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Originally Posted by Zapped
Hi, first post here...a newbie...leaning towards the Sony PRS-505...folks will let me know if I've made the right conclusions... Types of content supported - I don't initially see myself wanting to buy DRM-locked books. I'd like to read free classics and possibly free & legal books from other sources like the Baen Free Sci-Fi Library. |
Hi, I'm fairly new here, spent the last several weeks lurking to aid in my decision between Kindle and the Sonys 505 & 700 (got tons of info!!). I ended up buying the Sony PRS 505 last night-got a great deal at Fry's (no waiting for postal!) at $249-instore price, no obligations. I've found tons of free ebook sources, including here, also Gutenberg, The Burgomeister's Books (
www.truly-free.org although not tried yet), etc.
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Originally Posted by Zapped
Loading content - I'm an engineer & comfortable using the USB connection to upload to the Sony.
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I'm only an engineer by marriage (haha), but had no trouble at all charging, loading the library software, downloading and moving my first book onto the reader. I was actually a bit surprised that it was such a cakewalk - truly impressed! I did buy a book (I've been wanting to read for a pretty long time so I didn't mind paying a wee bit) through the Sony bookstore. When you load the library software onto your computer you can automatically use it to enter the store without need for a browser window-made it a bit easier.
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Originally Posted by Zapped
Resolution - I definitely want at least the current 800x600 rez of E-Ink's latest displays, which I believe the PRS-505 provides.
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I tried out the Kindle, 505 and 700 and found the resolution to be similar, but the 700 did lack a bit in contrast. Was one of the major factors in my decision.
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Originally Posted by Zapped
Aesthetics - a friend has a Kindle and I actually object mildly to the full QWERTY keyboard taking up so much real estate. The Sony design is more pleasing to my eye, and I'm not particularly a Sony fanboy.
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Another one of the tie-breakers for me. The 505 is mostly readable screen. I guess if you are going to use the reader for Internet then the keyboard is nice, but just in the way for me (now watch I'll buy a Kindle next).
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Originally Posted by Zapped
Size/weight - The Sony Reader is marginally smaller and lighter than the Kindle. This is important to me.
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Totally surprised how lightweight the 505 is. I did add the cover/lightwedge which makes it about as heavy as a paperback - still much lighter than my usual 5-10 books stuffed into carry-on for an international flight (which is a MAJOR PITA!!).
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Originally Posted by Zapped
Cost effectiveness - I'm "frugal" (cheap?) so this is a big factor too. $200 for the PRS-505 from sonystyle.com if I apply for and use a SONY Visa, vs $359 for the Kindle.
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As I had said, $249 with no strings attached was a price not beaten unless going private or ebay especially with the huge number of free books available. Only .68/day for the first year is a bargain considering the number of books I read and the hassle of carrying them around.
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Originally Posted by Zapped
I'll be on vacation for a week, but I will check back after June 1 to check responses. Since I can't say thanks for a while, I'll just say thanks in advance! - Jim in Austin
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Hope you have a great time, wear your sunscreen and look forward to further adventures when you return to reality.
Cheers!