Trade a PRS-505 for a Kindle

[browningj]

Hey folks,
Just thought I would throw this offer out there. I am willing to trade my Sony PRS-505 with someone who would like to get rid of their Kindle. I will cover shipping both ways (US only of course). If you can think of a way to track it so, that we can keep it legit (I am sure that hardly anyone would try to take me for a ride on here, but you never know) I am open to suggestions.

Just a thought.

Thanks,

Justin Browning

[doreenjoy]

You might get more responses posting this in the Flea Market section. Good luck!

[browningj]

Thanks for the tip.

[jinlo]

You might also consider just trying to sell your Sony and using the proceeds to buy a used Kindle. This way you don't limit your prospects to only those that want to make a straight up trade.

[purl4peace]

I've had a lot of luck selling ebook readers via Craigslist. Good luck.

[browningj]

Also, a great option, I think I may do that, or keep the reader, still on the fence. Is the wireless really worth it on the Kindle?

[doreenjoy]

I never used the wireless on my Kindle 1 other than to show it to someone. That's part of the reason I returned it. Didn't use the main features (dictionary and internet purchasing), and didn't like the larger size of the device.

[Lilly]

I use the wireless simply to receive books from Amazon. It's a really great thing to have because I can buy books from the Amazon site while at work using my computer and have it sent to my Kindle. Actually, that's how I buy all my books from Amazon, even when I'm at home, I use my laptop and have the book sent to my Kindle. Then, I turn on the wireless and the books automatically download. I have to say, I'm a big tennis fan and last week I used my Kindle browser to check the scores for Wimbledon while on the train every morning. I've never used the browser before except to buy a couple of books from Amazon for demonstration purposes!
By the way, I have the PRS-505 also and would not part with it for anything!

[Elsi]

Originally Posted by purl4peace

I've had a lot of luck selling ebook readers via Craigslist. Good luck.

I bought one (Sony 505) from a fellow MobileRead member. The second-hand Kindle I bought from someone advertising on Craig's List.

I make very little use of the Whispernet and the only reason I would *require* it would be to download the free samples. I do, however, use the highlight and notes features quite extensively. I miss these when I'm reading on the Sony. But like Lilly, I don't want to give up either one of them.

[purl4peace]

Originally Posted by browningj

Also, a great option, I think I may do that, or keep the reader, still on the fence. Is the wireless really worth it on the Kindle?

I make limited use of the whispernet because it drains the battery. Plus, I have to admit that I'm a bit paranoid about what Amazon is doing when whispernet is on (why does an ereader need GPS capability?) That said, I do have to admit that it is very handy as a mechanism for getting content onto my reader.

However, I would say that only about 50 percent of my Kindle content came from Amazon so in those cases, I had to use the USB cable anyway.

Also count me among those who will only get rid of my Sony when they pry it from my cold dead fingers. My cybook, on the other hand.... if it disappeared, I wouldn't be exactly be bereft with grief.

[khalleron]

browningj, you might want to read more of this forum before you make your decision. Both devices have their strengths and weaknesses. Personally, when I chose the Sony over the Kindle, it was because I didn't like the idea of being locked into the Kindle store, and thus into the Kindle. If you're a one-time reader, that might be OK for you, but if you tend to be a re-reader (as I am), that might not.

There are also privacy concerns with the Whispernet - so look around some before you make your decision. I love my Sony, I wouldn't swap it for a Kindle, no way, no how.

[BookishMom]

Originally Posted by browningj

Is the wireless really worth it on the Kindle?

Yes, to me, the wireless is worth it. I use it to download the books I purchase from Amazon, and to download many sample chapters. I'd also miss the dictionary, and the search feature on the Kindle.

I do download books from other sources and use the USB cable to transfer them, and it's not a hassle, although not as convenient (I'm spoiled). But to get the sample chapters, you need to have the wireless, and I'd really miss that. Along with the other benefits, it's enough to choose the Kindle over Sony, if it was a one or the other decision. If I didn't live in a wireless area, I'm pretty sure I'd go with the 505 instead and give up the dictionary and search. If highlighting and note-taking was more important to me, I'd have to reevaluate.

(I've read that there's a work-around to the sample chapter issue, but it involves asking someone else to download it and then email it to you. I've also read that it doesn't work for every book, though.)

That said, there are pros to the Sony, and I'll probably purchase a 505 in the future. I thought I'd definitely purchase one a couple of months ago to get access to library ebooks, but since then have found out how to download library ebooks and read them on my Kindle, so I really don't need a Sony anymore.

What also swayed me to another Kindle instead of a 505 was that my teens tested the 505 at a local Borders store and compared it point-by-point to the Kindle. They chose the Kindle. I thought they'd go for the 505 due to the smaller (and more appealing, in my opinion) form factor, but they preferred function/options (sample chapters, wireless, dictionary, search) over form. They didn't like the 700 at all due to the lack of screen clarity.

I still would like to have one more ebook reader so all my older children will have their own, and having one that natively accepts formats different from the Kindle sounds like a good idea to me. I'm going to wait a little while to see what Sony comes up with next. If it's not soon-ish, I'll probably get a 505.

Okay, enough rambling from me! I hope this helps you with your decision.