Hey, all,

I wanted to start a thread to share interesting & helpful things for our new toys, it doesn't really fit in any of the sub forums, so I'll just throw it out in the main one.

I've got a couple of minor things to get the ball rolling:

1) Not sure if you flipped the power switch all the way or not? Click the Mark button -- if the blue light comes on, the Reader is on and powering up the screen, if not, you didn't get the power switch flipped all the way. (clicking the Mark button during power up doesn't add/remove a bookmark, BTW)

2) Holding down the Mark button brings up a list of all bookmarks (we knew that). After playing with it a bit, I realized that this is an excellent way to quickly flip between files, since it lists all the bookmarks you have set, not just the ones in the current file. Handy. (Added note: Once you do this one time, you can get back to the All Bookmarks Menu by single clicking the Menu button, rather than holding down the Mark button for 5 seconds -- until you visit a different menu, at least http://www.mobileread.com/forums/images/smiliesadd1/nice.gif)

Okay, those are my first two, what do the rest of y'all have for us?

These two are rather observations then anything else

1) History. If you by mistake pressed buttons 1-0 while reading the book, then you history to get back to the page you were reading before.

2) "Press Ahead". Reader queues all the buttons you've pressed. So if you remember what keys to press, and in what sequence, just do it, don't wait until screen gets refreshed. Reader will get there. E.g. I'm in book list, book under number 7. So I would press 7 and 1, to "Open" the book and "Continue" to read it.

1. Regarding Slava's #1 above on History, just want to point out that you don't need to go to the Menu and navigate to the History page, you only need to shimmy the joystick left one click; that will bring you back one step in your history.

2. Even though the unit doesn't use any power while not turning pages, I recommend turning the power off when not reading simply because the buttons tend to get pushed (especially the 0 button) when the cover is closed, thus navigating to places you don't want to be.

3. When copying Word documents to the Reader, the reader does not use the filename as the title of the document. Instead, it uses the Title found in the Summary tab of the File.Properties dialog box of MS Word. (Discovered this after I had a list of books all titled "1".)

2. Even though the unit doesn't use any power while not turning pages, I recommend turning the power off when not reading simply because the buttons tend to get pushed (especially the 0 button) when the cover is closed, thus navigating to places you don't want to be.The jogstick "shimmy" trick you mention is helpful for recovering from this, should it happen -- just click the jogstick left, until you get back to where you were.

This one is related to CONNECT software. You can preview documents and see how it will be displayed on the Reader. In particular, it's very useful, when I'm trying different formats for non-english characters.

Let's not forget this really basic tip... to safely snap the cover back onto the Reader, place the reader face down on a flat surface to distribute the force, and then press the cover onto the back of the Reader until it's all snapped in. You don't want to accidentally damage the screen if you put a finger in the wrong place.

And NatCh... your tip on holding the mark button down is the best! I had forgotten about that, and was lamenting the difficulty in switching between multiple books when I'm reading more than one. This makes it really easy! (I wish it was so easy to continue even without a bookmark!) I like sometimes to have several going at once.. a classic book (like from the Harvard Classics) that's great literature but takes effort to read, another book that's educational or useful, a Christian book to inspire me, and what I read most -- something fun like a novel!

alexishinds posted this one in this thread (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7915)

If you run your RTF file through wordpad on a PC or TextEdit on a Mac it slims down the file size, and gets rid of some compatibility issues on some files.

I found that I can transfer files from Connect MUCH faster to the memory card/stick by using a dedicated USB reader.

Once the card is formatted in the Reader (i.e. it's got the "Sony Reader" directory and sub-directories on it) if you start Connect with it plugged into an external card reader, you'll see it show up in Connect, just like it was in the Sony Reader.

You can then transfer files to the card/stick and get the speed of a dedicated card drive and the pre-formatting of Connect.

Cheers,
Bob

I put a wrist lanyard on mine (from a camera store), and I've figured out that if I run the lanyard across the back of my hand, and down between my index and middle finger, it supports the Reader's weight comfortably, and positions the page buttons nicely under my thumb. I just use my fingers to control the angle I'm looking at the Reader's page, not to actually hold it up.

Of course, different hand sizes and lanyard lengths will cause variance in how well this might work for others. :shrug:

Here's a collection of tutorials on how to do some basic stuff from Sony. :)

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-tutorials.pl?mdl=PRS500

Cool, they've added a lot since I posted link to that page :-)

D'oh! Sorry, I didn't realize it was the same page, Slava. :(


igorsk has dug up some specs on the Reader:
Reader uses kernel 2.4.17 (n12) and CPU Dragonball MXL from Motorola.

Original post over here. (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?p=41143#post41143)

That's ok, that post got lost somewhere anyway :)

3. When copying Word documents to the Reader, the reader does not use the filename as the title of the document. Instead, it uses the Title found in the Summary tab of the File.Properties dialog box of MS Word. (Discovered this after I had a list of books all titled "1".)
It is same with PDF docs, Reader would display the Title in the Document Properties first. If there isn't any Title, it would use the file name.

It is same with PDF docs, Reader would display the Title in the Document Properties first. If there isn't any Title, it would use the file name.That file name has been driving me nuts. I can access the info at file/document properties, but I can't find a way to input a better title there. Does anyone know how?

With PDF's you may have to do it on file creation, I haven't found a way to change it yet, and I have access to the full Acrobat creator package at work. :(

I'll try to spend some more time looking when I get a moment to experiment.

If I print RTF file to PrimoPDF/pdfFactory, both tools let me specify Title/Author that will be show by Reader.

Itamote reported this little trick over here (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?p=41305#post41305) -- a way to edit RTF metadata without using Word (for those who don't have it) -- a bit cumbersome perhaps, but nice to know about:

I was experimenting with RTF over the weekend, and getting proper titles and authors was one thing I managed to do. Here's how I did it:

1. Open the RTF file in Notepad (NOT Wordpad) so that you see all of the text.

2. Near the top of the file, there's should be a line starting with: {\*\generator. If not, look for the last line that starts with a curly bracket {.

3. Add a new line above that one and insert an RTF "info" group. The sample here is for Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde:

{\info{\title The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde}{\author Robert Louis Stevenson}}

Replace just the title and author info, leaving all the brackets and back slashes.

4. Save the file in Notepad. When you load it into Connect, it will show the correct information.

I've also been trying to get more whitespace on the left & right margins of my RTF files and add page headers, but - so far - no luck. They show correctly in Word, but not Wordpad or Connect.

Running your RTF through WordPad cuts down the size a fair bit, but one of the things it strips off is meta-data (title, author, etc.). I've started adding it back in via NotePad using ltamote's above trick. :)

If you're looking at your Bookmarks on the Reader and want to delete that bookmark, click "Enter" to go to that page, and then press "Mark" to unbookmark it. Then Menu takes you back to bookmark list if you want to delete a sequence of bookmarks from books you've read.

Running your RTF through WordPad cuts down the size a fair bit, but one of the things it strips off is meta-data (title, author, etc.). I've started adding it back in via NotePad using ltamote's above trick. :)

Careful there. Wordpad will also delete other stuff to make it proper RTF, like footnotes or images. I learnt the hard way!

This is kind of a "duh" but, you can put the cover on "upside-down" and have it open the opposite direction. Drawback is that the edge controls (on +/- volume) and Memory card slot aren't protected by the cover this way.

Plusses? I'm not sure there are any, but I expect someone will like it that way. :beam:

Another negative of having the cover upside down is that there are no magnets on the opposite side of the screen meaning that the standard cover won't stay closed. I did try it briefly but I can't remember why.

Does anyone know why the book titles, as they appear on the Reader book list, are sometimes large and sometimes small?

I think it's trying to fit them in one line.

You're probably right. It's pretty darn ugly. And still the filename "title" of a pdf I was given doesn't fit into the line.

My tip: I'm downloading a lot of individual, free sf/f stories to use on the Reader, so I title them: "SS - [author last name], [story name]". That way, all the short stories are grouped in one place, making it easier to find everything on the list. I really do wish we could create folders to manage content better.

If you're using the Connect Software, you can create collections within it, and move the whole collection onto the Reader as a unit. Then you'll find your titles under "Collections" on the Reader instead of under "Books" -- they're still listed under Books, and it's still a mess, but at least you can find your stuff easily under Collections. :shrug:

Collections also let you arrange your titles in whatever order you want, rather than alphabetical....

Not sure if this is a worth while item...

If you have a PDF print module. I use Adobe PDFWrite. You can "print" your contact list from Microsoft Outlook... The down load to the Reader...

Settings...
Using Outlook 2000

----------------------------------------------

MAIN MENU
FILE->Pages Top->Small Medium Book Style

----------------------------------------------

DIALOG: Small Medium Book Style

TAB: FORMAT

---- Include
# of Columns 1
Blank Forms At End NONE

---- Font

Just set the first to 18. The 2nd to 16 and font to Times Roman...

