Why do press folks hate Sony?

doctorow · 11-01-2006, 05:44 AM

Check out this latest review by some dude from the NewsObserver: http://www.newsobserver.com/104/story/504912.html

Some of his comments:

I get the sense that the people designing them are people who don't read books in the first place.
Why would you want an electronic book without search capability?
The list goes on. I don't like to mark up good hardcover texts, but an e-book should let you annotate freely.
Why does it not allow me to simply highlight a text, as I can do in any paperback with a yellow marker?
Sure, I can store bunches of books on the Sony device, but that's about it when it comes to real advantages over printed books.
Somebody is going to use this inspiration to get things right ... My hunch is it won't be Sony.

What an §(/%)$("! idiot. He doesn't deserve the Reader nor any other E Ink device. He should go back to his pityful iPaq and stop whining.

Peregrine · 11-01-2006, 05:55 AM

Well the N&O is my paper, and they have never been known for cutting edge correspondents. I just don't understand why he (and many others in reviews I've read) seem to want some sort of wacky gadget with all kinds of features, but still want a good book-reading experience. To me an ebook reader is successful if it replaces the reading experience in the most simple way - you forget you're reading a book. It seems like the Reader does that from all the feedback I've seen here (mine's still in the mail.) Beyond that, having plenty of storage capacity to store books is the next big thing, but in terms of search features, highlighting, and all the other things that reviewers bemoan the Reader not having, I don't get it. Does every electronic gadget have to have a feature list a mile long? Can't something be simple, do what it's meant to do, and still be good?

jæd · 11-01-2006, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doctorow

Check out this latest review by some dude from the NewsObserver: http://www.newsobserver.com/104/story/504912.html

Thats a review based on the specs of the device... Most reviews that have come out have been amazed at the screen, even if they are critical about the device...

I would highly doubt he has actually used one. (And he hasn't said anything about the Connect store...)

g.m. caryland · 11-01-2006, 07:57 AM

Sometimes people confuse e-book reader with notebook. I wonder how many novels do have an index and how often somebody highlights text in novels. Shure for technical books and research those features would be helpfull. In my mind for paperless reading an e-book reader like prs-550 is more usefull than any other mobile device. And probably I will get one soon.

tcv · 11-01-2006, 09:15 AM

Don't forget that this is a traditionally printed publication. They're not exactly interested in writing their own demise. And, yes, they're supposed to be objective, but I've written for enough newspapers to know that if the article may harm advertising revenue, they won't publish it.

yvanleterrible · 11-01-2006, 09:43 AM

These critics are beginning to form a predictable cliché are'nt they?
But some points they make will be useful to help manufacturers make their baby evolve.

airlik · 11-01-2006, 10:34 AM

I'm kind of surprised at that review. I was sold on the Sony Reader after a few minutes in the store. I still wish it could search, but I think they'll add that. It does what it was designed to do incredibly well. Reading actual paper books is so much less convenient.

Wish they would give up on DRM though. I have an autographed copy of Cory's EST that I can't imagine actually reading - that's what the electronic copy is for, lol...

yvanleterrible · 11-01-2006, 10:44 AM

Let's not forget that since the reader is new, the aftermarket guys have not gotten out their wares yet. Just think of the programmers we have here! With our common inputs, great apps will be born...

Jake · 11-01-2006, 10:47 AM

I agree - the laddie doth protest too much... perhaps what he pictures is a laptop (replete with battery life of 4 hours)! In terms of what an e-book "should" let you do, even if there is a jury yet, it is still out. Heck, the Reader is the first dedicated e-book reader I have ever seen or owned.

This is one of those reviews where you wonder if the reviewer really has a clue or just had this assignment dumped on his desk by some editor.

NatCh · 11-01-2006, 11:05 AM

One of the comments I've run across is is to the effect that the PRS-500 the first electronic reader worthy of "deconstructing" -- which I count as high praise, indeed.

Cthulhu · 11-01-2006, 11:37 AM

If consumers listened to reviewers like this, we would not have PDA's, notebook computers, or automatic transmission cars. "Oh yes, there's no clutch, but there's that annoying noise, and I still need to shift! Why bother?"

A number of reviewers--techy and non-techy--want a superdevice. When I read the 1st review of this, the response was "it only reads books? Why would I want a device that just does that? It's expensive." I don't own and ipod, so I was shocked, yes *shocked* to find that an ipod __only plays music!__ Oh. It also cost $250.

