[hermes]

After way too much reading of other people's opinions I bought this Sony pocket edition e-reader because it seemed to fit my requirements as a full-time hobo...

1. small: fits in my trouser side-front pocket)
2. lightweight : don't even know it is there, really there is room to spare.
3. flexible formats: It is supposed to read everything except Kindle's format and apparently that can be dealt with by using software called Calibre.
4. Can highlight and make notations: Even better, can scribble in the margins and circle words like a drunken sailor.
5. NOT wireless connected: I don't want super-duper fast 3G or even WiFi connectivity. The concept of some corporation or government knowing where I am around the world creeps me out. One of my first questions is 'is this device private?'

Actually, as it stands I'm not sure if I am not taking it back to the store! A big box store had in on sale due to being an open box. It seemed to work, but I am finding it less than intuitive (I am used to Mac products).

I am a bit both impatient and neo-luddite but it sure seems to take a long time to get started. I resumed one just went to a website and downloaded ebooks and then dragged and dropped into the device. No. This is going to be inconvenient for someone without a laptop even. Does this mean I will have to download the software at every internet cafe I visit in Bangladesh and Mongolia? At least the Apple rep was straight 'The ipad is not a stand-alone device, You need a computer.' Ok, a computer, but my own?

Why didn't I buy a Kindle which seems to have the best worldwide coverage? From what I read it seems that Amazon, Kindle's owner, has a broom up its ass about proprietary formats - rather like Apple. But mostly this Sony model has got to be the world's smallest dedicated e-reader. I am the type of guy when he packs he tosses the fuller snorkeling face mask out in favour of the cheap and simple goggles because of size. In fact, not *like*, actually did this precise culling yesterday. Who needs bells and whistles?

I played with a little before reading the user manual and it seemed cool. I can't say strongly enough how much I like both the feel of it (size held in the hand(s), sound of flesh against the brushed metal, even the simple aesthetic).

Had to read in order to learn that a tap versus two taps yields very different results (if on what looks like a link, that is greyed out it takes one there, whereas two taps brings up dictionary). Imovie and tunes too some learning but both seemed more obvious. Maybe I am just getting older. Hmm, how do I get the place to go back to where I was reading 80 pages before, before advancing on a 'link'?

I was delighted to see the box is full of almost zero - just a decently long USB cable (though I would have preferred a generic size one)

Can use touch screen or stylus. Cool. It fits nice and neat inside. But I just know I am going to lose that stylus in a few weeks. Salesman didn't offer to sell me three backups. Maybe a wooden pencil works just as well?

Downloading, installing etc the software was if not exactly a breeze, but I liked that there is no CD.

But then something happened that irritated me. It went straight to the Sony store. This is not some $99 device where they make their real money from selling content. This is a premium brand and in my experience as a videographer Sony is worth the price - both for features and worldwide service (except in India - ugh!).

But the first real disappointment is this... Sony store, should I want to use it, works only in USA and Canada. Well, I spend more time in Borneo than I do in Yukon or Arizona. NOT international.

Then "You must use the Reader library software and create an account to purchase, download and transfer books." Huh? The buying books I understand, sort of. But in order to use other format books such as from my public library or freebies or books I have scanned myself - I need to use Sony website? Ferget it!

Technical snag. Told I need to click on an icon that does not exist (just an underlined link which does) When I restart for the second time it does show up in my dock (I am using a mac). Instructions are incomplete, not instructing that I have several steps to go through to get their software working. In fact it takes asking a computer savvy person to do it for me. This is not as easy as Mac. To heck with it - I am going straight to calibre.

Very impressive tutorial though it is a bit geeky compared to mac.

I will explain my problems and any solutions integrating calibre with the sony ereader in another post.