Let me just say that I really wanted to like the 700. Despite the negatives I read I really wanted to like it, especially the LED lights. I own a 505 and knew it would not be quite as good when you compared the contrast but I was hoping I could live with it to gain the new features like the built in light and touchscreen.
Well I couldn't live with it at all. The screen is so low in contrast that I had to select a large font size to be able to read it. I could live with the slight glare (not really an issue) but the text is just too hard to read. The LED illumination is ok but just not that comfortable to read. I have always been a big fan of Sony products and love gadgets in general. I packed it up and sent it right back and explained my reasons for doing so. I hope that Sony gets the hint and fixes the problem or else comes out with an 800 model very quickly. Like I said I really wanted to like it but it is a horrible product.

That is a shame, but I would not hold this against Sony.

A touchscreen will always reduce the contrast, since that is the nature of the beast.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touchscreen

Sony did the best that could be done, with today's current technology.

Yes, the screen is still the same as the one on the 505, the problem is the extra layer and touch screen. However, I found that my 700 was completely readable, but I guess it is personal preference.

That is a shame, but I would not hold this against Sony.

A touchscreen will always reduce the contrast, since that is the nature of the beast.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touchscreen

Sony did the best that could be done, with today's current technology.

Actually, there are far better touch screens available, but the better they
are the higher the cost. Apples' Proprietary glass touch screen is by far
the best I've used/seen. Of course, it comes at a premium co$t.

Also, the gap between e-display and touchscreen to accomodate the
LEDs reduce the overall contrast (but not by much) That said, There
is room for improvement when the cost of better touch screens go down.
I believe Sony's marketing division strategized and factored in cost vs.
marketability.

From what I gather here and elsewhere, those of you who are already
acostumed to reading with an earlier e-ink display are more likely to
complain about the clarity than those who will be only too happy to
buy one because of the touchscreen / search / zoom / notes
capabilities etc etc...

I wonder if there is a tear-down of the 700 somewhere. I'd like to
know how much more contrast is gained if the e-display is pressed
up against the touchscreen and forgo the LEDs altogether.

Yep, I just sent mine back yesterday. I made it as clear as I could in the tiny little "comment" section just why it was going back. The screen on the PRS700 is inferior to the quality of the eInk on the PRS505. I cannot read the 700 in most situations due to the increased glare & lack of contrast. I am very disappointed in the quality of the screen.I'd love to know how many 700's get returned. It would be very interesting if there was some way to know how many people who returned the 700's had 505's.

Sayhello

I'd say half (of those who previously owned a 505) give or take.
cnet has rated the the 700 just above 3.5 / 5 and a user rating
of the same or bettter.


Point is, its all about what you are willing to have (lots of functionality with
slightly less crisp-ness) vs. basic functions and less features

I wonder if there is a tear-down of the 700 somewhere. I'd like to
know how much more contrast is gained if the e-display is pressed
up against the touchscreen and forgo the LEDs altogether.
You can remove light-conducting glass above the screen, but only together with the touch sensor.

Well, add another who is sending back their 700. :(

The touch screen was nice, the speed was great, as was the improved button ergonomics. But the screen just couldn't get me to like it. Especially when I took it into low light and noticed that I just couldn't read it /at all/ without turning on the light, while my 505 was clear as day in the same light.

Well thanks to whoever returned it I was able to pick up my 700 from the sony store instead of ordering online. Instant gratification is just so good.

Since I'm mostly using it for PDF 505 was not even considerable and being located in Canada irex ones proved to be too pricy (thanks to the shifty dollar). Thank god 700 was 400$ here even with the current currency.

I'm not sure how long most people are using their readers for but if the glare becomes an issue just turn on the internal light. Even on low light the glare reduction is quite significant and 8 hour read time is fine for me seeing how I can plug it in everyday during work or when I sleep.

Although it is disappointing news, I'm glad to read all of your comments. I'm about to give up on my EB-1150 due to lack of easily convertible content. I've not held a 700, but have played with a 505. I think you guys have helped me decide on my Christmas wish for this year. :xmas:

So, which one did you decide to ask for?