Dear readers,

this is my first ever posting, hope you find it useful. I live in Europe and travel to the US a couple of times a year. I have bought the Sony PRS 500 when it was first available and used it until I replaced it with the PRS 505 about a year ago. I still remember the big difference in terms of background white and contrast between the 500 and the 505. I read about 2 books per week so I consider myself a fairly serious user.

Given all the comments on the forum i was not surprised to see the PRS 700's screen in the Forum Shops in Las Vegas. The screen reminded me of what I thought was an old and long closed episode - the PRS 500. Not only the lack of contrast annoyed me, it is especially the unavoidable glare that is the knock-out! Actually after about 10 minutes playing with it I realized that the screen is not equal to the 500 but a lot worse! To be honest, I think it is not usable as a reading device, especially if you are used to the 505.

Bearing in mind a comment I read here I tried if switching on the light changes the game - unfortunatley it doesn't, though it helps a little bit.

I can only advise you all who think about getting one to drive to the next store and check if you really want to pay 400 bucks for it.

Now of course there is also a positive comment: I absolutley love the touch screen. When i first looked at it i missed all the little buttons from my 505 but omg this is how an ebook should be navigated! In addition, much less options for sand to get into your device (i assume i am not the only one reading on beaches :blink: )

I hope this helps my fellow readers...

It only confused me more I'm afraid.... But thanks anyway. :)

I'm currently reading from a laptopscreen, so I don't have any experience with an eReader. But I think I'll go for a 700 anyway, since I haven't had the pleasure of reading on a 500.

It only confused me more I'm afraid.... But thanks anyway. :)

I'm currently reading from a laptopscreen, so I don't have any experience with an eReader. But I think I'll go for a 700 anyway, since I haven't had the pleausre of reading on a 500.
I'm in the same boat. I used to read off of my palm pilot. I'm getting a 700.

I would advise you to check out the 505 and the 700 side by side. At least in the Sony Store i was in they featured both models - try them and then go for the one you like more (and maybe save 100 bucks for the 505). I am a tech enthusiast and wanted to buy the 700 model myself, but no way!

I actually don't think that the contrast and brightness level of the 700 is the annoying thing, but the glare! In the shop i could bareley read due to the heavy lighting. But even in a darker area the glare was absolutley distracting from the actual reading experience.

As cool as the touch screen is for me the important part is not controlling the device in a nice way but the actual reading experience.

Cheers,

like2read

Thanks a bunch. I was about to buy the 700 (my 505 is broken, someone stepped on it) but I will pass on it and buy the 505 again.

Thank you very much.

Thanks a bunch. I was about to buy the 700 (my 505 is broken, someone stepped on it) but I will pass on it and buy the 505 again.

Thank you very much.

But don't ignore the posts from those of us who are having a great and enjoyable time reading on our 700s. The best thing is to go look at it and weigh all the factors.

It really isn't hard to hold the 700 so the glare isn't a factor and the benefits of the touch-screen far outweigh any negatives, in my opinion. Couple that with the huge increase in speed, at least when compared to the 500, and the 700 is a great machine in my opinion.

Is it perfect? No -- I'd love the clarity of the 505 screen with all the great features of the 700. But having to choose, I prefer all the advantages the 700 has to offer, especially since I find reading on it just fine and not any sort of annoyance and not needing to use the built-in light except where I needed to use a clip-on light on my 500.

It really is a matter of personal taste, so go check out the 700 before deciding it isn't the machine for you.

I'm a happy PRS-700 owner.

I roughly estimate I've spent around five hours reading with it so far and I'm very pleased. Typically I swipe my fingernail to turn pages so that I don't leave smudges on the screen - when I use my fingertip it can leave marks due to oil on the skin. I'm not using the stylus for the most part. Glare has not been a significant factor, although I have noticed it from time to time.

I have also read for some time in the dark using the sidelight, which works very well. You certainly notice the light but it's still easier on my eyes than a LCD backlight.

