Has Sony lost the edge over other readers? - Page 3

Pomtroll · 09-14-2012, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rizla

Spot on. Both together would make me want to upgrade. Maybe the T3 will convince me, if there is one...

Same here. I think I would have bought the T2 if they had incorporated the light & higher resolution. As it is I'm waiting to see what others think of the Kindle Paperwhite & Kobo Glo.

Asawi · 09-15-2012, 05:25 AM

Sony is till one of very few large brands that is available internationally. And by "internationally" I mean including smaller contries, nit just the big markets.
I do think they are falling a little bit behind when it comes to features though. Right now Kobo Glo sounds pretty perfect to me, but time will tell if it's as good as it sounds.

Graham · 09-15-2012, 05:35 AM

I'm still very happy with my PRS-650, but eReaders being what they are a sudden drop at the wrong angle could force a need to change at any time (nice Tuf-Luv cover or not). I'm in the UK so the main option at present, assuming I didn't want to switch to Kindle, is Kobo.

So, for those of you who've got both a Sony, with a sizeable ePub library, and a Kobo is the transition seamless? Are there any really irritating disadvantages or nice advantages (other than the light)?

We're getting the Nook store soon as well, I think, so the same question to any of you with both Sony and Nook.

Graham

Blue2u · 09-15-2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham

I'm still very happy with my PRS-650, but eReaders being what they are a sudden drop at the wrong angle could force a need to change at any time (nice Tuf-Luv cover or not). I'm in the UK so the main option at present, assuming I didn't want to switch to Kindle, is Kobo.

So, for those of you who've got both a Sony, with a sizeable ePub library, and a Kobo is the transition seamless? Are there any really irritating disadvantages or nice advantages (other than the light)?

We're getting the Nook store soon as well, I think, so the same question to any of you with both Sony and Nook.

Graham

I can't tell you what it's like to go from Sony to Kobo, my experience was the other way around. I switched TO my T1 a few months ago because my Kobo Touch was full of problems. I have a sizable epub library and use Calibre, and with Kobo Touch it was a 'nightmare'. I've had ZERO problems with my T1. So for me, unless I saw 99% GREAT reviews about the new Kobo, I wouldn't even consider it.

As for the Nook, I'm not sure that's available to Canadians so my only other option would be a Kindle.
Good luck to you.

LuvReadin · 09-15-2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham

We're getting the Nook store soon as well, I think, so the same question to any of you with both Sony and Nook.

Any day now, it seems - 'autumn' launch in John Lewis.

Ripplinger · 09-15-2012, 12:23 PM

I'm hoping that the next batch of Sony readers out in 2013 will have a glow light. That's the only thing that would tempt me away from my PRS-350s (or their death

). While the Kindle Paperwhite looks like it would be terrific, after using the Sony, I know there's things that I'd hate about a Kindle (tied to .mobi and having to convert everything I currently have to it which I could get around with Calibre, but mostly how collections are handled and the software in general compared to the Sony). I just know I'd end up being disappointed in the Kindle, and I'd chuck it for the first decent Sony with a glow light and good battery life that was available, so I might as well save my money.

If I weren't so extremely happy with my PRS-350s, I might be more tempted by the Kindle Paperwhite. But as things are now, I'm happy to wait to see if Sony comes out with a glow light model next time around.

And no, I don't believe for a minute that the T2s are Sony's last ereaders. We hear that speculation every year from a few.

AnotherCat · 09-15-2012, 05:37 PM

Lighting turning up on readers would not be any incentive for me to rush out and replace my T1. But if, for other reasons, I had to replace the reader I would consider it but it would not be a biggie in the decision for me.

I have been reading ebooks for many years on PDAs and more recently smartphones, and they, of course, had lighting. My collection of books is predominantly epub and when I eventually started looking around for a reader the T1 seemed to be the one that would meet my needs at the time and avoided the proprietary ties most others have. Then, purely by chance, I was given

a T1 so the choice was made for me.

I had wondered if I would miss the lighting, but I have not at all. Everywhere I read where ambient light levels may be low (bed, planes, boats, etc) there is always a reading light available. While I understand the differences between LCD, etc and E Ink with respect to reading comfort, what I can say from use of PDAs and phones is that it was very important for easy reading in different ambient light levels to be able to adjust the device's light level, and if in the dark, or very low ambient, then to be able to set up the background in a neutral colour (such as sand) for ease of reading. I wonder how well the early lighted readers will handle such circumstances, and is something I would want to assure myself before buying one.

So I have not even considered getting a clip on light as I could not see any advantage for my usage, and meaning just one more thing to cart around, keep fed with batteries, etc.

I have also used audio books for many years (PDAs and then smartphones), and while the T1 does audio I don't use it as a phone is far more convenient, as well as doing the job much, much better. I suspect with the big uptake of smartphones, audio on readers is becoming, for many, redundant, and may be part of the background to the decision to dump it from the T2.

