MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Is it even a good time to be buying an e-reader?

Zapped · 06-07-2009, 12:13 PM

Hi Canuck-in-Japan. My first post here a couple of weeks ago asked simply whether I should choose a Sony PRS-505 over a Kindle based on my research so far. It didn't ask the question "should I buy an e-book reader at all?" because in my opinion the second-generation 800x600 6" e-Ink screen has already reached a maturity that makes is an excellent reader for simple text (not for A4-sized pdfs or for books with illustrations).

The weight and dimensions are small enough that the device practically disappears while reading. It's a little more cumbersome to hold a printed paperback open than to read a novel with my eReader.

Any cons to my PRS-505? Well, critics will say, justifiably, that the white background isn't truly paper-white and the black text isn't truly inky-black. But my experience after owning one for a week is that the e-Ink screen is incredibly comfortable to read and the PRS-505 form factor in particular is a joy to hold. If I had an gripe, and it's just a minor one, I would wish that the next-page and prev-page buttons were a little larger and required less pressure to activate. But they really don't get in the way of my enjoyment of the device.

I do think that US$300 or more is too steep a price for any e-book reader, but if you can get in on the $150 deal it's really a no-brainer.

As Harry-T mentioned, the readers command decent resale prices so you could always upgrade when something better comes along. But you could also use this compact and enjoyable device for years to come without any regrets.

06-07-2009, 12:13 PM	#17
Zapped Enthusiast Posts: 47 Karma: 30 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Austin, TX Device: Kindle Paperwhite 2	Hi Canuck-in-Japan. My first post here a couple of weeks ago asked simply whether I should choose a Sony PRS-505 over a Kindle based on my research so far. It didn't ask the question "should I buy an e-book reader at all?" because in my opinion the second-generation 800x600 6" e-Ink screen has already reached a maturity that makes is an excellent reader for simple text (not for A4-sized pdfs or for books with illustrations). The weight and dimensions are small enough that the device practically disappears while reading. It's a little more cumbersome to hold a printed paperback open than to read a novel with my eReader. Any cons to my PRS-505? Well, critics will say, justifiably, that the white background isn't truly paper-white and the black text isn't truly inky-black. But my experience after owning one for a week is that the e-Ink screen is incredibly comfortable to read and the PRS-505 form factor in particular is a joy to hold. If I had an gripe, and it's just a minor one, I would wish that the next-page and prev-page buttons were a little larger and required less pressure to activate. But they really don't get in the way of my enjoyment of the device. I do think that US$300 or more is too steep a price for any e-book reader, but if you can get in on the $150 deal it's really a no-brainer. As Harry-T mentioned, the readers command decent resale prices so you could always upgrade when something better comes along. But you could also use this compact and enjoyable device for years to come without any regrets.