I've been thinking about which reader to buy for the longest time, and I've finally chosen one that I believe to be the best fit for me.
Here are the questions I asked myself over and over again while trying to make this difficult decision.
600
===
Q: Do I really need the faster processor and touch screen for reading technical documents?
A: It would be nice, but I suppose I can try to manage without it.
Q: Is the added glare from the touch screen, which is an issue for some but not others, likely to bother me?
A: Probably, since I do most of my reading in a dimly lit room, with a small bedside lamp over my shoulder. Note: I don't want to use a clip on reading light.
Q: Is it worth the $399 Canadian price tag for touch screen, speed, and a built in dictionary? (note: I am not interested in the annotation feature)
A: I think not. When you add a case and sales tax to that, the total approaches $500 Canadian. Ouch!
Verdict: Looks good. If only the price was lower...
300
===
Q: Do I care about the missing features?
A: Not really.
Q: Do I care about portability?
A: Nope.
Q: Will a 5" screen be big enough?
A: I don't think so.
Q: Does the 300 have any real advantage over the 505?
A: None that I can think of.
Verdict: Doesn't seem to be the right reader for me.
505
===
Q: Will I be able to read technical docs?
A: If they're properly formatted and are mostly text based, I can probably manage. If not, then I'll just wait another year or two and see what larger screen readers are available. Maybe I'll be rich by then...
Q: Does the current price of $275 Canadian from shoprbc.com work for me?
A: Yes. With $10 shipping and tax it comes to a total of $301 Canadian. The 300 plus a cover is more expensive than that. If I wait any longer for the price to come down, there might not be any more 505's to be had. Also, I've noticed that people rarely have anything bad to say about the 505. It seems to be already considered a classic in the ebook reader world, and I don't want to miss out on the opportunity to experience owning and using one for myself.
Verdict: Ding Ding Ding... We have a winner! I ordered my 505 yesterday!