---- OPTIONS

Letter Tab Onside UNCHECKED

TAB: PAPER

---- Paper
Custom Page Size 5.24 x 6.63

---- Page
Custom Page size

---- Margin
{ Set all to .3 }

-----------------------------------

IN THE PDF WRITER
Custom 5.24 x 6.62
Margin 0

Kind of cuite....

Hope it helpfull...

You can change PDF metadata via the pdftk utility http://www.accesspdf.com/pdftk/

You're probably right. It's pretty darn ugly. And still the filename "title" of a pdf I was given doesn't fit into the line.

My tip: I'm downloading a lot of individual, free sf/f stories to use on the Reader, so I title them: "SS - [author last name], [story name]". That way, all the short stories are grouped in one place, making it easier to find everything on the list. I really do wish we could create folders to manage content better.


Here's what I'm doing (last post):
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7870

(Basically put them all in a single file and use preset bookmarks to separate the stories.)

You might make collections, that is what I do. Keeps the books that tie in together. To Make a collection, you go into Connect software, and click on the big "+" button in the bottom left corner.

Here's what I'm doing (last post):
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7870

(Basically put them all in a single file and use preset bookmarks to separate the stories.)
Been meaning to reply when I first saw you post this, it's a great idea :).

You might make collections, that is what I do. Keeps the books that tie in together. To Make a collection, you go into Connect software, and click on the big "+" button in the bottom left corner.
The only downside to that is the fact that it needs to go into the internal memory instead of a memory card...

Any one tried "Printing" a PDF file from Google Maps.... Will see if it beats the paper one when I go to a client tomorrow....

PS: If you can get by. turn off margins when you create a document for the reader. That gives you a bit more view room..

New tip: should you be without your Reader charger, you can use a Sony PSP one. Works fine.

If this is a dupe ... sorry: Will delete quickly if so..

If you are having problems getting PrimoPDF to print out correctly for the Reader try this. Found it in the PrimoPDF forum...

The secret is creating a page definition. The info is at this Microsoft Answer Page! Works on XP also.

How to Create Custom Forms in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/157172/

Follow the steps.... Use 5.24 WIDE, 6.69 HEIGHT and number for margin. I like zero margins... Give it a name like Sony Reader. Can be anything unique.

You will select this when you pick the PrimoPDF for your printer.. Select Properties then Advance For paper pick the one with the name you created above...

Will need to set the program page size but that easy...

Thats it. Comes out nice!

New tip: should you be without your Reader charger, you can use a Sony PSP one. Works fine.

Since that one works. Then the moble car adapter for the PSP should also work well! Nice tip!

If this is a dupe ... sorry: Will delete quickly if so..

If you are having problems getting PrimoPDF to print out correctly for the Reader try this. Found it in the PrimoPDF forum...

The secret is creating a page definition. The info is at this Microsoft Answer Page! Works on XP also.

How to Create Custom Forms in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/157172/

Follow the steps.... Use 5.24 WIDE, 6.69 HEIGHT and number for margin. I like zero margins... Give it a name like Sony Reader. Can be anything unique.

You will select this when you pick the PrimoPDF for your printer.. Select Properties then Advance For paper pick the one with the name you created above...

Will need to set the program page size but that easy...

Thats it. Comes out nice!

You have NO idea how much that helped. Thanks :D

Since that one works. Then the moble car adapter for the PSP should also work well! Nice tip!As will the iGo PSP Power Tip if, like me, you've been trying to consolidate all your chargers into one.

As will the iGo PSP Power Tip if, like me, you've been trying to consolidate all your chargers into one.


How good is the iGo system?

You have NO idea how much that helped. Thanks :D

Good! Been driving me nuts for a few days...

Hi all.

I haven't seen this mentioned in this thread, so I thought I would make an observation about memory card usage.

I was doing fine for the first 48 hours, loading up files on an SD card for consumption on the Reader.

Then, over the weekend, I decideed to add a couple of reference texts to the reader, and, while happily bookmarked in a gutenburg .rtf book, I popped the card, added in the (tech-weenie) document and powered up the Reader. Lo and behold, all that was there was a blank screen. I had to hit the reset pinhole to get my reader back. This happened a few times over the weekend. I just tried an experiment, and, it appears that you need to exit any 'current document' prior to removing/replacing the memory cards. Even if the document you were reading is still on the card, and nothing has been done except to add a new file or two to the card.

I've been through the user guide and didn't see any mention of this, and I'm happy to be corrected if this isn't the case, but I thought I'd report it, since it drove me rather nuts for a few days.

Cheers!

kickaha

Hi all.

I haven't seen this mentioned in this thread, so I thought I would make an observation about memory card usage.

I was doing fine for the first 48 hours, loading up files on an SD card for consumption on the Reader.

Then, over the weekend, I decideed to add a couple of reference texts to the reader, and, while happily bookmarked in a gutenburg .rtf book, I popped the card, added in the (tech-weenie) document and powered up the Reader. Lo and behold, all that was there was a blank screen. I had to hit the reset pinhole to get my reader back. This happened a few times over the weekend. I just tried an experiment, and, it appears that you need to exit any 'current document' prior to removing/replacing the memory cards. Even if the document you were reading is still on the card, and nothing has been done except to add a new file or two to the card.

I've been through the user guide and didn't see any mention of this, and I'm happy to be corrected if this isn't the case, but I thought I'd report it, since it drove me rather nuts for a few days.

Cheers!

kickaha

Can you list SD card mfg, speed etc.... Been pulling in and out no problems but will schedule a test when able... Thats intersting...

Ah- I have had the same problem. What I do now is make sure I'm on the very top area when taking out/ putting in the card or else when I turn on the power it'll load and turn off and repeat that unless I reset / connect the device via the usb cord :).

I've experienced that as well. It was quite worrying the first time it happened.

It makes sense....

Could it be writing to the card at that time?

How good is the iGo system?It's not bad. My roommate doesn't like the way his charges his cellphone (a RAZR), but mine has been ok. I have a laptop charger with the assortment of consumer electronics tips as well, and managed to wire up a few universal tip supplies myself. The system now powers pretty much everything I own, but I use it primarily when travelling. I take a lot of cruises so I appreciate the fact that it takes up such little space (I used to need a large bag just for my adaptors).

My setup powers:

My Travel Laptop
3 Cell Phones
AV-100 Camcorder
Gemstar eBook (and Sony eReader now)
iPaq PDA
iPod
Nintendo DS Lite
Digital Camera
SD Card Databank unit (my camcorder is SD based)

and it works like a charm.

Buddyboy: That seems like quite a number of gadgets to bring on a boat. Though am guessing that not everything goes to sea at once. Does iGo have any parallel chargers, or is it once device at a time?
(apologies if I misapprehended the term "Cruises")

Buddyboy: That seems like quite a number of gadgets to bring on a boat. Though am guessing that not everything goes to sea at once. Does iGo have any parallel chargers, or is it once device at a time?
(apologies if I misapprehended the term "Cruises")Actually most of that list makes it with me, though usually if I bring the laptop, I don't bother with the PDA or the Databank. And yes, you can charge three items at once with a splitter - the laptop plus any two other items.

Any way to delete the factory-installed book excerpts?

Answer to my earlier question: Delete books, including the factory-installed books, through the Connect interface on the PC. No delete option directly on the Reader itself.

Follow up to the sd card topic:

"Can you list SD card mfg, speed etc.... "

The first card I used was an EP Memory 512MB card, I don't know the speed.
The card currently in the Reader is a Sandisk Ultra II 1GB card.
They both work just fine, now that I know about pulling back out to the menu level.

"Could it be writing to the card at that time?"

I thought about that. I tried inserting the card and letting it sit for 5 minutes or so before trying to power it on. I tried letting it sit for 10-16 minutes after power on as well. I tried the previously reported tip of hitting the 'mark' button to see whether it was powered on, and the blue light did indeed light up.

I'll figure out how to use the forums 'quotes' feature at some point in the future. :)

During the past week in bed, running a fever, I've discovered that I can hold the Reader through the blanket and turn the pages, all without putting my hand/arm out from under cover.

How many times have I tried, and failed miserably, to do that with a paper book?

(I'm better now -- not all better, but better :) )

Chicken soup in-a-can in one hand, Reader in the other, eh Natch?

Can't see this mentioned anywhere, but I was reading last night, and found that you can:

1.) Hold down the "size" button to change the orientation of the screen without having to go to the menu to do it.

2.) If you hold down page forward or page back, you'll jump forward or back 10 pages at a time. Nifty!

How about a tip on making the Sony Reader display Chinese? :D

We're all hoping igorsk will help us out on that sort of thing. :grin:

These two are rather observations then anything else

1) History. If you by mistake pressed buttons 1-0 while reading the book, then you history to get back to the page you were reading before.


