[jgray]

After briefly using a PRS350, I will add my voice to the many who say that it is much better than the previous generation readers. I had tried an earlier Sony Reader and found the contrast too low for my tastes.

Although the new Pearl screens are still far from having the contrast of a real sheet of paper (especially in low light), they are a noticeable improvement. The contrast is at a point where I find it usable.

As for the other improvements, I love the new touch screen and the dictionary support. The user interface is mostly intuitive, with only a few references to the manual required. For basic reading without using the fancy features, no manual is needed.

One thing I would very much like to see Sony add is additional dictionaries. I would gladly pay to download more dictionaries. The included multi-lingual dictionaries are wonderful, but the ability to add specialty dictionaries would be even better.

The first specialty dictionary I would add is one of Latin phrases. Such phrases are often used in fiction. French is also frequently seen in English fiction, but a French dictionary is already included. For non fiction, technical dictionaries (medical, computer, etc.) would be of use to some.

In any case, I think it would be very smart if Sony would publish an API and specification for how to add third party dictionaries to the new readers. I know that Sony is using ADE, but I don't know if the dictionary capability is Sony's or Adobe's. If Adobe's, then they should come forward with this information.

To sum things up, I like the PRS350 very much. However, the screen is a bit small (or my eyes are getting older), so I'm going to get a PRS650.

Joe