Quote:
Originally Posted by grumbles
All things considered, I would recommend the 350. Although the 350 is smaller than the T1, the T1 is lighter. We have both and the 350 feels more portable. The 350 is aluminum and the "fit and finish" of the 350 just feels better. The plastic housing of the T1 just feels really cheap. A quick check reveals the the 350 weighs 153 g, the T1 weighs 164g. But as I said, the T1 feels lighter and/or flimsier. The stylus for the 350 fits in the reader, the stylus for the T1 will end up somewhere else.
Either one is good (a 650 would be better) but for portability I would recommend the 350.
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I still have a 350 lying around, and for a while it was my most-used EBR.
In terms of weight, I agree with your assessment, particularly about the flimsy feeling of the T1. But when inserted into a Standard Sony case, the T1 no longer feels flimsy. No question, though - it would be nice if Sony hadn't turned plastic, if only from an aesthetic viewpoint.
In terms of size, the T1 fits into the sleeve that came with my 350, with only a smidgen of an edge sticking out of the opening. From a portability perspective, it seems to me that the two are about the same, but a naked 350 has a small edge and might fit an inside suit jacket pocket where a naked T1 wouldn't. My EBRs are modest sorts, and prefer to be encased. Once in a case, I think they are comparable.
If the stylus is important to the user, the 350 has the distinct advantage. OTOH, if the stylus is important to the user, the user will figure out how to keep it handy without losing it. So the advantage might be more apparent than real. I think it might clip inside the Standard Sony cover - there's enough space at the bend to accomodate it. (Sony should have put a little slipcase there for that purpose.)
One advantage for the T1 over the 350 is wireless. You can access the Sony Store, or, if you use Dropbox, you can wi-load (WiLoad?) the T1 at any McDonalds, Starbucks, or other public access point. How much difference this makes depends on your reading habits. (Mine are urgent...)
I think that the T1 has found the sweet spot.