[darkstar]

I have been using both models the past couple of days reading the same book, switching every 10 pages or so. To me the 505 blows away the 500, the display is clearer( no ghosting yet ), the page controls are in the right places, to me at least the page turns are faster on the 505, plus you can jump to any page on the 505 ( that alone is worth $20 ). My 505 (silver) seems much more thin,solid and polished, the 500 seems like a clunky prototype in comparison. I would say the 505 is worth at least $80-$100 more then the 500 (if the 505 remains free from ghosting). The only thing I like about the 500 in comparison is the cover attachment and the power switch. By the way, the 505 is made in China, the 500 in Japan.