Here are some pictures of 700 compared with 505. I didn't have the time to send it back to Sony yesterday so I figured to snap a few photos for people that are interested in the looks of the new screen.

The pictures are taken in a room with (white) window blinds closed, on a rainy day. The light is diffuse, but even so I had to move around to minimize glare on 700. In the last few pictures I used this diffuse light from the window to show how glare looks like if you don't actively try to avoid it. A point light (like a lamp) can be worse.

I hope it helps those in doubt. For me PRS700 is a disappointment, but there are people who seem to like it despite its screen shortcomings.

Edit: I added a quick video of 505 and 700 page-change speed on page 2, post 19:

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32038&page=2

Glare tests.

As we say in France, "Y'a pas photo".

:yahoo:

(Litteraly translated, "there's no photo", i.e. it's so obvious you don't need to take a photo to prove it, there's no question about it.)

Thank you very much !

Hi Trek,

Thanks very much for taking the time to capture and provide the photos. This is an incredibly helpful forum.

Do you have the gray scale set all the way up? Because I've seen other pictures where the text is not that light.

Do you have the gray scale set all the way up? Because I've seen other pictures where the text is not that light.

do you mean to say the contrast is adjustable ?

Do you have the gray scale set all the way up? Because I've seen other pictures where the text is not that light.

Where is this contrast control located? I can't find anything like that in the Settings page.

When it says that there are 8 levels of gray scale, I assume that it would be adjustable.

For example, compare those pictures to these ones
Another comparison.
http://www.the-ebook.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=191603#191603

When it says that there are 8 levels of gray scale, I assume that it would be adjustable.

Nope, it is not adjustable. The 8 levels are the maximum number of distinct shades that the screen can display. This is more useful for images than for text.


For example, compare those pictures to these ones...

I can't say why they are different. Perhaps he used the flash? The pictures I posted capture well the looks of my 700 in natural light, as you would see it if you would try reading in-doors in daytime.

Thanks for posting these! I tried to take side-by-side pictures and had a horrible time, because I couldn't get rid of the glare & reflection on the 700. Your pictures show the difference really well.

Thought I'd attach mine anyways, even though they aren't that good.

Sayhello

Thanks for posting these! I tried to take side-by-side pictures and had a horrible time, because I couldn't get rid of the glare & reflection on the 700. Your pictures show the difference really well.

Thought I'd attach mine anyways, even though they aren't that good.

Sayhello

:eek:

(especially the first one!)

Is there a way to take a picture of the 700 without glare?

Obviously a flash or light reflects on the screen... But like is there a way to get 'the best shot possible with a 700 compared to the 505?
If the above is the best shot possible,then I'm below impressed with the screen.

i'm beginning to think that there's really no way to judge from a photo, because the photos we've seen so far vary so extremely in apparent quality.

i'm beginning to think that there's really no way to judge from a photo, because the photos we've seen so far vary so extremely in apparent quality.

From my experience with the 700, I have to agree with zelda_pinwheel on this point -- if I had seen this sort of photos of my 500 before I purchased it, I'd still be reading paper books only.:(

But the pictures I saw of the 700 at the Sony web-site and in the videos which were cited in this forum convinced me that it would be readable and I am happy I acted on my hunch and bought it anyway.

It's not as bad as the photos make it appear. Digital cameras, if they focus or set their white balance on one item (the brightest, usually) will leave other things looking very dim, whereas a picture taken of only the 700 will show its detail much more crisply.

Anyone spotted some video-reviews yet?

Tuesday I will be taking my 505 and going to the SonyStyle shop. I'll then be able to tell how accurate all these photos are and give you my opinion of the 700 vs the 505. I'll have to dig out my SD card to load in a few books so I can do an actual comparison with the same books.

Thank you Trek for helping me decide. I'm not buying this model to move backwards.

Sony, you screwed up with the e-ink contract. Adding features by diminishing the most critical interface (THE SCREEN) is not progress.

