Hello,

To keep everything together for easy reference, please use this thread to report:

- Brick-and-Mortar stores that will stock the Sony Reader

and

- Actual reports of sightings of a Sony Reader for sale in a physical store

Thanks!

To start things off, Sony and Borders have officially confirmed that Borders chain of stores will be stocking the Sony Reader.

*pinned*

No units in downtown Seattle or Redmond Town Center Borders stores until November (or so they told me on the phone this morning).

The Lady whom answered at the Seattle store thought I was asking about a book. :D

I called Borders in Redmond too; the store manager said they're getting them in but they don't know when.

..The Lady whom answered at the Seattle store thought I was asking about a book.I can understand that... e-book....a book...e-book.... very similar! ;-)

For those who called up their local Border's, did the salespeople there mention that it was supposed be released on the 29th (Friday)? That's what two of them around here said, but they also were not sure when they would actually get them.

Remember nationwide only around 200 Borders and 30 Sony Style stores will carry the Reader, initially.

It would be nice to obtain a list of these 200 Borders.

I tried calling 4-5 Borders in the DC area. Only one of them had heard of it, but didn't have any idea of when they'd be getting them in. The others were much less helpful..."we don't carry e-books anymore," to "no one here has ever heard of that." At least only one asked, "is this a book or a magazine?"

Apparently Amazon sells Sony Reader (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Portable-Reader-System-PRS-500/dp/B000J2EU0K/sr=1-2/qid=1159397650/ref=sr_na_2/002-9627450-1372029?ie=UTF8) ?!?!?!? :)

Apparently Amazon sells Sony Reader (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Portable-Reader-System-PRS-500/dp/B000J2EU0K/sr=1-2/qid=1159397650/ref=sr_na_2/002-9627450-1372029?ie=UTF8) ?!?!?!? :)
Looks like it's Sony selling through Amazon.

Sorry my mistake. It's definitely Amazon. Good catch!


Price: $349.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.

Availability: Usually ships within 1 to 2 weeks. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

Amazon allows payments through CCs with foreign billing addresses.

So this could solve the problem for some who have someone in the States (shipping address) but didn't know how to pay for it.

@TadW: nope :-(

>Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.

@TadW: nope :-(

>Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
Note I mentioned it could only solve your billing problem, not the shipping one ;)

So, Amazon lets you pay for Reader and then wont ship it, while Sony doesn't let you do both. I'm not sure what approach is better :)

No, Amazon doesn't let you place the order if you use an address outise USA.

i've just placed my order on amazon .
estimated shpping date 5-12 october (i am not optimistic , i don't think that they will have it in stock by that time , but i don't have any alternative choice ) .

and then used this service SHOP AND SHIP

http://www.aramex.com/shopandship/

they will provide u with an address in the u.s and then they will ship the items to the country where u live ( currently only switzerland , greece , turkey , cyprus and middle eastern countries )

Actually, the shipping dates on Amazon are often overly conservative - they often ship well before the estimated date (and in a small percentage of cases they ship well after the estimated date).

Just called my local Borders. No luck, despite being told that they should be in today.

Anyone had any luck buying one in a B&M today?

Has anyone checked with the NYC Sony store?

Just called my local Borders. No luck, despite being told that they should be in today.

Anyone had any luck buying one in a B&M today?

No luck here either, although the stores I called also said that their computer had the Reader as launching today. One store just said "check back in a few weeks". :uhoh2:

Called 3 Borders stores on Indy Friday. Only one knew what I was talking about. They didn't think they would get them anytime soon.
Then I was at a mall today and noticed a *gasp* Sony Style store. I marched in and asked about the reader. Two guys working there had one out and were playing with it. They said they would not be on sale until Monday. They let me hold it, and do some quick page turns. It was awesome. I am heading straight to the store Monday after work to get mine. The screen was a lot clearer than I expected. The pages turn fast. They were reading comics, and the graphics were impressive. I can't wait!!

The Sony Style store in San Francisco at the Metreon has the E Readers in stock and for sale. I just got home from picking mine up.

However, interested buyers might want to call first and confirm before making a trip down there. As when I went there to pick mine up the girl at the counter replied with "Ummm, I don't think those are for sale yet" and refused to sell it to me. After explaining to her that I put one on hold and was instructed to come pick it up, she eventually brought over the manager who ended up selling it to me. So people might want to call first before making a trip down as there seems to be confusion on whether they have any for sale or not.

My local Borders looked up the item, and said that there would be none shipped to that store. Maybe just selected Borders will receive them. I wish we had a Sony Style store around here. I ordered mine online and will have to wait until mid-November. Still, I'm excited.

hi all ,
i have a paypal account and i am willing to pay in advance to anyone who can pick a sony reader and send it to me . if anyone is interested please pm me .

thankyou all

However, interested buyers might want to call first and confirm before making a trip down there. As when I went there to pick mine up the girl at the counter replied with "Ummm, I don't think those are for sale yet" and refused to sell it to me. After explaining to her that I put one on hold and was instructed to come pick it up, she eventually brought over the manager who ended up selling it to me. So people might want to call first before making a trip down as there seems to be confusion on whether they have any for sale or not.

Wow... I called the Sony Style store in SF yesterday, and they told me they didn't have any yet, and were expecting some in a few weeks. :-( Otherwise I certainly would have picked one up yesterday. Perhaps the person I spoke to was just misinformed, though... I'll try again!

Edit: I called back, and hallejulah! They have it in stock.

Also, for anyone else in the bay area, the Borders in Stonestown and Union Square had no idea what I was even talking about, and didn't find the Reader in their databases. The one in San Mateo was similarly confused ("Is that a book, or a magazine?"). Not really a confirmation that they don't have it, but certainly a confirmation that Borders doesn't necessarily know anything about it.

Wow... I called the Sony Style store in SF yesterday, and they told me they didn't have any yet, and were expecting some in a few weeks. :-( Otherwise I certainly would have picked one up yesterday. Perhaps the person I spoke to was just misinformed, though... I'll try again!

Yah the Sony Style SF store has definitely been confused on the whole matter as of late. I called them each day and always received differing answers:
Thursday 9/28: "We wont be carrying those sir, you will have to place an order online"
Friday 9/29: "We expect to get them at the end of October or early November"
Saturday 9/30: "We are expecting them in today"

Then when I went to pick it up they didn't want to sell it to me.

:rolleyes5

I'm interested in whether anyone has luck persuading a Sony store to mail them one.

I just talked to someone at a store, and they said they'd do the cc transaction by fax and mail the Reader to me. Then I realized that my new computer doesn't have a fax. That was nice of them though.

:book2:

I just talked to someone at a store, and they said they'd do the cc transaction by fax and mail the Reader to me. Then I realized that my new computer doesn't have a fax.Do you have a Kinkos, that is, a FedExKinkos near you? They'll happily let you use their Faxes for a few cents a page.

Most office services shops will do the same, and sometimes places like Office Depot, etc.

I went by the Sony Store at Tyson's Corner, Virginia. They had them in stock!!! They said that they got 12, and as of 2PM they had sold 5. I bought one and on Monday I'll call Sony up and cancel my online order.

Doin' the Happy Dance!! :sunny:

I went to Kinko's (thanks, NatCh) and used their fax to order the Reader from a Sony Styles store. The especially cool thing is that they don't charge for FedEx shipping because the item is out of stock on the website. So it's going to cost me less this way. Now all I have to do is cancel my web order Monday.

I can't believe how lucky I am.

Good, good...the more people cancel online the sooner I will get mine.

Mwuahahahahahah :devilish:

For Houstonians, the Sony Style store in the Galleria shopping center had the Readers in stock. At least, they did when I went by there 3 hours ago.

They said that they had 11 in stock though apparently 13 people had called in and said that they wanted to reserve one. When I called shortly before visiting the store, the salesperson said they only had them on display (3, it turns out). After I went in though and am pretty sure I said that I had not reserved one, a salesperson brought out another salesperson (manager?) who then sold me the Reader.

I also got the $45, 2-year Accidental Damage from Handling (ADH) plan along with the Reader. Time to play now... :wink:

I called my local Sony Style Store (Menlo Park Mall in NJ) and they had one for display but none to sell. They have no idea when they will receive stock. At leat they know what the reader is.

Borders had better do some serious employee education since it seems that pretty much anyone that has reported talking to them found the sales person had no clue that the reader even existed.

That sounds right. I called every Borders in Minneapolis/St. Paul and not a single one had even heard of the thing.

They've added a Dealer Locator (http://direct.where2getit.com/cwc/apps/w2gi.php?template=search&client=sonyreader&LCID=LCTR_Showcase:ITPD:Reader:Home:btnVisit) tool to the Sony Style page ... looks like there are six current/future retail locations within 34 miles of me!

