MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Alternatives to the Sony PRS-505

leia · 07-07-2010, 03:25 PM

Hi -
in my opinion, the way the screen looks to your eyes is a deciding factor. And no review can tell you that. I recommend that you look at, handle, press the buttons on the top choices available in your area and in your price range. I had a 505 and loved it - perfect for my needs (I dropped it and got a 600 in exchange which I do not like as well - the screen is not as clear to me even though it has touchscreen etc.).
I have used ereader devices for more than ten years - my fav remains the rocket (its the ebookwise which is still available and has a nice |(to my eyes) screen, easy to hold, ) - it's very affordable and with some conversion will take a lot of formats.

A second issue aside from your comfort preference will be what you want to read.
I|f you want to read the classics or classic sci fi (baen books etc.), you will be able to choose almost any reader because these books are either free or come in multi-formats - suitable for any reader.
\
if you prefer to read more popular novels - latest releases, you need to look at the formats available - ebookwise doesn't have as many of the amazon-type books on its site in the .rb format (there is also the matter that some authors/publishers protect the content - so even if you could theorectically convert the format, you are not allowed to do so).

I would start by looking at the Sony PRS 300 and not get too worried about the screen size until you hold it and read on it. If you aren't comfortable with that size, you will need to look at the 6 inch size e-ink choices, esp if you want to read popular novels.

I think an e-reading device is just that - don't try to make it do too many things (and I can see from your list you aren't) - so focus on the basics, viewability and access to the type of books you want to read and you will make a choice that works for you.
Good luck.

07-07-2010, 03:25 PM	#2
leia Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: sony prs 505, ebookwise	Hi - in my opinion, the way the screen looks to your eyes is a deciding factor. And no review can tell you that. I recommend that you look at, handle, press the buttons on the top choices available in your area and in your price range. I had a 505 and loved it - perfect for my needs (I dropped it and got a 600 in exchange which I do not like as well - the screen is not as clear to me even though it has touchscreen etc.). I have used ereader devices for more than ten years - my fav remains the rocket (its the ebookwise which is still available and has a nice \|(to my eyes) screen, easy to hold, ) - it's very affordable and with some conversion will take a lot of formats. A second issue aside from your comfort preference will be what you want to read. I\|f you want to read the classics or classic sci fi (baen books etc.), you will be able to choose almost any reader because these books are either free or come in multi-formats - suitable for any reader. \ if you prefer to read more popular novels - latest releases, you need to look at the formats available - ebookwise doesn't have as many of the amazon-type books on its site in the .rb format (there is also the matter that some authors/publishers protect the content - so even if you could theorectically convert the format, you are not allowed to do so). I would start by looking at the Sony PRS 300 and not get too worried about the screen size until you hold it and read on it. If you aren't comfortable with that size, you will need to look at the 6 inch size e-ink choices, esp if you want to read popular novels. I think an e-reading device is just that - don't try to make it do too many things (and I can see from your list you aren't) - so focus on the basics, viewability and access to the type of books you want to read and you will make a choice that works for you. Good luck.