I'm waiting for the next revision so Sony can work with a better panel provider like AUO. http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/NewsSearch.asp?DocID=PD000000000000000000000000007 912&query=E-INK

Sometimes I wonder why Sony didn't make the screen in much cheaper plastic, like on the esquire magazines.
Afraid it might scratch?
Well,obviously lots better than glass that breaks!
I've really been really super careful with the screen out of fear of breaking...

It's not as bad as the photos make it appear. Digital cameras, if they focus or set their white balance on one item (the brightest, usually) will leave other things looking very dim, whereas a picture taken of only the 700 will show its detail much more crisply.



Just remember when looking at the pictures that they can be misleading and sometimes incorrect. I can take photos that would make a 500 look better then a 505. So unless you've seen the 700 in person, don't trust the photos.

I stand by the pictures I posted. They are representative of how my 700 looks like. Note that I tried to make the comparison as objective as possible by taking multiple-angle shots in four different places in my house. There are certainly tricks one can play with cameras, but if you look at the depth of field and focus point in these shots you will notice that there is no foul play. What is the point in doing so? I have no personal interest in making one look better than the other. If anything, I would have liked to see 700 do better. I did not order it so that I can have something to return. I was looking forward to something better than 505. These pictures show why I am puzzled by "700 rocks" posts - trust them or not as you like.

The pictures that sayhello posted (thanks!) show something that might explain the variance in apparent screen quality of 700 pictures. If one uses the flash (second picture) then the 700 screen looks much better than what you see without (first picture). This corroborates with what other people say about 700 looking better if you use very bright lights. I'm curious if SonyStyle stores have lights like that (bright CCFL). It might explain why in stores some people do not notice the same tremendous difference from the 505 screen. I don't have any SonyStyle stores nearby so I can't say. You might want to take the units outside the store or move to a different light for a quick check.

As far as comparing 700 with 505, I think it is a valid comparison. 500 is last-gen and current buying decisions are among 505, kindle, etc... The viziplex screen in 505 is what newer gen units have to compete against. If you go the Sony route, then you get to pick between 505 and 700. I would argue that when it comes to that comparison the opinion of 505 owners that used their readers for months will generally be more accurate than the opinion of someone that interacted with 505 only in SonyStyle stores.

Since speed is also an important characteristic for some of us, below is a quick video of 505 and 700 that shows the page-change speed. The screen flash is very similar, but 505 takes a little longer to react to the button press. While reading sequentially through books I find that I can't tell the difference after the first few pages. My mind adapts to the reader and I unconsciously press the button a split second sooner or later, depending on the reader I use.

So, there you go. PRS700 is a failure or a god send, depending on who you listen to. I subscribe to the first. If you want to try one my advice is to order it without engraving so that you have the option of returning it. And, if you have some time, post a few words of your experience so that we can all benefit from it.

Cheers,
Trek

So, there you go. PRS700 is a failure or a god send, depending on who you listen to. I subscribe to the first. If you want to try one my advice is to order it without engraving so that you have the option of returning it. And, if you have some time, post a few words of your experience so that we can all benefit from it.

Beautiful suggestion! This is exactly what I plan to do. I truly hope that the 700 works for me because I really need the extra features, but I also have reached the point where I really want an eReader so I may grudgingly choose to get a 505 if the 700 just doesn't seem worth it.

Thanks Trek,
EP

But the pictures I saw of the 700 at the Sony web-site and in the videos which were cited in this forum convinced me that it would be readable and I am happy I acted on my hunch and bought it anyway.See, and here is where the personal preference comes in. I don't want an eReader that's merely "readable". I admit it. I'm totally spoiled. The screen on my 505 is *amazingly* readable, in way more situations. I totally agree that the new options & software & UI & speed of the 700 are phenomenal. But the quality of the screen is what's most important to me, and to me, the 700 is *barely* readable, and a downgrade for me.

But to each their own. I think we're all stating that these are *OUR* experiences and *OUR* opinions, and if it doesn't matter to you to get the best eInk screen available at this price-point, then it doesn't matter to you. It matters to me.

Sayhello

Trek

Thank you very much for your pictures.
They really helped to clear the subject once and for all.

