[Gregg Bell]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

The cable will allow you to connect it to your computer to add ebooks to it.

I'm sorry, but I can't remember much about these early Sony units. (I was an early adopter of them, but left them about 4-5 years ago.)

The USB cable may charge it - and probably does.

I had to have a special charger [produced by Sony] when I bought my PRS-500 new about 7-8 years ago.

There will be plenty of members here who will give you more specific info. [Sorry.]

Thanks Dr. Drib

Originally Posted by ATDrake

That said, if the OP or anyone else interested can hold out until after Christmas, they'd probably get at least as good or even better a deal, since traditionally Canada isn't big on Black Friday/pre-Xmas sales and the really good prices on stuff come out during Boxing Week and New Year's, in my experience.

Thanks ATDrake. So is Xmas-->New years or after New Years the bigger sale?

Originally Posted by JSWolf

To charge the 300, you will need to find a Sony PSP type charger. That's the one with the barrel type plug.

Most people are saying the USB cord that comes with it will charge it.

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The best way to deal with a 300 is to return it whenever possible. It doesn't matter who else uses one. It's old (old software) and it's slow. Plus, it's possible that the battery could be wonky given the age of the 300. You do want something more up-to-date in order to properly test your ePub. I believe the 300 is so old, that the ADE used doesn't support full justification. I think that didn't happen until the x50 line (350, 650, 950). The thing is, don't jump on a Reader just because its chap. Get one that fits your needs and the 300 is not it. The 300 is a 5" version of the 500 and I would not use a 500 today because it doesn't work well enough any longer. It's obsolete, slow and the ADE is never going to be updated to be good enough.

But do you think it's a good one? (I'm kidding.) Come on, JS, the thing is $29. How bad can it be? So the battery isn't brand new. What do you mean by it being so slow? And what do you mean by 'the ADE is never going to be updated to be good enough'? (I don't care if it has full justification. I don't like it.) It'll probably cost me half the price of the unit just to return it. Don't you think you're over-reacting a bit? I was feeling good about buying it.

Originally Posted by DuckieTigger

The usb cable that comes with it will charge and sideload the prs300 (see below for the linked cable). The other option to charge is with a universal power supply. Sony used to sell a dedicated charger (not USB) that plugs into the round hole with 5.2 volt. I never tested the charging with a universal charger (or the expensive Sony one), but I believe if I remember right that you could read while charging. If charging over usb you cannot read - unless you install PRS+ software on it. PRS+ is kind of like hacking (not official software from Sony). PRS+ has an option to read while charging and adds more control over sorting and displaying your library among other things. Fair warning, PRS+ makes the prs300 even more prone to crashes.

The inability to read while charging may not sound that bad, but it is the worst that can happen to you. Especially if the "low battery" warning pops up in the middle of your reading session with a book you can't put down. The age of the prs300 will show - and makes you appreciate little things everybody now takes for granted on newer devices.

Edit: oh forgot to mention, the usb cable you linked will not work with the prs300 - it uses tthe older style plug (mini-usb?) instead of the micro-usb that everything uses nowadays. So if you travel with your prs300, don't forget the cable since more than likely nobody will have a mini-usb plug for you to borrow.

Thanks for the good info, Tigger. And you saved me from buying the wrong cord.

Originally Posted by Matth79

Yes, charges via USB or by dedicated charger connection - looked up the online manual.
Devices that predate the charging port standard (D+&D- shorted) may not recognize a USB charger. Apple chargers follow their own NON-standard for multi-signalling of charging rate.

Only loads via USB - it does not have wifi - making it a very dated device

Thanks Matth. Not to concerned about wifi. Never in that much of a hurry to get a book. Sideloading will be enough for me.