[E-Cafe]

I have always wanted to get an e-ink reader because I got tired of filling up the bookshelves at home and reading on the computer screen. Recently all manufacturer have reduced the pricing of the base models and I really want to get myself one and pick up reading again.

After playing with all the sub-$100 e-readers at the stores, I like the Sony's e-ink and screen better. I cannot compare other features on these e-readers as they are all in demo mode. In the last two days, I have spent hours searching and reading the posts here but I still have not decided what my first E-reader should be.

The store have the PRS-350 for around US$60 and PRS-T1 for US$99. To the Sony owners, how do you like them? Any advice about which one I should get?

Here are my list of comparisons:

1) price - the 350 is cheaper. Since this will be my first e-reader, I don't want to feel bad if I do not like the e-reading experience. On the other hand, I do not want my first e-reading experience be ruined by the small price difference.

2) size - the 350 is smaller though the T1 is not much bigger. The screen size is also a bit smaller on the 350 so I am not sure if it will make extensive reading uncomfortable? However, I do not want a tablet.

3) software - I really need other user's experience. From what I researched here, the T1 is android based and it can be rooted while the 350 can use PRS+. Though I have read a lot of posts here, I still have no idea which one would work better.

4) wifi - the T1 has wifi which makes it easier for browsing, upgrading firmware, borrowing/shopping ebooks, ..... easier than the 350. But I have no experience whether this is important or not. Any comment?

5) audio - the T1 can play audio (songs and books) while the 350 can't. To me, it is a nice feature to have but not a must. If the E-reader can do text-to-speech then I will definitely choose it.

6) SD slot - the T1 has an SD slot while the 350 doesn't. This is a really useful feature. Does any 350 user have problem with the limited 2GB capacity for your E-books?

7) Support - the T1 is the latest model so it may have better and longer firmware support?

8) Stylus - both readers come with a stylus but the 350 has a slot for its storage while the T1 doesn't.

This is all I can think of right now ....... sorry for the long post but I am really serious about purchasing my first E-reader. Any comment or feedback is welcome and appreciated. Thank you!