MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - sony prs-505 or ebookwise

Jack B Nimble · 05-15-2008, 11:45 AM

I am kicking myself that I never took pictures of the two together when I had my Sony, but I had the earlier version (the 500), so it may not have been useful in any case. I have since given up the Sony, so the opportunity has passed.

The fact that I gave up one shows my own opinion, and it came down to a few specific features:

Built-in lighting - I read while I travel and on my daily commute. I cannot count on good lighting, and I prefer not to carry around add-ons, such as a clip-on light. Based the forum, most people do not have this problem.
Comfortable use - While much thinner and lighter (also an advantage on the commute), the Sony was not as comfortable to hold for me, particularly if I needed to switch hands, as reading position can be an issue on the train or bus. The thicker side ('grip' I call it) of the eBookwise is very comfortable. Again, for many this is a non-issue.
Bookstore support - Fictionwise offers unsecured books in native format for both readers. If you want DRMed books, you have to use Connect for the Sony or eBookwise for their unit. eBookwise had lower prices for the books I wanted (read bothered) to compare. I also found it easier to use. Your mileage may vary. In particular, if you are looking for support from free sites, the Sony format is much more popular, but since you are not worried about conversions, that may not be an issue.

As to your other questions, removing the SMC and using a media reader does free you up somewhat from the Librarian, but the SMC media feels rather delicate, and I felt much better leaving it in the machine and using the librarian. It is an extra hurdle. BTW, my main machine is a Mac, and I use ETI's OSX software regularly, also. The software is very good, and I have converted lots of webfiction and other freely available stories. These days, USB through my MacBook is the main way the eBookwise gets content.

I do not have a problem reading for long periods of time on the eBookwise screen, which is why the comfort of the grip is important. I may not be a good measure of that however, as I also don't have trouble with other backlit LCDs which cause problems for lots of the eInk fans. Given my astigmatism and other eye probs, I am surprised, but quite thankful, it is not an issue.

As I said, it came down to mainly those feature that made up my mind. The eInk screens are MUCH better looking, but that was just not enough for me to walk away from the other things I needed in an ebook reader.

Good luck with your selection.

Jack

05-15-2008, 11:45 AM	#2
Jack B Nimble Groupie Posts: 154 Karma: 672 Join Date: Oct 2006 Device: Tapwave Zodiac, eBookwise 1150	I am kicking myself that I never took pictures of the two together when I had my Sony, but I had the earlier version (the 500), so it may not have been useful in any case. I have since given up the Sony, so the opportunity has passed. The fact that I gave up one shows my own opinion, and it came down to a few specific features: Built-in lighting - I read while I travel and on my daily commute. I cannot count on good lighting, and I prefer not to carry around add-ons, such as a clip-on light. Based the forum, most people do not have this problem. Comfortable use - While much thinner and lighter (also an advantage on the commute), the Sony was not as comfortable to hold for me, particularly if I needed to switch hands, as reading position can be an issue on the train or bus. The thicker side ('grip' I call it) of the eBookwise is very comfortable. Again, for many this is a non-issue. Bookstore support - Fictionwise offers unsecured books in native format for both readers. If you want DRMed books, you have to use Connect for the Sony or eBookwise for their unit. eBookwise had lower prices for the books I wanted (read bothered) to compare. I also found it easier to use. Your mileage may vary. In particular, if you are looking for support from free sites, the Sony format is much more popular, but since you are not worried about conversions, that may not be an issue. As to your other questions, removing the SMC and using a media reader does free you up somewhat from the Librarian, but the SMC media feels rather delicate, and I felt much better leaving it in the machine and using the librarian. It is an extra hurdle. BTW, my main machine is a Mac, and I use ETI's OSX software regularly, also. The software is very good, and I have converted lots of webfiction and other freely available stories. These days, USB through my MacBook is the main way the eBookwise gets content. I do not have a problem reading for long periods of time on the eBookwise screen, which is why the comfort of the grip is important. I may not be a good measure of that however, as I also don't have trouble with other backlit LCDs which cause problems for lots of the eInk fans. Given my astigmatism and other eye probs, I am surprised, but quite thankful, it is not an issue. As I said, it came down to mainly those feature that made up my mind. The eInk screens are MUCH better looking, but that was just not enough for me to walk away from the other things I needed in an ebook reader. Good luck with your selection. Jack Last edited by Jack B Nimble; 05-15-2008 at 11:52 AM.