The Sony PRS700: the Newest Member of the Sony Reader Family

NatCh · 10-02-2008, 07:00 PM

Sony PRS700 – Meet The PRS505’s “Little” Brother

Yes, this is what all the "October 2nd" fuss has been about!

First Things First:

What: Sony PRS700 -- a higher-end model with some fancier features and a sleek new look.
When: “End of October/beginning of November.”
Where: SonyStyle.com, “more than 40 SonyStyle stores nationwide and at authorized retailers across the country.”
How Much: $400.

What about the 505? Sony is saying they’re not replacing the 505, but rather adding a higher-end model to the PRS line. Buyers can go with the 505, or shell out the extra cash if the 700's extras are worth it to them. The 700's specs (what we have of them so far) are pretty close to what the 505’s specs are: same display size, same overall dimensions, same format supports. The differences are mainly in fancier touches.

For example: touch screen control.

The 700 has dispensed with the 0 through 9 buttons in favor of a direct touch screen selection of menu options. It also has text highlighting and annotation, via an on-screen virtual keyboard. That keyboard is also used to support searching within text -- no word yet on whether it will search across texts or not.

Pages can be turned with a finger swipe on the screen -- and the swipe direction is configurable! The 700 will include a stylus for those who have larger fingers, or just hate having fingerprints on the screen. For the old-school types, it still has hardware page change buttons.

Some other nice incidentals include a reportedly much snappier page change speed, bigger page block jumping (i.e. 20 or 30 pages as well as the 10 pages -- the "go to page" feature is still intact, again via the virtual keyboard), but in my view the biggest new feature after the touch screen is easily the built in frontlight.

Let me say that again: Built. In. Frontlight.

Answering the question of how exactly that will play out with the touch screen will have to wait until we get first-hand looks at the device itself, but the picture we have of it already is enough to start me slavering.

Other new features include five font sizes and what seems to be a totally new zoom feature.

There’s still no wireless (they say they’re looking at it for future devices), the battery still isn't user replaceable, and there's no true digital ink capability, it's all handled through virtual keyboard/menu interaction. Sony expects a firmware update at some point in the future to allow exporting text annotations from the device, which could be handy for students. The other noticeable lack is geographic: it's U.S. only for now. The explanation for that had to do with the markedly insular nature of the various Sony divisions (i.e. Sony USA compared to Sony Europe), but I really think they should have worked that out, perhaps they will do so quickly.

But wait! That's not all! Along with this launch, Sony will be launching a new version of their eBook Store. It is supposed to have easier searching and navigation, as well as a "streamlined checkout process." Personally, I'm most hoping they get rid of the frames within frames thing, and make it easier to find things like the wishlist and books already bought. Making purchased books easier to download in bulk would be a nice touch too.

Even as I post this, our pinch-hitter reporter is attending the "Event" and will have first-hand impressions to share with us as soon as he can, so stay tuned!

The press release is here, and the SonyStyle Reader Page should have full specs shortly.

Okay, folks, no shoving now. The line forms right here (yes, yes, that's right: right there behind me

) -- so who's ready to queue up?

RWood · 10-02-2008, 07:02 PM

It looks great!

PsyDocJoanne · 10-02-2008, 07:09 PM

Meh. I'm underwhelmed. Despite just buying the 505, I would have considered upgrading if Sony's new offering really blew the 505 out of the water.

At $100 more than the 505 for touchscreen functionality and some improved features (like search, which is pretty irrelevant to me), and without any wireless connectivity, I can't really say I think it's worth it. As for the integrated "frontlight", it would be nice if the 505 had it, but with the availability of the integrated cover/light, it's hard for me to justify the price.

And as I posted in the other thread, I've seen Plastic Logic's touchscreen "swiping" motion and I wasn't impressed. I hope that Sony has improved upon it, at least.