Oh thank you. I just posted on the wish list about a *back* button because I have a habit by accident of hitting one of those buttons and where I was reading went poof and I had to remember what page or close where I was..., I will have to set a bookmark (safety factor) while I try this little tip.

Probably it is a repeat of those Slava mentioned at the beginning...
If you need quickly jump to the main screen from any place you are, just press and hold the Menu button. For example, it helps a lot when I read a book and want to change the now playing track.

With rtf files at least, apparently when you save a bookmark, it also saves the size (S/M/L). You can even have two bookmarks in the same book with different associated text sizes, which is perfect if more than one person is reading a book from it at the same time.

Also with Word/RTF files the author's name is picked up from the properties box too.

Edit: Sorry, I missed the prior posting first time through.

If you're using the Connect Software, you can create collections within it, and move the whole collection onto the Reader as a unit. Then you'll find your titles under "Collections" on the Reader instead of under "Books" --

Is there any way to make collections of the books on the Memroy Card?

One tip for anyone in Europe thinking of buying a Reader from the US:

On their web site, Sony say that the charger for the Reader is 120v only. This is incorrect - it's a "universal" 100v-240v charger which happily works in both North America and Europe. Moreover, since the power cable plugs into the charger with a standard "figure 8" connector, it's very easy to replace the supplied US power cable with one with a standard European or UK plug.

Is there any way to make collections of the books on the Memroy Card?
Not yet, buts its on the "wish" list.

Another Europe tip: The Reader also charges through the USB port. About 4 hours to full charge on the mains power and about 6 hours through the USB.

Does someone know how to change picture for audio file? If you take a look on original tracks (were in reader from the beginning) you can see that all of them have individual picture area. I tried to add cover to an audio file in jpg format but it didn't work (standard picture area).

The second question is. I have tried to put footnotes and hyperlinks in RTF. Could not find how or if reader support it at all. Do you have any suggestion about it?

In the tag section of an mp3 file there is an area for a picture (most often the cover of the album that the song is from.) This shows up when the song is selected. It is the same picture that can be added to the song in such products as MusicMatch Jukebox.

The second question is. I have tried to put footnotes and hyperlinks in RTF. Could not find how or if reader support it at all. Do you have any suggestion about it?

I don't believe this can be done.

Hyperlinks just plain don't work.

With footnotes, it's probably best to convert to "in line" notes; this is what, for example, Project Gutenberg books do.

Eg,

This is some text which needs an explanatory footnote to explain something.

[* This is the footnote.]

The next sentence of text...

I normally make the footnote a smaller size to the main text (generally 14pt rather than 16pt so it stands out.

Regards,

Harry.

Maybe I missed it in the manual or something; but, if my Sony Reader is left with a page displayed (and fully charged before but not connected) it turns itself off after about 30 minutes of no page turning.

60 minutes -- I do think it's in the manual somewhere, but who reads manuals? :mad:

Here is a protection tip if you travel.

Wallmart sells a mp3 accessory bag that will take the reader with its std case still attached. It give a bit more protection on the sides and has a small cloth hook. Its about 10 dollars. I think with work. It could be reinforced to protect the screen. But worked ok as is.

It sits inside with a zipper lide that not around the edge but the edge of the bag.

Just bounced my reader from west to east coast and back. No problems. And is NOT affected by the scanners. Used that bag and just dropped in my carry on stuff!

This thing is the greatest! Sat 4 hours waiting early Friday morning at the Savanna airport to open. Felt like 1/2 hour wait with the reader!

http://nightwing.smugmug.com/photos/112692178-S-1.jpg http://nightwing.smugmug.com/photos/112691898-S-1.jpg http://nightwing.smugmug.com/photos/112692058-S-1.jpg

I usually read in the horizontal position as need the largest size type. I just discovered while reading it at lunch, that can use the open cover as a prop to set the book up at an angle.

Now I can eat my sandwich without getting crumbs on the reader. :D

I usually read in the horizontal position as need the largest size type. I just discovered while reading it at lunch, that can use the open cover as a prop to set the book up at an angle.

Now I can eat my sandwich without getting crumbs on the reader. :D

Nice!

Wow, I really like the rotating-the-cover tip. At first it seems like it's pointless, but it's actually much nicer in your hand without the cover's spine pushing into your palm. sucks about the magnets, tho

Note power IS being used while the unit is off. I found this out today. while the unit was in the off mode I removed the SD card then put it back in. When I turned it on it was not at my book I was reading but the menu with NO SD card then it detected it and showed the contents (my place in the book was LOST!!) so I had to find it again. so if your gonna remove the SD card mark your place first.

Hmm. I've been able to remove the card and still come back to the place I was in all of the books I have opened.

I dod find that I had to get at least up to the "books" menu when I remove the card or I'll end up with file corruption on the book I'm actually in.

I also always switch the card with the the unit *on*. It comes out while the unit is on, and it gets inserted while the unit is on. That way the reader gets a chance to recognize the switch and handle it -- if I have added new books it can take a while to scan, but that's ok.

I haven't seen these listed, but they are helpful to me:

- Holding down the "Size" button lets you switch between Landscape and Portrait mode without going through the menu. In Landscape mode all 3 fontsizes (S/M/L) are larger than in portrait mode for people who have a hard time reading the smaller sizes. (just a reminder really)

- If you run down the battery completely, you won't be able to recharge it through the USB port since it can't establish a connection to the host PC. You'll have to dig out your AC charger. (I assume the dock has separate connectors, so it will be OK?)

... while the unit was in the off mode I removed the SD card then put it back in. When I turned it on it was not at my book I was reading but the menu with NO SD card then it detected it and showed the contents (my place in the book was LOST!!) so I had to find it again. so if your gonna remove the SD card mark your place first.Hmmm. I've seen this with MMC cards, but it usually behaves with full-up SD cards. Just to check: the card in question was an SD and not an MMC?


If you run down the battery completely, you won't be able to recharge it through the USB port since it can't establish a connection to the host PC. You'll have to dig out your AC charger. (I assume the dock has separate connectors, so it will be OK?)The cradle ought to work fine, it runs the power through the central connection on the bottom edge, but I believe it's electrically the same as the round connector. :shrug:

i tried removing the sd card while it was off a couple times, and each time the unit wouldn't turn on (had to reset). swapping while on seems like the way to go. Also, insert/remove the cards swiftly and without hesitation, or it can also crash from that.

I usually read in the horizontal position as need the largest size type. I just discovered while reading it at lunch, that can use the open cover as a prop to set the book up at an angle.

Now I can eat my sandwich without getting crumbs on the reader. :D

Use the cover as a prop when reading in bed myself. I leave the book in portrait mode, lay on my side, prop my head up on a couple pillows and read away. I only have to move my hands out from under the nice comfy covers to hit the page button every minute or so. And as an added bonus if I happen to fall asleep while reading the book won't fall off the bed and loose my place. :)

Maybe we need a remote control so you can keep your hands under the covers on those cold winter nights.

I pop my Reader into a zip-loc sandwich bag and read right through lunch. No problem with greasy fries, sticky fingers, or pasta sauce.

Long's quart-size sandwich bags (7x8 inches) are recommended.

Regards,

Matt

If you want a wrist strap or what ever you want to call it. And dont mind it saying Wii on it. At Gamestop they sell a strap plus Glove for the Wii joystick for 10 dollars.

If already posted just ignore this...

Let's not forget this really basic tip... to safely snap the cover back onto the Reader, place the reader face down on a flat surface to distribute the force, and then press the cover onto the back of the Reader until it's all snapped in. You don't want to accidentally damage the screen if you put a finger in the wrong place.

Great idea Bob! Just out of curiosity I removed the cover to see how small the device was (and see how it was attached, thought velcro or something), talk about a biahhtch trying to re-attach. I didn't want to crack it or anything, so was being real careful. Lightbulb didn't go off, so kept working it until it was on. What a brainfart!

It is same with PDF docs, Reader would display the Title in the Document Properties first. If there isn't any Title, it would use the file name.

Yeah, what a pita too! If you have Acrobat Pro installed, you can simply right-click (within Windows) the PDF and change the values for the file w/o having to open it within Acrobat. This doesn't work with Acrobat Reader, so you'll need the Pro version or some freeware PDF meta-tag editor.

[Edit] Yup, after reading through this group I did see a ref to a meta-tag editor for PDF's, but still quicker this way for those with the Pro edition.

I really wish i could use the Reader without the cover, but it's almost like Sony found just the right type of brushed metal to make you never want to do that. Maybe there's some felt sticker I can put on?

As for renaming pdfs, PDFrasterFarian lets you do that while it's converting the pdf to be all pretty.

