preferring 505 over Kindle, what else should I consider?

tlc · 02-13-2009, 02:10 PM

Between the Sony's and the Kindle, I strongly prefer the 505. What other readers should I be considering? (And why?)

I prefer something that supports a variety of free formats. I'll buy DRM formats too if they can be 'cracked' and moved to another device someday. I don't want to be locked into a device or format or vendor. (Given this, which online e-book stores should I look at.)

I prefer something that will work with different OSes. MAC and Linux support are a must. (Calibre, right?)

Reading newspapers and blogs would be nice. (Calibre)

Textbooks aren't important.

I mostly read in bed, but I don't see lack of a light as a big issue considering the battery trade off. I use a booklight with paper books, so I can with the reader too.

I really like physical books. I wouldn't be considering a reader if we weren't going on a 2 month trip soon. I may sell the reader after the trip.

Other than turns/charge and font selections, I don't know what features I should be looking for. Do they all handle searching and bookmarks?

What other readers should I consider? Why?

Thanks!
tlc

daffy4u · 02-13-2009, 02:58 PM

You might want to take a look at our E-book Reader Matrix for feature comparisons.

=X= · 02-13-2009, 04:00 PM

I have a 505. Its a great device. I would recommend it.
A neg. Based on your req is it is windows only. The kindle is pc liberated.
If you mostly read at night you might want to consider the EBook Wise 1150. Its back lit and last 15 hour on one charge.
I bought it for my daughter who loves it.

lilac_jive · 02-13-2009, 04:04 PM

505 doesn't have searching, but has bookmarks (and so does the kindle). I think though, if you get the 505 and use Calibre you should be happy with the 505. I think if you use it for two months you might have a hard time giving it up

If you get it, make sure you grab a PSP charger before you go, if you don't have computer access. It's cheaper than the AC adapter for the Reader and works perfectly. I'd recommend a booklight, but it sounds like you have one already.

Elsi · 02-13-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc

Between the Sony's and the Kindle, I strongly prefer the 505. What other readers should I be considering? (And why?)

I own both. My preferred reader is the Kindle, but the Sony is an excellent device.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc

I prefer something that supports a variety of free formats. I'll buy DRM formats too if they can be 'cracked' and moved to another device someday. I don't want to be locked into a device or format or vendor. (Given this, which online e-book stores should I look at.)

Errr... Neither of the DRM formats supported by the Sony have been cracked -- well, at least I've never seen the programs for them. Whereas the basic MobiPocket DRM used on the Kindle is easily removed. Some Kindle books come in the newer Topaz format that doesn't appear to have been cracked, but that's not widely used yet.

The two bookstores selling books without DRM are Fictionwise (look for their "mutiformat books") and Baen/Webscriptions. For all the other books, if you want a DRM that can be removed, you'll buy MobiPocket or LIT format and then shift the book to a format understood by Sony or Kindle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc

I prefer something that will work with different OSes. MAC and Linux support are a must. (Calibre, right?)

Calibre supports both the Sony and Kindle. If you want to buy books for the Sony from the Sony store, you have to run their software on a Windows OS or emulated Windows. If you're in the USA, you can put books onto the Kindle without a computer at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc

Reading newspapers and blogs would be nice. (Calibre)

Calibre supports both Sony and Kindle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc

Textbooks aren't important.

Then either device should work fine for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc

I mostly read in bed, but I don't see lack of a light as a big issue considering the battery trade off. I use a booklight with paper books, so I can with the reader too.

Though the lighted cover for the Sony is a really nice way to read with very little impact on a bedmate or roommate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc

I really like physical books. I wouldn't be considering a reader if we weren't going on a 2 month trip soon. I may sell the reader after the trip.

It's easy to get hooked on these things. They are sweet devices. But if you really don't think you'll keep a reader, then going for the least expensive one will probably be enough for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc

Other than turns/charge and font selections, I don't know what features I should be looking for. Do they all handle searching and bookmarks?

I don't think the Sony supports searches. Certainly the 505 doesn't support highlighting or notes/comments. Those were additions to the 700. I use the highlighting and notes functions much more than the search -- and all my reading on the electronic devices is recreational reading.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc

What other readers should I consider? Why?

Well, the Cybook is a good choice. Many of the same characteristics as the Kindle except for the Amazon store and the wireless feature. Also supports PDF like the Sony. The Hanlin/BeBook seems to have support for the largest number of file formats. The Wiki here at MobileRead has excellent information on various models of readers.

Gideon · 02-13-2009, 05:10 PM

Big point - book selection.

