PRS-950 950 not available on SONY store

vxf · 06-21-2011, 01:07 AM

Have I just not noticed or is this news? SONY's own store does not have the 950s either anymore, after not showing any 650s for a while... which means the only one they have in stock is the 350...

I know we are beating a dead horse and I know lots of people here want to believe that SONY is not exiting the ereader market... but this is the quickest product death I have ever seen. Isn't it less than 9 months since they started selling this gen?

TimW · 06-21-2011, 01:12 AM

Here's a rumor from Nate:

http://www.the-digital-reader.com/20...ng-this-month/

elizilla · 06-21-2011, 11:51 AM

Not the same as being on the main page, but the 950 refurbs are still available in the sonystyle outlet store. The price is shown as $239, but if you add it to your cart it comes in at $189. Which is a stellar price. I'd be tempted but really I have enough hoarded readers.

I think I will wait and see what comes next, before I add more devices to my collection. I've read all these rumor threads out here, and I have no inside scoop, but my gut feeling is that the rumor that Sony's going to unveil a new version, rather than giving up entirely, is correct. Whether it's one month away or three, I think it's coming.

Pomtroll · 06-21-2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elizilla

Not the same as being on the main page, but the 950 refurbs are still available in the sonystyle outlet store. The price is shown as $239, but if you add it to your cart it comes in at $189. Which is a stellar price. I'd be tempted but really I have enough hoarded readers.

I think I will wait and see what comes next, before I add more devices to my collection. I've read all these rumor threads out here, and I have no inside scoop, but my gut feeling is that the rumor that Sony's going to unveil a new version, rather than giving up entirely, is correct. Whether it's one month away or three, I think it's coming.

Oh I wish you hadn't told us that!

I will wait for the possibility of an announcement of a new Sony...I will wait for the possibility of an announcement of a new Sony...

ilovejedd · 06-21-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elizilla

Not the same as being on the main page, but the 950 refurbs are still available in the sonystyle outlet store. The price is shown as $239, but if you add it to your cart it comes in at $189. Which is a stellar price. I'd be tempted but really I have enough hoarded readers.

Gah, why, oh why did you have to post that? Now I'm seriously tempted and I just bought a Nook Color a week ago and a back-up PRS-350 two weeks prior...

Kolenka · 06-21-2011, 01:40 PM

Makes sense that they should be moving towards a new model at this point. Their pricing structure is too high when compared to the Kindle and Nook right now. While their industrial design is quite good (minus their button placement, IMO), it won't be enough at this point. I think Sony is gonna have to accelerate a bit to keep up.

vxf · 06-21-2011, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolenka

Makes sense that they should be moving towards a new model at this point. Their pricing structure is too high when compared to the Kindle and Nook right now. While their industrial design is quite good (minus their button placement, IMO), it won't be enough at this point. I think Sony is gonna have to accelerate a bit to keep up.

But the last models have been sold for only 9 months, and unavailable for a large portion of that (well, at least the 650). How's that sustainable, as a business model?

Kolenka · 06-21-2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vxf

But the last models have been sold for only 9 months, and unavailable for a large portion of that (well, at least the 650). How's that sustainable, as a business model?

Cellphone manufacturers release models every few months, how is that sustainable?

The problem here is that Sony isn't in a good position. It's hard to sell the 650 in the face of the STR and Kindle being >100$ cheaper (list) with more functionality. When I see people looking in stores, it isn't Sony vs B&N vs Amazon, it's B&N vs Amazon.

The upside is that they don't need to do a major revamp of hardware, which can be expensive. Really what a new model would be about would be cost and feature parity. So that can be done on more of an advanced schedule. It isn't like they were resting on their laurels and not doing anything. I would bet that even as they were waiting for the 950 to start becoming available, if they are releasing new models, they started before the 950 even officially launched. Cutting a couple months off the normal cycle to answer B&N and Amazon is better than continuing to bleed out for those extra months.

Rapid hardware releases may not be sustainable in the long term, but it doesn't have to. The problem is Sony's value prop isn't good enough, and they need to catch up in terms of cost ASAP. From that point they move back to a more sustainable cycle after stopping the bleed.

prsita · 06-21-2011, 09:43 PM

In Europe the situation does not change compared to that of the United States.

In the european Sony site, from over a month and a half the PRS 650 (in any color) is missing, while the model avviable is only the PRS 350 (blue color; gray and pink colors are missing) sold for 199 euro (equivalent to over 250 dollars)

Also unavailable are many covers and accessories.

In Italy, in particular, the 650 can not be found (except for a site called Mediaword.it that a couple of weeks ago received some specimens (the model 650 in black, however, already sold out). Even the accessories are out of stock in all the sites od the independent retailers.