The Sony Style store at the Kenwood Mall in Cincinnati had a couple in stock also.
One less now :).

Come on people, cancel those orders online and get it in a real shop. :devilish: I have a feeling my shipping estimate will go down very soon. :p

I called my local Borders once again (I'm sure they're tired of me calling by now), and once again they tell me it's on order but they've no idea when it'll be in stock.

Just for kicks, I called a Sony store in some random state, and they have several in stock but can't ship to me! :( :(

Here's my update:

I called four Borders in Phoenix and Scottsdale this morning. Surprisingly, three of the four stores had indeed heard of the Sony Reader.

Store 1: "This month coming in, no preorder, it's not in our system."
Store 2: "Never heard of it"
Store 3: Took my first name and phone number, will call when in stock
Store 4: Actually took full name, address, and phone number, and let me place an order for hold -- this means they'll call me when it's available and I can go pick it up. He mentioned he thought a week to ten days, but they're getting shipments today and tomorrow (of books, and maybe there will be some Sony Readers on the truck, not sure).

Otherwise, my Sony online order is set for 11/02/2006, and unfortunately, one of the few weekends this year I'll be out of town! *arrrrgh*

I'll keep everyone posted for the Phoenix search. I'm planning to call every Borders in Arizona (not the Waldenbooks ones though).

Another source for those in the Bay Area: As of today, the Palo Alto Sony Style store had 2 units in stock. The guy said they got 10 on Saturday, and had 2 left at the beginning of today (Monday). So sounds like demand is fairly high...

Of course, Palo Alto seems like the perfect place for ebook devices to flourish.

I will have 12 more units coming on Wednesday that I can ship out Friday (possibly Thursday); see my thread in the flea market section of the forums if interested.

Hi guys.

I am thinking about asking some friends that are visiting USA to buy Reader for me.

How much does it actually cost in the Brick-and-Mortar Store?
I mean the final price. Including tax and other expenses.

Thank you.

Hi guys.

I am thinking about asking some friends that are visiting USA to buy Reader for me.

How much does it actually cost in the Brick-and-Mortar Store?
I mean the final price. Including tax and other expenses.

Thank you.

about $ 380 inc tax .

Bought mine in sonystyle nyc. Salesman told me that they had 17 left. No accessories are available. Its beautiful. I love it. Case is kinda cheap though.

Bought mine in sonystyle nyc. Salesman told me that they had 17 left. No accessories are available. Its beautiful. I love it. Case is kinda cheap though.

I went by that store this morning to take a look at the Reader and they said "they had a couple left."

They also had several display units out. This was the first time I had seen eink in person, and while the display was pretty nice, the text was very readable, and the unit was smaller than I expected, the actual reading experience wasn't compelling enough for me.

The screen refresh was fine, but slower than I expected, and the navigation wasn't as polished as I expected.

I'd like to see an eink unit with much larger page-turn buttons, a dedicated menu button (rather than a ring that you can press on two sides), and more consistency in the size and placement of the buttons.

The bookmark buttons were perfect, and I wouldn't change a thing with those, but the size, the lower page turn button, etc. seemed to have fairly random placement.

Also, the $350 they're asking for the Reader is about $100 too high for it to be a compelling device.

And, the big thing for me is that I already carry a Treo, an iPod Nano, a DS Lite, a book, and a camera around with me on a daily basis, and this device doesn't really fit into a quickly overflowing man-bag without leaving something else out.

-Brian

Sony Style in Providence has "quite a few" in stock.

After days of calling and being told they're coming the end of October and won't be for sale until at least November, I took a shot and called again -- lo and behold they had them.

Went and grabbed one on Sunday. Now it's time to cancel my online order.

No accessories though, and no idea when those will be coming in.

...this device doesn't really fit into a quickly overflowing man-bag without leaving something else out.I used to carry such things in a belt pouch, which my wife hated. Something about making me look deformed. :smile:

I switched to a vest designed for concealed handgun carry. As you might guess, it's got some nice, large pockets that are (unsuprisingly) not real obvious about having things in them. Now my Palm and Cell phone disappear into it without a trace. and I moved a number of other regularly carried items (pocketknife, chapstick, handkerchief, etc.) out of my trouser pockets. Life is a lot simpler since the change. :grin:

Oh, and by the way, I checked while we were there, and the Reader fit in one pocket very nicely, but they made me take it out again before we left. :wink:

My vest came from Coronado Leather (http://www.coronadoleather.com/browse.aspx?c=7&n=320588), but there are a lot of other (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Concealed+Carry+Vest&btnG=Google+Search) places that make such things. Materials & prices vary.

So, for those who are confident enough to pull off wearing a vest, or who (like me) just don't give a flip what others think about it, you might want to check it out. :tongue3:

@Natch: I like the Safari model, très cool! :)

Totally off topic, but might want to check the Scott E-Vest if you're looking for a way to invisibly carry a lot of tech gear. It's a jacket with all kinds of pockets, and the sleeves also zip off in hotter weather.

http://www.scottevest.com

I bought one a few years back, but I'm pretty small, so it looks like I'm swimming in a big SWAT team jacket. :D

.: tekchic :.

I went by that store this morning to take a look at the Reader and they said "they had a couple left."

They also had several display units out. This was the first time I had seen eink in person, and while the display was pretty nice, the text was very readable, and the unit was smaller than I expected, the actual reading experience wasn't compelling enough for me.

The screen refresh was fine, but slower than I expected, and the navigation wasn't as polished as I expected.

I'd like to see an eink unit with much larger page-turn buttons, a dedicated menu button (rather than a ring that you can press on two sides), and more consistency in the size and placement of the buttons.

The bookmark buttons were perfect, and I wouldn't change a thing with those, but the size, the lower page turn button, etc. seemed to have fairly random placement.

Also, the $350 they're asking for the Reader is about $100 too high for it to be a compelling device.

And, the big thing for me is that I already carry a Treo, an iPod Nano, a DS Lite, a book, and a camera around with me on a daily basis, and this device doesn't really fit into a quickly overflowing man-bag without leaving something else out.

-Brian

I agree with you that the page turning buttons could be better placed; they should be on the right IMO. But haveing used my reader for the past couple of days I think it *is* compelling. The reading experience is wonderful once you get used to the refresh and if you can put up with the buttons (perhaps some clever person will figure out a firmware hack to switch the menu buttons with the page buttons, which would be a better arrangement I think).

On a different note I have six left to sell; going on eBay starting tonight, so if you want to secure one through me act fast!

Has anyone found any available in Los Angeles? I talked to a guy at the Sony Style store in the Beverly Center today, and he said that they went on sale Sunday, and someone came in yesterday and bought their entire inventory (yikes!). I'm supposed to check back next week.

All the Borders I talk to seem to think either (a) I'm insane, or (b) I have a horn growing out of my head. Either or both of those might be true, but they have nothing to do with the availablility of the Sony Reader...

Anyone have any luck out there?

Did you try the dealer locator above (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=39925&postcount=36)?

Yes. :)

As I said, I called the Sony Style store and a bunch of the Borders in my area (from the dealer locator). I was just seeing if anyone had better luck than I did.

The Sony Store had a definitive answer, but some of the Borders' employees answers to my queries seemed...ambiguous, as if they were either downright clueless ("We don't have an electronics department) or merely confused ("We have a Sony Reader listed...but I don't think we have any.")

I was hoping someone else got luckier with an informed Borders employee.

So nobody with any luck at Borders. Grr! It's killing me not being able to err....read. :)

I do have "orders" with two Borders. One I just left my name and number with, and the other I left name, address, number, etc and he told me it'd be between a week and ten days.

I'm still planning on calling every 2-3 days to pester regardless.

@Cutestory:
lol, I had about the same experience as you today...called the 10 or so nearest Borders locations, only 3 seemed to know what I was talking about. The stores in Hollywood and I think it was the one on the Promenade in Santa Monica said they have it on order but couldn't give me a date when they would be in, and the Beverly Sony Style said they should have some near the end of the week.

good luck with your search, I'll be checking back with the Sony store regularly and hopefully be able to get one next week.

...some of the Borders' employees answers to my queries seemed...ambiguous, as if they were either downright clueless ... or merely confused....They probably had just hired them over from Fry's. :tongue3:

I just thought I'd check on the locator thing, I couldn't tell from your earlier post. Sorry they're such plodders about getting them in for you. :sad:

As soon as I get a thumbs up from the Beverly Center Sony Style store, I'll put the word out. Prolly going to call every day just to make sure.

