New Sony Reader coming?

[pglaskowsky]

My PRS-500 broke last week (no obvious damage, but dead lines on the screen). I checked with Sony, which wouldn't give me an exact price but admitted that screen replacement was still a $250 cost.

I went to Amazon to see how much they're selling for, and... they're no longer available.

There was an Amazon Marketplace seller offering units for $279, but even they seem to be gone now (I just went to find a URL to post here). Sony itself is also offering that price on sonystyle.com, and there are still a few units at local retailers.

I think this probably means that there's a new model coming and Sony is selling off the last of the old stock directly rather than through major channels like Amazon.

The other major possibility is that Sony has given up entirely on the ebook market.

Either way I've given up the idea of just replacing my Reader with another one, and repairing it is certainly out of the question at this point.

Anyone have any better insight into this situation?

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[NatCh]

I don't know about insight, but I'd say it's unlikely that they're giving up on e-books at this point. As for a new model ... there have been speculations, but nothing, so far, that would be even be fit for the description "rumor."

[nesagwa]

Well, Sony themselves were back ordered, so maybe the demand has finally depleted the current stock?

[Colt]

It would be nice if companies would announce a new model before it comes out, well in advance... That way you have the choice of buying the older model (usually for less) or waiting for the newest model. I really want a Sony Reader but if they're coming out with a new one, I'd have to wait and see. Hopefully it's just them being not being able to keep up with demand. - Colt

[LaughingVulcan]

Dunno. Usually it's easy to find the link by searching for it, even if it's temporarily out of stock. I couldn't find it using "Sony Reader", "PRS-500", "PRS500", "Sony PRS-500", and other recommended searches. The system clearly new what I was talking about from its' related searches, but only links to the cradle, MEdge case, and leather covers came up.

Using google gave up the page link: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-PRS500-Po.../dp/B000VI72YI

But it says, "Currently unavailable. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock." Which IIRC is different from items that they expect are simply back-ordered - I think you can place a back-order order on other products.

Maybe they're bumping it out in favor of the Kindle? Anyone know what the expected release date is?

[Nate the great]

I bet the PRS500 is in short supply because of the credit card offer.

[NatCh]

If I remember correctly, Amazon never actually sold the Readers ... they had a brief period when they could be pre-ordered, but they took it down, and, I believe, eventually canceled the pre-orders. They've had the accessories since launch though. Rather odd, actually.

[athlonkmf]

well bhphoto has them in stock http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...er_System.html

[Hadrien]

Concerning a new device: in the video where PVI showcased its flexible screens, the guy said something about shipping these screens to both Sony/iRex in mid-2008. It might be just an example, who they could possibly ship these screens to... Expect flexible and larger devices in 2008 though, from Plastic Logic at least.

[JSWolf]

I for one would definately wait to see what happens or is announced in 2008. My Reader works fine and there is no reason to switch to any other reader at the moment. I'll just wait. No unit is all that better that I have to have it over the Sony.

[RWood]

Originally Posted by Colt

It would be nice if companies would announce a new model before it comes out, well in advance... That way you have the choice of buying the older model (usually for less) or waiting for the newest model. I really want a Sony Reader but if they're coming out with a new one, I'd have to wait and see. Hopefully it's just them being not being able to keep up with demand. - Colt

There once was a man named Adam Osborn who made the first business portable (read suitcase sized) CP/M computer well before the days of the IBM PC. His first unit sold very well, so well in fact that he announced plans for the second model. Sales of the first model stopped as people decided to wait for the next model. He went broke and was never able to bring out the second model.

Some industries with short product cycles (like computer motherboards) go through announcements without an impact on their sales. Items with longer product cycles (as the Sony Reader seems to be) generally do not have that same flexibility.

[flamaest]

Originally Posted by Colt

It would be nice if companies would announce a new model before it comes out, well in advance... That way you have the choice of buying the older model (usually for less) or waiting for the newest model. I really want a Sony Reader but if they're coming out with a new one, I'd have to wait and see. Hopefully it's just them being not being able to keep up with demand. - Colt

I suspect we should see something at CES.. see you there!

Fabian.

[flamaest]

Originally Posted by NatCh

If I remember correctly, Amazon never actually sold the Readers ... they had a brief period when they could be pre-ordered, but they took it down, and, I believe, eventually canceled the pre-orders. They've had the accessories since launch though. Rather odd, actually.

you are right, could this something to do with Amazon wanting to get their reader into the market with a fighting chance..?

F.

[NatCh]

It certainly could, except they're still mum on the subject of their reader ... maybe holding out for Vizplex?

There could also be any number of other reasons for it to be so.

[westsan]

Originally Posted by pglaskowsky

I went to Amazon to see how much they're selling for, and... they're no longer available.

There was an Amazon Marketplace seller offering units for $279, but even they seem to be gone now (I just went to find a URL to post here). Sony itself is also offering that price on sonystyle.com, and there are still a few units at local retailers.

I think this probably means that there's a new model coming and Sony is selling off the last of the old stock directly rather than through major channels like Amazon.

The other major possibility is that Sony has given up [entirely] on the ebook market.

Anyone have any better insight into this situation?
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Geez Luise!! Did you just pull that out of your hat!? It sure stinks of something like that doesnt it!

But the Connect site still has plenty of BBeB so I doubt they are *giving it up entirely*

I just wonder if they improved the performance and durability of the reader!!?
If not then any release of a new model would just be a waste of time. Mine barely moves and just collects dust because I cannot use it for reference (which is why I bought it).