But at least it looks like we are getting a revamped bookstore, so that's a major plus!

pilotbob · 10-02-2008, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsyDocJoanne

At $100 more than the 505 for touchscreen functionality and some improved features (like search, which is pretty irrelevant to me), and without any wireless connectivity, I can't really say I think it's worth it.

Wait now. Its $100 more. Has a touch screen interface. Document highlighting, annotation and searching.

Also, it has integrated lighting. Isn't the lighted wedge cover for the 505 like $80? So, if you are going for a 505 + Light wedge the 700 isn't much more. Right?

BOb

Megapode · 10-02-2008, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsyDocJoanne

At $100 more than the 505 for touchscreen functionality and some improved features (like search, which is pretty irrelevant to me), and without any wireless connectivity, I can't really say I think it's worth it. As for the integrated "frontlight", it would be nice if the 505 had it, but with the availability of the integrated cover/light, it's hard for me to justify the price.

But the lightwedge thingy is £35 (approx $75) so not really that much extra to pay really for the extra features... and it looks so good...

recycledelectron · 10-09-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsyDocJoanne

Meh. I'm underwhelmed. Despite just buying the 505, I would have considered upgrading if Sony's new offering really blew the 505 out of the water.

At $100 more than the 505 for touchscreen functionality and some improved features (like search, which is pretty irrelevant to me), and without any wireless connectivity, I can't really say I think it's worth it. As for the integrated "frontlight", it would be nice if the 505 had it, but with the availability of the integrated cover/light, it's hard for me to justify the price.

And as I posted in the other thread, I've seen Plastic Logic's touchscreen "swiping" motion and I wasn't impressed. I hope that Sony has improved upon it, at least.

But at least it looks like we are getting a revamped bookstore, so that's a major plus!

I couldn't disgree more. Wireless connectivity is a pain, IMHO. If you do have wireless, please give me a manual kill switch like HP laptops.

What I need is
(1) MUCH more storage via SD and MSPD cards. Why does the PRS-505 max out it's SD card slot at 2GB when there are 128GB SDHC cards at Fry's?
(2) USB OTG (on-the-go) for reading USB Hard Disks
(3) A file browsing system that is NOT that <expletive> <expletive> mother <expletive> card-catalog thingy the PRS-505 uses.

I use my PRS-505 with a Nokia N800 Internet Tablet, several 2.5" hard disks, and a solar/battery charger to access a multi-terabyte library. I would love to replace both the PRS-505 (reader) and the N800 (used for file browsing, editing meta data, and accessing the hard disks) with a PRS-700.

(If you are not trying to archive all human knowledge in a single ammo can, this will not apply to you.)

Andy

HarryT · 10-09-2008, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recycledelectron

What I need is
(1) MUCH more storage via SD and MSPD cards. Why does the PRS-505 max out it's SD card slot at 2GB when there are 128GB SDHC cards at Fry's?

You seem to be a little behind the times. The most recent firmware update added SDHC card support to the 505.

Tattncat · 10-10-2008, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recycledelectron

I couldn't disgree more. Wireless connectivity is a pain, IMHO. If you do have wireless, please give me a manual kill switch like HP laptops.

What I need is
(1) MUCH more storage via SD and MSPD cards. Why does the PRS-505 max out it's SD card slot at 2GB when there are 128GB SDHC cards at Fry's?
(2) USB OTG (on-the-go) for reading USB Hard Disks
(3) A file browsing system that is NOT that <expletive> <expletive> mother <expletive> card-catalog thingy the PRS-505 uses.

I use my PRS-505 with a Nokia N800 Internet Tablet, several 2.5" hard disks, and a solar/battery charger to access a multi-terabyte library. I would love to replace both the PRS-505 (reader) and the N800 (used for file browsing, editing meta data, and accessing the hard disks) with a PRS-700.

(If you are not trying to archive all human knowledge in a single ammo can, this will not apply to you.)

Andy

Where did you get your solar charger? I have a soldius but it doesn't have an adapter for my 505.

Please advise.

InspectorGadget · 10-11-2008, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tattncat

Where did you get your solar charger? I have a soldius but it doesn't have an adapter for my 505.

