Have you used the Sony software/store, or not?

ficbot · 04-09-2009, 12:34 PM

I have a Sony 505 and have never even looked at the Sony cd. I have a Mac, so it would not work for me, and I don't like buying formats which are tied to a specific device or brand. I have been buying from Fictionwise and reading freebies.

I am curious if my situation is a common one and there are a ton of Sony Reader owners out there who are using their readers without making use of the Sony software and store

kwjones · 04-09-2009, 12:40 PM

I've used the Sony Store to download freebies and created a wishlist of books I'd like to buy, but as of yet I have not purchased anything from them.

lilac_jive · 04-09-2009, 12:41 PM

I only use the Sony software, as it does exactly what I need it to do. I primarily buy from Sony, but have previously picked up books here and at Fictionwise (multiformat only).

lilac_jive · 04-09-2009, 12:41 PM

Also, there is a workaround for mac users. I guess they use VMWare, I can't tell you much about it.

HarryT · 04-09-2009, 12:48 PM

You're not alone, ficbot. In the year that I had my PRS-500, I never looked at the Sony eBook store once. I did, however - and still do - use the software, because it contains an excellent Reader "emulator" which is extremely handy when one is creating books.

ReD · 04-09-2009, 12:51 PM

I use the Sony software to manage all of my books and have bought a few books from the Sony store. Ever since I figured out how to strip DRM though, I've been buying quite a bit from fictionwise. I rather like the Sony software, it's very simple and straightforward.

AbFabGab · 04-09-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwjones

I've used the Sony Store to download freebies and created a wishlist of books I'd like to buy, but as of yet I have not purchased anything from them.

Same here.
I've been using Calibre and ADE to upload books onto my 505.

wodin · 04-09-2009, 01:14 PM

I got my PRS 505 from Borders a few weeks ago, and immediately bought one book from Sony. Then I discovered that I couldn’t read it on my Windows Mobile phone. I like to have the comfort of eInk while at home but the convenience of the portability of my phone while out and about.

I obsessively searched for a work around, and discovered that I could De-DRM MobiPocket files with MobiDeDRM.py , then convert them to LRF or ePub with Calibre and read them on the Sony. Even though it’s a little more hassle, I’ll not be buying any more LRX books from Sony or anyone else. As far as I’m concerned, Sony has shot itself in the foot with its greedy proprietary format. The same would be true for Amazon had I opted for a Kindle.

Now if there was only a way to keep my Sony and my phone synchronized all would be wonderful. Ah, I guess I can’t have everything!

sakura-panda · 04-09-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wodin

As far as I’m concerned, Sony has shot itself in the foot with its greedy proprietary format. The same would be true for Amazon had I opted for a Kindle.

Sony always uses proprietary formats. Except for Blu-Ray -- I was shocked when that was the format that won! With Sony behind it, I figured it wouldn't be the popular choice for other distributors.

I use the Sony store and software. I'm currently not interested in going through extra work to read my books, although being the computer geek that I am, I'm sure that will change eventually. At the moment, I'm satisfied with buying my books there and using my computer time for other activities.

BookishDreamer · 04-09-2009, 01:38 PM

I use the software and buy books from Sony but it is a rare occurrence. I bought a couple of books soon after getting my Reader, but since then I've primarily stuck to freebies or downloads from MR, manybooks, or feedbooks.

Dreamer

toomanybooks · 04-09-2009, 01:41 PM

I just bought mine last month and didn't even bother to open the cd. I am only interested in free public domain books. I also don't trust any big companies and refuse to digitally register my ereader with Big Brother.

HistoryWes · 04-09-2009, 02:21 PM

Sony is my #1 source for purchased ebooks. Fictionwise is #2, but I'm still getting most of mine free here and at Manybooks etc. Sony's prices compare favorably, at least on the books I buy, though I've seen some high prices on others on the main menu. They also have gift cards, which I'm encouraging my ebook illiterate friends and relatives to buy me.

lilac_jive · 04-09-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HistoryWes

Sony is my #1 source for purchased ebooks. Fictionwise is #2, but I'm still getting most of mine free here and at Manybooks etc. Sony's prices compare favorably, at least on the books I buy, though I've seen some high prices on others on the main menu. They also have gift cards, which I'm encouraging my ebook illiterate friends and relatives to buy me.