My biggest problem with the Reader has little to do with the Reader itself. I am disgusted by the lack of content available electronically, and the ridiculous price for that limited catalog. The device seems amazing.

As for reviewers having no love for SONY, many times it was justified. They created some amazing products, but never saw fit to tell you how to fix or use it. They were incredibly closed in their systems, formats, and operating systems. How nice would it be if SONY & MS could play well together? A SONY CD player capable of reading my WMA files...*sigh*

SONY has had years of engendering bad blood with the consumer base. They seem to be reformed(/ing) with this latest rollout, and they should be commended for that.

rmeister0 · 11-01-2006, 11:52 AM

It sounds like the reviewer is judging the device based on what he wants it to no, rather than how successfully it accomplishes what it is designed to do. They are two very different things.

I think the reader is an excellent piece of hardware hobbled by some bad software. That is just how you want it, however; software is easier to change.

On the other hand, I have no real love for Sony given their antics in the last several years. They've pissed off a lot of people, and journalists will jump on bad news like fat on a mother-in-law because it sells. Sony has some serious image building to do.

Cthulhu · 11-01-2006, 01:14 PM

Rmeister:

Many reviewers fall into that trap. They try to see what they want, not what is there.

I am reminded by an essay in Popular Science that had a big pile of gadgets piled up and said "The gadgets Suck!" The idea being that many companies rush items into production with little or no inovation or thought to longevity. The author said that tech producers need to realise that techies will beat a path to your door for a better e-text Reader. ;-

On this forum, it seems that SONY is making a genuine effort to listen to their target market. Either they've come around to customer service, or this is all a clever ruse.

slayda · 11-01-2006, 01:40 PM

In answer to this review, I'd like to make this comment.

I just finished my first book on the Sony Reader (Stole the reader back from my mother long enough for that.) The next book I started to read was the new Weber/Evans book, Hell's Gate (a Hard Back pbook). While I do want the hard copy in my library, after the first few minutes, I went on line to buy the ebook version so I wouldn't have to hold that "Heavy" hard back book while I read.

Alas, I am now stuck with reading it on my Palm TX. Think I'll have to buy another reader just for me.

Cthulhu · 11-01-2006, 01:45 PM

Slayda: Your post begs the question, Why have the physical copy if you do not intend to read it?

It seems a bit silly to me, and I wonder why you would purchase the same book twice, especially one you'll never use.

Not trying to be a jerk, just wondering at motivation.

11-01-2006, 05:44 AM	#1
doctorow Guru Posts: 914 Karma: 3410461 Join Date: May 2004 Device: Kindle Touch	Why do press folks hate Sony? Check out this latest review by some dude from the NewsObserver: http://www.newsobserver.com/104/story/504912.html Some of his comments: I get the sense that the people designing them are people who don't read books in the first place. Why would you want an electronic book without search capability? The list goes on. I don't like to mark up good hardcover texts, but an e-book should let you annotate freely. Why does it not allow me to simply highlight a text, as I can do in any paperback with a yellow marker? Sure, I can store bunches of books on the Sony device, but that's about it when it comes to real advantages over printed books. Somebody is going to use this inspiration to get things right ... My hunch is it won't be Sony. What an §(/%)$("! idiot. He doesn't deserve the Reader nor any other E Ink device. He should go back to his pityful iPaq and stop whining.

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11-01-2006, 05:55 AM	#2
Peregrine Enthusiast Posts: 26 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cary, NC Device: iPad	Well the N&O is my paper, and they have never been known for cutting edge correspondents. I just don't understand why he (and many others in reviews I've read) seem to want some sort of wacky gadget with all kinds of features, but still want a good book-reading experience. To me an ebook reader is successful if it replaces the reading experience in the most simple way - you forget you're reading a book. It seems like the Reader does that from all the feedback I've seen here (mine's still in the mail.) Beyond that, having plenty of storage capacity to store books is the next big thing, but in terms of search features, highlighting, and all the other things that reviewers bemoan the Reader not having, I don't get it. Does every electronic gadget have to have a feature list a mile long? Can't something be simple, do what it's meant to do, and still be good?