Please advise.

Any tip or system for a PSP fits the Sony readers (at least the 500 and 505). I got a PSP tip for an iGo charger and use that on the road with my 500.

The voltage says 5.2V but it charges just fine on 5.0V (what do you think USB charging is?). I think this 5.2V malarkey is just a ploy to get you to buy expen$ive Sony accessories. Anyone know any different?

So any charging system that will put out 5V, then put that into either a PSP tip or a Mini-B USB tip should charge the Sony reader.

- The Inspector

David Munch · 10-24-2008, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recycledelectron

What I need is
(1) MUCH more storage via SD and MSPD cards. Why does the PRS-505 max out it's SD card slot at 2GB when there are 128GB SDHC cards at Fry's?

Good luck finding a SDHC card above 32 GB. They don't exist.

BuddyBoy · 10-02-2008, 07:11 PM

Hurumph, and I just bought a lighted cover for my 505 last weekend.

Stangely enough, I can buy that "higher end 505" justification - I'm not seeing any compelling reason yet to run right out and buy the 700 they way I did when I upgraded from the 500 to the 505.

Of course if I could sell the 505 + Lighted book cover for $250, I'd probably go for it.

BuddyBoy · 10-02-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuddyBoy

Of course if I could sell the 505 + Lighted book cover for $250, I'd probably go for it.

That was fast - I just had a call from a friend of mine with a PRS-500 and she said "I know you're going to upgrade. I'll buy the 505."

kovidgoyal · 10-02-2008, 07:24 PM

Any word on the processor/memory specs? Battery life?

Valloric · 10-02-2008, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

Any word on the processor/memory specs? Battery life?

I'd like to know this too.

yvanleterrible · 10-02-2008, 07:06 PM

Is it still the same vizplex display under the touch screen?

Man! Touch screen... Hmmmmm!

10-02-2008, 07:00 PM	#1
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,417 Karma: 29262 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: PRS600	The Sony PRS700: the Newest Member of the Sony Reader Family Sony PRS700 – Meet The PRS505’s “Little” Brother Yes, this is what all the "October 2nd" fuss has been about! First Things First: What: Sony PRS700 -- a higher-end model with some fancier features and a sleek new look. When: “End of October/beginning of November.” Where: SonyStyle.com, “more than 40 SonyStyle stores nationwide and at authorized retailers across the country.” How Much: $400. What about the 505? Sony is saying they’re not replacing the 505, but rather adding a higher-end model to the PRS line. Buyers can go with the 505, or shell out the extra cash if the 700's extras are worth it to them. The 700's specs (what we have of them so far) are pretty close to what the 505’s specs are: same display size, same overall dimensions, same format supports. The differences are mainly in fancier touches. For example: touch screen control. The 700 has dispensed with the 0 through 9 buttons in favor of a direct touch screen selection of menu options. It also has text highlighting and annotation, via an on-screen virtual keyboard. That keyboard is also used to support searching within text -- no word yet on whether it will search across texts or not. Pages can be turned with a finger swipe on the screen -- and the swipe direction is configurable! The 700 will include a stylus for those who have larger fingers, or just hate having fingerprints on the screen. For the old-school types, it still has hardware page change buttons. Some other nice incidentals include a reportedly much snappier page change speed, bigger page block jumping (i.e. 20 or 30 pages as well as the 10 pages -- the "go to page" feature is still intact, again via the virtual keyboard), but in my view the biggest new feature after the touch screen is easily the built in frontlight. Let me say that again: Built. In. Frontlight. Answering the question of how exactly that will play out with the touch screen will have to wait until we get first-hand looks at the device itself, but the picture we have of it already is enough to start me slavering. Other new features include five font sizes and what seems to be a totally new zoom feature. There’s still no wireless (they say they’re looking at it for future devices), the battery still isn't user replaceable, and there's no true digital ink capability, it's all handled through virtual keyboard/menu interaction. Sony expects a firmware update at some point in the future to allow exporting text annotations from the device, which could be handy for students. The other noticeable lack is geographic: it's U.S. only for now. The explanation for that had to do with the markedly insular nature of the various Sony divisions (i.e. Sony USA compared to Sony Europe), but I really think they should have worked that out, perhaps they will do so quickly. But wait! That's not all! Along with this launch, Sony will be launching a new version of their eBook Store. It is supposed to have easier searching and navigation, as well as a "streamlined checkout process." Personally, I'm most hoping they get rid of the frames within frames thing, and make it easier to find things like the wishlist and books already bought. Making purchased books easier to download in bulk would be a nice touch too. Even as I post this, our pinch-hitter reporter is attending the "Event" and will have first-hand impressions to share with us as soon as he can, so stay tuned! The press release is here, and the SonyStyle Reader Page should have full specs shortly. Okay, folks, no shoving now. The line forms right here (yes, yes, that's right: right there behind me ) -- so who's ready to queue up? Attached Thumbnails __________________ ΨΦ! "Torg, why do you have emergency pants?" -- Riff

