MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Sony PRS-505 Still the best?

wn0x · 03-21-2010, 03:59 PM

I want to thank everyone for their comments. What a great community!

My top priority was a high contrast, low glare screen. If the PRS-300 had been a 6" device I probably would have purchased that new, instead of looking for a used PRS-505 and just lived with lack of expandible memory.

My primary use for the device will be reading. I don't need the device to do much else..., so if it does that well, I'm happy.

I would love to get many of my favorite science fiction books on the device so I can keep my library with me. I have a few reference PDF's I would like to keep on hand as well. I volunteer as a HAZMAT technician and COM leader (OEC COML) for an emergency response team so wanted something I could throw in my Go kit on a moments notice for reference and for keeping entertained during down time. We do not count on having wireless of any kind at a destination.

I have looked at several different models, my purely subjective thoughts based on my needs are as follows:

Sony Pocket Edition - Pros: High contrast, easy to read display, navigation was intuitive, small size, good PDF support. Cons: Memory not expandible, no wireless option. I would have prefered a 6" screen.

Sony Touch and Daily Reader editions - Pros: Intuitive and responsive touch interface, expandible memory, wireless capabilities depending on model, annotation, great PDF support, standard Mini-USB connector and seperate charging port, field replaceable battery.

Cons: Screen contrast is poor compared to other models. I can't image reading a book on this device.

B&N Nook - Pros: Good but not great screen contrast, Wireless & WiFi capable, expandible memory, field replaceable battery.

Cons: Perfomance of device at store was sluggish. I found the second color screen distracting and the touch interface a bit difficult (sluggish) to navigate. Micro instead of mini USB port. I could really do without the second color screen and would rather have had a smaller profile device instead. Seemed "heavy" in my hands.

Amazon Kindle - Pros: Good high contrast screen, wireless & Wifi capabile, adequate PDF support.

Cons: Memory not expandible, limited electronic formats, I didn't care for the keyboard at the bottom of the unit. Screen and page navigation didn't seem as intuitive as the Sony devices, but much better than the Nook.

I am gambling on the reputation of the PRS-505 and comments by other posters that its screen is as good or better than the PRS-300. I have not used one however. The additional memory storage pushed me over the edge in terms of buying this device.

Thanks,

Rich

03-21-2010, 03:59 PM	#19
wn0x Member Posts: 13 Karma: 378 Join Date: Mar 2010 Device: Sony PRS-505	I want to thank everyone for their comments. What a great community! My top priority was a high contrast, low glare screen. If the PRS-300 had been a 6" device I probably would have purchased that new, instead of looking for a used PRS-505 and just lived with lack of expandible memory. My primary use for the device will be reading. I don't need the device to do much else..., so if it does that well, I'm happy. I would love to get many of my favorite science fiction books on the device so I can keep my library with me. I have a few reference PDF's I would like to keep on hand as well. I volunteer as a HAZMAT technician and COM leader (OEC COML) for an emergency response team so wanted something I could throw in my Go kit on a moments notice for reference and for keeping entertained during down time. We do not count on having wireless of any kind at a destination. I have looked at several different models, my purely subjective thoughts based on my needs are as follows: Sony Pocket Edition - Pros: High contrast, easy to read display, navigation was intuitive, small size, good PDF support. Cons: Memory not expandible, no wireless option. I would have prefered a 6" screen. Sony Touch and Daily Reader editions - Pros: Intuitive and responsive touch interface, expandible memory, wireless capabilities depending on model, annotation, great PDF support, standard Mini-USB connector and seperate charging port, field replaceable battery. Cons: Screen contrast is poor compared to other models. I can't image reading a book on this device. B&N Nook - Pros: Good but not great screen contrast, Wireless & WiFi capable, expandible memory, field replaceable battery. Cons: Perfomance of device at store was sluggish. I found the second color screen distracting and the touch interface a bit difficult (sluggish) to navigate. Micro instead of mini USB port. I could really do without the second color screen and would rather have had a smaller profile device instead. Seemed "heavy" in my hands. Amazon Kindle - Pros: Good high contrast screen, wireless & Wifi capabile, adequate PDF support. Cons: Memory not expandible, limited electronic formats, I didn't care for the keyboard at the bottom of the unit. Screen and page navigation didn't seem as intuitive as the Sony devices, but much better than the Nook. I am gambling on the reputation of the PRS-505 and comments by other posters that its screen is as good or better than the PRS-300. I have not used one however. The additional memory storage pushed me over the edge in terms of buying this device. Thanks, Rich