I believe that if you are used to the PRS-500 or PRS-505 screen that the PRS-700 screen is a step backwards. However, in no way was the PRS-700 a step backwards for me, personally, as my previous reader is a Sony PSP using bookr. The integrated light and touchscreen are important features to me. Now the only thing missing is wireless!

I've been lurking these forums and heard--and saw!--about the screen/display issues (700 not as clear or crisp as previous model 505), and finally got down to the nearest Sony Style store to handle the two models myself. I had already decided on a Sony because of their support of secure PDF documents, of which I have a (growing) number that I do not want to convert or alter to make them work on an e-book reader.

I'm sold! I had an SD card with a variety of documents typical of what I want to be able to read on an e-book reader, and the 505 couldn't read the card, while the 700 handled it without any trouble, seamlessly inserting the files from the card into the index of available, readable files.

As for the screens, yes, the 505 was more crisp. However I had no trouble at all using the 700, and when I had used both for a while--switching back and forth--I noticed that I kept on touching the 505 screen in attempts to interact with it! I had gotten hooked on the touch screen functionality of the 700 without realizing it, and kept trying to use 'touch screen' features on the 505, which of course doesn't have them!

So there you go; everyone has their own reasons and needs for what they want from their e-book reader, and for me the 700's additional functionality was much more important than the inferior screen display.

Of course all that said, I am going to wait until next spring--just because it will be that long to save up the disposable cash to buy the 700--and if any new, big, flex screen e-book reader can match the PDF support (and speed of PDF display) and let me get my hands on them to test them, I might change my mind again.

Proper lighting (daylight or otherwise) and a good reading angle
and the screen 'issue' is practically gone. The touch interface
and searchable capabilities alone make it worth while. If you are
a student or a researcher, and have hundreds of eBooks and need
a quick reference; - you have instant access at your fingertips without
lugging a heavy laptop that runs out of juice just when you need
it most. For me it was a no brainer and the only existing
viable option available today. I'm quite sure sony knows about the
moans and groans of the 700's screen, so when the PRS800 comes
out, it will probably the (perfect) "one".

I think if they go with a better touch screen (ie. glass like that of the
iPhone) and add an anti-reflex coating, you will have a clear winner IMHO.

Until then, forget about what you hear and read and just enjoy the benefits
instant access to unlimited information and reading leisure.

When 700 in Borders put near 505 it kills the wish to buy it - 505's screen is much better , besides this and absence of 2 page buttons (yes buttons) on right side it's a great device but due this two issues I stay with 505.

I don't own the 505 so I never got used to having the pages buttons on the right hand side of the device, but you can turn the pages with a short swipe of the thumb that would usually be pressing on those buttons. A lot of the video demos of the 700 I've seen on the internet show turning the pages by swiping the finger from on side of the screen full across the pageto the other side of the screen, however this is not necessary. A page can be turned with just a short swipe on the screen, even a quick 2cm long swipe does the job (this is something the right hand thumb can easily do while holding the unit).

Also remember there are page turn buttons in the bottom left hand corner of the device (I think this is similarto the 505) which line up well with your left hand's thumb.

Sometimes you just want to keep things simple. You have PCs laptops, netbooks, ipod touches and wm phones and I have spent a lot of time trying to get the latest and best equipped, widest functionality and so on.

I decided that reading is a pretty simple thing that I enjoy because its so simple. The prs505 was and is perfect for reading in comfort. The more sony tries to cover all the bases with the 700 the more I worry it will forget what its making. The prs does one thing really well which is why I dont read books on any of my other devices. None of them do that one thing so well.

I agree with keeping things simple.I used to have a 505,and when it broke,after investigating various options,I was actually all set to go and replace it with another 505-but I decided to at least go take a look at the 700BC first-I bought mine at the Sony Store,and I figured if after a week,I hated it,I could take it back and go get another 505 instead.I've actually grown to love it.Meanwhile,after my less than pleasant experience trying to fix the 505 (ultimately for the cost of fixing it was either a) fix it b) get a new one -505 or c) get the 700)-had I actually seen more of the Kindle (in person) and had a chance to play with it-its possible I would've gotten one.But in the last couple of days-I've decided-I really like having a device that does its one thing well-and isn't "connected".