I really wish i could use the Reader without the cover, but it's almost like Sony found just the right type of brushed metal to make you never want to do that. Maybe there's some felt sticker I can put on?
There are, I use these and they work great (I use the clear strips)
http://www.egrips.com/

I really wish i could use the Reader without the cover, but it's almost like Sony found just the right type of brushed metal to make you never want to do that. Maybe there's some felt sticker I can put on?


Self adhesive felt is available at craft stores in a wide range of colors. That's what I use to line my boxes.

Place a sheet of paper on the bottom of your reader and trace the outline of the reader, the round middle clip and the two little feet. Cut the paper and fit it to the reader. Put that paper over a sheet of felt and cut with an Xacto or a pair of scissors. You can also trace it on the paper backing side.
Then apply to the back of the reader. Be careful because when you take off the protective paper it has a tendancy to fold and stick to itself or stretch out of shape. Try to lay it face side on a flat surface and drop the reader on it instead. A sheet of felt costs about $0.50. There is also a kind of rubber foam but I personally find it too thick. :wink:

Hmmm mine is the opposite. I can only remove and reinsert the SD or MS card while the unit is OFF

Most of the time if I do this while its ON it gets upset with me.

How exactly does it get upset with you?

Usually outright crashes to be completely unresponsive forcing me to have to press the "reset" button on the back. I have learned to never ever remove or insert the card unless the unit is off. Though if I remove it turn it on and then insert it its usually ok. Its when I both REMOVE and INSERT while its on that it tends to get upset with me :-)

You get safer results if you remove a card with Connect doing it.

I've tried removing a card while the unit was off. This resulted in a serious anxiety attack -- I was afraid it might never work again. I finally found the reset button and all was well.

If I insert or remove a card while the unit is on and at the book list page, it simply thinks about it for a moment (an icon of two arrows chasing each other in a circle) and the new index appears. *All* books retain their places.

I've never tried it with the Connect software, because it doesn't run here (and wouldn't be useful to me if it did.) All books are transfered via SD card, so I switch cards out on a pretty regular basis.

A very useful tip that I wished I've found out sooner.
http://hightech.afmag.net/transfer-books-to-the-sony-reader-prs500-the-fast-way.html

If you transfer books into a dedicated cardreader with the connect software, the books will be formatted correctly, but at a much higher speed than when transferring the books into the reader directly.

(of course, only interesting if you have large books of over the 50MB)

I did notice the other day when I had my SD card in the card reader that Connect saw it. Didn't know it could do that.

It'll see it if it's in a card reader too. Go on, try it. :wink2:

just be careful with 4GB cards though... you can add more files than 2GB through the connect reader, but the Sony Reader can't access it to write it's metadata (history) so it will crash....

I've discovered (as a result of a discussion over at the Baen Bar) that the 10-page jump thingy (hold the "Next" button down for 5 seconds to jump 10 pages) also works in the menus.

I've been trying to post it over there to answer a question, but I can't get the thing to give stay available long enough to make the stupid post.

Man, do I love MobileRead -- it's only been out twice that I know of in 18 months, and one of those was the server migration! :smile:

I've discovered (as a result of a discussion over at the Baen Bar) that the 10-page jump thingy (hold the "Next" button down for 5 seconds to jump 10 pages) also works in the menus.


It's not exactly the same. It won't jump 10 pages, instead it will jump to the beginning or the end. (hold next for 5 seconds->jump to end of TOC, hold previous for 5 seconds->jump to begining)

It's not exactly the same. It won't jump 10 pages, instead it will jump to the beginning or the end. (hold next for 5 seconds->jump to end of TOC, hold previous for 5 seconds->jump to begining)
It could be the same thing. The only way to know for sure it to make a ToC that is more then 10 pages long to test it out.

I've discovered (as a result of a discussion over at the Baen Bar) that the 10-page jump thingy (hold the "Next" button down for 5 seconds to jump 10 pages) also works in the menus.

I've been trying to post it over there to answer a question, but I can't get the thing to give stay available long enough to make the stupid post.

Man, do I love MobileRead -- it's only been out twice that I know of in 18 months, and one of those was the server migration! :smile:
How long does it take Baen Bar to email your username and password? Been like 15 min so far with no email.

It could be the same thing. The only way to know for sure it to make a ToC that is more then 10 pages long to test it out.

I tested it on a TOC with 50 pages ;)

I've discovered (as a result of a discussion over at the Baen Bar) that the 10-page jump thingy (hold the "Next" button down for 5 seconds to jump 10 pages) also works in the menus.

I've been trying to post it over there to answer a question, but I can't get the thing to give stay available long enough to make the stupid post.

Man, do I love MobileRead -- it's only been out twice that I know of in 18 months, and one of those was the server migration! :smile:

...And we've been warned ahead of time. :thumbsup:

How long does it take Baen Bar to email your username and password? Been like 15 min so far with no email.Dunno. I signed up better than a year ago, so I don't remember. :dunno:

I really wish i could use the Reader without the cover, but it's almost like Sony found just the right type of brushed metal to make you never want to do that. Maybe there's some felt sticker I can put on?

As for renaming pdfs, PDFrasterFarian lets you do that while it's converting the pdf to be all pretty.

if you worry about scratch, use "food wrap" plastic thing to wrap it and it sticks and you can read through it, wont cost you a penny :D

if you worry about scratch, use "food wrap" plastic thing to wrap it and it sticks and you can read through it, wont cost you a penny :D
Actually, it will cost to use plastic wrap. You do have to buy the roll the wrap comes from.

A trick that I used to use on my palm pilot was to apply a small amount of rainx to the screen, and it would "seal" scratches. Might work on a sony reader, but I'm not sure of the screen composition

Let's not forget this really basic tip... to safely snap the cover back onto the Reader, place the reader face down on a flat surface to distribute the force, and then press the cover onto the back of the Reader until it's all snapped in. You don't want to accidentally damage the screen if you put a finger in the wrong place.

And NatCh... your tip on holding the mark button down is the best! I had forgotten about that, and was lamenting the difficulty in switching between multiple books when I'm reading more than one. This makes it really easy! (I wish it was so easy to continue even without a bookmark!) I like sometimes to have several going at once.. a classic book (like from the Harvard Classics) that's great literature but takes effort to read, another book that's educational or useful, a Christian book to inspire me, and what I read most -- something fun like a novel!

I have just got PRS500 shipped to Aust. How do you get the cover off? Nice to see the best way to put it back on! Dont want to break a new gadget that I am already getting a lot from.

Just pull the rascal off, itry. :wink: It'll make a really nasty noise, :zoiks: but it won't actually hurt it any. :nice:

And when you want to attach the cover back, put the reader on a hard flat surface, so that you don't damage a screen when pressing on the cover's attachment ring.

pulling cover off = pulling on the metal
pushing the cover on while the reader is face-down = pushing on the glass when the glass has air under it

so actually, i'd say the best advice is sort of the inverse of Bob's. lay the cover first on a hard surface and then place the reader face up, pushing on the middle of the glass with your findgers till it snaps. counter-intuitive, but the force will be on the glass either way and i think this way is better.

Something that you seem not to be considering there, alex_d, is that the case is actually a pretty solid metal construction, so the force of doing what Bob described is dispersed through the metal to the flat surface (the display isn't pinched between them at the edges, you see), rather than being placed on the display.

What Bob has described was the suggested cover installation method that the Sony folks gave us directly (it was one of the very first things they told us, in fact, so they apparently felt it was important :nice:) at the Blogger's Day (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7713) last year (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7714). I believe I'll stick to it, and suggest that others do the same. :shrug:

Yep, I would HIGHLY recommend not pushing with your thumbs directly on the glass to put the cover on. As Nathan points out, Sony was pretty eager to suggest the face down way of attaching a cover (and the screen, while reasonably tough, is probably the weakest part of the device in terms of durabiility).

I never thought about taking it off, but I think I sort of push my fingers in between as I push it off to keep from twisting anything. It sure does make a nasty noise, though!!

Just pull the rascal off, itry. :wink: It'll make a really nasty noise, :zoiks: but it won't actually hurt it any. :nice:

HAHA, this is exactly what I was going to say but thought I would get flamed for it. I found after getting it off it is super easy to get back on. The hard part is just getting past the initial fear of hurting it.

I bought the brown Sony cover and love it. I go camping often and put the original cover back on so that I don't get the brown one dirty. Since I swap the covers out all the time I found it to be a non-issue.

