Just Purchased 505 - Firmware Needed? Couple questions?

[ColdSun]

Questions:

1. If I just bought the 505, and its in the mail, will I need to update the firmware or will the newest firmware already be in place?

2. I have a number of books in HTML format. What is the best method/program for converting them to 505 format (with best visual results) and then transferring them to the unit?

3. After reading the board, I see some cool hacks for the device. Are these safe to use or will they in any shape cancel my warranty/and or have a chance to damage the unit?

4. Last question, I promise. I also ordered the lightwedge light from Sony. How do you folks feel about the light when reading in complete darkness?

Thanks to anyone that can help!

[=X=]

Originally Posted by ColdSun

Questions:
1. If I just bought the 505, and its in the mail, will I need to update the firmware or will the newest firmware already be in place?

I've heard that the newer models have the FW update so you shouldn't need to do anything.
An easy check is to copy a PDF to the reader.
Old FW: When you zoom (the (+) button next to the navigation) if the margins are removed and the layout is the same then it' the old FW.
New FW: When you zoom the text is reflow, but you lose the layout and the fonts are crisper. Almost always the page is turned into two pagse

Originally Posted by ColdSun

2. I have a number of books in HTML format. What is the best method/program for converting them to 505 format (with best visual results) and then transferring them to the unit?

If the HTML is already formated to your liking then a tool like Calibre is all you need. This tool is a book organizer and also converts most formats to LRF (BeBB without DRM).
You can also use other tools like BookCreator or BookDesigner to edit your HTML into a format you like.

Originally Posted by ColdSun

3. After reading the board, I see some cool hacks for the device. Are these safe to use or will they in any shape cancel my warranty/and or have a chance to damage the unit?

All vendors have a "use at our own risk" clause. However I've used the clock hack w/o any problem. If the problem is not too sever you can always apply the Patch and this will restore your reader to the default state.


=X=

[jedavis1]

I will try to answer some of these.

1) If you are running windows, after you install the Sony library software, if the firmware is the older version, it will say that there is an update and ask if you want to download and install the new firmware.

2)Calibre (found here on the forum) is the best bet.

3) Almost all of the "hacks" can be undone by reflashing the latest Sony firmware.

4) I have one of these and with a resounding yes, can I recomend it. The only thing is that it is a little too bright in total darkness. My wife often complains that it is too bright and bothers her when she is trying to sleep.

[kacir]

Originally Posted by ColdSun

4. I also ordered the lightwedge light from Sony. How do you folks feel about the light when reading in complete darkness?

I do not own 505, I still use my trusty PRS500, but I can answer that one.

I have manufactured a homemade lightwedge and also a lighted box that uses CCFL light (those thin fluorescent tubes that make backlight in LCD monitors, but I only use those systems when I travel by car (as a passenger! ;-) ) or when I go camping.
I find staring on a brightly lit screen in an otherwise completely dark environment very unpleasant. The only thing that is even more unpleasant is a long journey in a dark car when you sit for many hours and stare on the road ahead.

Disclaimer
Perhaps the original lightwedge is different from my DoItYourself one. I also used 20 white leds (I took apart a cheapo flashlight) on the edge to get a *very* even light from them.

[ShellShock]

Originally Posted by ColdSun

Questions:

1. If I just bought the 505, and its in the mail, will I need to update the firmware or will the newest firmware already be in place?

As I'm not sure what country you're in, you should note that the hacks only work with the USA firmware and not with the UK firmware (which is already the latest version).

[BobVA]

If you're in a hurry to get started, a quick way to convert HTML is to just load it into a text editor (like Word), set the file properties (Author and Title), bump the font size up to something like 15 (and change font if you like), then save it as an RTF. That's what I do for most straight text I'm planning to read just once. The resulting file on the Reader will be pretty plain jane, but very readable.

If the document is more complex (e.g. special formatting, linked table of contents, etc.) or it's something you'll be using a lot, use one of the more sophisticated programs listed above which will give you a nicer looking, more useful document.