PRS-650 windows 8.1 and reader library

[paperpeople]

Hello...I just bought a windows 8.1 computer(desktop). Now I'm wondering if the Sony Reader Library is compatible? Or is there an update..or??? Am I in trouble? I get most of my books from my local library. HELP!

Thanks, carol

[eschwartz]

The software itself is just as compatible as it ever was. Windows 8 does not break compatibility with old.

But Sony has gone out of business, and I heard somewhere (I think??) that their software may not sign in anymore.

You can use Adobe Digital Editions instead. The help documents for most OverDrive libraries seem to recommend using it anyway unless "you are planning on buying ebooks from the Sony store and/or download free books from Google’s Books".

If your Sony is already authorized, you can download books directly to the ereader as well.

[paperpeople]

Hi, Thanks for the info. I was afraid my reader wasn't going to work anymore. Looks like I need to go to my library and look around.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by paperpeople

Hi, Thanks for the info. I was afraid my reader wasn't going to work anymore. Looks like I need to go to my library and look around.

I don't know what Sony eReader model you have, but I just went to Sony Support, entered the PRS-350 (as a test) and there is Desktop Software (updated 3-27-2014) available for download. There are different downloads for XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 (32 and 64 bit) as well as Mac OS X.

So I would just go to Sony and look for support for whatever model you're using.

I guess that PRS-650 highlighted label threw me off ... Here's the page for PRS-650 downloads ...

http://esupport.sony.com/CA/p/model-...d#/downloadTab

Just go to Drivers & Software and select your version of Windows 8.1 (don't know if you have 64 bit or not).

[carpetmojo]

This may sound rather odd, even quaint, but I have never - to the best of my knowledge ! - updated any of my Sony stable, (including the ones "lifted" from my ownership by my offspring)..........

I'm now using Win 8 (I presume the first version) - and, incidentally, loath it with all my being - and have never had any problems ..........................

Admittedly, I have only ever, apart from my first couple of books, used Calibre and the services of Apprentice Alf, and continue to do so .....
( Umm... and I don't use the public library facility. although yes, I know I should ....)

But here's the thing ..... should I go for a last burst of Sony "improvements" with my PRS'SSSS & T'S before it's too late, just in case I need to be "future-proofed" in some way, or should I (and sprog) simply leave well alone ?

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by carpetmojo

But here's the thing ..... should I go for a last burst of Sony "improvements" with my PRS'SSSS & T'S before it's too late, just in case I need to be "future-proofed" in some way, or should I (and sprog) simply leave well alone ?

If what I had was working (Sony's Desktop doesn't work on Linux) I would just download the upgrade and hold it in reserve. Then, should something go wrong, you could install it if you needed to. I think the one "advantage" of the new software (depending on whether you use the Kobo bookstore or not) is that it connects directly to Kobo, instead of trying to connect to the Reader Store. (At least that's what they say in the documentation, I have no way to personally test it.)

[Coops]

carpetmojo - carry on using calibre and sleep peacefuIly.

I did update my T3 when i received it, but since then the wifi has never been on again. mind you, i started with a Sony 505 and the sony software was so appalling that once i found Calibre i have never bothered with anything else through a 350 ( in blue..... Just lovely)and now the excellent T3.

[carpetmojo]

Originally Posted by Coops

carpetmojo - carry on using calibre and sleep peacefuIly.I did update my T3 when i received it, but since then the wifi has never been on again. mind you, i started with a Sony 505 and the sony software was so appalling that once i found Calibre i have never bothered with anything else through a 350 ( in blue..... Just lovely)and now the excellent T3.

Thanks Coops, I'm inclined to agree, the more I think about it !

And I agree about the T3, a really great piece of kit, lovely to use, and no surprise most people who still like and use their little 350, also love the T3.
To me, it has the same kind of "heft" in the hand, and is just, well, nice to operate - love the buttons, which were a nice "T" gen introduction.
If only they'd brought this out after the x50 generation - and at the same price - we might not be awaiting/expecting the announcement/demise of Sony's dedicated ereader involvement .........

Sad, really, after starting so well !