HAHA, this is exactly what I was going to say but thought I would get flamed for it.We're fairly flame-retardant around here, that is we try to do our best to retard flamers. :grin:

(I'm using that word in it's actual dictionary definition (http://www.mirriamwebster.com/dictionary/retard) sense, by the way, not with any slang implications, so :nana:)

Just pull the rascal off, itry. :wink: It'll make a really nasty noise, :zoiks: but it won't actually hurt it any. :nice:

Thanks . I tried that but was frightened that I would break a new toy:smash:
I make a habit of jumping in where angels fear to tread. Just proves I am no angel:tipsy:

Hehe, my wife was afraid I'd break hers when I offered to show her how svelt it was w/o the cover. She was afraid it was attached with sticky stuff, then I showed her the ring you can see from the back cover. Of course, if she actually heard it getting removed, she'd probably punch me! Yikes!

Maybe we need a remote control so you can keep your hands under the covers on those cold winter nights.

Thats not a bad idea for an accessory. I would love to have a hand held remote (wireless would be best but if not okay) that I could use to change pages like when I'm using the treadmill at the gym. But usually I just put it in a clear zip lock bag to keep my sweat from getting on it when I hit the page forward button.

ETA: and of course the next post after this one suggest just what I described above.

The way I put mine on is I lay my hand flat on the screen and turn it upside down. I then use my other hand to push each section gently in till it snaps. This may not work so well for others as I have gigantic hands so lots of surface area. I just nead the snaps with my fingers till they click in so I apply the minimum pressure to the device. I would fear too much pressure if I tried to make them "all" snap in all at once.

VERY poor design but I guess its the only real way to do it. I would have preferred a ZIF style socket that you can "lock" with a twist. It could not "untwist" when closed so nothing to worry about. This would also allow for interesting DOCKING possibilities. I would love to double stick a "lock ring" above my head in the camera (bunk overhangs the main bed) I could then insert and twist and lock my ebook to the ceiling above my head (only about 12 inches from my face which is about perfect)

While I could do that now I would not trust having to remove and reinsert this HIF socket so many times.

Hmmm gets me wondering. Might be possible to Modify the sock into a ZIF style socket I could then mold my own "docks" to fit into the socket. The trick is whether alumilite is as strong as the plastic used now :-)

I just might have to test this. I think I can play with it in a non destructive manner too.

Chis Taylor
http://www.nerys.com/

Really interesting ideas you've got there, nerys, please let us know what you come up with. :yes:

The best way to clip the jacket onto the reader is to insert the reader with the jacket already closed. This way the pins are properly aligned (they are set at 90 degree intervals) and you can perform the process on a less than ideal surface, such as a concrete floor, without fear of scratching the reader's money face.

If like me you are accidentally always pushing one of the ten buttons and losing your place, a rubber band around the reader next to the buttons and the same thickness or higher makes it much harder to do. It does however make the off/on switch a bit harder to operate

If like me you are accidentally always pushing one of the ten buttons and losing your place, a rubber band around the reader next to the buttons and the same thickness or higher makes it much harder to do. It does however make the off/on switch a bit harder to operate
if you install the "go to page" hack then f you hit the number buttons nothing will hapen until you either do a page turn or hit enter to go to that page. No more hitting the number button and off to some other part of the book.

I just turn my reader off before I put the cover back on.

if you install the "go to page" hack then f you hit the number buttons nothing will hapen until you either do a page turn or hit enter to go to that page. No more hitting the number button and off to some other part of the book.


Alas, another newbie question - where can I find the go to page hack? I tried search in the forums but didn't see what I thought I would.

Thanks!

Check the Reader Developer's Corner subforum of the Sony Reader Subforum, the thread you're looking for is a sticky (so it stays at the top of the list), I'd suggest the Hack Builder thread, as the app in there will let you choose the hacks you want through a GUI (Graphic User Interface, in case you don't know the term :nice:). Just look through the thread for tips on using it, and to make sure you get the most recent version of the tool. :pleased:

Check the Reader Developer's Corner subforum of the Sony Reader Subforum, the thread you're looking for is a sticky (so it stays at the top of the list), I'd suggest the Hack Builder thread, as the app in there will let you choose the hacks you want through a GUI (Graphic User Interface, in case you don't know the term :nice:). Just look through the thread for tips on using it, and to make sure you get the most recent version of the tool. :pleased:

Gee, I have missed so much not being around much.......... even I have to go and check this stuff out, and if I even can understand it.

My puter crashed once again, can you believe it, this time a missing or corrupted windows file. either way, this time I installed CONNECT but I didn't go and register it again because I have a feeling these crashes may happen again (every month or two) and if I am not buying any books I don't need to register at this time, I can still use the software to transfer my stuff without that. If all seems well after a few months time I will go ahead but I see no reason to now. And so glad I have the USB backup now, reinstalling my stuff sure was a lot easier than hunting down the burned cd's and of which I have two I think that won't load so they are not worth a darn now either....... love this spare drive, don't have a computer without one. :) Never liked burning a cd anyways

Hi guys and ladies.

http://www.postsmile.net/img/27/2787.gif

Oops. Was going to recommend a practice that was already described well earlier. Enjoy!

Gee, I have missed so much not being around much.......... even I have to go and check this stuff out, and if I even can understand it.

My puter crashed once again, can you believe it, this time a missing or corrupted windows file. either way, this time I installed CONNECT but I didn't go and register it again because I have a feeling these crashes may happen again (every month or two) and if I am not buying any books I don't need to register at this time, I can still use the software to transfer my stuff without that. If all seems well after a few months time I will go ahead but I see no reason to now. And so glad I have the USB backup now, reinstalling my stuff sure was a lot easier than hunting down the burned cd's and of which I have two I think that won't load so they are not worth a darn now either....... love this spare drive, don't have a computer without one. :) Never liked burning a cd anyways

Hi guys and ladies.

http://www.postsmile.net/img/27/2787.gif

Right, you can always do that in two or three crashes!:laugh4:

Spare drives are the best... if you don't forget backing up to them!

Welcome back Karen and stay tuned, they're about to unveil the Kindle.:p

Right, you can always do that in two or three crashes!:laugh4:

Spare drives are the best... if you don't forget backing up to them!

Welcome back Karen and stay tuned, they're about to unveil the Kindle.:p

Hello terrible, LOL........... I don't forget to backup now, in fact anything new added goes directly to the USB drive as well, learned that the last time. I may have lost a few things but for most parts I did fine with what I did save.

Okay what the heck is the *kindle*? something else to confuse me? LOL.

Thanks. I come and go like the wind around here :D

The Kindle is what we think is going to be Amazon's ebook reader.

The Kindle is what we think is going to be Amazon's ebook reader.


Thank you.......... competition. :D

Right, and it's supposed to be chock full of features the other readers don't have, like a tiny keyboard and wireless to link up to a book site, something Amazon has not said much about yet.

But what we don't know is if the Kindle is going to use another new DRM scheme or Mobipocket. If it's a new DRM scheme, then the Kindle can go get stuffed.

What else would it be? They have Mobi.
I'm with you on their getting stuffed with their own DRM...

What else would it be? They have Mobi.
I'm with you on their getting stuffed with their own DRM...
Maybe they bought Mobipocket for the content and planed all along to convert the content into their Kindle Editions which is a different DRM. You never know. But to be honest, I think if Amazon does their own DRM, then this will be the last new DRM scheme that will work other then Digital Editions. Amazon is big enough to pull it off. Small companies won't be able to do it. Hear that Jinke and your WOL format?

Right, and it's supposed to be chock full of features the other readers don't have, like a tiny keyboard and wireless to link up to a book site, something Amazon has not said much about yet.

Sounds interesting.

Sounds interesting.

Well yeah! That's what this commotion is all about. Go see the other threads about it. Alex is supposed to go to a book fair saturday where there'll be seminars by Amazon. Fingers crossed! Apparently a launch is due on the 15th.

Here is a protection tip if you travel.

Wallmart sells a mp3 accessory bag that will take the reader with its std case still attached. It give a bit more protection on the sides and has a small cloth hook. Its about 10 dollars. I think with work. It could be reinforced to protect the screen. But worked ok as is.

It sits inside with a zipper lide that not around the edge but the edge of the bag.

Just bounced my reader from west to east coast and back. No problems. And is NOT affected by the scanners. Used that bag and just dropped in my carry on stuff!

This thing is the greatest! Sat 4 hours waiting early Friday morning at the Savanna airport to open. Felt like 1/2 hour wait with the reader!

http://nightwing.smugmug.com/photos/112692178-S-1.jpg http://nightwing.smugmug.com/photos/112691898-S-1.jpg http://nightwing.smugmug.com/photos/112692058-S-1.jpg

So, do you still like this case for the Sony Reader? I'm debating on a case, and likethe looks of the case logic. I would like to have something that I can slip the Sony reader in cover into.

What else would it be? They have Mobi.
I'm with you on their getting stuffed with their own DRM...

The problem they have is that if they use MobiPocket DRM, it will put a floor on their pricing. They will either have to keep their prices high (like the MobiPocket store) or lose the MobiPocket dealer network by competing unfairly with them.