Amazon has over 200,000 books (some of those, of course, being dupes. But the same dupes that are dupes everywhere and free all over.)

Plus the magazines, newspapers, etc. that come to your device and look great without having to do it by hand or only getting a paragraph.

But mainly - content. There's just a LOT more (and growing quickly) content for the Kindle than anything else. So if you're into that sort of thing, I believe it's a big decision maker.

Personally, I think the Sony 505 is a much nicer "device" but as for books (and especially the search, dictionary, and annotate features) the Kindle wins.

bwaldron · 02-13-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gideon

But mainly - content. There's just a LOT more (and growing quickly) content for the Kindle than anything else. So if you're into that sort of thing, I believe it's a big decision maker

Not really true. Though there are some exclusives, the majority of Kindle content is also available in Mobipocket for The Cybook (and other Mobi readers). Newer books are generally less expensive via the Kindle store, though -- so if one reads a lot of "best seller" material, the Kindle may be the wisest choice for that reason alone.

Alisa · 02-13-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwaldron

Not really true. Though there are some exclusives, the majority of Kindle content is also available in Mobipocket for The Cybook (and other Mobi readers). Newer books are generally less expensive via the Kindle store, though -- so if one reads a lot of "best seller" material, the Kindle may be the wisest choice for that reason alone.

Sony does have one content advantage over Kindle: Public Library books. There are a lot more books in my public library in ADE format than there are in Mobipocket. The selection at my library isn't quite enough to make buying a 505 worthwhile since I'm sure I'd miss the dictionary and search functions quite a bit, but if you have a lot of titles available that you want at the library, it could be a factor worth looking at.

bwaldron · 02-13-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alisa

Sony does have one content advantage over Kindle: Public Library books.

Good point; I hadn't considered that angle.

slayda · 02-13-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alisa

Sony does have one content advantage over Kindle: Public Library books. There are a lot more books in my public library in ADE format than there are in Mobipocket. The selection at my library isn't quite enough to make buying a 505 worthwhile since I'm sure I'd miss the dictionary and search functions quite a bit, but if you have a lot of titles available that you want at the library, it could be a factor worth looking at.

Of course the Cybook Gen3 & the Hanlin V3 family (BeBook & EZ Reader) also have this advantage. Personally I prefer it to either Sony or Cybook. IMO it's better hardware although Cybook may have better software unless you like the openness of OpenInkPot for the Hanlins which I very much do.

pilotbob · 02-14-2009, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slayda

Of course the Cybook Gen3 & the Hanlin V3 family (BeBook & EZ Reader) also have this advantage.

Really, they can read Adobe Protected ePub/PDF now?

BOb

HarryT · 02-14-2009, 02:54 PM

I think slayda means that they can read library books - in Mobi format.

Gideon · 02-14-2009, 03:30 PM

That assumes your public library has ebooks available.

Mine sure doesn't!

Also... I don't know about "most" those books. I just took the last 9 books I bought at Amazon (only two of which being "new best seller" types).

2 were available in Mobipocket format (at least at mobipocket.com, didn't check further.)

Both of which I paid 9.99 for. At Mobi one of them was $25.00 and the other was $28.00.

If I were you I'd look for books you like (as examples of the sort of things you buy) and look in the various ebook stores for similar titles. See what happens.

But at prices like that (not terribly uncommon in the ebook world not at Amazon for non-pulp titles) if you buy 10 books a year that's $150 bucks right there you're spending over the Kindle.

The biggest reason I took my Sony back was those facts there. What I wanted Sony didn't have and what I did was SO much more expensive in other places that it wasn't practical.

AbFabGab · 02-14-2009, 05:17 PM

Check out the links:
https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/EBook_Lending_Libraries

https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/E-book_stores

https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Free_eBooks

See which format is common in what you want to read.

HTH : )

Andybaby · 02-14-2009, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc

Between the Sony's and the Kindle, I strongly prefer the 505. What other readers should I be considering? (And why?)

I prefer something that supports a variety of free formats. I'll buy DRM formats too if they can be 'cracked' and moved to another device someday. I don't want to be locked into a device or format or vendor. (Given this, which online e-book stores should I look at.)

I prefer something that will work with different OSes. MAC and Linux support are a must. (Calibre, right?)

Reading newspapers and blogs would be nice. (Calibre)

the kindle is better in all those repects to tell you the truth.

kindles only downfall is its form factor, its 1 inch longer (k2 is 1.5 inches longer) and 1 CM wider than the sony PRS 505.