Graham · 09-15-2012, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue2u

I can't tell you what it's like to go from Sony to Kobo, my experience was the other way around. I switched TO my T1 a few months ago because my Kobo Touch was full of problems. I have a sizable epub library and use Calibre, and with Kobo Touch it was a 'nightmare'. I've had ZERO problems with my T1. So for me, unless I saw 99% GREAT reviews about the new Kobo, I wouldn't even consider it.

As for the Nook, I'm not sure that's available to Canadians so my only other option would be a Kindle.
Good luck to you.

Thanks Blue2u.

Let's hope my PRS-650 holds out a while longer.

Graham

Blue2u · 09-15-2012, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham

Thanks Blue2u.

Let's hope my PRS-650 holds out a while longer.

Graham

You're welcome.

I know here in Canada there are some great deals on T1's and even the odd 350 at Walmart [$68 and $48 respectively]. Maybe you could snag something similar in your part of the world since I'm assuming they are being discontinued world-wide? Either way, good luck, I'd be so lost without my ereader.

300com · 09-15-2012, 07:12 PM

The T2 is will drop to $99 in no time.

Canuck_in_Japan · 09-15-2012, 08:14 PM

I have and still love my 650. To me it still has the best overall build quality of any of the ereaders out there. That said, yes Sony is falling behind. What were they thinking in not upping the resolution this time around? And for God's sake didn't Sony pioneer the built in lighting technology? For them to be the only player in the game without that this time around is just a darned shame.

Shopaholic · 09-15-2012, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue2u

You're welcome.

I know here in Canada there are some great deals on T1's and even the odd 350 at Walmart [$68 and $48 respectively]. Maybe you could snag something similar in your part of the world since I'm assuming they are being discontinued world-wide? Either way, good luck, I'd be so lost without my ereader.

Be VERY careful with those old readers!! My hubby grabbed a 350 from Walmart but it had major, major burn in on the screen. It's going back.

Arios · 09-15-2012, 11:54 PM

Hi Blue2u

I just checked on the Walmart website, but the Sony T1 is not there. And I was in one store in my neighborhood (Ottawa) 2 days ago: prices for Q1 is 120$.

Can you tell me where you saw the price you're talking about? I'm (very) interested by the $68!

Rizla · 09-16-2012, 05:36 AM

For those considering a Kobo, I haven't played with the new glow, but I've played with the previous two models. They're okay, I suppose, but they are slow and clunky compared to Sony models. I wouldn't touch a Kobo with a barge-pole.

I also don't want a Kindle. No buttons and selling my reading soul to Amazon is a big

I like my platforms open.

At this rate, I might have to start looking at smaller producers like Cybook in the future (the Opus was neat). Mind you, I have several backups ereaders I got from ebay

So no hurry. Light and hi-res screen would be nice though

Analogus · 09-16-2012, 10:38 AM

In my opinion Sony is falling behind competitors. Yes I do agree.

I'm interested in comparing a Sony T2 and the new Kindle side by side. Both should use the same EInk basis. But in case of Kindle there are 2 additional transparent layers (touch-layer & light-layer) on the screen which could degrade the contrast when using no backlight.

On the other hand:
Is it necessary always having the newest product?

In the light of the global financial crisis and rising social problems I regard this a minor question and the answer for me is a clear 'no'. 'Older' models from Sony (up from PRS X50) are great products - using them 2 or 3 years longer will do no harm. Inbetween new technology can develop. Larger screens, higher resolution and light are of course key features for an eReader.

But selling my privacy to Amazon is no option, at least for me. Sony (actually this is a conundrum) goes the other way - reason enough to wait for future models.

A.

09-15-2012, 05:35 AM	#33
Graham Wizard Posts: 2,743 Karma: 32912427 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: North Yorkshire, UK Device: Kobo H20, Pixel 2, Samsung Chromebook Plus	I'm still very happy with my PRS-650, but eReaders being what they are a sudden drop at the wrong angle could force a need to change at any time (nice Tuf-Luv cover or not). I'm in the UK so the main option at present, assuming I didn't want to switch to Kindle, is Kobo. So, for those of you who've got both a Sony, with a sizeable ePub library, and a Kobo is the transition seamless? Are there any really irritating disadvantages or nice advantages (other than the light)? We're getting the Nook store soon as well, I think, so the same question to any of you with both Sony and Nook. Graham Last edited by Graham; 09-15-2012 at 05:38 AM.

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09-15-2012, 05:25 AM	#32
Asawi Gadgetoholic Posts: 1,462 Karma: 2731820 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sweden Device: Kobo Libra2, Tolino Vision 6	Sony is till one of very few large brands that is available internationally. And by "internationally" I mean including smaller contries, nit just the big markets. I do think they are falling a little bit behind when it comes to features though. Right now Kobo Glo sounds pretty perfect to me, but time will tell if it's as good as it sounds.

