to its slightly eerie feeling, and that is quite important for me.

I would not buy the 505 unless almost free, while I was willing to spend 400+tax+2 year plan on the 700 on sight, and while the first time I saw it in the store it was not available, the second time it was and I bought it...

So think what is important. If you are a fast reader and read a lot, the slowness of the 505 may annoy you a lot.

I find that if I begin turning the page slightly before I finish reading the page makes the page turning run much more smoothly. The trick is learning when to anticipate the need for the next page.

I find that if I begin turning the page slightly before I finish reading the page makes the page turning run much more smoothly. The trick is learning when to anticipate the need for the next page.
Hey, do I get a Dollar for each time I said page?

I would not buy the 505 unless almost free, while I was willing to spend 400+tax+2 year plan on the 700 on sight.

Interesting how different we see it. After using it for a day, I find that I wouldn't buy the 700 if it were 20$. I'd much rather pick up an "old-fashion" paper book. I would still gladly pay the $300 for 505 - it's screen is a marvel to look at.

My fiancee looked at 700 and her first reaction was to ask if I am sure the screen is not defective =) ."Why would they make an unreadable reader?". I can't say I have a good answer. Perhaps if you use of the built-in light very often? She's using a Red 505 and likes that one a lot.

I think it's all up to what you are comfortable with. For me, the 505 is way too slow, but I rarely read a book page after page. I tend to speed read a whole page/screen at least on the 770 or on the 700 and turn page, and sometimes things happen in the book that seem strange, so I turn back see if I missed something or just that's the way the book is, so I tend to flip a lot of pages back and forth

I also move a lot between books - when a book hooks me, yes I tend to finish it, but usually I have maybe 10 started books - both p and e - and I read from at least 3-4 until I decide which I finish.

This is why speed is essential for me and the 505 just does not cut it. I am pretty happy with my 770, just that it's getting old and it feels a bit. But with the 700 I am really very happy.
[snip]

I am very happy with my 700, too. Speed is terrific, the finger-swipe page turn is terrific, the built-in light is wonderful (no heavy add-on light to worry about!) the UI is fast and easy, the ability of the unit to cope easily with a huge library, including a Memory Stick Pro Duo, is unbelievable.

And I have no discomfort reading the screen at all -- I was practically crapping my pants before it arrived, with all the negative reactions to the screen I had read about, thinking I had foolishly ordered too quickly.

I was sure wrong, and I am delighted with the 700 and wonder how poor people's eyesight must be if they can't read easily on it.

Well I am glad you like it but to say there is something wrong with other's eyesight if they had trouble reading on the 700??

I have 20/20 vision. I have the 505 and I am always also reading a paperback. The screen is considerably dimmer than the 505 and that extra layer for the touchscreen clearly causes it not to be as sharp. I personally don't want to see my reflection and lights and other things glaring at me while I try to read. It destroys the reading experience for me. e-ink should be about emulating a paper book rather than feel like I am reading off a dimly lit computer monitor.

I am glad you like your purchase, but those of use who do not like it don't need to be all but told there is something wrong with our eyesight!

I haven't received one but have played with it in the store (twice now!) The new features are certainly great improvements. Just playing with the touchscreen interface in the store was completely intuitive, and quick. If I used one for any length of time I'd guess the buttons of the 505 would quickly seem disappointing. The built in side-lights are a great idea (though not as evenly dispersed as they should be). Reading on these forums how the 700's clarity is being compared to the 500, I can completely understand how someone who reads on a pocketpc and a Sony 500 would love the new features, find the 700's screen perfectly acceptable, and embrace the device. One person's feature is another's deal-killer.

I agree that the 700 suffers mostly in comparison to the 505. If you compare it to a lot of other devices, it's great. But knowing what the 505 looks like, knowing what eInk is capable of looking like, is what makes the 700 a disappointment to me.

I tried several times today to get a side-by-side picture of the two, but kept having problems, because no matter where I was, in what kind of natural light source, from whatever direction, I couldn't get a good picture without glare or a reflection on the 700. So that alone tells me a lot... I may post the pictures anyways...

Sayhello

Well I am glad you like it but to say there is something wrong with other's eyesight if they had trouble reading on the 700??
[snip]
I am glad you like your purchase, but those of use who do not like it don't need to be all but told there is something wrong with our eyesight!

I do apologize for my final remark -- I was really wondering, not trying to put anybody down. The strong negative reaction seems to me to be an over-reaction and not simply a "this isn't good for me" sort of reaction, and I guess I over-reacted to what I viewed as an over-reaction.:o

In any event, all this "it's fine / it's horrible" stuff regarding the readabilty of the 700 really comes down just to personal taste, and I think that many of the negative reactions may be doing a disservice to people who are just trying to form some sort of opinion about the device before making a purchase.

I know that all the negative messages about how horrible the screen is on the 700 really had me nervous about whether I had foolishly wasted my money and when I actually had the device in my hands I found that for my eyes, the negative messages didn't apply at all.

I wonder how many people new to e-readers who might have been very happy with the 700 have decided not to purchase it because of the research they did on forums like this one (I did that sort of research before buying my 500 back in March of 2007).

Remarks such as I've read here like (this is a paraphrase)"Sony's 700 is the best Christmas gift they could have given Amazon" simply do nothing to help anybody.

I've used the Kindle and I've used the 500 and I've seen the 505 in stores and I've used the 700 and the 700 is the best of them all, in my opinion.

Which is what makes me wonder "What are they seeing that I'm missing?" or actually wondering if their eyesight is making them find reading on the 700 impossible. Not a put-down, just a curiosity.

In any event, I do apologize.:)

And I apologize for what now seems like my overreaction! Believe me if people like the 700 and keep it that's great. I'm not one to pick on someone for what they like. And I do not like all the comments that sound more like people being petty than helpful. I loved everything about it except the screen. I have never seen a 500 in person but it sounds like its a good move for someone who has. I also have never read a book on other devices that are not e-ink so for me personally I have only recently gotten interested in the whole ebook thing and its mainly because of the kindle and then discovering this forum and other devices. I really wanted to like the 700. I loved the touch screen and the design is so nice and if the next model could be something without that extra layer I will definitely buy it. Well if all goes as it has in the past, they should be making an announcement of a new model in 11 months :-)

I've used the Kindle and I've used the 500 and I've seen the 505 in stores and I've used the 700 and the 700 is the best of them all, in my opinion.

Which is what makes me wonder "What are they seeing that I'm missing?" or actually wondering if their eyesight is making them find reading on the 700 impossible.

I posted a few pictures with 700 and 505 side-by-side here:

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32038

The 700 might be faster, but as far as screen readability goes I don't think we're dealing with an user eyesight problem. The 700 screen is a mess.