Sometimes you just want to keep things simple. You have PCs laptops, netbooks, ipod touches and wm phones and I have spent a lot of time trying to get the latest and best equipped, widest functionality and so on.

I decided that reading is a pretty simple thing that I enjoy because its so simple. The prs505 was and is perfect for reading in comfort. The more sony tries to cover all the bases with the 700 the more I worry it will forget what its making. The prs does one thing really well which is why I dont read books on any of my other devices. None of them do that one thing so well.

Could not agree more.

But don't ignore the posts from those of us who are having a great and enjoyable time reading on our 700s. The best thing is to go look at it and weigh all the factors.

It really isn't hard to hold the 700 so the glare isn't a factor and the benefits of the touch-screen far outweigh any negatives, in my opinion. Couple that with the huge increase in speed, at least when compared to the 500, and the 700 is a great machine in my opinion.

Is it perfect? No -- I'd love the clarity of the 505 screen with all the great features of the 700. But having to choose, I prefer all the advantages the 700 has to offer, especially since I find reading on it just fine and not any sort of annoyance and not needing to use the built-in light except where I needed to use a clip-on light on my 500.

It really is a matter of personal taste, so go check out the 700 before deciding it isn't the machine for you.

I'm with you. I picked up my 700 last Friday and love. I don't miss my 505 at all. I gave my 505 to my husband, we need to get him hooked on ebooks.

I'm also with the crowd of pro-700 posters. I bought mine after comparing the the 505 and the 700 for about two hours at a Sony shop. I can only repeat the recommendations of the previous posters:
- Write down your requirements (For instance, I needed the ability to annotate.)
- Go to Borders or a Sony Style store and try them out for a longer period of time.
- Make a decision!

So far, I didn't have any problems with glare (tested a variety of lighting conditions inside and outside) or readability of the 700 screen.

In short, I'm happy with it. :)

Oliver

I'm happy with my PRS700 also, but some are not.

I've been following this blog (http://krisabel.ctv.ca/blog/_archives/2008/11/11/3972261.html#1225955) since it's inception and the latest review wasn't very favourable, IHOP.

Few complaints from me, except battery life using side-light is not up to spec.

WDE.

I just now got back from Borders and have to say I am in the 505 camp. Primarily because of the glare on the 700 and the fact that its text just seems, I dunno, dimmer. I have to bump up the size to make it comparable to the crispness of the 505.

Now, take into account that I don't give a rat about all the 'features' of the 700. I simply want to load one to three books on it, and read. That is all. I don't want to read pdf's or do research. I just want to read novels for fun and will never have more than 4 going at any one time. And when done, will delete them and never go back to them. So, a plain jane CLEAR, no glare 505 is my vote. Of course, I probably won't get a reader period because the reader I want (prices and selection like the Kindle with a unit like the Sony) has not been made.

But my vote on screen alone goes to the 505. While the touch screen works well enough the build up of grime from my oily fingers is just one more reason I would never use it. Why add to the already dimmer screen with oil from my fingers. I think about how much I am constantly wiping off my cell phone because that oily build up bugs the crap outta me. Not a big fan of touch screens. I'll stick with buttons.

@ Mrgauth a small newsflash: the PRS-700's screen does not have glare or smudge OR show fingerprints. I know because I HAVE one. Anyways..... you have a Kindle 2 according to your profile, so why are you posting all these posts on the Sony PRS-700 forum?
Just asking.......:)

Oops. Fixed my sig. I returned the K2 due to the widely known low text-to-screen contrast. Could not read it comfortably except in extreme lighting. Hate that screen.

