If you could change some things on the 505, what would it be?

ProDigit · 10-17-2008, 06:21 PM

Imagine tomorrow a Sony engineer would come to you, and ask you this question.

"If you could change one or two things on the PRS-505, what would it be?"

What would you answer? Some new feat? Some new software?

Ofcourse we all want a bigger screen or higher resolution. so appart from that.

ZenEngineer · 10-17-2008, 06:39 PM

Some things I wish my 505 had:

1) All of the book titles to be the same size type. I have heard that there is a hack for this, but an official update would be better.
2) A symbol indicating type of file. If the file is on an SD card then there is a little SD symbol near each title, but I have several hundred files in .lrf, .rtf, .txt, and .pdf. It would be nice to have that info listed in the title.
3) A well designed hard case that protects the screen but folds away as nice as the original cover.
4) Plugs to cover the USB, power, and phono jacks. Over time dust, lint and stuff tend to collect there. I've already vacuumed (gently) them once in the last six months.

The usual wish list also applies; faster, sharper, more capability, more file formats, front light, bigger screen, indestructible, etc.

mgrunk · 10-17-2008, 06:49 PM

I have hundreds of books - can't remember what they are about - so I have to open each one - calibre lets me put notes - but they are not transferred over to the book reader. I would love to put the fictionwise blurb on each book and have it accessible from the reader.

JanetCinNC · 10-17-2008, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProDigit

Ofcourse we all want a bigger screen or higher resolution. so appart from that.

Not all of us want a bigger screen. I like the size now because it is easy to carry with me everywhere I go.

To make mine perfect, I'd just like the audio crap taken out so I didn't have to pay for something I will NEVER use and I'd prefer a different method of attaching the case to the reader. That giant "snap" on the back of the 500 was a pain if you changed cases, but you didn't have to worry that sucker was going to snap off.

Of course, I could live with it as it is if I only had a red one....

MickeyC · 10-17-2008, 07:01 PM

I'd like wireless.

Also would like to be able to display the time.

More formats!!

DDHarriman · 10-17-2008, 07:19 PM

I do not have a 505, but:

1 - ability to load the fonts one wants and at least 6 sizes, and option to bold the text (this diminishes the need for a external artificial light);
2 - option for one to choose text reflow on Pdf’s or zooming and panning when reading this format (sort of what is now and what was before in one machine).

Falbe Publishing · 10-17-2008, 07:24 PM

I would like the right-side page turning buttons moved higher up. They are placed a little low for me. This might not be the case for other users, but this would enhance my comfort. Those buttons just don't seem to be in the right place for me.

I'll also add that I have no desire for a larger screen either. Works fine for me, and I like how the whole thing is small and slim.

A touchscreen would be nice too, but I see that the 700 model has that.

Valloric · 10-17-2008, 08:35 PM

GOD DAMN FOLDERS!

Amalthia · 10-17-2008, 08:52 PM

I'd like to be able to house over 2000 books on it without it taking 30 minutes to load every time I add new titles to my ebook device.

MarciaCat · 10-17-2008, 09:09 PM

I echo the call for folders so I can have one single Star Trek collection with folders for each series rather than a half dozen collections. I would also like a protective hard case to carry it in.

JeffElkins · 10-17-2008, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZenEngineer

Some things I wish my 505 had:

1) All of the book titles to be the same size type. I have heard that there is a hack for this, but an official update would be better..

Check out PRSCustomizer

Xenophon · 10-17-2008, 10:50 PM

My desires come in three distinct areas:

For the display itself, I want higher contrast and MUCH higher pixel density. 4x improvement in dot pitch would be lovely (from ~180 DPI to ~720 DPI). I'm far less concerned about number of gray-scale levels, and don't give a darn about color. Of course, this is really out of Sony's hands; they depend on the various e-Paper companies for the screens themselves.

For the device, I want drastically improved physical ergonomics. Heck, I'd be happy with the button layout of the REB-1100 along with its ability to choose which of the four edges is the top of the screen (thus supporting both left and right-handed use in both portrait and landscape mode). The REB-1100 was too heavy and too thick, but Sony doesn't seem to have a problem in that area -- just in button placement, size, and function. Rumor has it that the new 700 has improvements in this area. If so, I'll probably buy one.

For the software, my primary desire is for usable support for large numbers of books. There's absolutely no excuse for the fact that it takes minutes to find and identify a few hundred books -- Calibre does it way faster, even with super-slow USB-1.1 sitting between it and the reader... And less excuse than that for the HALF HOUR(!!) it takes when I have 1500 or so books on an SD card (note: these are PRS-500 times, but I hear tell that the 505 ain't much better). And I won't even start on the totally lame FLAT LIST of books, with no support for any kind of hierarchy other than collections. A rather more minor issue would be official support for user-installable fonts. Especially if it understood font families correctly so as to use real italics and boldface instead of lamely-synthesized versions. It would be nice to be able to choose my own font.

