MobileRead Forums - View Single Post

dhbailey · 12-18-2008, 06:12 AM

The glare issue is very over-stated, in my opinion. It is there, but it is very easy to adjust the angle of the 700 so the glare isn't an issue.

I can easily read my 700 in the same lighting conditions in which I read paper books, as well as the same lighting conditions in which I could read my older 500. The built-in lights of the 700 will significantly shorten the amount of reading time between charges, but if that is an issue you can simply use the same sort of book-light you would use with a paper book (not the light-wedge, though) and leave the 700's internal light off.

I have been delighted with my 700 during the past month in which I have owned it, and the many user-interface improvements, coupled with the huge increase in speed and ability to handle memory cards, make it a huge improvement over the 500 or the 505 in my opinion. I know others disagree because the screen of the 700, due to the touch screen, doesn't look as crisp as the 505 screen. But for me the other factors are much more important, since the 700 is still very readable.

I don't regret my purchase one bit, and I have read 6 different books on it already. I haven't really played around with the note-taking other than to test it, but I think you will be happy with it.

You could even create your own "empty" book with lots of pages as a journal to take notes on if you wish, or simply create notes in the books you are reading to augment them.

Looking at the pictures of the 700 and 505 posted in the various threads in this forum can show you some of the difference, but also looking at the video review posted in a different thread can show you that it's difficult to take pictures which accurately show the two devices.

If I were you I would buy a 700, but I also add a warning that only when you are holding it and using will you really know if you like it. Of course, you may be able to sell it on ebay if you don't like it.

One further suggestion -- if you buy one, be sure to buy the PSP (PlayStation Portable) charger, since it charges the reader without needing to hook up to a computer, and you can read it while it's charging!

12-18-2008, 06:12 AM	#2
dhbailey Guru Posts: 604 Karma: 733 Join Date: Mar 2007 Device: HP iPAQ211 / PRS 500, 700 and 505	The glare issue is very over-stated, in my opinion. It is there, but it is very easy to adjust the angle of the 700 so the glare isn't an issue. I can easily read my 700 in the same lighting conditions in which I read paper books, as well as the same lighting conditions in which I could read my older 500. The built-in lights of the 700 will significantly shorten the amount of reading time between charges, but if that is an issue you can simply use the same sort of book-light you would use with a paper book (not the light-wedge, though) and leave the 700's internal light off. I have been delighted with my 700 during the past month in which I have owned it, and the many user-interface improvements, coupled with the huge increase in speed and ability to handle memory cards, make it a huge improvement over the 500 or the 505 in my opinion. I know others disagree because the screen of the 700, due to the touch screen, doesn't look as crisp as the 505 screen. But for me the other factors are much more important, since the 700 is still very readable. I don't regret my purchase one bit, and I have read 6 different books on it already. I haven't really played around with the note-taking other than to test it, but I think you will be happy with it. You could even create your own "empty" book with lots of pages as a journal to take notes on if you wish, or simply create notes in the books you are reading to augment them. Looking at the pictures of the 700 and 505 posted in the various threads in this forum can show you some of the difference, but also looking at the video review posted in a different thread can show you that it's difficult to take pictures which accurately show the two devices. If I were you I would buy a 700, but I also add a warning that only when you are holding it and using will you really know if you like it. Of course, you may be able to sell it on ebay if you don't like it. One further suggestion -- if you buy one, be sure to buy the PSP (PlayStation Portable) charger, since it charges the reader without needing to hook up to a computer, and you can read it while it's charging!