PRS-900 on a plane?

rjpawlak · 02-10-2010, 09:21 AM

Hi Guys,

I've been lurking a while, and haev been researching which reader fits my bill. I have pretty much settled on the PRS-900, but screen readability concerns are holding me back. I do fly a fair amount, and was wondering what the reading experience is like with the PRS-900 and typical overhead lighting that one finds on planes.

Any thoughts?

Bob

lilac_jive · 02-10-2010, 09:27 AM

Hrmm, I have a 505 and didn't have a problem, but that's a clearer screen. You could open this discussion up to those who have a 600, which has the same screen as a 900.

rjpawlak · 02-10-2010, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilac_jive

Hrmm, I have a 505 and didn't have a problem, but that's a clearer screen. You could open this discussion up to those who have a 600, which has the same screen as a 900.

Thanks! good suggestion. I didn't see a way to change the tags though.

scottjl · 02-10-2010, 09:35 AM

I have a 600 and it works just fine on a plane. The overhead light is enough for me in a completely dark plane (overnight flights). Of course everyone has their own opinions about backlights and screens so you really won't know until you try it yourself. Window seat with daylight coming in is perfect of course.

chainring · 02-10-2010, 09:59 AM

I agree with scottjl. It works plenty good with overhead light on a plane.

grooks · 02-10-2010, 10:53 AM

I've flown with a 505 and a 600 and the overhead lights work fine.

toomanybooks · 02-10-2010, 12:34 PM

I would recommend purchasing a small book light to take with you as a backup solution.

rjpawlak · 02-10-2010, 12:56 PM

Thanks for all the input - from the posts here, it appears as though I'll be ok without the light.

Katti's Cat · 02-10-2010, 06:44 PM

I had the 600 with me on my last trip and it worked fine on the plane with plenty of light shining from above. I did have an extra light in my handbag though - just in case - but didn't need it on the plane.

Gunnerp245 · 02-10-2010, 08:14 PM

I read my 700 on airplanes without issues utilizing the overhead light.

Gunner...

lionel47 · 02-10-2010, 09:21 PM

I am on my first business trip with my new 900. I thought it looked great on the plane with sunlight streaming in the window. However, I do have issues with the lack of contrast in normal room lighting where I would usually read books.

I got this reader last Saturday but I will be returning it to the store this Saturday. I have felt my eyes hurting when reading in normal light and that is not acceptable. Also, I don't think I should need an extra light to read under normal conditions.

Having said that, having the NY Times automatically appear every morning is way better than the USA Today hotels seem to favor. The feature set is also very good and well designed on the 900. I marked up a PDF of a flowchart on my flight out here. It's not paper but it definitely is easier to carry a lot of documents across an airport.

Overall, I think Sony did a fine job on the 900 in every area except the screen. If I could get the Nook screen on it, I would keep it.

BTW, I ordered my Nook and it should be there when I get home from my trip. No touchscreen but no glare and higher contrast. It's a trade-off. Hope this helps.

tegelad · 02-10-2010, 10:53 PM

It works perfectly ... however, I prefer my PRS-700 over it with the built in backlight .... I find it less intrusive on fellow passangers when doing red-eyes ....

Though you can spend the extra $70 for the side arm light that sony sells (which btw is an excellent component)

+-ADT

Dr. Drib · 02-11-2010, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tegelad

It works perfectly ... however, I prefer my PRS-700 over it with the built in backlight .... I find it less intrusive on fellow passangers when doing red-eyes ....

Though you can spend the extra $70 for the side arm light that sony sells (which btw is an excellent component)

+-ADT

That $70 price seems high. I paid $50 for mine.

Don

SCION · 02-11-2010, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lionel47

BTW, I ordered my Nook and it should be there when I get home from my trip. No touchscreen but no glare and higher contrast. It's a trade-off. Hope this helps.

Enjoy your nook!

lionel47 · 02-11-2010, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCION

Enjoy your nook!

Thanks. It's a shame since I lusted after the 900 since it was announced last September or October.