I love that my mom can send me gift certificates from her ebook library. She has a Reader too.

JanetCinNC · 04-09-2009, 02:37 PM

I've bought hundreds of books from them - including about 150 of the free classics. In the past three years, we've owned 3 500s (got total of 150 free classics and $150 in credits at the store with them) and 4 505s. We currently have 388 credits for free classics that we'll never redeem.

I do like that they have a lot of new releases at what I feel are decent prices. I can get new Dean Koontz releases for about $12. That's a great discount, in my opinion. After all, they still have to pay for the editing, formatting, and they have to pay the author for his intellectual property.

Edited to add: I do love that I can buy prepaid cards for the Sony bookstore. That's a great way to budget. If I'm out of prepaid credits, I wait to buy the book. Unless, of course, it's a new Dean Koontz. Then it goes on the backup credit card, but that IS an emergency!

kelly1010 · 04-09-2009, 02:45 PM

I have bought 2 books from sony and 5 books from BooksOnBoard. I am satisfied with both websites, and will continue to shop at both. I tried to learn how to convert/strip DRM, but It was frustratingly complicated so I gave up. Luckily I read alot of Fiction Bestseller type books as well as romance, and all the websites I've seen have an abundance of these genres. I also get books from my library and I have downloaded a couple free books.

I like the idea of the prepaid cards!! I will have to check that out. Thanks for sharing that tip.

View Poll Results: Have you used the sony software/store?
I use the Sony software and have bought from the store	73	52.90%
I use the Sony software to manage my reader but have not bought from the store	21	15.22%
I have not used the software nor have I bought from the store	30	21.74%
Other	14	10.14%
Voters: 138. You may not vote on this poll

04-09-2009, 02:37 PM	#14
JanetCinNC Groupie Posts: 176 Karma: 256928 Join Date: Feb 2008 Device: Sony 650 in red, Sony PRS-600 in red, Sony PRS-505 in red, iPad 2	I like the Sony software and store I've bought hundreds of books from them - including about 150 of the free classics. In the past three years, we've owned 3 500s (got total of 150 free classics and $150 in credits at the store with them) and 4 505s. We currently have 388 credits for free classics that we'll never redeem. I do like that they have a lot of new releases at what I feel are decent prices. I can get new Dean Koontz releases for about $12. That's a great discount, in my opinion. After all, they still have to pay for the editing, formatting, and they have to pay the author for his intellectual property. Edited to add: I do love that I can buy prepaid cards for the Sony bookstore. That's a great way to budget. If I'm out of prepaid credits, I wait to buy the book. Unless, of course, it's a new Dean Koontz. Then it goes on the backup credit card, but that IS an emergency!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Software to batch update PDF metadata/ substitute software for Sony eBook library	ksri99	Sony Reader	6	05-20-2012 01:53 PM
iPad IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A SOFTWARE IN IPAD WITHOUT GETTING IT FROM APPLE STORE?	aless	Apple Devices	22	06-26-2010 01:17 PM
Sony Store software	Treven	Sony Reader	5	04-04-2010 04:19 AM
New Sony Store software, returning library ebooks - problem	BookishMom	Sony Reader	3	08-28-2009 11:48 PM
I can log on to Sony Store, but I can't access the Store	Dr. Drib	Sony Reader	3	04-11-2009 09:05 AM

04-09-2009, 12:34 PM	#1
ficbot Wizard Posts: 2,409 Karma: 4132096 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: Kindle Paperwhite/iOS Kindle App	Have you used the Sony software/store, or not? I have a Sony 505 and have never even looked at the Sony cd. I have a Mac, so it would not work for me, and I don't like buying formats which are tied to a specific device or brand. I have been buying from Fictionwise and reading freebies. I am curious if my situation is a common one and there are a ton of Sony Reader owners out there who are using their readers without making use of the Sony software and store

04-09-2009, 12:40 PM	#2
kwjones Groupie Posts: 178 Karma: 1546 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Rising Sun, MD Device: Sony PRS-505; Motorola Droid	I've used the Sony Store to download freebies and created a wishlist of books I'd like to buy, but as of yet I have not purchased anything from them.

