[recycledelectron]

FIRST PROBLEM: I solved that pesky "will not charge from USB" problem. (The Sony PRS-505 Reader will not charge from all USB ports when connected by a USB cable. I'm not sure why this is.)

FIRST SOLUTION: To charge your PRS-505 on any USB port that does not want to charge it through a USB A to Mini-B cable, buy a USB A to PSP charging cable. This plugs into the port on the bottom labeled "5.2V." The red LED comes on, the battery shows it is fully charged (incorrectly) and there is a lightning bolt next to the battery indicator. You can even keep using the PRS-505 while it charges.

SECOND PROBLEM: The MP3 player sucks the battery dry in a few hours.

SECOND SOLUTION: Since you can charge the PRS-500 through the PSP cable, from any USB port, you can recharge it from any USB power source. That means a USB charger in your car, a wall wort USB charger, or a battery powered USB charger.

COST: These cables are available on eBay, and many other places. I got one with a car adapter for $8, shipped.

SUGGESTION: Given the dissatisfaction with the PRS-505s inability to charge from many USB ports, the annoyance over the battery life when playing MP3s, and the fact that the battery life is nowhere near the 7500 pages advertised, I think Sony should start including USB A to PSP charging cables with every PRS-505, and mail them free to everyone who already bought one. It might avoid a recall over the mis-stated battery life.

Andy