Quote:
Originally Posted by SaraD
Hi Robert,
I would like to add a "less fragile screen" option if that can be worked in somehow. The primary reason I have not yet purchased a reader is how expensive they are for how fragile the glass screen is and how nervous that makes me about using it on a daily basis. My baby boy is learning to stand up and yesterday discovered that he can now reach the kitchen table. Thank goodness he didn't grab anything breakable or my hot tea before I got there! I have not done much reading on the SiPix technology, but hopefully it is a little more robust than e-ink as well as less expensive. But I'll take enough cheaper that replacing a broken screen or buying a whole unit doesn't make me cry too much.
And I cannot stress the user replaceable battery enough! I am another person who uses my old electronics to the point where the batteries simply don't hold a charge very well. For example, I am still using a first generation iPod nano, but bought a second mp3 player becuase I was so frustrated with the battery going dead so quickly. Now I just can't make myself pay over $50 for something with a sealed battery. This and the factor of having to buy the chargers and cover seperate are the only reasons I do not have a silver Sony 600.
Yes, it actually did convert me to the touchscreen side! I tried the floor model and was shocked how much simpler it made navigation. The screen was just barely not as clear as the Sony 300 model next to the 600, but I found myself willing to accept the difference for the convenience. Until that moment I had been firmly against it as an un-necessary expensive add-on.
Overall I am still in the "keep it cheap, fast, light weight, and single function" camp. If it doesn't help the reading experience (including finding my books on the device) then I don't want to pay for it. Most of the choices that include 3G connectivity are noticably heavier than those without it and for that reason alone I would skip it.
 For asking our opinions! I noticed your poll a few hours after it was posted and it has been nice watching the numbers climb to 45 by this morning, about 36 hours later. I'm sure you won't have a problem making to it 100 by the time it closes on July 5th.  So far the choices are interesting to watch. |
Dear SaraD:
First off, thank you. You did a great job and your thoughts are good.
On a separate thread on here, several users have found warranty programs that will cover even a broken screen. They seem to report the cost is quite reasonable and they cover everything. Scroll down through the threads and you should find it easily. It is called Squaresomething.
Yes, a broken screen is a worry... but so is being hit by lightning. I think, of all the units we have sold in three models totaled together... less than ten had a broken screen. The standard case that comes with the Pocket PRO does a great job of protecting the screen. You can also opt for a Stylz case. That has a third flap that is beveled to exactly fit the screen. I have that and feel it is ideal on protection and you get glove-soft leather to boot in about five colors. I think itis still $24.99.
There is no way to ruggedize the screen itself that I know. Regarding Touch Screen. the Sony uses what is known as "Over the E-Ink " technology. The plastic touch goes over the E-Ink thus cutting resolution significantly. "Under the E-Ink" is coming and that will not lower the resolution. That is what I hope to see us move to. Keep in mind that "Touch" can add $80-$90 to the selling price. That is a big jump!