Is the PRS-505 still considered the best Sony Reader model released so far?

[megacoupe]

I've gotten years of use out of my PRS-500 but it seems to be fading a little bit. I checked out the Nook at my local B&N and found it was much less cool in person than it seemed on the internet. Kinda sluggish, didn't like the interface, etc. Don't really care for the Kindle models. iPad is not an eBook reader, in my opinion (though it could be awesome for comic books). So, I'm thinking it's very likely I'll be getting another Sony.

How do the newer models (the 300, 600 and 900) compare to the 505? I've heard of glare issues with the touchscreen models, which is a dealbreaker for me; clarity and contrast is the most important feature to me. Here are my required features in an electronic reader, in descending order of importance:

1. Quality/readability of the screen
2. Battery life
3. Ease of transferring files through a computer (the 500 is slightly limited in this area because it doesn't show up as an external drive)
4. Common formats accepted (I know Calibre takes care of this for the most part, but better PDF support would be nice)

Any other features (like dictionary, annotations, wireless connection) are nice, but far from necessary. Do any of the new Sony models beat the 505 on any of these 4 points? If not, where's the best place I can find a new 505? (Is eBay the only option?)

And if anyone can think of a non-Sony reader that scores well on the above 4 points, please let me know.

[Scott_T]

Originally Posted by megacoupe

3. Ease of transferring files through a computer (the 500 is slightly limited in this area because it doesn't show up as an external drive)

It does with the epub update

[Gatecra5her]

The PRS 600 screen glare is a major problem for me, having owned one. If you're sitting with a window facing it you can pretty much just see your face staring back at you...whereas if you're sitting with a window behind you all you can see is the glare from the window. I've since bought a PRS505 and it is unbelievably better for reading. The difference is like night and day for me.


-Mark

[kennyc]

I still think the 505 is the best, but it does not have a dictionary or annotation capability...

[GraceKrispy]

In the (admittedly limited) research Iʻve done (mostly on this board and a little off this board), I still think the 505 is the best! Does that count?

[SomeThingWickd]

For the e-ink readers...the PRS-505 is the best hands down...mind you, it may not be as fast, sexy, or flashy as the newer models, but I get 10-14 days of reading on 1 full charge, and no screen glare..not to mention it has worked flawlessly with Calibre since day one...(I upgraded from the 500 right after release and I never looked back!)

I have played with the idea of moving to the 600 or 900...but...I could not justify the extra expense for something that wasn't broke, or obsolete technology (as far as reading an ebook was concerned..)

Having said that....I unboxed my iPad at noon today...(Happy Birthday to ME) and am VERY impressed so far...Using the iBooks, with my vast collection converted to epub via Calibre... transfer via iTunes......(Happy Hamster Dance...)

If it would last 2 weeks on a charge like my Sony would...this thing would displace my 505.....

We shall see....

[Elfwreck]

The Astak Pocket Pro & EZReader have the same screen type as the PRS-505, a faster processer, more filetypes, and the same ease of file transferal, plus innate folder support. (I'm told I could hack my PRS-505 to get folder support; I'm a bit scared to try.)

When I look to replace my 505, I'm looking at a Pocket Pro because I want the smaller screen size, but the newer EZReaders (Mentor, I think) have the same processor as the PEZ with the 6" screen.

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by Elfwreck

(I'm told I could hack my PRS-505 to get folder support; I'm a bit scared to try.)

Don't be scared, PRS+ is simple to install. Extract PRS+ to a SDcard. Pop the SD card in the 505. Select language. Once it finishes, while it reboots, remove the SD card. All done enjoy.

Because of PRS+ I think the 505 is still one of the best ereaders out there for recreational novel reading. If my goal was to read technical PDFs I would look elsewhere.

[HarryT]

Take a look at the BeBook Neo / Onyx Boox 60 (the same machine). Best 6" device on the market, in my view. It has a Wacom touch screen, hence no impact on image clarity.

[davers]

Everyone knows the 505 is the best...and the blue one is the best of the best!


Dave

[tyche]

I have the PRS-505 with PRS+ installed (really simple to do and worth it!) and I still love this little thing. One of the best items I've ever bought and I hope it never dies. I'm glad the screen type still lives on. Does that 6" EZ Reader support justification in epubs? That's the only thing holding me back from adopting that file format and sticking with lrf.

I've twice went to look at the 600 because of the extra features but I've always left disappointed. The cost is too much and when it comes down to it readability is my #1 factor in a device.

[banjomike]

The 505 is the best. The RED one is even better.

Never tried PRS+ although maybe after the 505 warranty ends...

[kennyc]

Never tried the red pill....silver is the light and the glory!

[Worldwalker]

It's probably significant that 505s can go for more than list price on eBay.

The little one is too small. I don't want a touch screen. The big one is too big. If my 505 dies, I'm going to have to buy a non-Sony reader if I want a new one.

What was going through Sony's tiny little minds, anyway, when they decided to discontinue the best product in the line? In my dreams, they'll come out with the 510, with more internal memory, the PRS+ enhancements built in, and some respect for the author_sort field.

[Robert Minneman]

I have the 505 (silver), I've had my hands on other eReaders but still feel the 505 is the best of all I've compared.