10-02-2008, 07:02 PM	#2
RWood Technogeezer Posts: 7,194 Karma: 54344 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia, USA Device: Sony PRS-500	It looks great! __________________ We've all gotten crazier to keep from going sane.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Dog names with B for our new family member	CommanderROR	Lounge	52	05-27-2009 01:28 AM
The Sony Reader in our hands: MobileRead visits Sony Electronics	Bob Russell	Sony Portable Reader PRS-500/505	29	04-18-2009 03:15 PM
Sony Reader questions answered by Sony Reader Team	Alexander Turcic	Sony Portable Reader PRS-500/505	107	10-25-2007 12:21 PM
Sony Reader PRS-505 - MobileRead's Conference Call with Sony	NatCh	Sony Portable Reader PRS-500/505	75	10-08-2007 02:47 AM
New Sony Reader member	robyn	Introduce Yourself	1	08-07-2007 10:44 PM

10-02-2008, 07:09 PM	#3
PsyDocJoanne Loves her 505 and her Z4! Posts: 157 Karma: 631 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Weston, FL Device: Sony PRS-505	Meh. I'm underwhelmed. Despite just buying the 505, I would have considered upgrading if Sony's new offering really blew the 505 out of the water. At $100 more than the 505 for touchscreen functionality and some improved features (like search, which is pretty irrelevant to me), and without any wireless connectivity, I can't really say I think it's worth it. As for the integrated "frontlight", it would be nice if the 505 had it, but with the availability of the integrated cover/light, it's hard for me to justify the price. And as I posted in the other thread, I've seen Plastic Logic's touchscreen "swiping" motion and I wasn't impressed. I hope that Sony has improved upon it, at least. But at least it looks like we are getting a revamped bookstore, so that's a major plus!

10-02-2008, 07:11 PM	#11
BuddyBoy eBookin' Fool Posts: 182 Karma: 152 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC / Blaine, WA Device: PRS 505 (ex-PRS500, GEB1150, GEB2150, REB1200, REB100, Rocket)	Hurumph, and I just bought a lighted cover for my 505 last weekend. Stangely enough, I can buy that "higher end 505" justification - I'm not seeing any compelling reason yet to run right out and buy the 700 they way I did when I upgraded from the 500 to the 505. Of course if I could sell the 505 + Lighted book cover for $250, I'd probably go for it.

10-02-2008, 07:24 PM	#13
kovidgoyal Creator of calibre, Ph.D. Posts: 8,953 Karma: 37478 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Albuquerque, NM Device: PRS-500/505/700, K2, BeBook	Any word on the processor/memory specs? Battery life?

10-02-2008, 07:06 PM	#15
yvanleterrible Treeding Posts: 5,379 Karma: 30554 Join Date: May 2006 Device: Trees	Is it still the same vizplex display under the touch screen? Man! Touch screen... Hmmmmm!