Xenophon

jakeluck · 10-17-2008, 10:54 PM

wireless transfer -
bluetooth or wifi, so one can transfer simple articles without
having to connect vis USB and run the Connect software.

printer driver -
have the reader show up as a USB printer, so people can print to it.

ProDigit · 10-18-2008, 01:31 AM

I personally find the screen size ok as well,but could handle a little higher resolution (likes of 720x1024),formore comfortable reading of .pdf files and A4 manga/comic books.
I'd also like a touch screen on top of what's already here, just as long as this doesn't affect the battery life too much.

Folders make sense. Once you get above 30 books, searching for them becomes difficult.
Processing time should also become quicker,and would be nice to see some of it done in the background the moment files get uploaded.

I agree with JanetCin NC that the audio is utterly useless. Either Sony makes this an extended MP3 device (DAP) with the space (4-8GB internal)to host audiofiles (preferably mp3/wma/ogg and flac), and adds feats like EQ,wake time, internal speaker to it, or completely removes the audio section. No need to have a TV remote control being able to playback MP3 files neither...

about formats, doc and ppt (PowerPoint) would be nice.

My own idea: I'd like there to be some games,like Sudoku, Mahjong, mine sweeper, Solitaire, OXO, 4-in-a-row,and even chess!
These are extremely enjoyable with a touchscreen!

Ervserver · 10-18-2008, 01:40 AM

Wireless connection to my computer

10-17-2008, 06:21 PM	#1
ProDigit Karmaniac Posts: 2,553 Karma: 11499146 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Miami FL Device: PRS-505, Jetbook, + Mini, +Color, Astak Ez Reader Pro, PPW1, Aura H2O	If you could change some things on the 505, what would it be? Imagine tomorrow a Sony engineer would come to you, and ask you this question. "If you could change one or two things on the PRS-505, what would it be?" What would you answer? Some new feat? Some new software? Ofcourse we all want a bigger screen or higher resolution. so appart from that.

10-17-2008, 06:49 PM	#3
mgrunk Zealot Posts: 130 Karma: 96 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: metro Atlanta, GA Device: Sony Reader PRS-505	book descriptions I have hundreds of books - can't remember what they are about - so I have to open each one - calibre lets me put notes - but they are not transferred over to the book reader. I would love to put the fictionwise blurb on each book and have it accessible from the reader.

10-17-2008, 07:19 PM	#6
DDHarriman Guru Posts: 860 Karma: 4380 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Almada, Portugal Device: Cybook Gen3, Sony PRS 505, Kindle DXG and Samsung Galaxy Note	I do not have a 505, but: 1 - ability to load the fonts one wants and at least 6 sizes, and option to bold the text (this diminishes the need for a external artificial light); 2 - option for one to choose text reflow on Pdf’s or zooming and panning when reading this format (sort of what is now and what was before in one machine). Last edited by DDHarriman; 10-17-2008 at 08:16 PM.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
PRS 505 Battery Change	two wheels	Sony Reader	3	02-08-2010 04:48 AM
Battery change PRS-505 UK	astra	Sony Reader	11	11-20-2009 04:32 AM
Button-Change on the 505	bookbinder	Sony Reader Dev Corner	3	03-28-2008 08:28 AM
confound this new-fangled technology ! (or : the more things change...)	zelda_pinwheel	Lounge	2	02-21-2008 08:06 PM
Ok, now the best things about the 505	Rocketime	Sony Reader	22	10-14-2007 10:41 PM

10-17-2008, 06:39 PM	#2
ZenEngineer Connoisseur Posts: 65 Karma: 92 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Device: Sony PRS-505	Some things I wish my 505 had: 1) All of the book titles to be the same size type. I have heard that there is a hack for this, but an official update would be better. 2) A symbol indicating type of file. If the file is on an SD card then there is a little SD symbol near each title, but I have several hundred files in .lrf, .rtf, .txt, and .pdf. It would be nice to have that info listed in the title. 3) A well designed hard case that protects the screen but folds away as nice as the original cover. 4) Plugs to cover the USB, power, and phono jacks. Over time dust, lint and stuff tend to collect there. I've already vacuumed (gently) them once in the last six months. The usual wish list also applies; faster, sharper, more capability, more file formats, front light, bigger screen, indestructible, etc.

10-17-2008, 07:01 PM	#5
MickeyC Grand Sorcerer Posts: 16,732 Karma: 12185114 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Florida Device: iPhone 6 plus, Sony T1, iPad 3	I'd like wireless. Also would like to be able to display the time. More formats!!