The only way around that would be if the Amazon site could only deliver directly to the Kindle device. That way they could justifiably claim not to be competing with MobiPocket's dealers.

The only way around that would be if the Amazon site could only deliver directly to the Kindle device.I've pretty much assumed that they would do that all along: an "if you want our e-books, and the convenience that goes with them, you'll have to use our hardware," kind of thing. :shrug:

New with version 2.0 "eBook Library" software; you can now drag and drop a file/book directly from a drive (like C) to the Sony Reader, without having to put the ebook/file into your library.

You could do that with the old version too, it just wasn't very obvious that you could. :shrug:

You could do that with the old version too, it just wasn't very obvious that you could. :shrug:
It was obvious to me. I did it all the time.

Never worked for me in the previous version.

New with version 2.0 "eBook Library" software; you can now drag and drop a file/book directly from a drive (like C) to the Sony Reader, without having to put the ebook/file into your library.

You mean without Connect?

Now the reader can show up as a USB mass storage I think.

Before, the reader did not show up without Connect opened.

It was obvious to me. I did it all the time.I meant that finding it wasn't obvious -- I used it too in the old one too. :shrug:

Never worked for me in the previous version.That's odd. :headscratch: I dunno what to tell you. :dunno:

At least it works now! :nice:

One thing I don't like about either the PRS-500 or the PRS-505 Reader is the small size of the next page/previous page buttons, and the fact that they are nearly flush with the case. Kindle's user interface is something of a mess, but one thing they got right was the large page-turn duttons on both edges.

There's no way to retrofit large buttons to the Sony readers, but the existing buttons can at least be made "feelable," so that you can locate them by touch. Just mix up a small amount of epoxy cement, then use a toothpick to apply very small amounts to the key buttons... until you've built up a tiny, glossy bump on each button.

http://home.earthlink.net/~andybaird/misc/PRS-500-buttons.jpg http://home.earthlink.net/~andybaird/misc/PRS-505-buttons-1.jpg

It's a small thing, but I find that being able to easily locate the buttons by feel makes turning the page just a little easier, as a bonus... and because of the epoxy bumps, you don't have to push as hard. And it looks as good as if the manufacturer had designed it that way! :-)

Andy Baird
http://www.andybaird.com/travels/

One thing I don't like about either the PRS-500 or the PRS-505 Reader is the small size of the next page/previous page buttons, and the fact that they are nearly flush with the case. Kindle's user interface is something of a mess, but one thing they got right was the large page-turn duttons on both edges.

There's no way to retrofit large buttons to the Sony readers, but the existing buttons can at least be made "feelable," so that you can locate them by touch. Just mix up a small amount of epoxy cement, then use a toothpick to apply very small amounts to the key buttons... until you've built up a tiny, glossy bump on each button.

http://home.earthlink.net/~andybaird/misc/PRS-500-buttons.jpg http://home.earthlink.net/~andybaird/misc/PRS-505-buttons-1.jpg

It's a small thing, but I find that being able to easily locate the buttons by feel makes turning the page just a little easier, as a bonus... and because of the epoxy bumps, you don't have to push as hard. And it looks as good as if the manufacturer had designed it that way! :-)

Andy Baird
http://www.andybaird.com/travels/If you can't feel those tiny buttons your girlfriend must be very lonely! :laugh4:

If you can't feel those tiny buttons your girlfriend must be very lonely! :laugh4:

:rofl:

If you can't feel those tiny buttons your girlfriend must be very lonely! :laugh4::laughboom:

I bought a Zap universal battery pack to charge my plethora of portable toys when I'm on the road. It came with interchangeable tips for my phone, mp3, and pmp. In addition to charging USB devices, it is also able to charge DC devices from 5-11 volts and comes with a tip to charge my PRS-500. One added bonus is it came with a USB cable that I can plug the 500's tip into, allowing me to charge it from any USB port, since it plugs into the reader's DC jack.

Folks, my PRS-500 appears to be frozen.

I hadn't used it in a couple of months, since getting a PRS-505, and when I looked at it I found a message indicating that the battery had expired. There was also some display garbage on the screen.

I plugged the unit into a USB port for a few hours to recharge it, and when I disconnected, I saw the usual "Starting up..." screen. But that's as far as it got. No controls work, and the reset button in back is ignored. When it's plugged back into the conputer, the DocuDesk PRS Browser (Mac software required to use a PRS-500) says there's no reader connected.

It's been this way for hours--still displaying the "Starting up..." screen--and nothing I do will make it respond. Since the battery isn't removable, I can't power-cycle it. Before I resort to disassembly, does anybody have any suggestions to jog this thing out of its coma?

try charging overnight with a psp charger rather than usb.

"try charging overnight with a psp charger rather than usb."

Thanks, Stustuff! I had completely forgotten: page 16 of the PRS-500 manual warns that when the battery is seriously depleted, you can't charge via USB. Duh! It's working now. :-)

My apologies for not posting this in the troubleshooting folder, by the way.

Good news Andy :)

"try charging overnight with a psp charger rather than usb."

Thanks, Stustuff! I had completely forgotten: page 16 of the PRS-500 manual warns that when the battery is seriously depleted, you can't charge via USB. Duh! It's working now. :-)

My apologies for not posting this in the troubleshooting folder, by the way.

I found this out too. But why does the battery go flat when not used? Seems to take only a few days from full to flat. I assumed longer life.

The reason is that the Reader isn't really off when it's "off" but rather in a sleep/suspend mode. Everything's cranked way down, but it still uses power, so it eventually drains the battery. :shrug:

If you know ahead of time you're not going to be using it for a while, you can prevent most of that drainage by resetting it (the pinhole on the back) or if you have a 505, you can use the "full off" option in the utilities menu.

That's the short answer, if you want the long one it's posted around here in a number of places. :nice:

Or at least remove any memory cards before letting it sit in sleep mode for a week or two.

Leaving the memory cards in seems to be the biggest "gotcha" for battery life, based on experiences here in the forums.

Thanks to you all. I do leave the memory card in. I will try the reset button too.

I bought a u-shaped neck pillow that they sell at the airport (small beanbag). The opening is perfect for proping the Reader up in bed - with the cover open - I can read with both hands tucked under the warm covers! I've tried to devise a way to prop my book open for years:2thumbsup, with no luck.

Ah - perfect!

I bought a u-shaped neck pillow that they sell at the airport (small beanbag). The opening is perfect for proping the Reader up in bed - with the cover open - I can read with both hands tucked under the warm covers! I've tried to devise a way to prop my book open for years:2thumbsup, with no luck.

Ah - perfect!Unfortunately one would need the dreamed of remote control to keep one's hands warmly under the covers.:(

Tatatata... So much effort for nuffin'

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19418

Why would you build one yourself (well unless you enjoyed the process of course), if you can buy almost an identical one such as:
Book chair (http://www.bookchair.com/Book-Holder.php)


As far as I can see there are plastic chairs as well.

Mmmmmm... nothing to do with what you show. The DIY bookchair is far more stable when poised on your belly in bed or sitting. The design is simple yet much more ergonomic than these stright rod based stands. It frees your hand and allows for a decent amount of freedom of movement without falling. The little curve on the base of the DIY fits your body curve and holds.

Probably the biggest difference is that it rotates the reader so, when you lie sidewards, the text lines are always parallel to your eye line. You always keep the relative position between your eyes and the reader, whatever your position.

I have been using mine for months (made the 1st prototype two days after I got my reader) and I don't even remove the Reader from the stand. When I a m not reading, it is like a picture frame. I just made a cloth cover to prevent it from gathering dust when not in use.

And if you do it yourself, the materials cost is below 6€ for sure (that is a guess, I made it from leftovers and cost me nothing, xcept the sticky velvet). You can produce one in an evening, and even though you don't get it perfect, it will work alright.

I have been working on a "remote" to shift pages using a reflex camera shooting cable, but so far, I don't have the hardware to produce the metal attachment required and when pressing the remote shooter, the attachment yields instead of pressing the button. However, I don't care much for this gadget since I don't have a problem having my hands out of the blankets, so maybe someone else can develop the idea if interested.

But believe me, the DIY Bookchair is far better than what you show. ;)

I will not argue maybe you are right but all most of the merits you have mentioned about DYI book chair are applicable to the one you can buy.

far more stable when poised on your belly in bed or sitting
Absolutely stable.

Probably the biggest difference is that it rotates the reader so, when you lie sidewards, the text lines are always parallel to your eye line.
Why cannot you rotate it on "my" (mind you, I don't use any book chair, I prefer to use my hands, so I am not trying to "sell" anything, but I did experiment with my book chair) book chair? :blink:

:shrug:

Questions, questions, good :)

To explain easier, I'll call mine the DIY and the other, the standard.