As WilliamG said, this is becoming a real problem because I can't err...read. Books just don't have the same attraction anymore, and my Treo 650? Yuck. The screen is way too small. :p

@NatCh: I guess I had the telltale signs of a "typical" new poster, asking "Hey, does anyone out there know the answer to this really-obvious-question-answered-in-a-sticky-and-in-the-FAQ-which-I-didn't-bother-reading?" :) I really do appreciate the nudge; sorry I didn't make myself clearer about using the locator.

I've been in the e-book business for a while now--I own an original Rocket e-book reader! Now that I've stuck my head out of the lurker hole, I look forward to discussing all things e-book with you all!

Cutestory, love the avatar image :)

Luck to you on getting your Reader. I'm going to irritate Borders for another week or two and hope they finally get one in stock to speed over and pick up before anyone else does.

I've now called every Borders (and SonyStyle) in Arizona. Best response I have received is a physical "order" from Borders -- one of those "we'll call you when it's in and you can come pick it up" sort of arrangements.

Hopefully the shipments will start shaking loose soon. *crosses fingers*

I've finally found someone in the States who's agreed to buy the Reader for me and ship it to where I'm currently living (Kyrgyzstan - don't ask :rolleyes5 ). She lives in New York, so I directed her to the Sony Style shop on Madison Avenue. However, reading some of the other posts, it seems that the stock is dwindling pretty fast! I'm hoping she'll be able to get it there, but if not, what other options are there for B & M stores in New York? Any other Sony outlets that might stock them? What about Borders in NY? Would be grateful for any info that people can pass along. My friend's not much of a gadget freak, so the more info I can give her about where to go, the better...

Check the Sony's dealer locator (http://direct.where2getit.com/cwc/apps/w2gi.php?template=search&client=sonyreader&LCID=LCTR_Showcase:ITPD:Reader:Home:btnVisit).

I called all three Borders stores in the area. They all have them on order (even though the Sony dealer locator only lists two of the three!), none have received any stock yet. :bigcry:

Xenophon

@NatCh: I guess I had the telltale signs of a "typical" new poster, asking "Hey, does anyone out there know the answer to this really-obvious-question-answered-in-a-sticky-and-in-the-FAQ-which-I-didn't-bother-reading?" :) I really do appreciate the nudge; sorry I didn't make myself clearer about using the locator. :smile: actually, my thought was more along the lines of "that's a new thing, perhaps he missed it."

It's all good, we're on the same virtual page now. :grin:

Does anyone know if the sony style store in Ceasars Las Vegas has/is stocked/stocking the reader?
I'm from the UK and I was going to do one of those shipping services using Amazon, but I'm heading to Vegas in a couple of weeks so will try to pick one up whilst I'm there (But I do need to confirm that the store does indded sell them as I don't believe it's a 'full' sony style store)

I've finally found someone in the States who's agreed to buy the Reader for me and ship it to where I'm currently living (Kyrgyzstan - don't ask :rolleyes5 ). She lives in New York, so I directed her to the Sony Style shop on Madison Avenue. However, reading some of the other posts, it seems that the stock is dwindling pretty fast! I'm hoping she'll be able to get it there, but if not, what other options are there for B & M stores in New York? Any other Sony outlets that might stock them? What about Borders in NY? Would be grateful for any info that people can pass along. My friend's not much of a gadget freak, so the more info I can give her about where to go, the better...

I called all of the Borders in NYC and they didn't know what it was. Someone asked me if it was some sort of dictionary. Tell her to get to the Sony style as soon as possible.

I called all of the Borders in NYC and they didn't know what it was. Someone asked me if it was some sort of dictionary. Tell her to get to the Sony style as soon as possible.

Will do. Thanks for the tip. Seems that Borders has really been left out of the loop with the Reader's release....

@tekchic: Thanks!

@dreadnought: One of the Borders I talked to seem to think it was some kind of history of Sony products: the "Sony Reader" as it were. Another wouldn't bother searching for me. Borders should train their sales people better. Sheesh!

I really should try to get some work done today, and stop trying to kick myself in the head (I'm not nearly flexible enough) for not ordering one the second I got the notice from the Sony online store...and to think I could be reading a friend's book on it right this second!

That's right--I was browsing the Connect store and was surprised to notice a book a friend of mine wrote was for sale there. I can't wait to show it to him! I'm sure he'll freak out.

By the way, just to keep this from going totally OT, I called Sony Style in the Beverly Center again today. They think Saturday, though that's not going to keep me from calling every morning. :)

When I bought mine one of the salesmen was willing to hold one for me. However, I don't have the funds to purchase another one quite so soon. His name was Troy, 212-833-6344. Dreadnought, perhaps he can hold one for your friend, until she can make it to the store.

Poor Troy's going to be getting a lot of calls today! Hope he doesn't lose his job, lol. ;)

I used to carry such things in a belt pouch, which my wife hated. Something about making me look deformed. :smile:

The DH uses his diaper bag which is a Jack Spade bag. Why don't more men carry those messenger type bags?

Why don't more men carry those messenger type bags?Probably because we've been socially programmed for generations against anything that might get us accused of carrying a 'purse.' :smile:

Speaking for myself, I'll set a bag down and forget it, but things attached to my body/worn I don't lose. :shrug:

Does anyone know if the sony style store in Ceasars Las Vegas has/is stocked/stocking the reader?
I'm from the UK and I was going to do one of those shipping services using Amazon, but I'm heading to Vegas in a couple of weeks so will try to pick one up whilst I'm there (But I do need to confirm that the store does indded sell them as I don't believe it's a 'full' sony style store)
Anybody? Surely there must be some inveterate gamblers amongst you who can drag themselves away from the craps table to have a look? :)

Poor Troy's going to be getting a lot of calls today! Hope he doesn't lose his job, lol. ;)

The salesman at SonyStyle were all very helpful and willing to give you a card so that you can contact them directly. I think they train them that way because that area is full of tourists. But even so, if a fellow techie needs a device I must do what I can to help him.

THJahar:
>Does anyone know if the sony style store in Ceasars Las Vegas
>has/is stocked/stocking the reader?

IMHO, once you are in Vegas, just call them.

Some not-so-good news from the Sony Style store in Los Angeles. The person I talked to this morning says they were allocated 20--which are gone--and they're not sure when they're getting more in...

But this afternoon I talked to someone else, and she said they're expecting some "at the end of the week."

I can't even get a straight answer from the same store!

I wonder how much of the demand for these readers comes from us crazy folk at the MobileRead community, as opposed to the general public just seeing it and wanting one?

I called Borders this afternoon and as soon as I said "Sony Reader," the sales associate said "Oh, we do have those coming in but they won't be here until November." And he did reassure me that they were definitely getting them.

Of course, I don't know whether that November time period was just something the company told him to say or if that's really when that store was getting them but it was nice that he knew immediately what I was talking about, haha.

The Borders that I called is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Anyway, maybe the Reader that I ordered from SonyStyle.Com will get here before Borders gets them in stock :-).

Me: Hi, will you be carrying the new Sony e-book Reader?
Bordersmonkey: Yes, sometime in the future.
Me: Any idea when you will be getting them in?
Bordersmonkey: I'd need an internal Borders number to check for an arrival date in the computer.
Me: How do you find out the internal Borders number?
Bordersmonkey: Oh, we won't have those until the Reader arrives.
Me: . . .

Some not-so-good news from the Sony Style store in Los Angeles. The person I talked to this morning says they were allocated 20--which are gone--and they're not sure when they're getting more in...

But this afternoon I talked to someone else, and she said they're expecting some "at the end of the week."

I can't even get a straight answer from the same store!

The 12 that I was selling came from that store. I doubt they really know when they're getting more. I was back in the Seattle store this afternoon and they told me that they are backordered, and they have no idea how long it will take, that they are having a hard time getting them, and didn't expect them for a few weeks at least.

The 12 that I was selling came from that store...Eeesh. I wish you'd left a couple for the locals... :(

You locals were buying them too fast - in the 30 minutes between me asking them to hold the 16 they had and actually faxing them my credit card details they were down to 12. So you probably would have missed out anyway! :-)

I may try get some more if I can; I've sold all the ones I had, about a third in the UK, two in the US, and otherwise everywhere from Denmark to Hong Kong. If nothing else this may help evangelize the technology.

UK customs is holding mine up. It's been sat there for 3 days now. Hopefully I can get some movement out of it during the weekend.

I heard that Borders received a company wide broadcast yesterday about the Sony Reader. It is going to be availabe in 280+ stores across the country and should appear in late October to mid November. I think if you call Borders now, you might get someone a bit more knowledgeable.

UK customs is holding mine up. It's been sat there for 3 days now. Hopefully I can get some movement out of it during the weekend.

Same here, two days already. I don't think I will have it before Wednesday.

