PRS-500 firmware upgrade..what do I lose?

radi0j0hn · 04-23-2010, 03:29 PM

I have not upgraded my unit, as I am concerned that I will lose the ability to read some other format(s). Anybody done the deed and can tell me what is gained and lost? TIA

Scott_T · 04-23-2010, 04:38 PM

Do it, you lose nothing and gain a lot.

radi0j0hn · 04-23-2010, 05:26 PM

Thanks! That's what I needed to know!

junkml · 04-23-2010, 08:02 PM

You won't be able to use any of the hacks anyone has developed, and the only major feature you get is it will (kind of) read epub files. My complaint with their implementation of epub is that it does not do fully justified text (can't stand the ragged right margins).

If you have a lot of books you've bought from Sony in the lrx format, or intend to buy a lot of books from Sony, and not strip the DRM, then you'd want the upgrade.

If you don't have a lot of books you've bought from Sony, and want to continue to reformat your books to lrf so they display nicely, then there's no reason to upgrade.

Just my $.02.

DoctorOhh · 04-24-2010, 09:49 PM

Updated/Clarified post 26 April 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by radi0j0hn

I have not upgraded my unit, as I am concerned that I will lose the ability to read some other format(s). Anybody done the deed and can tell me what is gained and lost? TIA

You lose the ability to view LRX files (all other formats including LRF are still supported). If you have a bunch of LRX books you will have to re-download them from Sony in the new ePub format. The new ePub books you download will be viewed on your reader as left justified. LRF books will still show as full justification.

You lose any hacks that you may have installed on your device with no assurance that those hacks will ever be available for the new firmware.

You gain the ability to read regular ePub format ebooks and read Adobe Digital Editions DRM'd ePubs.

You gain the ability to use the Overdrive ebook lending that an increasing amount of local libraries make available.

You gain the ability to buy books from many stores beside Sony. Any ebook store that sells books in the ADE ePub format will now be an option. Stores like BooksonBoard, Fictionwise, Kobo etc...

You gain the ability to treat your 500 as any other external USB drive without the need of additional drivers. For Apple OS X users this means you gain current support for your upgraded device from Calibre. Currently Apple OS X users are limited to version 0.6.29.

You gain (subjectively) increased resale value for your device should that be an option in the future.

You gain the ability to delete a book from your device without connecting it to your computer.

I hope this helps.

Scott_T · 04-25-2010, 03:32 AM

The reader shows up as a removable drive now so no drivers are needed. It has the ability to delete books too.

DrMoze · 04-25-2010, 10:44 PM

My understanding is that if you upgrade, you also LOSE a lot of battery life. Between that and losing the hacks (love the clock, joystick page turn, etc.) I don't think I'll upgrade.

Scott_T: Bad/wrong answer!

DoctorOhh · 04-25-2010, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrMoze

My understanding is that if you upgrade, you also LOSE a lot of battery life.

The battery life issue has been resolved.

Sony offered everyone who had previously upgraded a chance to do it again on their dime to fix their initial "battery life" issue from the first upgrade.

Scott_T · 04-26-2010, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrMoze

My understanding is that if you upgrade, you also LOSE a lot of battery life. Between that and losing the hacks (love the clock, joystick page turn, etc.) I don't think I'll upgrade.

Scott_T: Bad/wrong answer!

They fixed the battery life problem. I wont twist your arm.
I kind of miss the joystick page turn but being able to read epubs, no drivers needed, etc etc are all more than worth that.

04-23-2010, 03:29 PM	#1
radi0j0hn Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 10 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Near La Crosse, WI USA Device: PRS-500	PRS-500 firmware upgrade..what do I lose? I have not upgraded my unit, as I am concerned that I will lose the ability to read some other format(s). Anybody done the deed and can tell me what is gained and lost? TIA

04-23-2010, 05:26 PM	#3
radi0j0hn Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 10 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Near La Crosse, WI USA Device: PRS-500	And I just learned why Calibre won't work! Thanks! That's what I needed to know!

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04-23-2010, 04:38 PM	#2
Scott_T Groupie Posts: 154 Karma: 876 Join Date: Dec 2009 Device: Kindle 3 wifi, Sony PRS-300, Sony PRS-500, Reb1100(dead)	Do it, you lose nothing and gain a lot.

04-23-2010, 08:02 PM	#4
junkml Addict Posts: 277 Karma: 1004969 Join Date: Mar 2007 Device: Sony Reader	You won't be able to use any of the hacks anyone has developed, and the only major feature you get is it will (kind of) read epub files. My complaint with their implementation of epub is that it does not do fully justified text (can't stand the ragged right margins). If you have a lot of books you've bought from Sony in the lrx format, or intend to buy a lot of books from Sony, and not strip the DRM, then you'd want the upgrade. If you don't have a lot of books you've bought from Sony, and want to continue to reformat your books to lrf so they display nicely, then there's no reason to upgrade. Just my $.02.

04-25-2010, 03:32 AM	#6
Scott_T Groupie Posts: 154 Karma: 876 Join Date: Dec 2009 Device: Kindle 3 wifi, Sony PRS-300, Sony PRS-500, Reb1100(dead)	The reader shows up as a removable drive now so no drivers are needed. It has the ability to delete books too.

04-25-2010, 10:44 PM	#7
DrMoze Booknut Posts: 858 Karma: 2852 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida! Device: Sony Reader 500/505/300/350, Nook Glowlight Plus (6")	My understanding is that if you upgrade, you also LOSE a lot of battery life. Between that and losing the hacks (love the clock, joystick page turn, etc.) I don't think I'll upgrade. Scott_T: Bad/wrong answer!

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