MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Upgrading from PRS-505 to Kindle 2: Good Idea?

dsuden · 10-08-2009, 07:41 PM

I made the switch from PRS 505 to Kindle, and am VERY happy I did. I had the Sony PRS 505 for about a year, and have had the Kindle 2 for a half year.

The Sony was nice, don't get me wrong. But it konked out on me, and when I decided to replace it, I tried their touchscreen model, which was like trying to read through a layer of Vaseline. I sent it back and got a Kindle 2. I personally have liked it much better than the 505.

I love the connectivity, the USB cord that has an adapter that lets you change it into a charger cord, the instant dictionary, which is by far my favorite feature, and occasionally, the Whispernet access, which lets me do things like check the weather, read a few news headlines, or look something up on Wikipedia, all for free, ongoing.

Despite Sony being metal and Kindle being plastic, I honestly don't feel the Kindle 2 is significantly more fragile, though I wouldn't use either one of them without a protective cover under any circumstances.

Pricewise, the nice drop the Kindle 2 just took makes it even more attractive; though I'm glad to have had mine this time (since early summer) enough not to worry too much about the extra bucks I spent on it.

Kindle 2 lacks folders which I definitely regret. I hope they upgrade it. Nice that upgrades can come to you right through Whispernet, and I'm hoping they'll send me one with folders.

Kindle 2 supports fewer formats...bad AMAZON!

Sony has an AWFUL software interface to the PC, which I don't miss at all.

Kindle 2's text-to-speech function actually is pretty usable, and occasionally I make use of it when I want to work on something while "listening" rather than reading. Sure, it sounds like Sinbad the Sailor, but what the heck...arrrrr.

I wouldn't rate the screen of one as being better than the other. The Kindle 2 and the PRS 505 are about the same clarity and contrast, about the same shade of grey background. You need decent light for either of them.

I love Kindle 2's slenderness, its snappy little keyboard for typing in searches, something I use a lot, and works despite my rather large hands and fingers.

Occasionally I use the notetaking feature, and I do like that you can highlight and save snippets of what you're reading. Sometimes when I run across a terrific quote from a book, I'll save it out, transfer it to my PC, and send it along to someone I think would appreciate it.

Ok, enough already...bottom line, I thought I was a die-hard PRS guy and I liked a lot of things about it, but Kindle 2 has got me hooked.

10-08-2009, 07:41 PM	#57
dsuden Connoisseur Posts: 73 Karma: 120 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: Sony Reader	Glad I Switched to Kindle 2 I made the switch from PRS 505 to Kindle, and am VERY happy I did. I had the Sony PRS 505 for about a year, and have had the Kindle 2 for a half year. The Sony was nice, don't get me wrong. But it konked out on me, and when I decided to replace it, I tried their touchscreen model, which was like trying to read through a layer of Vaseline. I sent it back and got a Kindle 2. I personally have liked it much better than the 505. I love the connectivity, the USB cord that has an adapter that lets you change it into a charger cord, the instant dictionary, which is by far my favorite feature, and occasionally, the Whispernet access, which lets me do things like check the weather, read a few news headlines, or look something up on Wikipedia, all for free, ongoing. Despite Sony being metal and Kindle being plastic, I honestly don't feel the Kindle 2 is significantly more fragile, though I wouldn't use either one of them without a protective cover under any circumstances. Pricewise, the nice drop the Kindle 2 just took makes it even more attractive; though I'm glad to have had mine this time (since early summer) enough not to worry too much about the extra bucks I spent on it. Kindle 2 lacks folders which I definitely regret. I hope they upgrade it. Nice that upgrades can come to you right through Whispernet, and I'm hoping they'll send me one with folders. Kindle 2 supports fewer formats...bad AMAZON! Sony has an AWFUL software interface to the PC, which I don't miss at all. Kindle 2's text-to-speech function actually is pretty usable, and occasionally I make use of it when I want to work on something while "listening" rather than reading. Sure, it sounds like Sinbad the Sailor, but what the heck...arrrrr. I wouldn't rate the screen of one as being better than the other. The Kindle 2 and the PRS 505 are about the same clarity and contrast, about the same shade of grey background. You need decent light for either of them. I love Kindle 2's slenderness, its snappy little keyboard for typing in searches, something I use a lot, and works despite my rather large hands and fingers. Occasionally I use the notetaking feature, and I do like that you can highlight and save snippets of what you're reading. Sometimes when I run across a terrific quote from a book, I'll save it out, transfer it to my PC, and send it along to someone I think would appreciate it. Ok, enough already...bottom line, I thought I was a die-hard PRS guy and I liked a lot of things about it, but Kindle 2 has got me hooked.