I think I will be the first one in my country to get one of these. :crowngrin

The wait is killing me, and there's no way in heck I'm paying some evil (read: enterprising) Mobileread member $500+ for a device that costs $350. Hurry, Borders. Get them in already!

And darn Minnesota for not having a Sony store in the state.

If you can wait, WilliamG, the Borders in Woodbury is carrying them.

You locals were buying them too fast - in the 30 minutes between me asking them to hold the 16 they had and actually faxing them my credit card details they were down to 12. So you probably would have missed out anyway! :-)Speculate all you want, if that's what lets you sleep at night... :)

The Sony Store in the Mall at Millenia, Orlando FL, has 3 readers left if anyone is in that area.

Tampa store in FL has one.

and the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, FL has one.

On to the next state....

Denver CO store has 2

If you can wait, WilliamG, the Borders in Woodbury is carrying them.

I've probably called that Borders 40 times in the last week. :)

I called them again this morning and they told me mid-to-late October. That's......8 years away!

Woodlands Mall in TX has 3; Indiana is all out, King of Prussia, PA is all out, Ohio is all out.

Gotta give you props, geekraver, you sure can find them. I didn't realize a SonyStyle store would ship out of state. Thought it had to be direct ordered from Sony online, or get lucky at a local store. All the "SonyStyle" stores here in AZ are Borders, so no luck in AZ.

Boca Raton, FL has 4.

As for shipping out of state, it seems this varies from store to store. The Oregon store was willing to do so (and perhaps they still have stock, they had 4 a couple of days ago), and some California stores were, but none of the Florida stores will - they insist you order via the web instead even while admitting that that involves a two month wait.

Called Oregon. Not in stock. Will not ship even if they were. :(

Funny, they told me they would. Perhaps the stores have just changed their policy (that's what one of the Florida stores told me today but I was skeptical).

For you New Yorkers -- I heard a rumor that the Long Island Sony store might have some stock, but I couldn't get through to confirm it for myself .... :smile:

EDIT -- Sorry, not the Madison avenue store, the Long Island one -- I'm betraying my ignorance of New York Geography!

I was in the Houston Galleria SonyStyle store and they had none, other than their 4 display units. They do expect to get some in on Tuesday-ish. They thought 10~12 units.

I bought the last one in the Cincinnati (Kenwood) SonyStyle store Friday. The clerk said they received five to sell plus three for display and should receive five more next week, you can probably call in and put one on hold for yourself.

I have one left to sell too, if anyone is interested (see the Fleamarket).

This is quoted directly from an e-mail response I received from a person at Borders Group, Incorporated when I asked about the Reader availability.

"The Sony Reader will be offered in most Borders Books & Music stores. It should arrive in stores by the last week of October and will have a price of $349.99."

Success!

I called the Sony Style store in the Beverly Center (Los Angeles) this morning, and they said they had been shipped some and they would be in sometime in the next few days. Two hours later I got a call. They're in!

I went and picked mine up on my lunch break. It looks fabulous!

This is quoted directly from an e-mail response I received from a person at Borders Group, Incorporated when I asked about the Reader availability.

"The Sony Reader will be offered in most Borders Books & Music stores. It should arrive in stores by the last week of October and will have a price of $349.99."

Thanks for the info. Does that mean it could be in stock as soon as tomorrow? :D I mean it does say "BY" the last week of October. :) *hoping*

San Diego Sony Style store has some stock. My brother got one for me from there, and shipped it to me in New Zealand. I'm still waiting for the device to be dropped in my mailbox.

The Borders store in the Continental Airlines terminal at Newark Airport had a bunch when I was in there Saturday night.

The Borders store in the Continental Airlines terminal at Newark Airport had a bunch when I was in there Saturday night.

I officially love you. I just bought a Sony Reader from the Newark Airport over the phone!! They'll deliver NO problem to people out of state.

I used a 10% off coupon here:

http://www.visitborders.com/index.php?c=A

$4 for FedEx Ground delivery to Minnesota.

Total price, including 7% Newark tax and $4 shipping = $341.04.

Can't complain about that! :) :)

One more hopefully-soon-to-be-happy Reader owner!

I officially love you. I just bought a Sony Reader from the Newark Airport over the phone!!

I'd feel better about that if your name was Wilma. :happy2: Congrats on your purchase!

I'd feel better about that if your name was Wilma. :happy2: Congrats on your purchase!

Tee-hee! I just received a call from the Newark Borders with my FedEx tracking number.

*anticipation growing*

I just called the Borders in Scranton, PA and they gave me a release date of October 26th. They said they would have the readers, accessories and memory cards for it. So about 2 weeks away - hopefully the one I ordered from Sony will be here before then - although estimated ship date is still Nov 2 :(

Rob

My local Borders sent me a post card cancelling my special order. I put one in a few weeks before they where released thinking it would be a good way to get one early. It seems that they have no idea when they will have any or when they will ship so the said "forget about it". I don't mind too much since I bought one online the first day but that is pretty weak behavior.

None left in Chicago area. I have checked 4-5 Borders and none have received any and the 2 Brick and Mortars in the area sold out and do not know when they are getting anymore in. I guess my online delivery of Nov 9 will have to do.
Kenal0

Borders Newark airport shipping today. Good deal with that coupon.
Thanks for the heads up on that one.
Kenal0

Borders Newark airport shipping today. Good deal with that coupon.
Thanks for the heads up on that one.
Kenal0

Let me know when you receive yours. I called that Borders again today to find out why (2 days later) my tracking number isn't working. Apparently, the FedEx guy never showed up yesterday to pick them up! :uhoh2:

Anyway, the lady at the store told me they will indeed ship today.

*dribbling some more...*

Will do. She gave me the tracking number and said the Fedex guy was not there yet so she would get it out today. I will let you know.
Kenal0

Arrrgh!

Someone keeps buying up all the stock in Seattle. I'd gladly make the two hour drive to pick one up, but it's annoying to see the stock disappear the day it's received, only to reappear on ebay a few hours later. :angry:

Guess I'll have to wait for my November 2nd shipping date. :(

Arrrgh!

Someone keeps buying up all the stock in Seattle. I'd gladly make the two hour drive to pick one up, but it's annoying to see the stock disappear the day it's received, only to reappear on ebay a few hours later. :angry:


Just look around these forums to find the culprit. When I called the store near me they said they had 15 in stock. Luckily I asked them to set one aside for me because after driving 1 hour I found out that someone came in and bought the rest of their stock. I feel bad for the other people that drove all that way and paid for parking only to find out they were all gone.

Kinda rude I think...

...after driving 1 hour....Hmm, I hadn't realized Hawaii was that big. :grin2:

I called Borders in Newark airport and the lady said that the items did go out today.
Hopefully they will be here early next week.
Kenal0

Hmm, I hadn't realized Hawaii was that big. :grin2:

I was in L.A. at the time. However the drive from Hawaii to Los Angeles was tough-- had to roll up the windows. :happy2:

I called Borders in Newark airport and the lady said that the items did go out today.
Hopefully they will be here early next week.
Kenal0

Yep you're right. My tracking number works. Tuesday, 17th. Can't wait.

Found 2 in the Borders in Pheonix airport, Terminal 4 (Southwest). Now there's 1 left. Purely by luck, too; I was only flying SW at the last minute, and only noticed a bookstore as I walked by.

Went by the Sony store in the Beverly Center (Los Angeles) on a whim...and they just happened to have them in stock. Picked one up, and grabbed one of those new charging cradles as well. :)

Wow, a bunch of us got ours from that location!

Flumbo and WilliamG,
Thanks for the tips about the Sony Reader being in stock at the Newark airport!

I have mine ordered from them and it should be on its way!

And thanks for the coupon William! Worked like a charm.

Sam Krupa

Mine is in the Chicago area on truck for delivery Monday via Fedex ground.
Nice job WilliamG on the airport tip. Who would have thought to call the Borders in an airport!! There is not a Borders in Chicagoland that even has a clue about when they are getting them.
Kenal0

Mine showed up today. As soon as I went on the econnect website to register my reader, it went down for updating. Oh well, I guess I will load it up later when I get home. Looks nice, it is pretty cool.
Kenal0

Well Newark airport is sold out-not a big surprise there! :sad3:

Has anyone stumbled across another source?

Called the Borders in Woodbury and they are expecting their shipment at the end of October. I asked them to put one on hold for me. The sales person I talked to actually had a clue though.

I called a couple Borders around here in North Carolina and neither seemed too aware of the Reader, the first had never heard of it and said they thought it was just a specialty item I could order through the store, the other speculated it might be a Christmas item.

