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InlawBiker · 03-08-2009, 03:07 PM

Based on the features you listed as important, I would think the Kindle 1 is best for you. There may be other brands I'm unaware of though, I really only researched Sony vs. Kindle.

readability - I think they're all equally readable.

replaceable battery - Available on all except Kindle 2

light to read in the dark - Only on Sony PRS-700. However, the 505 has the light-wedge cover (light it built into the cover) which is very handy. This was one of my big needs too. Kindle has 3rd party lights you can clip on.

built-in dictionary - Kindle 1 or 2.

support for a variety of formats - Well, this is the tricky part. Check out the handy Matrix. Sony supports the Sony DRM format and ePub. Kindle supports Amazon store and Mobi - NON-DRM. It is possible to convert DRM Mobi to Kindle.

ability to buy other than from amazon - I'm not sure how to answer this one, but I believe the Sony has more options here.

sturdiness - I think they're all pretty sturdy. Popular opinion seems to favor the Sony for usability.

memory card access - All but the Kindle 2.

Having just gone through this decision, I wanted the PRS-505 but ended up with a used Kindle 1 simply because there are a lot of them on Criagslist right now. A lot of people upgraded to the Kindle 2 and I found a still-warrantied version 1 for a good price.

I use a paperback Light Wedge on the Kindle and it works great. I'd rather have one like the PRS-505 has with the built-in wedge but oh well. I was even OK with the light wedge on paper books even though you have to move it every time you turn the page. With an e-reader they're perfect.

I'm also able to convert my public library's ebooks (Mobi/PRS) format pretty easily and read them on the K1.

The added benefit to me is that I can still buy wirelessly from Amazon when I want to. I would rarely, if ever, buy a new hardbound book only because there are literally millions of paperbacks I've never read. First-run books for $10 is pretty cool to me.

Oh yes maybe the most important part, the Sony software doesn't work with the Mac - it's PC Only.

03-08-2009, 03:07 PM	#7
InlawBiker Connoisseur Posts: 94 Karma: 544 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle WA Device: Kindle 1.0	Based on the features you listed as important, I would think the Kindle 1 is best for you. There may be other brands I'm unaware of though, I really only researched Sony vs. Kindle. readability - I think they're all equally readable. replaceable battery - Available on all except Kindle 2 light to read in the dark - Only on Sony PRS-700. However, the 505 has the light-wedge cover (light it built into the cover) which is very handy. This was one of my big needs too. Kindle has 3rd party lights you can clip on. built-in dictionary - Kindle 1 or 2. support for a variety of formats - Well, this is the tricky part. Check out the handy Matrix. Sony supports the Sony DRM format and ePub. Kindle supports Amazon store and Mobi - NON-DRM. It is possible to convert DRM Mobi to Kindle. ability to buy other than from amazon - I'm not sure how to answer this one, but I believe the Sony has more options here. sturdiness - I think they're all pretty sturdy. Popular opinion seems to favor the Sony for usability. memory card access - All but the Kindle 2. Having just gone through this decision, I wanted the PRS-505 but ended up with a used Kindle 1 simply because there are a lot of them on Criagslist right now. A lot of people upgraded to the Kindle 2 and I found a still-warrantied version 1 for a good price. I use a paperback Light Wedge on the Kindle and it works great. I'd rather have one like the PRS-505 has with the built-in wedge but oh well. I was even OK with the light wedge on paper books even though you have to move it every time you turn the page. With an e-reader they're perfect. I'm also able to convert my public library's ebooks (Mobi/PRS) format pretty easily and read them on the K1. The added benefit to me is that I can still buy wirelessly from Amazon when I want to. I would rarely, if ever, buy a new hardbound book only because there are literally millions of paperbacks I've never read. First-run books for $10 is pretty cool to me. Oh yes maybe the most important part, the Sony software doesn't work with the Mac - it's PC Only.