04-09-2009, 12:41 PM	#3
lilac_jive Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,870 Karma: 27376 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Device: PRS-505	I only use the Sony software, as it does exactly what I need it to do. I primarily buy from Sony, but have previously picked up books here and at Fictionwise (multiformat only).

04-09-2009, 12:48 PM	#5
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	You're not alone, ficbot. In the year that I had my PRS-500, I never looked at the Sony eBook store once. I did, however - and still do - use the software, because it contains an excellent Reader "emulator" which is extremely handy when one is creating books.

04-09-2009, 12:51 PM	#6
ReD Enthusiast Posts: 44 Karma: 5752 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: BC, Canada Device: Sony PRS-700, PRS-300, PRS-T1, Kobo Arc	I use the Sony software to manage all of my books and have bought a few books from the Sony store. Ever since I figured out how to strip DRM though, I've been buying quite a bit from fictionwise. I rather like the Sony software, it's very simple and straightforward.

04-09-2009, 01:14 PM	#8
wodin Illiterate Posts: 10,279 Karma: 37848716 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: The Sandwich Isles Device: Samsung Galaxy S10+, Microsoft Surface Pro	I got my PRS 505 from Borders a few weeks ago, and immediately bought one book from Sony. Then I discovered that I couldn’t read it on my Windows Mobile phone. I like to have the comfort of eInk while at home but the convenience of the portability of my phone while out and about. I obsessively searched for a work around, and discovered that I could De-DRM MobiPocket files with MobiDeDRM.py , then convert them to LRF or ePub with Calibre and read them on the Sony. Even though it’s a little more hassle, I’ll not be buying any more LRX books from Sony or anyone else. As far as I’m concerned, Sony has shot itself in the foot with its greedy proprietary format. The same would be true for Amazon had I opted for a Kindle. Now if there was only a way to keep my Sony and my phone synchronized all would be wonderful. Ah, I guess I can’t have everything!

04-09-2009, 01:38 PM	#10
BookishDreamer Cultural Artist Posts: 1,128 Karma: 12829 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Georgia Device: Sony 505, Kindle 2	I use the software and buy books from Sony but it is a rare occurrence. I bought a couple of books soon after getting my Reader, but since then I've primarily stuck to freebies or downloads from MR, manybooks, or feedbooks. Dreamer

04-09-2009, 01:41 PM	#11
toomanybooks Addict Posts: 302 Karma: 1039424 Join Date: Apr 2009 Device: Ipad, Ipod Touch, KIndle Fire	I just bought mine last month and didn't even bother to open the cd. I am only interested in free public domain books. I also don't trust any big companies and refuse to digitally register my ereader with Big Brother.

04-09-2009, 02:21 PM	#12
HistoryWes Teacher/Novelist Posts: 632 Karma: 2274466 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Nevada Device: Nook STR, iPad	Sony is my #1 source for purchased ebooks. Fictionwise is #2, but I'm still getting most of mine free here and at Manybooks etc. Sony's prices compare favorably, at least on the books I buy, though I've seen some high prices on others on the main menu. They also have gift cards, which I'm encouraging my ebook illiterate friends and relatives to buy me.

04-09-2009, 02:45 PM	#15
kelly1010 Book Addict! Posts: 533 Karma: 1070 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: CA Device: Sony PRS-505, iPod Touch, Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi	I have bought 2 books from sony and 5 books from BooksOnBoard. I am satisfied with both websites, and will continue to shop at both. I tried to learn how to convert/strip DRM, but It was frustratingly complicated so I gave up. Luckily I read alot of Fiction Bestseller type books as well as romance, and all the websites I've seen have an abundance of these genres. I also get books from my library and I have downloaded a couple free books. I like the idea of the prepaid cards!! I will have to check that out. Thanks for sharing that tip.

Advert

Advert