I checked the stores in Las Vegas and they are sild out or have not yet been delivered.

borders in los gatos california said they were expecting 7 sometime this week

sony style in westgate mall california got a delivery of 3 units today

Mine showed up today. As soon as I went on the econnect website to register my reader, it went down for updating. Oh well, I guess I will load it up later when I get home. Looks nice, it is pretty cool.
Kenal0

Mine arrived today at my house. I'll give you all an update when I've given it a thorough going over after I get home. Will post a full review soon. :)

I read earlier that the Houston Galleria Sony Style store has one on demo. Is that true? i am in the area and would like to see one close up...?

They had four display models when I was in there on the 7th. Right by the door, on the right, you can't miss them. One was 'round the back of the display, so look there if the other three are being used. :beam:

Just received word that the Sony Style story at University Village (Seattle) received their new shipment of Sony Readers today. I have no idea how many they received but if you're in the Seattle area it might be worth a trip or call.

University Village Sony Style Store
2623 NE University Village Street
Seattle, WA 98105
206-525-1200

Oh, that's great NatCH! Thanks!

Guys and Gals,

If you are in the Las Vegas Area, the Borders in Henderson (just outside of Vegas) has received their shipment of PRS-500s. Don't forget to bring your coupon for 10% off!

Hi. Been looking for a while and desided to join esp with this odd bit of news...

I am in the SD area of California. Called the two closses Borders to me... One is where I have a hold for one and another pretty far from me.

The first said they got some in but were told to pull them. This was due to maybe the display or the holder catching on fire. The other was "Yep" we got them in but all are on hold right now cant sell and dont know when we can sell them...

There is one other will try after posting...

Display or holder catching fire? That sounds ridiculous. I bet they saw oh, Sony? Didn't Sony just have a huge recall for electronic batteries exploding? Oh no, these will explode! :)

Display or holder catching fire? That sounds ridiculous. I bet they saw oh, Sony? Didn't Sony just have a huge recall for electronic batteries exploding? Oh no, these will explode! :)

I agree... But As Paul Harvey sayd The Rest OF the Story

As soon as registed here and sent that item about the recall. I calld the San Diego Mission Valley Borders... Yes we got them in. But YES will sell you one.. They had not heard of a recall or lock date. Could not put one on hold. San Diego traffic is a night mair on fridays at 6PM! So Its about 45 minuts when nothing on the road. Got there. Got lost. Called and were darn nice to get me on the right path. Even got a parking place near the place! Was the first to request and buy it from there. They had five now four :happy2: They ask if I wanted to see it. Sure. Love at first sight!!! So while I was checking it out went over what I knew about it. All of the pluses and the minius I had learn from here. Darn thing had a full charge! Pop up 1984. Wish they had put Farienhite 451. But oh well.

Summing up. Sound like the Borders got in ther stock but something is going on. I was think of the display and think it could be using the desk stand without the cover and without the insert I think some one mention here. If that small connecter is not fitted right could cause sparks.

So there are in San Diego but in limbo... Hope that helps...

PS: A darn nice store with a good crew!

If that small connecter is not fitted right could cause sparks.Interesting thought, Nightwing.

I don't think that the power levels involved are likely to be enough to make sparks, but I wouldn't claim for a certainty that there's no way it could. So, while I'm skeptical, you may have something. :shrug:

Interesting thought, Nightwing.

I don't think that the power levels involved are likely to be enough to make sparks, but I wouldn't claim for a certainty that there's no way it could. So, while I'm skeptical, you may have something. :shrug:


I know its a long shot but dont know at this second how much current it pulls on a charge... My Cowon A2 { previous reader } can pull up to 1 amp and its PS is rated for 2.5 amps. Thank goodness its a switcher!

Plus if people dont plug it in securly then other problems can occure. They did not have the stand set up or what ever it was supostly having problems.

PS: 5.2v is a bit weird for power...

charging off USB limits you to 500mA so current consumption has to be pretty low.

The first said they got some in but were told to pull them. This was due to maybe the display or the holder catching on fire.Since we seem generally agreed that the Reader's unlikely to have enough juice to cause much mischief, do you know anything about the kind of display it was?

They probably have some sort of an electronic security tether system (the Sony Style store here does, anyway). Could that have something to do with it?

Since we seem generally agreed that the Reader's unlikely to have enough juice to cause much mischief, do you know anything about the kind of display it was?

They probably have some sort of an electronic security tether system (the Sony Style store here does, anyway). Could that have something to do with it?

Just got a call From the Borders in Carlsbad CA... They have them for sale now! So the rest should also...

Nightwing is right. I was plesantly surprised to get a call from Borders in Salt Lake City, UT, letting me know my reserved Reader came in today. Expect a flood of (I got mine!) in the next couple days.

And oh yea... I got mine! :)

Wonder if they waited for the 10% off coupon to go dead? Used one last friday!

Nightwing, Seems as if the 10% credit does not die. They seem to extend the expiration date each time I checked it.

Good... Sound Like the Sand Diego area is getting stock again...

Know Mission Vally and the Carlsbad Borders now have them in stock...

Would asume the 5 per store number...

I picked mine up at the Borders in Salt Lake (actually the Murray store) right after work last night too. They only had a couple left on the shelf when I left.

I was able to use the 10% off coupon after the cashier spent several minutes trying to figure out what to do with it.

I had pretty much decided not to get one of these, but gadget lust got the better of me as is usually does! So far, I'm fairly impressed, but have only spent a few minutes with it.

heavyB, wanna start a club?? LOL

Just wanted to put here that the New York City Borders store on Broadway near Wall St has the reader, covers and the stand in stock. I picked up the 'tan' cover for it yesterday, and it's pretty nice. Would be better if it had metal or magnets in the rear of it, to keep the stuck closed when you fold the cover over, but meh, I won't complain much on that.
They are all in the front of the store behind the registers.

I put a wrist lanyard on my Reader, and it's just long enough to reach over the opposite corners of the cover when it's folded back, holding it open nicely. :beam:

I got a lanyard on mine too (Used one from the PSP), but i just tend to use to make sure that the reader isn't going to take a walk without me. ^_^

I'll try your suggestion tho.

It's good for holding the weight of the Reader too, if you can find a way to wrap it around your hand that works for you.

I run mine up my palm, between my index and middle (1st & 2nd -- in case that's clearer) and then down around my wrist. That way I don't have to clamp the Reader in my fingers/thumb to hold it up -- much more comfortable. :beam:

I had pretty much decided not to get one of these, but gadget lust got the better of me as is usually does! So far, I'm fairly impressed, but have only spent a few minutes with it.

heavyB, wanna start a club?? LOL

To be honest, I felt the same way. It's alot of scratch for a singular function device. But I too am gadget obsessive. Worse case we could eBay it right? Not a chance. This thing is too cool! I've been reading about eInk for over 3 years now and had to get my hands on it. No way I'm going to put out the scratch Illiad wants. I think it's amazing how some folks just don't get it. All those complaints about no backlighting, low contrast, etc.. (not to even start on that crank over at TeleRead, geez, they're NOT going to send you one already, break out your credit card for your 'review' [bracing for the flames]) It's electronic paper! I love the idea of technology emulating a real life artifact.

:rolleyes: Now my wife wants it.

Maybe I'll send her your way for that club of yours so she can use yours ;)

I found some in Westwood (Los Angeles) Borders. Tech lust is going to take over soon though...

The Englewood and Broomfield CO stores have them in now. Only days after mine showed up from the Newark Airport store. They also have the cradles and covers as well.

thax

I visited a Borders in Scottsdale, AZ today for kicks. Asked about the Sony Reader. He said "Corporate made us put a freeze on them and we're not selling them right now. Something's wrong with it, not the Sony Reader hardware, but the framework."

So I ask, "The connect store?"

He says, "Something, I don't know. I don't know why people would want one, why look at a computer screen? Is it a soft dim light on it?"

And I say, "There IS no backlight."

To this he looked puzzled.

So -- is this guy making stuff up? Obviously they are selling in Borders around the country as we speak, yes? He needed to be hit with a clue-by-4 at least though, Mr. IsItASoftDimLight.

This guy has a jewel in his hands and does'nt know.
Just like the expression "Feeding pearls to pigs".
And he is expected to promote the expansion of eink?

For what it's worth, I doubt the salesperson has even seen one. This may sound kind of obvious, but eInk is technology so foreign that I honestly think most folks can't really fathom what it's like until they see it. They just can't imagine it would be anything other than a typical computer screen because nothing like it has debuted in the marketplace. And for all the good the iRex has done, it's still not easily found in a play-with-it retail setting.

Having said that, he should, like, totally shut up.

I visited a Borders in Scottsdale, AZ today for kicks. Asked about the Sony Reader. He said "Corporate made us put a freeze on them and we're not selling them right now. Something's wrong with it, not the Sony Reader hardware, but the framework."

