MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - 1st E-reader

brecklundin · 10-21-2009, 05:03 AM

First consider the display size...for a recreational reader I like a 5" display size. I am waiting for the Pocketbook 360 but there are other options, including the Sony. I just like the simple design of the PB 360, the integrated cover and a bunch more things. Plus the platform is open for developers which should be a good thing for buyers of the device. Only problem is, they have yet to reach the US. Soon though...I hope? hehehehe

PB 360 videos:
http://techvideoblog.com/ifa/5-pocke...-e-ink-reader/

You can also find video of pretty much any erading device on YouTube...kinda cool that way.

Also the Nook looks interesting but currently, nobody really knows what it offers beyond what appears to be a rather clumsy store interface that is already done better on the Kindle. I just need to see more from the device before knowing if it does more...if you just want a basic reader, I would pass on the Nook just now. Anyway, it is not yet shipping so well, it is automagically in the wait and see category.

Just because your local library does not have ebook lending does not mean you cannot borrow books from other libraries on a Sony. Others will be along with more info about this aspect of ebook reading. I like the idea of all three of the new Sony readers...but apparently they have some issues as well, read their forum.

I think the question I would ask you is do you want a reader NOW or can you wait 3-4, maybe 5-months? If you want just a simple reader, I see no reason to wait. If you feel you might be interested in a device with a few more functions, wait a few months.

My two fav readers of the current crop are the Pocketbook 360 and the Sony PRS-300. The choice between a K2 and a Sony PRS-600 is a personal preference...I feel Amazon is going to have a new reader before February.

If you can grab a Sony PRS-505 under $200 new, I say that it's a nice/good deal and you won't be disappointed. The nice thing is, until this month, reading devices have been pretty stagnant for the past 3ish years...but you will be buying right when these old designs will begin to drop rather quickly in price. I mean look at the Nook it's priced right even with the K2 and has a LOT more features like wifi AND 3G...still if it does not have a web browser then the wifi is not really a "feature" and it will drain your battery quickly.

To me, in the US right now, today, the Sony PRS-505 readers found at clearance prices are EXCELLENT deals...one caveat, Sony has a long history of turning devices into "abandonware" very shortly after production stops. That means no more firmware updates. These updates are where the ability to read new or altered book file formats comes from...I do not know where the 505 stands in this area but I would find out first. Personally I imagine you are safe for a couple years anyway.

It will not be a simple choice but there really are no bad choices from the list of readers that can be purchased today.

10-21-2009, 05:03 AM	#2
brecklundin Banned Posts: 1,906 Karma: 15348 Join Date: Jun 2007 Device: mine	First consider the display size...for a recreational reader I like a 5" display size. I am waiting for the Pocketbook 360 but there are other options, including the Sony. I just like the simple design of the PB 360, the integrated cover and a bunch more things. Plus the platform is open for developers which should be a good thing for buyers of the device. Only problem is, they have yet to reach the US. Soon though...I hope? hehehehe PB 360 videos: http://techvideoblog.com/ifa/5-pocke...-e-ink-reader/ You can also find video of pretty much any erading device on YouTube...kinda cool that way. Also the Nook looks interesting but currently, nobody really knows what it offers beyond what appears to be a rather clumsy store interface that is already done better on the Kindle. I just need to see more from the device before knowing if it does more...if you just want a basic reader, I would pass on the Nook just now. Anyway, it is not yet shipping so well, it is automagically in the wait and see category. Just because your local library does not have ebook lending does not mean you cannot borrow books from other libraries on a Sony. Others will be along with more info about this aspect of ebook reading. I like the idea of all three of the new Sony readers...but apparently they have some issues as well, read their forum. I think the question I would ask you is do you want a reader NOW or can you wait 3-4, maybe 5-months? If you want just a simple reader, I see no reason to wait. If you feel you might be interested in a device with a few more functions, wait a few months. My two fav readers of the current crop are the Pocketbook 360 and the Sony PRS-300. The choice between a K2 and a Sony PRS-600 is a personal preference...I feel Amazon is going to have a new reader before February. If you can grab a Sony PRS-505 under $200 new, I say that it's a nice/good deal and you won't be disappointed. The nice thing is, until this month, reading devices have been pretty stagnant for the past 3ish years...but you will be buying right when these old designs will begin to drop rather quickly in price. I mean look at the Nook it's priced right even with the K2 and has a LOT more features like wifi AND 3G...still if it does not have a web browser then the wifi is not really a "feature" and it will drain your battery quickly. To me, in the US right now, today, the Sony PRS-505 readers found at clearance prices are EXCELLENT deals...one caveat, Sony has a long history of turning devices into "abandonware" very shortly after production stops. That means no more firmware updates. These updates are where the ability to read new or altered book file formats comes from...I do not know where the 505 stands in this area but I would find out first. Personally I imagine you are safe for a couple years anyway. It will not be a simple choice but there really are no bad choices from the list of readers that can be purchased today. Last edited by brecklundin; 10-21-2009 at 05:06 AM.