Stability is perfect for the standard on a flat surface, not that much on a roundish one because the base is a straight rod. The base will be touching in the center and you will not be able to keep both extremes of that rod in touch with your belly at the same time (considering an average belly ;)). The risk of tilt is there alright. The curvature of the DIY prevents that, therefore, more stability.

On the other hand, you cannot rotate the standard because it does not have an axis to rotate on. The DIY is specifically designed to rotate the ebook wile keeping the supporting part always in place. You can place the ebook sidewards in the standard, but the ebook will not be properly attached and will most likely shift every time you pass page or mive in bed. ANd it can drop. It is never propperly attached actually, since it is just held in place (not fixed) by these two pins, designed to hold paper books. The DIY keeps it fixed in place with two laces. The Reader just can't fall off the stand. You can see all this in the youtube video of the DIY string.

I am not trying to sell anything either (well, maybe I am trying to sell the design right now :)). The plans are there for anyone to use and the procedure is quite simple. I tried to get them as accurate and complete as possible so there is no info missing.

The reason why I designed this is mainly to read comfortably when lying sidewards and I couldn't get that with the ones I found for sale. The design turned out to work great in any normal position, though (lying on your back or sitting). And it is specifically designed for the PRS 505, not for paper books of different sizes. You don't need to believe me, but the difference is huge.

But hey, this is just my little contribution. No one is forced to try ;)

The important thing is reading, after all...

Hope this helps

I have loaded a number of books onto the cybook with titles I didn't expect. Is there any way to change the titles, short of deleting them and going back to do it 'right'?
thanks
Shirley

I have loaded a number of books onto the cybook with titles I didn't expect. Is there any way to change the titles, short of deleting them and going back to do it 'right'?
thanks
ShirleyYou, um, might have better luck getting an answer to that question over in one of the Cybook forums, shirleybaird, you've wandered into one of the Sony areas. :wink:

Here's a tip for you guitar players out there - keep your guitar chords, tabs, sheet music, chord charts, whatever in printed PDF files. That way you can simultaneously impress the ladies by playing guitar and disgust them by pulling out a big weird looking nerd gadget at the same time.

It might be of interest to know that eskin has posted an LRF book of DADGAD and Drop-D guitar chords:
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10444

sorry - this may be a silly question, but is there a way of skipping to a page in a book which doesnt have a table of contents?

sorry - this may be a silly question, but is there a way of skipping to a page in a book which doesnt have a table of contents?

Have you tried entering the page number? Or are you trying to find a way to go to Chapter 5 without knowing the page number?

Dreamer

ahhh - proves how sily my question was - really should read the manual - but until then, how do i enter the page number?

ahhh - proves how sily my question was - really should read the manual - but until then, how do i enter the page number?

Input the page number using the number keys on the right side of the Reader. Press Enter.

And if you've still got the User Guide on your Reader, look at page 40. ;)

Dreamer

ahhh - proves how sily my question was - really should read the manual - but until then, how do i enter the page number?

:rofl::rofl::rofl::wakeup:

lol yep - I'm officially stupid! will teach me to get over zealous with the delete key! I'll get my coat....

lol yep - I'm officially stupid! will teach me to get over zealous with the delete key! I'll get my coat....

oh yes, i hope you're very embarassed, because nobody else here has EVER made a mistake or been overly zealous with the delete key. ;) you are the only one. ever. really.

lol yep - I'm officially stupid!Nah, that would qualify as ignorant, not stupid: ignorant can be treated with knowledge, but stupid is terminal. :nice:

Here's a link to the PRS505 manual in PDF format, just in case you accidentally deleted it:
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-documents.pl?mdl=PRS505

Nah, that would qualify as ignorant, not stupid: ignorant can be treated with knowledge, but stupid is terminal. :nice:

I don't think stupid is terminal. It is certainly chronic. But, if stupid does kill you then you might qualify for a Darwin Award (http://www.darwinawards.com/).

BOb

I don't think stupid is terminal. It is certainly chronic. But, if stupid does kill you then you might qualify for a Darwin Award (http://www.darwinawards.com/).

BObWell, thanks PB. I thought I was about to die there for a while.:p

Well, thanks PB. I thought I was about to die there for a while.:p

I does what I cans to helps.

BOb

I don't think stupid is terminal. It is certainly chronic.Heh, I meant terminal in the sense of you die with it, so chronic is probably the better term, it just lacks the dramatic impact. :grin:

Heh, I meant terminal in the sense of you die with it, so chronic is probably the better term, it just lacks the dramatic impact. :grin:

Apologies to your poetic license.

BOb

Heh, I meant terminal in the sense of you die with it, so chronic is probably the better term, it just lacks the dramatic impact. :grin:

Yeah - life is terminal! :rolleyes:

Without it you don't ever die! :cool:

Here's a tip that may or may not be well known. I subscribe to a few online Medical Journals. Most articles have an option to "print this article". There are several free .pdf converters, used as a "printer" available on the net. The one I have is called "Cute pdf". I select the print option for the article, then choose Cute pdf as the printer. This saves the article as a pdf file on my computer which I then transfer to my reader. I organize them in a folder/collection called Medicine. That way, I can catch up on my journal reading when I get tired of my current trashy novel! Merry :xmas:

Here's a tip that may or may not be well known. I subscribe to a few online Medical Journals. Most articles have an option to "print this article". There are several free .pdf converters, used as a "printer" available on the net. The one I have is called "Cute pdf". I select the print option for the article, then choose Cute pdf as the printer. This saves the article as a pdf file on my computer which I then transfer to my reader. I organize them in a folder/collection called Medicine. That way, I can catch up on my journal reading when I get tired of my current trashy novel! Merry :xmas:

If you're looking to get them onto your Reader, the best option for doing that from a Web browser is the excellent BookIt plugin that's available for Firefox. http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24403

It's excellent and it formats the documents for the Reader. Much better than PDF.

If you're looking to get them onto your Reader, the best option for doing that from a Web browser is the excellent BookIt plugin that's available for Firefox. http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24403

OK...Awsome! I use Firefox already and have seen that add-on. I thought I would have to add the whole web page, with the fluff that I don't want (ad's, etc). That is not the case. If you select the text that you want to read, right click it, then there is an option to book-it for selected text. Very nice. Thank you so much for pointing me in the right direction! :thanks:

Is there a way for me to jump to the last page of a thread? I pretty much browse the Glock Talk most recent post page, and I have to click on the thread and then click to the last page. Does my question even make sense?


If you look at the thread title on one of the forum pages (or the "today's posts" option under Quick Links) then click on the little square with a downward-pointing triangle it will take you to the first new post that you have not yet read.

Also, under the "Last Post" column, there's a right-facing triangle next to the last poster's name. Clicking that will take you to the last post, which is, of course, on the last page.

I'm not sure if it's common knowledge or not, but these are my tricks:

1. Holding the menu button for two seconds will take you back to the root menu (as opposed to one level back if you just click it).

2. If you accidentally pressed number buttons while reading you can cancel the entry by pressing the menu button.

3. When entering a page number, you can delete the last number entered by pressing left on they d-pad.

Here's a collection of tutorials on how to do some basic stuff from Sony. :)

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-tutorials.pl?mdl=PRS500

Thanks for links!

Awesome thread!!

I believe this is quite cool stuff (Browse Folders, games, key bindings, etc):
http://code.google.com/p/prs-plus/

Customized epub styles:
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66102

After tinkering with different memory cards in my Camera I tried the same thing with the reader. I had some cheap standard SD-cards and some Ultra II SD-Cards form Sandisk.
In my opinion, page turning times got a little quicker by using faster cards. I then tried an Ultra II Memory-Stick and again had the feeling that it was a little quicker than the SD-Card. Probably because Memory-Stick system is from Sony, so they can probably implement the hardware better.

Ok, here's the one that really wowed me:
Internal memory is usually faster than any external memory (see also buffer in cameras). I'm often extracting jpgs from pdfs and it takes about 7 secs to turn a page (go to the next picture) from an Ultra II Memory-Stick. When I placed the jpgs into the internal reader memory, I got down to 3-4 secs which is only half the time.

I'm not sure if that was obvious. I latently knew (at least from my camera where burst mode provides better rates with faster memory) but never tried before. So this might help others, too.

PS: Kartu, I think PRS+ is really awesome, too. (German usage manual uploaded)

My brother just bought one, I will have to refer him here, as he has been asking me questions that I don't know anything about as a Kindle owner.

Have been using the 505 for a year or so always converting to and loading the Sony lrf format. Recently loaded an epub formatted book and found the 505 handled all functions faster/more smoothly - font size chances, page jumping, etc.

dande

I seem to have lost the source view from the side of my reader library. without it i'm pretty stuck, and can't seem to get it back or remember how I got rid of it. Any Ideas???:smack:

I seem to have lost the source view from the side of my reader library. without it i'm pretty stuck, and can't seem to get it back or remember how I got rid of it. Any Ideas???:smack:

Try to search on the Forum. I think the similar problem has been solved in the past few days.