If I was to buy a Sony, I would not have doubts what model to choose.

Is there a way to take a picture of the 700 without glare?

Obviously a flash or light reflects on the screen... But like is there a way to get 'the best shot possible with a 700 compared to the 505?
If the above is the best shot possible,then I'm below impressed with the screen.I really, really tried. I tried in the evening using indirect artificial light, all over the house. No good, too much glare or reflection. I tried during the day, behind furniture, in the hall, direct light, indirect light, and the 2 pics above had the least glare and/or reflection of all the pics. I really think the fact that I had *SO* much trouble taking a picture without glare & reflection is what solidified my decision to return the 700.

I have to admit, except for occasionally pulling the 700 out, hoping that I was mistaken, and the screen would magically look better, I have not felt compelled to use the 700 at all. I'm still loading books to the 505, and that's what I've been reading from all weekend...

Sayhello

I have started reformatting books to use 8 pt as the base font size, because I like to cram as much as possible onto the screen to minimise page turns. This is very readable on the 505 (using the Small zoom). It would be interesting to see whether the same could be said for the 700.

I really, really tried. I tried in the evening using indirect artificial light, all over the house. No good, too much glare or reflection. I tried during the day, behind furniture, in the hall, direct light, indirect light, and the 2 pics above had the least glare and/or reflection of all the pics. I really think the fact that I had *SO* much trouble taking a picture without glare & reflection is what solidified my decision to return the 700.

I have to admit, except for occasionally pulling the 700 out, hoping that I was mistaken, and the screen would magically look better, I have not felt compelled to use the 700 at all. I'm still loading books to the 505, and that's what I've been reading from all weekend...

Sayhello

I didn't mean to say you didn't try your best. The pictures taken are very good and accurate pictures! And I thank you for the effort you took in taking them!
I just wanted to see if it was possible to take a shot of the 700 without glare.
I guess you answered my question.
Still, thanks for sharing the pictures! :)

I'm glad I couldn't wait, and now ended up with a PRS-505 instead of waited after the 700 got released!

Moderators: Please remove this post (was a double post)...
Issue due to low wifi connection.

I have started reformatting books to use 8 pt as the base font size, because I like to cram as much as possible onto the screen to minimise page turns. This is very readable on the 505 (using the Small zoom). It would be interesting to see whether the same could be said for the 700.

The same can be said, since they both use the same resolution.
I noted that on average a PDF uses 1/4th the resolution of an LRF book.
When I read PDF's that are only using half a page for text, and zoom in on text width, it appears that the letter type is about the same size as 'small' fonts on an LRF book; and it is still readable.

Just a reminder for anyone who is still on the fence between a 505 and 700.

Microsoft live search is doing a special promotion where you can get 25% off paypal payments for ebay orders. There was a post in the deals section I believe. I was able to get a $65 discount on my 505, which was $274 + free shipping. I ordered it from the Data Vision eBay store.

Hey Folks,

I have been handle the both for, at least, a week for now and I have some point to share about it:

1. PRS-700 Glaring

It is totally true, sometimes it is so annoying that I had to turn the internal "light" on, what drain battery really fast.

2. Contrast adjustment:

Those equipment use eink paper, and those model eink version is only capable to handle 8 contrast, what means that there is no contrast adjustment, because of the physical architecture of the eink screen.

3. What is good on the PRS-700

The best thing about the PRS-700, in dispite of the glare problem, is the search property witch have made it quite efficient, the note and mark capability that have made it reliable to help manage your own knowledge, the touch screen made it quite easy to use, and there is much more magnify scale the the previous version PRS-505.

4. What is good on the PRS-505

The real eink screen, what made it quite reliable to ready it even at a sunny day.

There is the both side of the coins about both hardwares, I love the both, but I will not deny the fact that sometimes the PRS-700 take me out of my way...

Frankly speaking even 505 glare is annoying sometimes, so if 700 is any worse, I cannot imagine how one can read on it.

i'm beginning to think that there's really no way to judge from a photo, because the photos we've seen so far vary so extremely in apparent quality.

