MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - How do I read PDFs with Sony PRS-500?

carma54 · 02-12-2008, 11:25 AM

I'm new at this too, with the added complication (and privilege) of owning a Mac. This may seem complicated but I am fussy and VERY determined. I use a program called DeskUNPDF to convert the document to a Word document. I then format the document as follows:

1. I change the document page size to 3.5" X 5" dimensions. I have named this custom format "Sony Reader." It fits nicely into the Sony Reader window.
2. I change page margins to 0.4 Top; 0.2 bottom, left, and right; and 0.2 for the footnotes.
3. I make other cosmetic changes as necessary using the "Search and Replace" capabilities of Word. I change the text size to 12 points, for instance (I have "senior" eyes).
4. After I am satisfied with the appearance of the document, I save it and keep it, just in case I ever need to go back and make other changes that I have missed.
5. I used the "Print" command, but on the Mac, along with the usual "Print" and "Preview" buttons, there is a "PDF" button. I print as a PDF and end up with a new PDF file that has been specifically formatted for the Sony Reader.

Some have suggested that you reformat the window size using the Adobe Reader. That is something I will also explore. It would be easier, but whether or not I use it will depend on how it ultimately looks on the Sony Reader. The above-mentioned software, DeskUNPDF, also will convert directly to lrf (Sony Reader format, aka BBeB).

Sony has rotten support service. I had sent at least 3 emails in a month-long period of time asking for help with NO response. I sort of lost my temper and my 4th email was a rather terse complaint, ending with me calling them jerks (I'm so ashamed!) THEN I got a response! The responder said he looked up my history and found NO emails (which tells me that they keep lousy records) and basically just told me that "Sony doesn't support Macs at this time". Duh!

I am happy with the Sony Reader however, once I found some creative work-arounds. It's great having a library of reading material with you; especially if you travel around a lot.

Best Regards,

Christine

02-12-2008, 11:25 AM	#8
carma54 Member Posts: 12 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Port Angeles, WA; USA Device: Sony PRS-300	Making PDFs readable on the PRS-500 I'm new at this too, with the added complication (and privilege) of owning a Mac. This may seem complicated but I am fussy and VERY determined. I use a program called DeskUNPDF to convert the document to a Word document. I then format the document as follows: 1. I change the document page size to 3.5" X 5" dimensions. I have named this custom format "Sony Reader." It fits nicely into the Sony Reader window. 2. I change page margins to 0.4 Top; 0.2 bottom, left, and right; and 0.2 for the footnotes. 3. I make other cosmetic changes as necessary using the "Search and Replace" capabilities of Word. I change the text size to 12 points, for instance (I have "senior" eyes). 4. After I am satisfied with the appearance of the document, I save it and keep it, just in case I ever need to go back and make other changes that I have missed. 5. I used the "Print" command, but on the Mac, along with the usual "Print" and "Preview" buttons, there is a "PDF" button. I print as a PDF and end up with a new PDF file that has been specifically formatted for the Sony Reader. Some have suggested that you reformat the window size using the Adobe Reader. That is something I will also explore. It would be easier, but whether or not I use it will depend on how it ultimately looks on the Sony Reader. The above-mentioned software, DeskUNPDF, also will convert directly to lrf (Sony Reader format, aka BBeB). Sony has rotten support service. I had sent at least 3 emails in a month-long period of time asking for help with NO response. I sort of lost my temper and my 4th email was a rather terse complaint, ending with me calling them jerks (I'm so ashamed!) THEN I got a response! The responder said he looked up my history and found NO emails (which tells me that they keep lousy records) and basically just told me that "Sony doesn't support Macs at this time". Duh! I am happy with the Sony Reader however, once I found some creative work-arounds. It's great having a library of reading material with you; especially if you travel around a lot. Best Regards, Christine