So I ask, "The connect store?"

He says, "Something, I don't know. I don't know why people would want one, why look at a computer screen? Is it a soft dim light on it?"

And I say, "There IS no backlight."

To this he looked puzzled.

So -- is this guy making stuff up? Obviously they are selling in Borders around the country as we speak, yes? He needed to be hit with a clue-by-4 at least though, Mr. IsItASoftDimLight.

Was given that story last week. Had to go through two Border before finding one that said what? Nop no hold. Yep will sell you one...

ADDED:

When I got they they ask if I would like to look at it said yes.. So while I looked it over was giving a running commentary on features and function. Had the comment of where is the contras, etc.. After covering feature and some of their why's. I think they were really impressed with it. Sounds typical release something without knowledge of said device... Esp somthing this different.

So when you pick up one try the same. Go over the feature with them. May help sell a few more..

Add to that, that most people don't even know how the displays they use work. Crt, Lcd, Plasma, laser, an other format? They feel manipulated...again...

Add to that, that most people don't even know how the displays they use work. Crt, Lcd, Plasma, laser, an other format? They feel manipulated...again...


I run into that all the time...

Could the whole "on hold" thing with Borders be individual store managers sabotage to not undermine their traditional business? Occam's razor tells us they're just incompetent though, so who knows. I wonder what Sony would say.

So -- is this guy making stuff up? Obviously they are selling in Borders around the country as we speak, yes? He needed to be hit with a clue-by-4 at least though, Mr. IsItASoftDimLight.Ah, yes. Classic signs of colonic information generation here. :laugh4:

10/26/06 3pm.

SonyPlaza, New York, NY. Sold out; expect new delivery by saturday.

I knew it was bogus line of catch fire/on hold bit. At least the people at the Borders off of 8 in San Diego said "What Hold?" Its a ways to go. But when I can. Will got to that store for major book purchases. AKA they got my business...

Would be nice to take the reader into Borders go to a kioss and buy a book? Or prepaid cards to fill the Sony account?

You either bend with the change or get broken. Just look at Tower Records... They are history!

ADDED:

One thing... I can say they are proabbly not going to do even a 5 minut totorial on it...

The Borders in Buckhead, in Atlanta, has them... well, one less now :)

The one in Austell won't have them until after US Thanksgiving.

Terminal C (International, by Gate 92)


I went through on Thursday this week (26th October) they had 2 left after I got mine.

Not sure the counter staff even realised they had them in stock, they had no idea if they were going to get more.

Well, they used to have at least one reader in stock...

I've been stopping in weekly to check on availability; today was apparently my day. :)

I literally just walked in the door and haven't opened it up yet. I suppose I should take my jacket off too....

I think they may have had one more. I got the cradle too. They did have an excellent selection of leather covers, but I decided to check out the stock cover first.

And now, I must open the box and play.

There's a SONYstyle store in ...Skokie (NW suburb of Chicago) that has them, and the dowtown (i.e. Chicago) Borders is slated to have them....need to take a drive to Skokie. Maybe with one in my hot little hands I shall be unable to resist

There's a SONYstyle store in ...Skokie (NW suburb of Chicago) that has them, and the dowtown (i.e. Chicago) Borders is slated to have them....need to take a drive to Skokie. Maybe with one in my hot little hands I shall be unable to resist

Any idea if this store has any of the covers? I called a week ago and they did not have any yet.
Kenal0

Kenal--
I only asked about the Reader itself. Had no idea it had a cover until I saw some postings here. Am still unclear about the cover. Does the Reader come with one, or is this another accessory? WilliamG mentioned a leather cover that he had one. I think that would be nice as a means of adding texture and smell of a more traditional nation, but mostly likely pricey.

Yes, the Reader comes with a cover. See e.g. here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56896489@N00/sets/72157594329632898/).

Kenal--
I only asked about the Reader itself. Had no idea it had a cover until I saw some postings here. Am still unclear about the cover. Does the Reader come with one, or is this another accessory? WilliamG mentioned a leather cover that he had one. I think that would be nice as a means of adding texture and smell of a more traditional nation, but mostly likely pricey.

The cover it comes with is actually quite nice, so you don't need to purchase anything else. I know I probably won't. Actually, I find all of the accessories to be fairly pointless, and just a way for Sony to make a ton of extra money on the side of the actual e-ink device manufacturing.

Now excuse me while I go back to reading. :scholar:

Decided to grab a brown cover. That green is too bright. Like others too busy reading to flip covers... Will take pix tomorrow.

They have a supply of readers at the Carlsbad Borders store.

There are at least three readers in Braintree, MA (http://www.bordersstores.com/stores/store_pg.jsp?storeID=196) Borders.

They also have cradles and Red/Brown covers.

Here is the Brown cover set of open box photos... Wont be able to try it until tomorrow.

http://nightwing.smugmug.com/gallery/2062130/1/106085293


The had the same Red/Brown but not that horrible green one.

I'm in the Triad area of NC, and I got my Sony Reader on Wednesday (10/25). On Tuesday, I went by the Greensboro Borders, and they didn't have any Readers yet, but they did have the flyers, which the manager cracked open while I was there. The Reader is already in their computer, and they expect to get them next month. The manager suggested I call the Charlotte or Durham store, but I used Sony's store locator link to find out the Borders in Winston-Salem had it. I called them up, reserved a copy, then went over there the next day. The W-S store has them locked in an old iPod display case, with two more visible, a few cradles, and a dozen replacement covers. I used the 10% coupon with little problem. (The cashier first rung it up as 30% off, but I corrected him. I'm a nice guy, and I've heard too many retail worker nightmares to take advantage of such mistakes.) Thanks to all of the footwork you guys did first, it was rather painless.

I can't wait to show it off!

If only it was more Mac compatible... -sigh-

P.S.: The cashiers didn't know what it was, but each manager had heard of it, and was happy to help. I didn't expect much, so I was happy with the response I got.

Bought one at Borders in Virginia Beach, VA yesterday. They had just gotten in a supply. Had at least a dozen in stock along with covers and cradles.

Howdy,

Well... I got excited with all these reports of ppl getting the Sony Reader from Borders stores. (I've had one on order with SonyStyle since 9/29/2006 and still no shipping email from them yet. :( )

I printed out the Sony Reader info page from Sonystyle and this wonderful Borders coupon that you all have stumbled upon and pointed the truck in the nearest Border's direction.

Borders in Peoria, IL: No Sony Reader Love from them. The young guy knew what it was but said they didn't have any but many ppl have asked for it. He did say the Borders he worked at in east San Fransisco, CA, had them but they were "recalled because something was wrong with them". So I slunk out down trodden.

Borders in Normal, IL: No Sony Reader Love from them what-so-ever! :angry: They had no idea what it was and just gazed at the product info sheet with mouths hung open. I told them they probably WILL be getting them soon. They just said "okay, cool" and away I went to sulk.

I'm going to be traveling for business next week and had hoped to obtain one (preferably with 10% coupon!! :wink: ) and load with books for the flights.

Anyone know of some in Chicago? How about the Atlanta Airport (will have some time to walk around there next Sunday) or Atlanta/Alpharetta area (might have some time with the rental car :wink: )?

Also, what is this "Sony locater link"? I've tried the retail locater link on the Sony Reader product page but it just gives me bumkiss (no results).

Pining away for a Sony Portable Reader...

-mistergadgett

mistergadgett, here's the Link NatCh mentioned. It helped me find the nearest Borders selling Sony Readers.

-William Moates

They've added a Dealer Locator (http://direct.where2getit.com/cwc/apps/w2gi.php?template=search&client=sonyreader&LCID=LCTR_Showcase:ITPD:Reader:Home:btnVisit) tool to the Sony Style page ... looks like there are six current/future retail locations within 34 miles of me!

Sony Readers at Borders in Deerfield Illinois.
Kenal0

Thanks, Kenal0!

Did you leave any left there? ;-)

Yeah, I figure if I travel to Chicago for a weekend I might be able to score one at one of the many Borders in that area. It's about a 3 hours drive from me but if Sony hasn't delivered my pre-order by Friday I will be VERY tempted to make the drive before my business travel next week (probably to the dismay of my wife. LOL).

Any tips on scoring the Sony Reader at a Borders listed on the Sony locater link? Secret handshakes, passphrases, etc, needed to get past the often clueless floor sales army? (Kenal0, if you work at Borders you are excluded from this generalization)

Thanks again,

-mistergadgett

Thanks, Kenal0!

