[mtnmedic]

Thought I'd give this thing a try. Seems nice. Yes, the screen is a bit diffused but the light helps where the ambient lighting is dark and I love the search functions (including a "go to page" capability). Still playing around with it. The form factor is pleasant, too. My other ebook reader is an EZReader (Hanlin V3).

Here is a chat I had with Sony just now, asking two simple questions:


Status: Analyst Alan_ is here and your issue status is: working Problem: Two quick, easy questions for you. End Session user Michael has entered room

analyst Alan_ has entered room

Alan_> Hi Michael. Welcome to Sony Online Support. I am Alan. Please allow me a moment to review your concern.

Alan_> Thanks for waiting, Michael. I will be glad to assist you in providing the information.

Michael> Okay I have two questions for you. I bought a PRS700 today. First question: I have read about a "PRS700BC". What is the difference between the PRS700 and the PRS700BC?

analyst Alan_ has been temporarily disconnected. Please wait while the analyst attempts to reconnect.

(a couple minutes go by...)

We are experiencing higher than usual service times. Please wait and an analyst will be with you shortly.

analyst Alan_ has entered room

Alan_> Please stay online while I check this information for you.

Michael> ok

(a few minutes later...)

Alan_> I'm still checking. Thanks for your patience.

(a few minutes later...)

Alan_> This may take a while longer. Thanks for waiting

(more minutes later...then I just gave up...)

Michael> I'm thinking that the two are one and the same. Perhaps the "PRS-700BC" is Sony's "official" model number while the rest of the consumer world simply refers to it as the "PRS-700"

Alan_> Thanks for the information.

(Boy, am I glad I got to chat with someone who really knows what's going on!)

Michael> I'll have one more, final question for you.

Alan_> Sure, please go ahead.

Michael> The current firmware version reported by my PRS-700 is: 1.0.00.10060 Is there or will there be an updated firmware I could apply?

Alan_> Michael, I have checked the information and there is no Firmware Update for the Reader. However, there is Adobe Digital Editions Installer and eBook Library Software for the Sony Reader (New Version) for the Reader.

Michael> Got those. Okay. Does Sony expect to develop a firmware update for this reader any time in the foreseeable future?

Alan_> Once the Firmware Update is available, it will be posted on our Sony website.

(Of course...careful not to mention any kind of date...)

Michael> okay. So they ARE working on something then? I can understand nobody wants to blurb a date.

Alan_> Yes, Michael. As the technology advances, the Reader will be upgraded with the technology.

(Boy, that's a generic answer if I ever read one!)

Michael> okay. I just thought of one more question. Is Sony working on a new EReader model?

Alan_> Yes, Michael. Sony is working on new Readers and it will be released in the market soon.

(Decided I didn't want to push this guy for a date. I have a pizza in the oven waiting for me and I haven't had dinner yet...)

Michael> okay. Thanks. That's all.

Alan_> You're welcome.

Alan_> Good-bye and thank you for contacting Sony Online Support.