09-15-2012, 12:23 PM	#36
Ripplinger 350 Hoarder Posts: 3,574 Karma: 8281267 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Midwest USA Device: Sony PRS-350, Kobo Glo & Glo HD, PW2	I'm hoping that the next batch of Sony readers out in 2013 will have a glow light. That's the only thing that would tempt me away from my PRS-350s (or their death ). While the Kindle Paperwhite looks like it would be terrific, after using the Sony, I know there's things that I'd hate about a Kindle (tied to .mobi and having to convert everything I currently have to it which I could get around with Calibre, but mostly how collections are handled and the software in general compared to the Sony). I just know I'd end up being disappointed in the Kindle, and I'd chuck it for the first decent Sony with a glow light and good battery life that was available, so I might as well save my money. If I weren't so extremely happy with my PRS-350s, I might be more tempted by the Kindle Paperwhite. But as things are now, I'm happy to wait to see if Sony comes out with a glow light model next time around. And no, I don't believe for a minute that the T2s are Sony's last ereaders. We hear that speculation every year from a few.

09-15-2012, 05:37 PM	#37
AnotherCat .... Posts: 1,547 Karma: 18068960 Join Date: May 2012 Device: ....	Lighting turning up on readers would not be any incentive for me to rush out and replace my T1. But if, for other reasons, I had to replace the reader I would consider it but it would not be a biggie in the decision for me. I have been reading ebooks for many years on PDAs and more recently smartphones, and they, of course, had lighting. My collection of books is predominantly epub and when I eventually started looking around for a reader the T1 seemed to be the one that would meet my needs at the time and avoided the proprietary ties most others have. Then, purely by chance, I was given a T1 so the choice was made for me. I had wondered if I would miss the lighting, but I have not at all. Everywhere I read where ambient light levels may be low (bed, planes, boats, etc) there is always a reading light available. While I understand the differences between LCD, etc and E Ink with respect to reading comfort, what I can say from use of PDAs and phones is that it was very important for easy reading in different ambient light levels to be able to adjust the device's light level, and if in the dark, or very low ambient, then to be able to set up the background in a neutral colour (such as sand) for ease of reading. I wonder how well the early lighted readers will handle such circumstances, and is something I would want to assure myself before buying one. So I have not even considered getting a clip on light as I could not see any advantage for my usage, and meaning just one more thing to cart around, keep fed with batteries, etc. I have also used audio books for many years (PDAs and then smartphones), and while the T1 does audio I don't use it as a phone is far more convenient, as well as doing the job much, much better. I suspect with the big uptake of smartphones, audio on readers is becoming, for many, redundant, and may be part of the background to the decision to dump it from the T2.

09-15-2012, 07:12 PM	#40
300com Zealot Posts: 130 Karma: 1041448 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: PRS-300	The T2 is will drop to $99 in no time.

09-15-2012, 08:14 PM	#41
Canuck_in_Japan Wizard Posts: 1,475 Karma: 14328611 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tokyo, Japan Device: Aura, Aura H2O, Kindle PW3	I have and still love my 650. To me it still has the best overall build quality of any of the ereaders out there. That said, yes Sony is falling behind. What were they thinking in not upping the resolution this time around? And for God's sake didn't Sony pioneer the built in lighting technology? For them to be the only player in the game without that this time around is just a darned shame.

09-15-2012, 11:54 PM	#43
Arios A curiosus lector! Posts: 463 Karma: 2015140 Join Date: Jun 2012 Device: Sony PRS-T1, Kobo Touch	Hi Blue2u I just checked on the Walmart website, but the Sony T1 is not there. And I was in one store in my neighborhood (Ottawa) 2 days ago: prices for Q1 is 120$. Can you tell me where you saw the price you're talking about? I'm (very) interested by the $68!

09-16-2012, 05:36 AM	#44
Rizla Member Retired Posts: 3,183 Karma: 11721895 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Nook STR (rooted) & Sony T2	For those considering a Kobo, I haven't played with the new glow, but I've played with the previous two models. They're okay, I suppose, but they are slow and clunky compared to Sony models. I wouldn't touch a Kobo with a barge-pole. I also don't want a Kindle. No buttons and selling my reading soul to Amazon is a big I like my platforms open. At this rate, I might have to start looking at smaller producers like Cybook in the future (the Opus was neat). Mind you, I have several backups ereaders I got from ebay So no hurry. Light and hi-res screen would be nice though

09-16-2012, 10:38 AM	#45
Analogus Fanatic Posts: 568 Karma: 2170348 Join Date: Apr 2011 Device: 2x Sony PRS-350; PRS-300 (†), Paperwhite (†), Voyage	In my opinion Sony is falling behind competitors. Yes I do agree. I'm interested in comparing a Sony T2 and the new Kindle side by side. Both should use the same EInk basis. But in case of Kindle there are 2 additional transparent layers (touch-layer & light-layer) on the screen which could degrade the contrast when using no backlight. On the other hand: Is it necessary always having the newest product? In the light of the global financial crisis and rising social problems I regard this a minor question and the answer for me is a clear 'no'. 'Older' models from Sony (up from PRS X50) are great products - using them 2 or 3 years longer will do no harm. Inbetween new technology can develop. Larger screens, higher resolution and light are of course key features for an eReader. But selling my privacy to Amazon is no option, at least for me. Sony (actually this is a conundrum) goes the other way - reason enough to wait for future models. A.