Went to the SonyStyle store today. I brought my PRS-505 and they also had a PRS-300 still on display for comparison:
Without a side-by-side comparison, the clarity and turn pages may not seem like a significant improvement...in fact, I was at first glance underwhelmed by both...that was until I put the 350/650 next to the 300/505.
The font is significantly crisper on the newer models. I then put the 300 and 350 next to each other and tried turning the pages (using the keys) simultaneously. The 350 completed turn pages noticeably faster every time...even when I switched the positions of the models (to eliminate one hand being faster than the other factor). Unscientific I know, but it was enough to make me think that maybe I should upgrade.
The PRS-350 is CUTE...I fell in love with the size right away...noticeably smaller footprint than the PRS-300, I wanted it immediately for the portability alone. BUT when I switched the font size to L(arge), I realized it wasn't really practical. But with the screen clarity improvement, perhaps I can use the (M) edium font*
The PRS-650 is just slightly smaller than my PRS-505...just enough of a difference that I'd have to buy a new case if I went this route
But its significantly lighter, making my PRS-505 seem clunky in comparison.
Regarding the touchscreen - I find most capacitive screens unusable (my nails get in the way) so I wanted to make sure that the new touch screen wasn't going to be problem. For the most part, it seemed very responsive. A few times, when selecting screen options (not swiping), it seemed to not take...but that could have been me hitting it the wrong way (or the nails getting in the way
). I prefer hard keys, so would've been happier with a lower priced model and no touch screen.
I was hoping this visit would convince me that it wasn't a worthy upgrade, but admittedly I left wanting one of the newer models. The price is still making me hesitate, especially when I add in the cost of a new cover. The improvements are wonderful..but nothing I "needed' to have (or would've noticed) until I put the models side by side.
So my brain is trying to tell my heart to wait. Which do you think will win?
