Just ordered the Astak Pocket Pro EZ

[luvshihtzu]

kennyc,
I finally found the video for installing the firmware to get me through the install this morning, as the FAQs online were incorrect, The manual has a few problems too and is a bit difficult for me to use. I have had to reinstall the newest Astak firmware for the third time this afternoon in order to read the ADE DRM library ebook, so am not sure if I am keeping the Astak. One more firmware reinstall and it goes back.
The TTS sound quality is really bad. Lots of hiss. As I said before, the Kindle TTS is better than the TTS of the Astak. Not that I use it very often, but it should be better than it is. My major complaint is the smallness of the fonts on menus, and on the main screen for the ADE DRM library ebooks. Can't make it comfortable for easy reading.

I do have a fair amount of computer/electronics savvy learned from dealing with balky MP3 players and a computer that is always hiccuping. Most beginning users are not going to be able to use the Astak. The people I have contacted that loved their Sonys are those who have a good amount of computer know-how.
Your comment about the UI being 1,000 percent better refers to the Sony readers? Wasn't sure what you meant.
luvshihtzu

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by luvshihtzu

...
Your comment about the UI being 1,000 percent better refers to the Sony readers? Wasn't sure what you meant.
luvshihtzu

Yeah the firmware upgrade instructions are way less than clear. For me at least the Sony UI is very much like the Kindle UI - very straight-forward and intuitive, much less so for the Astak IMO.

[luvshihtzu]

Kennyc,
Thanks for the advice about the Sony readers. I got my used Sony 505 from eBay today and both my husband and I are happy with the intuitiveness of the product. No longer do we have to plug in USB just to delete a book and page turns seem to be easier. I like the way the SD card works too. None of this going back and forth with the internal and card memory. Very nice reader to go along with my Kindle for the other formats and easy to run.
luvshihtzu

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by luvshihtzu

Kennyc,
Thanks for the advice about the Sony readers. I got my used Sony 505 from eBay today and both my husband and I are happy with the intuitiveness of the product. No longer do we have to plug in USB just to delete a book and page turns seem to be easier. I like the way the SD card works too. None of this going back and forth with the internal and card memory. Very nice reader to go along with my Kindle for the other formats and easy to run.
luvshihtzu

[oncdoc]

Originally Posted by kennyc

The Sony UI is very straightforward as well. The PRS-300 is priced right and very intuitive to use.

problem is 300 does not come with a case, wall charger, weighs more, is processor wise slower (although pp needs more firmware upgrades to take advantage), and u dont get personal customer service.

pros and cons.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by oncdoc

problem is 300 does not come with a case, wall charger, weighs more, is processor wise slower (although pp needs more firmware upgrades to take advantage), and u dont get personal customer service.

pros and cons.

You don't particularly need a wall charger, the Astak case is bulky and the stupid little wrap-around flap is troublesome as compared to the magnetic closing on the 505 - not sure about the 300 cover, speed is the same as far as the user is concerned. The UI is intuitive as I said above, not like the Astak/Hanlin which has definite issues.

I've never had to use Sony customer service. That in itself says something I think.

[jusmee]

Originally Posted by rling

Oh great. More stories about how we are killing off our 'cuddly' wildlife - both imported and native.

But Roo is so tasty, and they aren't really cuddly. Coarse fur and hard muscles...

[luvshihtzu]

Oh, forgot the best part of the Sony 505 for us is the LARGE size fonts on the Menu. No more squinting for our old eyes. The Astak is better for younger readers with good vision.

luvshihtzu