Did you leave any left there? ;-)

Yeah, I figure if I travel to Chicago for a weekend I might be able to score one at one of the many Borders in that area. It's about a 3 hours drive from me but if Sony hasn't delivered my pre-order by Friday I will be VERY tempted to make the drive before my business travel next week (probably to the dismay of my wife. LOL).

Any tips on scoring the Sony Reader at a Borders listed on the Sony locater link? Secret handshakes, passphrases, etc, needed to get past the often clueless floor sales army? (Kenal0, if you work at Borders you are excluded from this generalization)

Thanks again,

-mistergadgett


At the Carlsbad store they had them up by the register in the front where you make your purchase. Else go to Information at the center of the store...

Or find the ones you want to hit and call first... Thats how I bagged mine....

Hoe you have very good luck on the hunt!

MisterGadgett--

There's the store that kenal0 mentioned, and closer to the city if the SONY store in Old Orchard Mall, Skokie. The Borders on Michigan Avenue is meant to have them, I believe by the beginning of this week. Will be phoning them tomorrow. I live about ten minutes from that one, and will be eager to see this device in person.

Will post and let you know what information I have.
btw, nice to know that the kids in P-town still read ;-

Cthulhu,

Yes, I would be interested in what you find out. I did email Sony Sales support to inquire about my pre-order from over a month ago (but I doubt they will respond very soon). So a trip to Chi-town will probably be in order.

Apparently the kids in P-town don't read ebooks though! LOL (of course, I'm a transplant to P-town due to YellowIron so I'm use to reading numbers and not words. ;-) Trying to break that habit with the Sony Reader)

-mistergadgett

* Mr. Gadgett:
You must be doing a job of work with Caterpillar...Or maybe Kumatsu, I remember them moving in too.


I went to university for four years in Peoria.

Have you ever been to "A House of Books" in Peoria Heights? Very good selection of things Borders doesn't usually carry, though that may have changed by now.

Just called Borders on Michigan Ave. in Chicago. Said they have "plenty." They are in a safe until they can devise a fancy display. Ask a manager, and you can have one. The person with whom I spoke said that I could reserve one or more if I wanted to, so that seems like a good sign.

Thanks, Kenal0!

Did you leave any left there? ;-)

Yeah, I figure if I travel to Chicago for a weekend I might be able to score one at one of the many Borders in that area. It's about a 3 hours drive from me but if Sony hasn't delivered my pre-order by Friday I will be VERY tempted to make the drive before my business travel next week (probably to the dismay of my wife. LOL).

Any tips on scoring the Sony Reader at a Borders listed on the Sony locater link? Secret handshakes, passphrases, etc, needed to get past the often clueless floor sales army? (Kenal0, if you work at Borders you are excluded from this generalization)

Thanks again,

-mistergadgett

I do not work there but they had plenty there yesterday. I just went by to pick up a cover. They are in a locked case/display about 20 steps in the front door.
I am sure they still have one left. Drive fast.
Kenal0

"BIGYellow" should tell you which one. They pulled me over from the "Boilermaking Town". :-)

I haven't been to "A House of Books" yet. Actually... I didn't even know about it! I've been in the area for about 5 years although BigYellow doesn't let me out much. LOL!

I'll have to check it out sometime.

Seems as if Borders are starting to get a load of shipments of the Sony Readers then. Hummm.... maybe I should call the Peoria Borders again and ask to speak with a manager? That would be a MUCH shorter drive. :-) (of course, maybe Sony doesn't think P-town is a "Reading Market" either. LOL)

-mistergadgett

I'm in the Triad area of NC, and I got my Sony Reader on Wednesday (10/25). On Tuesday, I went by the Greensboro Borders, and they didn't have any Readers yet, but they did have the flyers, which the manager cracked open while I was there. The Reader is already in their computer, and they expect to get them next month. The manager suggested I call the Charlotte or Durham store, but I used Sony's store locator link to find out the Borders in Winston-Salem had it. I called them up, reserved a copy, then went over there the next day. The W-S store has them locked in an old iPod display case, with two more visible, a few cradles, and a dozen replacement covers. I used the 10% coupon with little problem. (The cashier first rung it up as 30% off, but I corrected him. I'm a nice guy, and I've heard too many retail worker nightmares to take advantage of such mistakes.) Thanks to all of the footwork you guys did first, it was rather painless.

I can't wait to show it off!

If only it was more Mac compatible... -sigh-

P.S.: The cashiers didn't know what it was, but each manager had heard of it, and was happy to help. I didn't expect much, so I was happy with the response I got.


I wish I had any luck in the Raleigh area, no one here seems to have heard of it, at all.

Four -- now three -- are at the Broomfield Borders in Colorado.

Well... I called the Peoria Borders store today and the lady on the phone knew what the Sony Reader was. However, she said their store is "too small" so they probably won't get them for quite a while. :-( Bummers!

Will have to point the truck toward Chicago this weekend now (if all the readers up there haven't been scarfed down by then). It's worth a 6 hour roundtrip, right? :-)

I'm still amazed that pre-ordering the reader on the Sony Website on 9/29/2006 hasn't gotten one to me by now especially with all the deliveries to the larger Borders.

Oh well...

-mistergadgett

The Borders in Dallas, TX at West Village had 5 in stock yesterday - they sold out of their first shipment of 5.

I liked the device when I saw it, but I am still hesitant to purchase due to the fact that Sony chose yet another proprietary format, BBeB, adding to the Tower of eBabel

Well I ordered my Reader from the Winston-Salem, NC store today and they're putting it in the mail!

Has anyone checked with the NYC Sony store?
I bought mine in NYC Sony Plaza on October, 27.

... but I am still hesitant to purchase due to the fact that Sony chose yet another proprietary format, BBeB....

Welcome to MobileRead, first off. :grin:

I see (even agree with) what you're saying about proprietary formats and the world not needing more of them, but I've reached the reluctant conclusion that until there is a standard for e-books that is accepted and used by the publishing industry, it's really hard for me to be too upset when folks don't use that non-existant standard.

As for the Sony specifically, they included support for RTF, TXT & PDF support -- without conversion. Is it really so awful that they also included their own format (which, as it happens, has been around serveral years)?

If there were a 'standard' format and they'd gone with BBeB instead (or even additionally), I'd agree with you without reservation, but that's not the case. :shrug:

By adding BBeB they have the opportunity to offer almost 11,000 titles (that's what they said they were up to on Saturday), that they couldn't offer if they'd stuck with just TXT, RTF, and PDF.

The other proprietary formats have been around long enough that folks have kind of forgotten that they are proprietary, it's slipped under their radars, but things like mobipocket, ereader, rocketbook and microsoft reader are still proprietary. :sad2:

I think that the inclusion of these more 'open' formats is a hopeful sign that they'll be interested in supporting such a 'standard' format when one does eventually drag itself out of the primordial muck. Will they do so? There's no garauntee, but I do think these non-proprietary file formats are a good sign. :shrug:

How long did the war last between Beta and VHS? How long did it take to have a standard for CD? JPEG is the main photo support but the others are still alive! All these feuds were resolved by the "purchase vote" of the consumers.

I think that the ebook format fight has been the longest lasting one, mainly because there were no really practical readers on the market.(sorry for those who like theirs)

When a leader comes out with a popular offer, all will be resolved. As of yet I still can't see, although I prefer eink, who will have a reader that will fit in the populist parameters. These parameters include; price, ease of use, design and universality.

The Borders in Frederick MD has about 6 Readers and 4 Cradles left after I got mine.

Just to clarify the fire hazard thingy...when I called my local Borders to see if the eReader had arrived, they said, "yes, they just came in, but we haven't unboxed them because we can't sell them. There's a fire hazard with the display." I then asked him whether the hazard was with the in-store display setup or the screen on the device. He said it was the in-store display, so I mentioned that that shouldn't prevent them from selling the readers, they just couldn't put up the display. He thought for a moment and agreed, so I went in and got mine after work on 10/23.

Anyway, I've been reading both it and some p-books for the last few days and will try to put some thoughts together for a brief write-up soon (fear not, it's all good generally speaking--no eBay for mine!).

Finally, good luck fellow gadget (and book) hunters! I was back in the same Borders a couple of days after I bought mine and they told me they were all long gone. They had originally received enough to cover their preorders and about four to sell normally.

As of 4PM ET today, the Borders in Boca Raton FL had readers, leather covers and charging cradle in stock.

Austin -Reserach Blvd , Texas Border store had 2 in stock this morning when I purchased one. 3 cradles also. When I checked the store 2 days ago, it was out of stock. The store clerk told me they had some in last Friday and someone came and bought it all.

SONY **Really** needs to send out a better roll-out packet or something.
Either someone really dropped the ball on this "display" issue, or Border's hired idiots. Was in a Borders in La Grange, IL. They have the Reader. Wait--no they don't. Oh, yes they do, put they're not out. No, they won't release it from the cage.

