Quote:
Originally Posted by lor2ie
Yes I have tried using my netbook, Just does not work. On the weight factor the Kindle is lighter, it might feel cheap, but seems pretty sturdy to me and more than capable of doing exactly what is expected from it, including as mentioned earlier, quick and easy access to book of choice. The Sony reader is heavier and after using it for a while it will be noticeable when your hand gets tired, and I still think ebook formats is not a consideration. And yes netbooks are slow because they have a way smaller processor, so therefore despite video conversions speeds etc, it will always be slower than a pc what ever the job. All in all a pretty Interesting topic... guess it just boils down to preferences.
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Sorry, you might want to check your facts again.
According to this Comparison Matrix -
The Sony PRS-350 weighs 155g (5.5oz)
The Sony PRS-650 weighs 215g (7.6oz)
The Kindle 3 weighs in at 241g (8.5oz)
So the reality is that the Kindle is almost a full ounce HEAVER than the equivalent 6 inch screen Sony PRS-650, not lighter.
I also listed the PRS-350 Sony because, although the screen is a little smaller (5 vs 6 inches) weight conscious individuals have the option to go with the PRS-350 (Kindle doesn't offer a smaller model, only out of date older models that were EVEN HEAVER).
The PRS-350 is a full 3 ounces less, or said another way the Kindle is more than 50% HEAVER than the 350, and more than 10% HEAVER than the equivalent 6 inch screen PRS-650.
Because of the added Keyboard, the Kindles increase in BULK exceeds it's increase in MASS and WEIGHT, which creates the illusion that it is lighter than it really is.
Also your comments about Plastic being a good material to save weight are only true for hi-tech fiber reinforced materials like the graphite composites.
For the kind of cheap plastics used in the Kindle, Sony's Aluminum case gives a much better strength to weight ratio, which is why the Sony has the reputation of being a tougher more durable unit, DESPITE ACTUALLY WEIGHING LESS.
I find my Netbook to be a really nice companion to my Sony, and use it in preference to the Sony for online news magazines and other complex media other than simple printed text, and sometimes it's nice as an alternative even for text when reading in bed in poor light.
My net book weighs in at about two and three quarters pounds (1.25 kg), only a little more than 5 times heaver than your Kindle. This is actually LESS than many of the hard back books that I still own, and when laying in bed with the Netbook propped up in my lap, this weight is almost unnoticeable.
I know there is supposed to be this fatigue issue with reading off a backlit screen, but having gotten more used to reading ebooks in general while using my Sony has actually made it a lot easier for me to enjoy reading off my Netbook as well, and I find that if I reduce the screen brightness to a level that is appropriate for the room lighting it's not bad at all.