As for the glare thing, there is a thread comparing the screen of the 700 with a 505 under the same light at various angles CLEARLY showing glare. At certain angles making the 700 unreadable at all. I don't know how else to explain those photos. ALL readers have some glare to some degree. It is unavoidable with a glass or plastic screen. I can live with that, but NOT to the degree that the 700 has is all I am saying. Just a little too much. The cost of having a touch screen I guess. Good reader, just a shame they could not have done it with the same screen as the 505. And if smudges do not show, and I will take your word for that as I was merely afraid it might have built up over time, then I would gladly take a 700 if the screen were less reflective.

...low text-to-screen contrast. Could not read it comfortably except in extreme lighting. Hate that screen.

Point well taken, which is exactly why i still love my not so new and shiny PRS-505. I have had a couple of other liasons with other vendors/devices (not only with the 700 mentioned in my review) but there is not a single device that offers a better display. That for me counts most - not sure why a lot of people argue about the ease of use and features and speed when the most important thing is the screen :blink:

Mrgauth i am fully with you - do not decide until you find a device where you like the screen...

Happy reading

Never owned the 500/505, but I just purchased a 700. The glare isn't that bad, it's the lack of contrast that kills me. I only went with the 700, because PDF support was my primary concern and ebooks were a secondary. Not much choice when I want PDF support.

http://nimis540.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/holding-hands1.jpg
I think that the same way there are phones for different people with different needs/likes/dislikes there are also readers. Some people have sensitve eyes others don't. I have a PRS 700 and I love it. I dont care about the relative miniscule glare there is on the reader. But I can see where some people would mind ( I compared them side by side before purchasing in the Sony store). I think that people should do a list of thier needs in a reader and specs they desire in it and take it from there. Arguing about this till no end won't change people's minds, especially if thier adored reader is the center of the argument!

I just got my 700 a few days back.
Honestly, I am disappointed with it.
First of all, the words are not clear, slightly foggy and that is a real turn off.
I mean so much for the e-paper and how it reduce eye strains when the display is not even clear :angry:
It does get better when I use it with a bright reading lamp, not something I do very often.

Secondly, the glare. Damn, I can even see features of my face, when lights bounces off my face, i.e. bright patches of the left side of my cheek bone and nose, when the lamp is on my left side.

I will just have to get used to it!
And, I still choose to think the technology is not mature enough. It feels like a gimmick/toy to me |:

First of all, the words are not clear, slightly foggy and that is a real turn off
....
Secondly, the glare

This is exactly the reason why I stick to my 505. My advise: get rid of the 700 on ebay and get tthe 505. You will love it as your two downturns are not existant on the 505 :thumbsup:

Happy reading
like2read

wrong post

Secondly, the glare. Damn, I can even see features of my face, when lights bounces off my face, i.e. bright patches of the left side of my cheek bone and nose, when the lamp is on my left side.|:

As any girl knows, a little powder, applied in the morning, will help with that glare coming off your face :)

As any girl knows, a little powder, applied in the morning, will help with that glare coming off your face :)
WHOA! I'm thinking you are a girl... I haven't heard of that but perhaps you can help me out with that? ;)

This is exactly the reason why I stick to my 505. My advise: get rid of the 700 on ebay and get tthe 505. You will love it as your two downturns are not existant on the 505 :thumbsup:

Happy reading
like2read
Brilliant!

As any girl knows, a little powder, applied in the morning, will help with that glare coming off your face :)

so does that mean that the people who were completely dissatisfied with their 700s have an oily complexion?
:speechles:

so does that mean that the people who were completely dissatisfied with their 700s have an oily complexion?
:speechles:

I don't know about that but it was the light bouncing off my face as it would with my hands, a white tee, etc..
I think I get that quite a lot, face-wise or not :rofl:
Its just annoying sometimes..

I don't know about that but it was the light bouncing off my face as it would with my hands, a white tee, etc..
I think I get that quite a lot, face-wise or not :rofl:
Its just annoying sometimes..

so to properly use/enjoy a PRS700 you need to tan frequently (no spf since it's a very white cream... so reading may cause skin cancer) and use dark clothing while reading.

p.s. I dont think we are making a case for the 700s or how i call it 7 double oh. (james bond joke... no? ehh you had to be there)

Well, I guess so.

Its 700's fault.