[John F]

Edit: 12/1/2010, 8:52

DISCLAIMER. THE FOLLOWING IS MY PERSONAL IMPRESSION OF THE 650 WITH VERY LIMITED USE (MAYBE 2 to 3 HOURS OF HANDS ON AT HOME, AND LESS THEN AN HOUR AT THE STORE). THIS POST IN NO WAY REFLECTS THE OPINIONS OF OTHER OWNERS. THE VAST MAJORITY OF OWNERS (MAYBE/MOST LIKELY) ARE VERY/COMPLETELY/TO SOME DEGREE HAPPY AND VERY SATISFIED WITH IT. SORRY FOR ANY CONFUSION. AGAIN THE FOLLOWING IS MY PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS/EXPERIENCES. ANY/ALL/SOME PROBLEMS APPEAR TO BE/ARE UNIQUE TO ME.

---- Following is the original text ---

I brought a 650 as a gift, so following are my impressions. I've had a 505 for about two years and it's seen a lot of use.

Overall, I like the 650. It is a nice size, and responds quickly, the touch screen is very nice, and the UI seems reasonable.

I tried the 650 in the store, and it performed very well with no problems. When I got one at home, and used it a little bit problems started, and my opinion of it went down hill.

I have mostly LRF files, and I loaded about 50 onto the reader. In the 2 hours I used it at home, I probably had about 15 crashes that would happen at strange times. For example, if I went to a collection, pressed option, then pressed option again, I may get a crash. The only pattern that I can guess at is that I loaded a lot of books, and maybe it was doing stuff in the background and didn't like me doing stuff while it was busy (just a WAG). The crashes seemed to be more frequent early on and diminish over time. (FWIW, I also get crashes with my 505).

I'm fine with the Sony software on the PC, and even learned something new: you can use explorer drag files directly onto the reader (you don't have to add them to your PC library first).

IMO, I think the Sony software (on the reader) could be a lot better. Other readers seem to offer more. The Nook lets you pick between different fonts. The IPad lets you pick any font size you want. Other software let's you pick things like margin size, line spacing, ... I like the next and prev page buttons on the 650, but with my 505 I can read both left handed AND right; I found with 650, I only wanted to read holding it with my left hand. I don't like to swipe, and wish that they could add options to make the UI a little more configurable (like a single tap to advance the page).

I wish that charging was more universal. I wish I could just plug the USB into whatever and it would charge. I tried a hub, it didn't charge. I tried awallwart that worked with my Zune (the iPad wallwart), but that didn't charge. I tried a cellphone charger and that worked, but I don't think I could read while using the charger.

[EDIT]

I do not mean to imply that you cannot read while charging with a wallwart.

I was able to try the charger again, and I was able to read while charging with it.

Bottom line, IMO, if Sony wants the 650 to be a "premium" book reader, they need to step up and make a better product.

Well, that's my 2cents.

Also, is Sony planning on dropping the 650 line? It seems like the they are very limited at b&m (I seem to see the 350 around a lot, but not the 650). Also, accessories seem very limited at the B&Ms, and even a little hard to find online. I wanted a cover, and couldn't even find a "normal" black cover for sale on the Sony sight.

Thanks.