10-17-2008, 07:24 PM	#7
Falbe Publishing Gadget Slave Posts: 264 Karma: 600001 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Battle Creek, Michigan Device: Sony PRS505SC	I would like the right-side page turning buttons moved higher up. They are placed a little low for me. This might not be the case for other users, but this would enhance my comfort. Those buttons just don't seem to be in the right place for me. I'll also add that I have no desire for a larger screen either. Works fine for me, and I like how the whole thing is small and slim. A touchscreen would be nice too, but I see that the 700 model has that.

10-17-2008, 08:35 PM	#8
Valloric Created Sigil, FlightCrew Posts: 1,982 Karma: 350515 Join Date: Feb 2008 Device: Kobo Clara HD	GOD DAMN FOLDERS!

10-17-2008, 08:52 PM	#9
Amalthia Wizard Posts: 1,158 Karma: 32196 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Anchorage, AK Device: Sony Reader PRS-505, PRS-650, PRS-T3, Pocketbook HD2	I'd like to be able to house over 2000 books on it without it taking 30 minutes to load every time I add new titles to my ebook device.

10-17-2008, 09:09 PM	#10
MarciaCat Cat Lady & Trekkie Posts: 421 Karma: 221630 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Device: Kobo Libra, Kobo Aura & Aura H20	I echo the call for folders so I can have one single Star Trek collection with folders for each series rather than a half dozen collections. I would also like a protective hard case to carry it in.

10-17-2008, 10:50 PM	#12
Xenophon curmudgeon Posts: 1,481 Karma: 5748190 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Redwood City, CA USA Device: Kobo Aura HD, (ex)nook, (ex)PRS-700, (ex)PRS-500	My desires come in three distinct areas: For the display itself, I want higher contrast and MUCH higher pixel density. 4x improvement in dot pitch would be lovely (from ~180 DPI to ~720 DPI). I'm far less concerned about number of gray-scale levels, and don't give a darn about color. Of course, this is really out of Sony's hands; they depend on the various e-Paper companies for the screens themselves. For the device, I want drastically improved physical ergonomics. Heck, I'd be happy with the button layout of the REB-1100 along with its ability to choose which of the four edges is the top of the screen (thus supporting both left and right-handed use in both portrait and landscape mode). The REB-1100 was too heavy and too thick, but Sony doesn't seem to have a problem in that area -- just in button placement, size, and function. Rumor has it that the new 700 has improvements in this area. If so, I'll probably buy one. For the software, my primary desire is for usable support for large numbers of books. There's absolutely no excuse for the fact that it takes minutes to find and identify a few hundred books -- Calibre does it way faster, even with super-slow USB-1.1 sitting between it and the reader... And less excuse than that for the HALF HOUR(!!) it takes when I have 1500 or so books on an SD card (note: these are PRS-500 times, but I hear tell that the 505 ain't much better). And I won't even start on the totally lame FLAT LIST of books, with no support for any kind of hierarchy other than collections. A rather more minor issue would be official support for user-installable fonts. Especially if it understood font families correctly so as to use real italics and boldface instead of lamely-synthesized versions. It would be nice to be able to choose my own font. Xenophon

10-17-2008, 10:54 PM	#13
jakeluck Groupie Posts: 193 Karma: 3252 Join Date: Dec 2004	wireless transfer - bluetooth or wifi, so one can transfer simple articles without having to connect vis USB and run the Connect software. printer driver - have the reader show up as a USB printer, so people can print to it.

10-18-2008, 01:31 AM	#14
ProDigit Karmaniac Posts: 2,553 Karma: 11499146 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Miami FL Device: PRS-505, Jetbook, + Mini, +Color, Astak Ez Reader Pro, PPW1, Aura H2O	I personally find the screen size ok as well,but could handle a little higher resolution (likes of 720x1024),formore comfortable reading of .pdf files and A4 manga/comic books. I'd also like a touch screen on top of what's already here, just as long as this doesn't affect the battery life too much. Folders make sense. Once you get above 30 books, searching for them becomes difficult. Processing time should also become quicker,and would be nice to see some of it done in the background the moment files get uploaded. I agree with JanetCin NC that the audio is utterly useless. Either Sony makes this an extended MP3 device (DAP) with the space (4-8GB internal)to host audiofiles (preferably mp3/wma/ogg and flac), and adds feats like EQ,wake time, internal speaker to it, or completely removes the audio section. No need to have a TV remote control being able to playback MP3 files neither... about formats, doc and ppt (PowerPoint) would be nice. My own idea: I'd like there to be some games,like Sudoku, Mahjong, mine sweeper, Solitaire, OXO, 4-in-a-row,and even chess! These are extremely enjoyable with a touchscreen!

10-18-2008, 01:40 AM	#15
Ervserver Wizard Posts: 2,624 Karma: 1008294 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Iowa, USA Device: Nook Simple Touch	Wireless connection to my computer

Advert

Advert