But what impressed me the most is reading in the U.S. site Sony.com that while the PRS 950 and PRS 650 black are listed as "out of stock", for the PRS 650 red is written "No longer available for purchase at Sony store". iT MEANS THAt WILL NO LONGER BE PRODUCED.

I do not know how to interpret this lack of models after just 9 months after their launch.

Sure, it seems strange the lack EVEN of accessories (unless the new models do not have a different form). I hope, I pray, that Sony does not leave the reader market, given that with a few changes to the software (with, for example, the implementation of alternate characters to the standard) and hardware (with the implementation of the wifi all models) to re-throw them and make them competitive, despite the price difference.

What is certain is that Sony has to choose the model of bussiness: following Amazon and B&N that are focusing on selling books through its website or betting on the sale of the PRS making them attractive from a technical point of wiew (letting them reading also the Mobi format, like did recently the Kobo touch).

There is a third option that I prefer not to consider: the withdraw from the market sector.

What is certain is that if does not come out with new models or at least make available the current one at least in his site, will lose the market share gained over the years and the distribution channels.

JSWolf · 06-21-2011, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vxf

Have I just not noticed or is this news? SONY's own store does not have the 950s either anymore, after not showing any 650s for a while... which means the only one they have in stock is the 350...

I know we are beating a dead horse and I know lots of people here want to believe that SONY is not exiting the ereader market... but this is the quickest product death I have ever seen. Isn't it less than 9 months since they started selling this gen?

Sony now shows the 950 as out-of-stock and the red 650 as no longer available and the black 650 as out-of-stock.

JSWolf · 06-21-2011, 09:51 PM

Sony did advertise for a reader software engineer. So I am thinking they will have new models later this year. And I hope better and cheaper.

JayB · 06-21-2011, 09:57 PM

I think Sony's biggest mistake is not having WIFI on every model.

If you have Wifi on your models when people hit the shop button they get taken right to your E-book store.

If you are counting on everyone sideloading their content they may as well just use Calibre and buy from someone else.

Another problem is while it seems easy for everyone here to use ADE or Calibre its not like that for a lot of people. My dad has no interest in computers so everytime he needs books on his reader I have to take my laptop to his house and load them on for him.

If I can find one of those $200 950s at best buy I would get it for him just for the convenience.

Tony1988 · 06-22-2011, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayB

I think Sony's biggest mistake is not having WIFI on every model.

If you have Wifi on your models when people hit the shop button they get taken right to your E-book store.

If you are counting on everyone sideloading their content they may as well just use Calibre and buy from someone else.

Another problem is while it seems easy for everyone here to use ADE or Calibre its not like that for a lot of people. My dad has no interest in computers so everytime he needs books on his reader I have to take my laptop to his house and load them on for him.

If I can find one of those $200 950s at best buy I would get it for him just for the convenience.

But even if your dad had the 950 he would still have to look for a wifi signal. Without a computer of his own or the knowledge to seek out wifi you will still be lugging around your computer or taking him to a wifi hotspot.

A kindle or Nook 1 3g would probably be best for him.

Ashjuk · 06-22-2011, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayB

I think Sony's biggest mistake is not having WIFI on every model.

If you have Wifi on your models when people hit the shop button they get taken right to your E-book store.

If you are counting on everyone sideloading their content they may as well just use Calibre and buy from someone else.

Another problem is while it seems easy for everyone here to use ADE or Calibre its not like that for a lot of people. My dad has no interest in computers so everytime he needs books on his reader I have to take my laptop to his house and load them on for him.

If I can find one of those $200 950s at best buy I would get it for him just for the convenience.

Seems to me that what your father needs is the 3G connection not WiFi.

As has been pointed out using WiFi to transfer books to your reader still involves the use of a computer, whereas 3G can be totally independent.

JayB · 06-22-2011, 10:36 AM

You dont need a computer to have wifi all you need is an Internet connection and a wireless router. You could also tether the device off of a cell phone.

The point is with Wifi he does not have to mess with any software outside of what is on the device. Also if you make buying from the Sony store more convenient you make more money on books.

Sony should be thinking like they do with their consoles and expect a certain attach rate with each sell of one of its E-readers.

I do agree 3g is the best but does not really seem necessary. When there is Wifi signals on just about every corner.

06-21-2011, 01:07 AM	#1
vxf Guru Posts: 944 Karma: 1490348 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Norman, OK Device: Sony PRS 350, 900, 950; Kindles (ALL of them!); Kobo Aura One	950 not available on SONY store Have I just not noticed or is this news? SONY's own store does not have the 950s either anymore, after not showing any 650s for a while... which means the only one they have in stock is the 350... I know we are beating a dead horse and I know lots of people here want to believe that SONY is not exiting the ereader market... but this is the quickest product death I have ever seen. Isn't it less than 9 months since they started selling this gen?