02-10-2010, 09:21 AM	#1
rjpawlak Enthusiast Posts: 43 Karma: 48432 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: Nook STR and Nook Tablet	PRS-900 or PRS-600 on a plane? Hi Guys, I've been lurking a while, and haev been researching which reader fits my bill. I have pretty much settled on the PRS-900, but screen readability concerns are holding me back. I do fly a fair amount, and was wondering what the reading experience is like with the PRS-900 and typical overhead lighting that one finds on planes. Any thoughts? Bob Last edited by rjpawlak; 02-10-2010 at 09:33 AM. Reason: suggested to open up thread to more users

02-10-2010, 09:27 AM	#2
lilac_jive Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,871 Karma: 27376 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Device: PRS-505	Hrmm, I have a 505 and didn't have a problem, but that's a clearer screen. You could open this discussion up to those who have a 600, which has the same screen as a 900. __________________ Need something to read? Check out my blog, The Book Plate! http://bookplatereads.blogspot.com (Yes, I'm finally updating it!!)

02-10-2010, 10:53 AM	#6
grooks Wizard Posts: 1,323 Karma: 30250 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Device: Kobo Aura HD, Sony PRS-650, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7	I've flown with a 505 and a 600 and the overhead lights work fine. __________________ Currently Reading:

02-10-2010, 12:34 PM	#7
toomanybooks Addict Posts: 299 Karma: 154234 Join Date: Apr 2009 Device: Ipad, Ipod Touch, KIndle Fire	I would recommend purchasing a small book light to take with you as a backup solution. __________________ "Will your darkest hour write a blank check on your soul?" Slaid Cleaves

02-10-2010, 06:44 PM	#9
Katti's Cat Wizard Posts: 2,263 Karma: 175640 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane Australia Device: Sony PRS-600	I had the 600 with me on my last trip and it worked fine on the plane with plenty of light shining from above. I did have an extra light in my handbag though - just in case - but didn't need it on the plane. __________________ Without the difference of opinions there cannot be democracy Best friends used to be strangers once Dignity of Mankind is untouchable, and so is my reader

02-10-2010, 09:35 AM	#4
scottjl Reader of Books Posts: 1,632 Karma: 2697 Join Date: Oct 2009 Device: none	I have a 600 and it works just fine on a plane. The overhead light is enough for me in a completely dark plane (overnight flights). Of course everyone has their own opinions about backlights and screens so you really won't know until you try it yourself. Window seat with daylight coming in is perfect of course.

02-10-2010, 09:59 AM	#5
chainring Addict Posts: 204 Karma: 659 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Device: PRS-650 (black), Kindle 3G	I agree with scottjl. It works plenty good with overhead light on a plane.

02-10-2010, 12:56 PM	#8
rjpawlak Enthusiast Posts: 43 Karma: 48432 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: Nook STR and Nook Tablet	Thanks for all the input - from the posts here, it appears as though I'll be ok without the light.

02-10-2010, 08:14 PM	#10
Gunnerp245 Gadget Freak Posts: 1,035 Karma: 1025474 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: US Device: Sony 700; Entourage Edge, Kindle 3, Pocket Edge	I read my 700 on airplanes without issues utilizing the overhead light. Gunner... Last edited by Gunnerp245; 02-10-2010 at 08:15 PM. Reason: Grammar.

02-10-2010, 09:21 PM	#11
lionel47 Addict Posts: 361 Karma: 170 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Device: B&N Nook, Nook Color	I am on my first business trip with my new 900. I thought it looked great on the plane with sunlight streaming in the window. However, I do have issues with the lack of contrast in normal room lighting where I would usually read books. I got this reader last Saturday but I will be returning it to the store this Saturday. I have felt my eyes hurting when reading in normal light and that is not acceptable. Also, I don't think I should need an extra light to read under normal conditions. Having said that, having the NY Times automatically appear every morning is way better than the USA Today hotels seem to favor. The feature set is also very good and well designed on the 900. I marked up a PDF of a flowchart on my flight out here. It's not paper but it definitely is easier to carry a lot of documents across an airport. Overall, I think Sony did a fine job on the 900 in every area except the screen. If I could get the Nook screen on it, I would keep it. BTW, I ordered my Nook and it should be there when I get home from my trip. No touchscreen but no glare and higher contrast. It's a trade-off. Hope this helps.

02-10-2010, 10:53 PM	#12
tegelad Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Veedersburg, IN and San Jose, CA Device: PRS-900BC, PRS-700, Kindle DX, Kindle 2	It works perfectly ... however, I prefer my PRS-700 over it with the built in backlight .... I find it less intrusive on fellow passangers when doing red-eyes .... Though you can spend the extra $70 for the side arm light that sony sells (which btw is an excellent component) +-ADT

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