OK, I found it on another Forum (Sony):
http://sonyreader.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=support&action=display&thread=79&page=1#213

Hi all,

I just spent the entire weekend resetting and trying to figure out why my battery was running down so quickly. Eventually, my touchscreen was also giving problems.

Solution: Clean around the edges of the screen. Apparently when dust particles, other microscopic elements and other "crumbs" get between, it affects both battery and touchscreen. Did it and so far everything seems to be working okay.

Hi all,

I just spent the entire weekend resetting and trying to figure out why my battery was running down so quickly. Eventually, my touchscreen was also giving problems.

Solution: Clean around the edges of the screen. Apparently when dust particles, other microscopic elements and other "crumbs" get between, it affects both battery and touchscreen. Did it and so far everything seems to be working okay.

I can understand the touchscreen thing, but how does that effect the battery?

I can understand the touchscreen thing, but how does that effect the battery?

The battery power is used partly by touch. When touchscreen is constantly being pressed, it is processing and therefore the battery is drained faster is there is the constant pressure. I have had full bars for the last 10 hours when I would lose one bar per 4 hours...

Allright...I am not trying to sound too wierd but...here goes. I am a chick and as such I need a purse to carry around all of my crapola. I am NOT however a girly chick that requires an inverted 10 Gallon Hat. I need a purse to carry my wallet and sunglasses, my cigs, my BB and of course....MY READER. I am looking for an electronics carry all with a little extra room. Any thoughts on my prediciment??? jus lookin for a not too big bag for my stuff that will also provide protection for my reader

Allright...I am not trying to sound too wierd but...here goes. I am a chick and as such I need a purse to carry around all of my crapola. I am NOT however a girly chick that requires an inverted 10 Gallon Hat. I need a purse to carry my wallet and sunglasses, my cigs, my BB and of course....MY READER. I am looking for an electronics carry all with a little extra room. Any thoughts on my prediciment??? jus lookin for a not too big bag for my stuff that will also provide protection for my reader

http://www.sfbags.com/

Check out their bags. They can be a bit pricey, but their build quality is exceptional. To me, they are worth the price as I will gladly pay for a high quality stylish bag to carry expensive gadgets. I currently use two of their bags (one for laptop and one as a day "manbag") and I love them. The bags are made in the USA (in SF) and many of them can be customized to fit your needs. Check out their muzetto bag (I'm looking to get this one myself). It is pricey, but it is also leather.

I'm not sure if this is the best place for the info, but I called Sony to ask what was the optimal size to create .pdf's for my PRS-300. They told me:

Width = 3.47 “
Height = 4.54 “


Hope this helps someone else!

Can I turn off the shut down prompt when I'm trying to turn off my 650?

Hi everybody. On the subject of a bag to carry your eBook, I use a small camera bag, which holds my eBook, Archos 5, Archos 704 and Nintendo DSi in the main pocket. The top net pocket holds a SatNav and bluetooth earpiece and the front outside pocket holds a Sony PSP. They are all held safe in this padded bag which is easily carried around.

Hope this helps someone.

The Sony PSP charger also fits the eReader.

Saved me having to buy another charger.

I use the charger from my cell phone, LG Rumor Touch, for my PRS-350. It also takes the same USB cable as the phone so I don't have to do any swapping between the phone or the reader, and they work perfect.

Not cheap, but really nice actually:

http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/shoulder_bags/Guide-Pro-40481/

Allright...I am not trying to sound too wierd but...here goes. I am a chick and as such I need a purse to carry around all of my crapola. I am NOT however a girly chick that requires an inverted 10 Gallon Hat. I need a purse to carry my wallet and sunglasses, my cigs, my BB and of course....MY READER. I am looking for an electronics carry all with a little extra room. Any thoughts on my prediciment??? jus lookin for a not too big bag for my stuff that will also provide protection for my reader

Check out baggalini totes, messenger bags and purses, they have some very light weight, smaller ones available that can double as cross-body or waist use.

I found a good selection at eBags.com (http://www.ebags.com/brand/baggallini), and just ordered one for the summer, when I'll no longer have huge pockets in vests and jackets for my reader and really don't want to have to hold it constantly to take with anywhere.

I've given in and use a fishing waistcoat with loads of pockets - brilliant.
[Warm one in cold, thin linen one in hot.]

I put up with the odd bright spark asking me how big was the one that got away................. :)

"Man Bags" are just wrong ................... No Siree......... If you find your self in the position of needing one...... Stay home ...... That is all :rofl:

Girlz can carry whatever, not going to get in to that one because whatever I say it'll be "Nearly right" :p

This is one statement that may get me in trouble, but it is true...

GIRLS NEED ONLY ONE BAG THAT CAN HOLD THEIR STUFF AND THEIR MAN'S STUFF TOO.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Victoria
I bought a u-shaped neck pillow that they sell at the airport (small beanbag). The opening is perfect for proping the Reader up in bed - with the cover open - I can read with both hands tucked under the warm covers! I've tried to devise a way to prop my book open for years, with no luck.

Ah - perfect!

Unfortunately one would need the dreamed of remote control to keep one's hands warmly under the covers.
Ahh remote controlled Ebook readers or better yet, voice controlled ebook readers.
We are so spoiled by the current technology, but yet I want more.

My preference is always going to be jackets or vests with lots of pockets, I absolutely hate carrying a purse. I have a couple of Scottevest jackets that I really love (Windbreaker (http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/nylon-windbreaker-packable-jacket.shtml) and Jacket/Vest (http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/lightweight-wind-jacket.shtml)), but I'm afraid that even the cooler vest only without the sleeves will be too hot to wear in summer here so will be forced to the small purse/body bag at that point. Nothing ruins a nice long walk for whatever reason, just walking, shopping (which I also hate), more than lugging a purse with you hanging uncomfortably and heavily on your shoulder.

Hi all ! I have a PRS-650 and am perfectly happy with it !

But I'm a bit fed-up to allways have to have my PC running to charge my reader...

Do you think I can safely use my Iphone wall-charger (thru USB cable) to charge my reader ?

I read in 2 posts above (#210 and #211) that people used other wall-chargers without problem, so I wonder...

Thanks in advance for any advice !

J-P.

Hi all ! I have a PRS-650 and am perfectly happy with it !

But I'm a bit fed-up to allways have to have my PC running to charge my reader...

Do you think I can safely use my Iphone wall-charger (thru USB cable) to charge my reader ?

I read in 2 posts above (#210 and #211) that people used other wall-chargers without problem, so I wonder...

Thanks in advance for any advice !

J-P.

I have used my Nokia N900 charger to charge my PRS-350. I don't know about the iPhone charger. Just look at it's specs, if they are about 5 V / 1400 mA you should be fine. Just for the record: When using a charger you won't see the big "charging" screen. Only a small arrow pointing into the battery symbol in the lower corner of the screen and the red light on the power slider will light up.

Haaa... so funny to get a -fast-answer from someone in the same little country !

Thank you very much for the info... thing is, I don't even know the iPhone specs: electronic/electricity is not my cup of tea, I'm only a "basic" user...

Anyway, I guess it should do... I'll try later and we'll see...

Have a good day !

J-P.

Hi all ! I have a PRS-650 and am perfectly happy with it !

But I'm a bit fed-up to allways have to have my PC running to charge my reader...

Do you think I can safely use my Iphone wall-charger (thru USB cable) to charge my reader ?

I read in 2 posts above (#210 and #211) that people used other wall-chargers without problem, so I wonder...

Thanks in advance for any advice !

J-P.

I tried my Iphone wall charger on my 650 and it didn't work howerver I picked up a really cheap Blackbery Bold charger from Ebay and it did :)

Pretty sure theres been a couple of threads on the issue try searching for charger in the Sony forum

I tried my Iphone wall charger on my 650 and it didn't work howerver I picked up a really cheap Blackbery Bold charger from Ebay and it did :)

Pretty sure theres been a couple of threads on the issue try searching for charger in the Sony forum
Ohhh ? All right then... I'll look for a Blackberry charger ! (funny thing is that have a Blackberry -too-, but I don't have a wall-charger for it -I bought it second-hand- !

BTW, arent' we in the Sony forum ?

;)
J-P.

www.igo.com

Chargers with interchangeable tips to charge all small electronic devices.

The Charge Anywhere is a wall cahrger with a built in battery to charge when you are not near an outlet.

The charger for the Asus Transformer works for the 350, 650 and T1. It also charges my Archos 32 and 43 tablets.

Speaking of chargers, is a 5.1 Volt 850mA Motorola phone charger better or a 5Volt 750mA BB charger better (or should I buy something different)? They are both usb wall chargers.

Thanks.