02-13-2009, 02:10 PM	#1
tlc Zealot Posts: 140 Karma: 50288 Join Date: Feb 2009 Device: KK 3G, iPad	preferring 505 over Kindle, what else should I consider? Between the Sony's and the Kindle, I strongly prefer the 505. What other readers should I be considering? (And why?) I prefer something that supports a variety of free formats. I'll buy DRM formats too if they can be 'cracked' and moved to another device someday. I don't want to be locked into a device or format or vendor. (Given this, which online e-book stores should I look at.) I prefer something that will work with different OSes. MAC and Linux support are a must. (Calibre, right?) Reading newspapers and blogs would be nice. (Calibre) Textbooks aren't important. I mostly read in bed, but I don't see lack of a light as a big issue considering the battery trade off. I use a booklight with paper books, so I can with the reader too. I really like physical books. I wouldn't be considering a reader if we weren't going on a 2 month trip soon. I may sell the reader after the trip. Other than turns/charge and font selections, I don't know what features I should be looking for. Do they all handle searching and bookmarks? What other readers should I consider? Why? Thanks! tlc

02-13-2009, 04:00 PM	#3
=X= Wizard Posts: 3,671 Karma: 12205348 Join Date: Mar 2008 Device: Galaxy S, Nook w/CM7	I have a 505. Its a great device. I would recommend it. A neg. Based on your req is it is windows only. The kindle is pc liberated. If you mostly read at night you might want to consider the EBook Wise 1150. Its back lit and last 15 hour on one charge. I bought it for my daughter who loves it. Last edited by =X=; 02-13-2009 at 04:03 PM.

02-14-2009, 03:30 PM	#13
Gideon Wearer of Pants Posts: 1,050 Karma: 7634 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Norman, OK Device: Amazon Kindle DX / iPhone	That assumes your public library has ebooks available. Mine sure doesn't! Also... I don't know about "most" those books. I just took the last 9 books I bought at Amazon (only two of which being "new best seller" types). 2 were available in Mobipocket format (at least at mobipocket.com, didn't check further.) Both of which I paid 9.99 for. At Mobi one of them was $25.00 and the other was $28.00. If I were you I'd look for books you like (as examples of the sort of things you buy) and look in the various ebook stores for similar titles. See what happens. But at prices like that (not terribly uncommon in the ebook world not at Amazon for non-pulp titles) if you buy 10 books a year that's $150 bucks right there you're spending over the Kindle. The biggest reason I took my Sony back was those facts there. What I wanted Sony didn't have and what I did was SO much more expensive in other places that it wasn't practical. Last edited by Gideon; 02-14-2009 at 03:35 PM.

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02-13-2009, 02:58 PM	#2
daffy4u I'm Super Kindle-icious Posts: 6,734 Karma: 2434103 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Drive, Calinadia Candafornia Device: KDXG, KT, Oasis	You might want to take a look at our E-book Reader Matrix for feature comparisons.

02-13-2009, 04:04 PM	#4
lilac_jive Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,870 Karma: 27376 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Device: PRS-505	505 doesn't have searching, but has bookmarks (and so does the kindle). I think though, if you get the 505 and use Calibre you should be happy with the 505. I think if you use it for two months you might have a hard time giving it up If you get it, make sure you grab a PSP charger before you go, if you don't have computer access. It's cheaper than the AC adapter for the Reader and works perfectly. I'd recommend a booklight, but it sounds like you have one already.

02-13-2009, 05:10 PM	#6
Gideon Wearer of Pants Posts: 1,050 Karma: 7634 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Norman, OK Device: Amazon Kindle DX / iPhone	Big point - book selection. Amazon has over 200,000 books (some of those, of course, being dupes. But the same dupes that are dupes everywhere and free all over.) Plus the magazines, newspapers, etc. that come to your device and look great without having to do it by hand or only getting a paragraph. But mainly - content. There's just a LOT more (and growing quickly) content for the Kindle than anything else. So if you're into that sort of thing, I believe it's a big decision maker. Personally, I think the Sony 505 is a much nicer "device" but as for books (and especially the search, dictionary, and annotate features) the Kindle wins.

02-14-2009, 02:54 PM	#12
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I think slayda means that they can read library books - in Mobi format.

02-14-2009, 05:17 PM	#14
AbFabGab Gadget-Luster Posts: 330 Karma: 2157280 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NY - USA Device: Kindle Paperwhite, Samsung Galaxy Tab S2	Check out the links: https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/EBook_Lending_Libraries https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/E-book_stores https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Free_eBooks See which format is common in what you want to read. HTH : )

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