You're right on that one. I've been to Borders to look at both the 505 and 700 and frankly the 700 is A-Okay. Glare not a problem.

Welcome to MobileRead, solariun.

Make yourself comfortable; there's a lot of free reading here. :)


Don

Frankly speaking even 505 glare is annoying sometimes, so if 700 is any worse, I cannot imagine how one can read on it.

Since Spring is coming, so more opportunities to read outside in the sun, I will see how the 700 does. I had no problems reading in the sun on the 500 and the 700 does not seem worse screen-wise; on the 700 I read several times outside again without any problems, but also only for short periods for now

Inside I never had any trouble reading on the 700 however bright the lights are

Since Spring is coming, so more opportunities to read outside in the sun, I will see how the 700 does. I had no problems reading in the sun on the 500 and the 700 does not seem worse screen-wise; on the 700 I read several times outside again without any problems, but also only for short periods for now

Inside I never had any trouble reading on the 700 however bright the lights are

Glare problems I mentioned are always inside issues. Outside I had no problem with the reader. However, I almost never read outside....on a very very rare occasion, or when I am on sunny holidays. Artificial light is causing glare sometimes.

Glare problems I mentioned are always inside issues. Outside I had no problem with the reader. However, I almost never read outside....on a very very rare occasion, or when I am on sunny holidays. Artificial light is causing glare sometimes.

Nothing like sitting on a bench in a park where my son is playing and read :)

With the 770 it was its biggest failing - had to find a very shady place and even then it was tricky, so I got to carrying print books in the all-around-backpack with food, water and stuff :)

Glare problems I mentioned are always inside issues. Outside I had no problem with the reader. However, I almost never read outside....on a very very rare occasion, or when I am on sunny holidays. Artificial light is causing glare sometimes.

I find the absence glare on my PRS-505 is very good!
Only when you turn the reader in such an angle when it reflects some light bulb or spot straight in your eye.
Otherwise I can read just fine outside and inside. Outside in full sunshine the white background of the reader is actually a bit too light.
I happen to find it very difficult to actually get glare on my 505, since you only have less than 5 degrees in the full 360 degrees 3D spectrum where you can get the sun reflecting in the screen.

Sun - no problem, however a bulb behind my back or a light at the ceiling in refectory can be annoying. Not very often, so I cannot call it an issue, but it happens on rare occasions. That's my point. If it manages to annoy me on 505, and everybody says on 700 it is quite more noticeable, I cannot imagine how people can read on it.
I know, I am very demanding. When I read a printed book, I do not expect to adjust it to see better, so I expect the ebook reader to behave :) I accept it as my personal problem :)

Hey folks,

There is some days since my last post, and I have bee hanging around with miine PRS-700 instead the PRS-505 and I got the glare totally usual, even my occasional headache, while reading on my PRS-505 for long periods of time has gone. And the features now available on PRS-700 made it a amazing piece of hardware, the search engine always make my life easily, notes and the fast page turn either. For those that have seeing other version like PRS-505, PRS-500 with a plain e-ink can say it is fogged, the problem is that the type of "touch screen" used to only allow 87% of the light, instead the glass resistance, like iPhone and G1 screen, that allow 92% of the light, although versions that is using those must get higher prices, because that technology for large experience still really expensive.

Other point is the internal led light for nocturne reading, it made a lot of difference, I had one or two chance to need it is worked kind of amazing.

I do recommend the PRS-700, the glare is an issue, yes it is but once you get usual how to avoid it became really amazing, it is fast, filled up with amazing features and even to use to read technical stuff it does really good once you can search for your things in a ferry fast way.

so, for those whom want to aim to have one, I do recommend the PRS-700.

See you folks.

It's not as bad as the photos make it appear. Digital cameras, if they focus or set their white balance on one item (the brightest, usually) will leave other things looking very dim, whereas a picture taken of only the 700 will show its detail much more crisply.

This is an interesting idea. I would like to see two shots: one of the only the 505 and one of only the 700, taken at the same spot, same lighting, with the same camera.