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06-21-2011, 01:12 AM	#2
TimW Wizard Posts: 1,022 Karma: 6824104 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southeastern Kentucky Device: KK3G, KPW1, Sony PRST1, Sony PRS350, iPod Touch 5G	Here's a rumor from Nate: http://www.the-digital-reader.com/20...ng-this-month/

06-21-2011, 11:51 AM	#3
elizilla Addict Posts: 271 Karma: 610286 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Michigan, USA Device: Kobo Elipsa, Kindle Paperwhite, Kobo Sage, others	Not the same as being on the main page, but the 950 refurbs are still available in the sonystyle outlet store. The price is shown as $239, but if you add it to your cart it comes in at $189. Which is a stellar price. I'd be tempted but really I have enough hoarded readers. I think I will wait and see what comes next, before I add more devices to my collection. I've read all these rumor threads out here, and I have no inside scoop, but my gut feeling is that the rumor that Sony's going to unveil a new version, rather than giving up entirely, is correct. Whether it's one month away or three, I think it's coming.

06-21-2011, 01:40 PM	#6
Kolenka <Insert Wit Here> Posts: 1,017 Karma: 1275899 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Puget Sound Device: Kindle Oasis, Kobo Forma	Makes sense that they should be moving towards a new model at this point. Their pricing structure is too high when compared to the Kindle and Nook right now. While their industrial design is quite good (minus their button placement, IMO), it won't be enough at this point. I think Sony is gonna have to accelerate a bit to keep up.

06-21-2011, 09:43 PM	#9
prsita Enthusiast Posts: 32 Karma: 103792 Join Date: Jun 2011 Device: PRS 650	In Europe the situation does not change compared to that of the United States. In the european Sony site, from over a month and a half the PRS 650 (in any color) is missing, while the model avviable is only the PRS 350 (blue color; gray and pink colors are missing) sold for 199 euro (equivalent to over 250 dollars) Also unavailable are many covers and accessories. In Italy, in particular, the 650 can not be found (except for a site called Mediaword.it that a couple of weeks ago received some specimens (the model 650 in black, however, already sold out). Even the accessories are out of stock in all the sites od the independent retailers. But what impressed me the most is reading in the U.S. site Sony.com that while the PRS 950 and PRS 650 black are listed as "out of stock", for the PRS 650 red is written "No longer available for purchase at Sony store". iT MEANS THAt WILL NO LONGER BE PRODUCED. I do not know how to interpret this lack of models after just 9 months after their launch. Sure, it seems strange the lack EVEN of accessories (unless the new models do not have a different form). I hope, I pray, that Sony does not leave the reader market, given that with a few changes to the software (with, for example, the implementation of alternate characters to the standard) and hardware (with the implementation of the wifi all models) to re-throw them and make them competitive, despite the price difference. What is certain is that Sony has to choose the model of bussiness: following Amazon and B&N that are focusing on selling books through its website or betting on the sale of the PRS making them attractive from a technical point of wiew (letting them reading also the Mobi format, like did recently the Kobo touch). There is a third option that I prefer not to consider: the withdraw from the market sector. What is certain is that if does not come out with new models or at least make available the current one at least in his site, will lose the market share gained over the years and the distribution channels.

06-21-2011, 09:51 PM	#11
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,740 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Sony did advertise for a reader software engineer. So I am thinking they will have new models later this year. And I hope better and cheaper.

06-21-2011, 09:57 PM	#12
JayB Enthusiast Posts: 38 Karma: 257172 Join Date: Jun 2011 Device: PRS-950 PRS-300	I think Sony's biggest mistake is not having WIFI on every model. If you have Wifi on your models when people hit the shop button they get taken right to your E-book store. If you are counting on everyone sideloading their content they may as well just use Calibre and buy from someone else. Another problem is while it seems easy for everyone here to use ADE or Calibre its not like that for a lot of people. My dad has no interest in computers so everytime he needs books on his reader I have to take my laptop to his house and load them on for him. If I can find one of those $200 950s at best buy I would get it for him just for the convenience.

06-22-2011, 10:36 AM	#15
JayB Enthusiast Posts: 38 Karma: 257172 Join Date: Jun 2011 Device: PRS-950 PRS-300	You dont need a computer to have wifi all you need is an Internet connection and a wireless router. You could also tether the device off of a cell phone. The point is with Wifi he does not have to mess with any software outside of what is on the device. Also if you make buying from the Sony store more convenient you make more money on books. Sony should be thinking like they do with their consoles and expect a certain attach rate with each sell of one of its E-readers. I do agree 3g is the best but does not really seem necessary. When there is Wifi signals on just about every corner.

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