650 - Anymore glare issues? battery life?

[MerLock]

I'm considering getting the 650 and was wondering if the issue with glare/reflection still exist as with previous touch models from Sony? I'm guessing it doesn't since the touch layer is gone and is replaced by some infared censors around the edge of the screen.

I'm very interested to hear if their is any problems with reflection on the new screen. Seeing myself while I'm reading would be a BIG distraction!

Also, how does the battery life compared to older models? Does the infared censors increase the need for repeated charging? Are they constantly drawing power?

I've also read that some people have had success using a micro-usb wall charger to charge the 650. Is their voltage limits to these micro-usb chargers or do they all provide the same voltage? If there is a voltage limitation, does anyone know what the correct voltage would be?

[slantybard]

Glare is exactly the same as the glare of the 505.

Battery life is great as far as I can tell, but I haven't had it long enough to run out.

I use a micro-usb wall charger that came with my LG phone that is rated at 5.1V. I believe that the 650 is technically 5.2V rated.

[StanByk]

The screen is great. It has non of the glare/reflection issues that the PRS600 and PRS700 had. As you mentioned yourself it doesn't use the extra layer.
Also, in comparison to my 505 the the screen has a lot more contrast. The font is a lot darker than on my 505.

Don't know about the USB charges, but would like to know the answer myself.

[elcreative]

USB chargers/sockets are supposed to provide 5v ±5% = 4.75-5.25v and this is a standard... if the voltage is not in this range then it isn't in the USB spec. From many reports around here, it seems as tho' there is considerable variance in actual USB PSUs working. Check what others and try out any you've got. they'll either work or not but if genuine USB PSU then even if not working, they can't do any damage...

Originally Posted by MerLock

I've also read that some people have had success using a micro-usb wall charger to charge the 650. Is their voltage limits to these micro-usb chargers or do they all provide the same voltage? If there is a voltage limitation, does anyone know what the correct voltage would be?

[AlbertaCowboy]

Battery life seems to be on par with the 505. I haven't had my 650 plugged in since Saturday, and after 4 days and ~900 page flips + screwing around with the notes and handwriting I'm down to 3 of 4 bars.

[simplyparticular]

I've got a 350, whic I've read on for close to 10 hours and the batttery still shows as full. I'd have my Nook plugged in by now. I have plugged the 350 into my computer briefly to try out new fonts, so that probably topped it off some.

[MerLock]

Thanks for all the answers. I'm glad to hear that the touch screen hasn't put a big strain on the battery.

[induna]

Just a little more data -- I just charged my 350 after 9 days. The battery indicator had just gone to 1 bar. Since it is new, I was playing with it a lot instead of just reading. So, two weeks is probably not out of the question if your simply reading.

[khalleron]

How is the build? Is it aluminum like the 505 and 600, or is it, as I've heard, merely aluminized plastic?

I was showing off my 505 in the airport - one guy had an iPad and one had a nook, and the poor guy's nook was already falling apart while my old 505 still looks nearly new, even after having been dropped several times.

I don't think I want a plastic ereader - I'm thinking of upgrading to the 650 as I would like a better screen than the 505, but I'm willing to pay for quality.

[Avwriter]

Originally Posted by khalleron

How is the build? Is it aluminum like the 505 and 600, or is it, as I've heard, merely aluminized plastic?

I was showing off my 505 in the airport - one guy had an iPad and one had a nook, and the poor guy's nook was already falling apart while my old 505 still looks nearly new, even after having been dropped several times.

I don't think I want a plastic ereader - I'm thinking of upgrading to the 650 as I would like a better screen than the 505, but I'm willing to pay for quality.

The build of my 350 is not quite a nice as the 505 or the 600, but the case is still aluminum, though there is some plastic in places. I just have a sense that the layer of metal is thinner than before, and the stylus is all plastic, where the 600 had a heavy metal stylus. Nevertheless, I do not feel that it is any more delicate, just lighter weight, which makes it easier to hold. My battery lasted for ten days of heavy reading ( I used it to the point where the "low battery" warning came on). Overall, I feel that the new models are a huge improvement from before.

[mrdee0]

Mine arrived today and is a lot less glary than previous model. Im quite impressed with page turns too-very fast.

[igorsk]

I've disassembled my 650. The front part and spine is thin (~1mm) stamped steel. The back cover is rubberized plastic. The inner frame is thick cast iron, to which almost everything else is fastened with screws.

[khalleron]

Originally Posted by igorsk

I've disassembled my 650. The front part and spine is thin (~1mm) stamped steel. The back cover is rubberized plastic. The inner frame is thick cast iron, to which almost everything else is fastened with screws.

Thanks for the info, igorsk.

So, while probably not as sturdy as the 505 or 600, would you say that it's still sturdier than anything else on the market currently?

I may go ahead and get one for myself for my birthday, while keeping my 505 as backup in case of accidents.

[jaxx6166]

I think so. I accidentally dropped my 350 on the asphalt into a puddle during the rain today. No issues. The only terror I had was when I took it out and saw that the stylus had popped out. But it fit back in, and there was nary a scratch or hiccup.

I had to drop my 505 about 20x before I cracked my first substrate, so I don't feel all that terrified about bringing it with me. The 350's also been in my gear bag and probably thrown around and squished at least half a dozen times this week.

[induna]

Originally Posted by igorsk

I've disassembled my 650. The front part and spine is thin (~1mm) stamped steel. The back cover is rubberized plastic. The inner frame is thick cast iron, to which almost everything else is fastened with screws.

Igorsk,

Are you planning to post pictures of the disassemble as you have in the past? I, for one, would be very interested is seeing them if you have the time and inclination to do so.