:chinscratch:

I've not seen any good video reviews of either --- most exaggerate the glare problem in the same way that stills can. Trek's posts here are among the most representative I've seen, and I appreciate the time and effort it takes to get good pictures and post them... thanks!

Owing to an incident with my 700, backpack, and a Caltrain door, I have both a 505 and 700 around the house now. (The 700 still works, but has cosmetic damage and the USB port is flaky now *sigh*... and a new Bookarmor case for the commute).

Frankly, consensus here is mixed. I am blown away by how clear the 505 screen is --- but the 700 is perfectly readable at most of the time, and after getting used to the touch screen interface, it's hard for me to use the 505. Until the 700 dies completely, I'm going to stick with it, I think, especially as it's a trifle faster with the PDFs I usually read.

On the other hand, my son and wife are both smitten by the 505 display. The kid liked the 700 to begin with, but I can't get the 505 away from him now; my wife was totally unimpressed by the 700's display, but has given me a list of titles to track down for her to read on the 505.

So it really does seem to be something that's best experienced hands-on, if you can...

I got my reader yesterday and read for a about 4 or 5 hours. I didn't recognize a "bad" glare problem. There is a minimum of glare, but as soon as you change the angle a littele bit, it's gone.
I wouldn't even speack of a problem. Does anybody here use a display protection sticker? Hm, don't know, what exactly it is called in English. You know, the kind of plastic sticker, that goes over the entire display and protects it from scratches etc.

Over here we have 2 different kinds, one is called "anti reflex". Since I always use these stickers, for my handy and ipod, I might try one for the reader too. Maybe it solves the (for me hardly recognizing) glare issue and maybe it also helps to prevent dust spots.

I read in a different threat, that some of the users have this problem. I checked my reader yesterday instantly, but couldn't find any dust spot at all. So I hope it will stay that way for the future :)

I got my reader yesterday and read for a about 4 or 5 hours. I didn't recognize a "bad" glare problem.

Congratulations on your new PRS-700 :)!
I agree, glare is not a problem!

By the way, I think reading a glossy magazine or sometimes even a printed book, has much more light reflexions and force me to change the angle while reading it. On my 700 reading is a whole lot more relaxing :D

For some reason, I always thought or assumed that the 700 was actually a bigger screen than the 505, but its not. Very useful to see side by side comparisons of them together. I certainly dont want a 700 now.

How anyone, after seeing these pictures, can even remotely say there is not glare or that the two screens are equal is flat out in denial. And I totally disagree with the one poster who commented that taking a picture of both side by side is not a fair comparison. WHAT!? That is the ONLY way to really get a comparison in my mind.

Thanks sooooo much for you pictures. I had been to Borders and looked at both units and thought right off that the glare was a major pain on the 700, but after getting home thought maybe I over reacted or something. Nope, it would drive me nuts.

Well, each to their own :).
However I still maintain that I see no glare, and I on the other hand, DO actually do have it at home, (and on the train and in the park etc. etc. :D).

Well, each to their own :).
However I still maintain that I see no glare, and I on the other hand, DO actually do have it at home, (and on the train and in the park etc. etc. :D).

Well, some people claim they don't have any eye-strain reading from backlit screens, while a vast majority of people do have a problem with it :rolleyes:
To each its own :book2:

Well, some people claim they don't have any eye-strain reading from backlit screens, while a vast majority of people do have a problem with it :rolleyes:
To each its own :book2:
:blink:
I thought that I just said that...

:blink:
I thought that I just said that...

Yes you do and each time you say it, not just on this topic, you keep on insisting that you do have the gadget. Sort of implying that you have a first hand experience vs. others who have never seen/touched the device and slander it. As if anyone who say that 700 has a glare problem, didn't really use the reader...you don't really say it in as much detail as I just said but that is a feeling I got when reading your posts :p

OK....... now you've lost me completely. You get a feeling that I said something that I didn't say?

I think glare might be worse outside, where it's hard to avoid the reader's screen not picking up any blue sky.
It might work fine in reasonable a dark room with only one spot or lightsource.

For some the glare will be annoying, but I definitely say you could read even with glare!