Besides this little Schroedinger's cat & mouse game, the sales staff knew precious little about the darn thing. One salesman would not accept that SONY would allow any other formats but their own on it (there's some bad press to overcome), and had no answer as to from whence the content would originate.

So congratulations from those who were able to overcome the status quo and actually wrestle one of these away from the Border's sales staff.

*point of clarification* What format are those SD Dictionaries? Could I throw one of those in a Reader and use it as reference whiel reading some erudite e-text?

Thanks, NatCH, for the welcome and your comments.

The Borders in Dallas was down to one in stock yesterday after I purchsed mine. :happy2:

Sony has made it easy to purchase (so far using the $50 credit) and it is a pleasure to read on this device.

Also, transfering already purchsed book in PDF format worked like a charm.

SONY **Really** needs to send out a better roll-out packet or something.
Either someone really dropped the ball on this "display" issue, or Border's hired idiots. Was in a Borders in La Grange, IL. They have the Reader. Wait--no they don't. Oh, yes they do, put they're not out. No, they won't release it from the cage.

Besides this little Schroedinger's cat & mouse game, the sales staff knew precious little about the darn thing. One salesman would not accept that SONY would allow any other formats but their own on it (there's some bad press to overcome), and had no answer as to from whence the content would originate.

So congratulations from those who were able to overcome the status quo and actually wrestle one of these away from the Border's sales staff.

*point of clarification* What format are those SD Dictionaries? Could I throw one of those in a Reader and use it as reference whiel reading some erudite e-text?
I've worked 9 years for a furniture company specialized in store display cabinets. Enough to say that it is usually to the manufaturer of a product, other than the store's main speciality, to provide the possibility of adequate display. Borders is a book reseller, they have book displays. An electronics manufacturer selling there should offer proper stalls .

Hey! I'm willing to design and build them!!! ;)

@yvan:

I'm not sure whether I should feel sad, scared, or anything at the fact that as a customer I know more about a product than the seller ;-

@yvan:

I'm not sure whether I should feel sad, scared, or anything at the fact that as a customer I know more about a product than the seller ;-

Most shop retailers barely know what they sell. Their craft is selling. As long as there is an incentive and a sales promise, they go at it. I don't blame them. If it's a chain, it's even worse.

Then there is the problem of cheap personnel... :( Adequately forming someone in a volatile, increasingly broadening category, (as electronics is) must be a daunting and expensive proposition.
We must also consider that the coming to market of a new product is also accompanied by secrecy, which compounds the problem. There is no time to "pre" form employees in time to meet the elitists.

By the way its out job to help them evangelize e-books. :scholar: We must be patient.

Yvan: I agree. However, I was hoping to learn more about the product, not teach someone.

Plus, I am annoyed because I was not allowed to play with the cool new toy. ;-

Learning about the product is what MobileRead is for! :wink:

Do you have a SonyStyle store near you? They tend to have them on display....

Nathan:
There's a SONY store out in one of the malls in the suburbs, but shan't make the trip just to see the device. Was at a grocery store near the Border's, and was hoping to get a sneak peek. Suppose that I will need to wait until the Border's Downton gets their ducks in a row.

I find the current Sony Reader availability a bit confusing. Sony's direct store says end of November for availability, but the Borders Stores seem to be getting some already. After buying one from Geekraver (I live in the UK) the wife and mother-in-law now want one each so I need to get two more. Is there any chance of getting them before Christmas and stop me having to wrestle the wife for use of the Reader?

In Minnesota, the CompUSA in Minnetonka has three in a glass cabinet. I didn't realise they were going to carry them; perhaps other CompUSA stores are getting them in as well? They were selling the Nokia tablet for a brief period of time as well, and seem to be the one of the few big box stores still selling PDAs.

I find the current Sony Reader availability a bit confusing. Sony's direct store says end of November for availability, but the Borders Stores seem to be getting some already.Part of that is that the SonyStyle folks (the Sony direct store you mention) is a separate division. Now that I'm thinking about it, I wonder if they don't have to order their stock from the Sony Electronics, America division, just like everyone else does.

If they do, then once they got through their initial 130 units (in, like, 10 minutes) they'd have to get in line for more -- if Borders and Fry's are in front of them .... :shrug:


And, yes, CompUSA was one of the stores they were talking about last Saturday. :grin:

Last time I was in Chicago there was a big Sony store downtown on Michigan Ave, if you want to check that out instead of the downtown Borders.

So now we have confirmed stores of Sony, Borders, CompUSA and Frys? Any others expected? I guess Sony and Borders are the only store that handy dealer locator searches.

Last time I was in Chicago there was a big Sony store downtown on Michigan Ave, if you want to check that out instead of the downtown Borders.

So now we have confirmed stores of Sony, Borders, CompUSA and Frys? Any others expected? I guess Sony and Borders are the only store that handy dealer locator searches.
That Store is closed. Closest store is in Skokie at Old Orchard Shopping Center or Woodfield Mall.
Kenal0

GeekRaver either showed mercy or was out of town today. :D

The Borders on 4th in Seattle has one unit left (and one cradle) after I got one (to replace the one I bought online that died after 2 hours of use and so far we've been unable to get Sony to repair.)

Borders in Fox Point Wisconsin had half a dozen in stock friday @3:30 PM. I picked up one of them.

The Frys in San Marcos CA has them on display! WOW what a shock!

Since I was the first customer at the borders to purchase one, apparently there was "special" training for the check-out done when they arrived. One of the things was that the device is NOT to be put on the anti-theft de-activator. I found that rather interesting.....

I just stopped by the CompUSA in Greensboro, NC, and asked them about the Sony Reader. They didn't confuse it with an actual book :) but they had none in stock. The employee thought they might get it by the end of the month. I looked on the CompUSA website, and found the Sony Reader and its cradle for sale. They list the release date as November 1st. If you want to mail order it, try them.

-William

@Kenal0:

Was disappointed when that SONY store on Michigan Avenue. Was fun to play in there, and preview PS2 games....Maybe it would still be there if I bought something.

Do you know if that became the Apple Store? Cannot recall where it was....

I just stopped by the CompUSA in Greensboro, NC, and asked them about the Sony Reader. They didn't confuse it with an actual book :) but they had none in stock. The employee thought they might get it by the end of the month. I looked on the CompUSA website, and found the Sony Reader and its cradle for sale. They list the release date as November 1st. If you want to mail order it, try them.

-William

William, I know the Borders store in Winston-Salem has (or had) the Reader in stock, because they mailed me one this week.

I am due to be staying near Miami airport for 4 days at the end of the month.

I have looked the borders store locator and there are a couple close by (I remember seeing a store in the Dolphin Mall last time I was there in June).

I would like to take 2 Ereaders back to Europe - 1 for me and 1 for my mother as an Xmas present.

What's the best way of getting hold of a couple whilst I am in the area?

At the moment I am in Kuala Lumpa- does anyone know if I could get one here?

Thanks, AndiR

Kuala Lumpa?!! Hey! Get outside and explore. Stop looking for gadgets!!!

;)

I will over the next 3 days (after work) that I am here - I am about to crash and have a siesta so that I can sync my body a bit!

Since I was the first customer at the borders to purchase one, apparently there was "special" training for the check-out done when they arrived. One of the things was that the device is NOT to be put on the anti-theft de-activator. I found that rather interesting.....Wonder if it's connected to the display issues they reported earlier?

BTW -- it looks like the Dealer Locator (http://direct.where2getit.com/cwc/apps/w2gi.php?template=search&client=sonyreader&LCID=LCTR_Showcase:ITPD:Reader:Home:btnVisit) is listing more retailers now, Fry's & CompUSA, anyway. :beam:

Abt Electronics Store in Chicagoland.

I ordered one today through its website at http://www.abtelectronics.com/product/25155.html.

I went to the physical store today and saw a demo unit there (actually the Sony Store within the Abt store) but it was so crowded everywhere.

I also got 7% discount through the web site. You can't beat that.

pnut

I also got 7% discount through the web site. You can't beat that.

pnut

When I bought mine Friday at Borders they gave me a cash register tape coupon good for 20% off on a single item bought between Nov 11 and Nov 18.

I asked if I could use it on a Sony Reader and they said yes.

Christmas is coming... I think my Mom needs one. :)

Scotty1024:

20%? Can't beat that deal with a stick!

I have a friend who works at a Border's, but it seems that SONY thinks that no one in Central IL wants to read e-texts.

I played with the dealer locator by typing in different zip codes in my state (NC), and I only found one store: a Borders in Winston-Salem. You could do the same thing to see how many stores are near you.

There are only supposed to be ~200 Borders natio