11-01-2006, 07:57 AM	#4
g.m. caryland Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Germany Device: iRex iLiad	Sometimes people confuse e-book reader with notebook. I wonder how many novels do have an index and how often somebody highlights text in novels. Shure for technical books and research those features would be helpfull. In my mind for paperless reading an e-book reader like prs-550 is more usefull than any other mobile device. And probably I will get one soon.

11-01-2006, 09:15 AM	#5
tcv Addict Posts: 330 Karma: 596 Join Date: Oct 2006	Don't forget that this is a traditionally printed publication. They're not exactly interested in writing their own demise. And, yes, they're supposed to be objective, but I've written for enough newspapers to know that if the article may harm advertising revenue, they won't publish it.

11-01-2006, 09:43 AM	#6
yvanleterrible Reborn Paper User Posts: 8,616 Karma: 15446734 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Que Nada Device: iPhone8, iPad Air	These critics are beginning to form a predictable cliché are'nt they? But some points they make will be useful to help manufacturers make their baby evolve.

11-01-2006, 10:34 AM	#7
airlik Connoisseur Posts: 76 Karma: 15 Join Date: Oct 2006 Device: Sony Reader	I'm kind of surprised at that review. I was sold on the Sony Reader after a few minutes in the store. I still wish it could search, but I think they'll add that. It does what it was designed to do incredibly well. Reading actual paper books is so much less convenient. Wish they would give up on DRM though. I have an autographed copy of Cory's EST that I can't imagine actually reading - that's what the electronic copy is for, lol...

11-01-2006, 10:44 AM	#8
yvanleterrible Reborn Paper User Posts: 8,616 Karma: 15446734 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Que Nada Device: iPhone8, iPad Air	Let's not forget that since the reader is new, the aftermarket guys have not gotten out their wares yet. Just think of the programmers we have here! With our common inputs, great apps will be born...

11-01-2006, 10:47 AM	#9
Jake Renaissance Man Posts: 45 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle Device: Sony Reader	I agree - the laddie doth protest too much... perhaps what he pictures is a laptop (replete with battery life of 4 hours)! In terms of what an e-book "should" let you do, even if there is a jury yet, it is still out. Heck, the Reader is the first dedicated e-book reader I have ever seen or owned. This is one of those reviews where you wonder if the reviewer really has a clue or just had this assignment dumped on his desk by some editor.

11-01-2006, 11:05 AM	#10
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	One of the comments I've run across is is to the effect that the PRS-500 the first electronic reader worthy of "deconstructing" -- which I count as high praise, indeed.

11-01-2006, 11:37 AM	#11
Cthulhu Technologist Posts: 488 Karma: 585237 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: I'm between Cities Device: SONY Reader PRS-500	If consumers listened to reviewers like this, we would not have PDA's, notebook computers, or automatic transmission cars. "Oh yes, there's no clutch, but there's that annoying noise, and I still need to shift! Why bother?" A number of reviewers--techy and non-techy--want a superdevice. When I read the 1st review of this, the response was "it only reads books? Why would I want a device that just does that? It's expensive." I don't own and ipod, so I was shocked, yes shocked to find that an ipod __only plays music!__ Oh. It also cost $250. My biggest problem with the Reader has little to do with the Reader itself. I am disgusted by the lack of content available electronically, and the ridiculous price for that limited catalog. The device seems amazing. As for reviewers having no love for SONY, many times it was justified. They created some amazing products, but never saw fit to tell you how to fix or use it. They were incredibly closed in their systems, formats, and operating systems. How nice would it be if SONY & MS could play well together? A SONY CD player capable of reading my WMA files...sigh SONY has had years of engendering bad blood with the consumer base. They seem to be reformed(/ing) with this latest rollout, and they should be commended for that.

11-01-2006, 11:52 AM	#12
rmeister0 Addict Posts: 270 Karma: 298 Join Date: Mar 2005	It sounds like the reviewer is judging the device based on what he wants it to no, rather than how successfully it accomplishes what it is designed to do. They are two very different things. I think the reader is an excellent piece of hardware hobbled by some bad software. That is just how you want it, however; software is easier to change. On the other hand, I have no real love for Sony given their antics in the last several years. They've pissed off a lot of people, and journalists will jump on bad news like fat on a mother-in-law because it sells. Sony has some serious image building to do.

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11-01-2006, 01:14 PM	#13
Cthulhu Technologist Posts: 488 Karma: 585237 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: I'm between Cities Device: SONY Reader PRS-500	Rmeister: Many reviewers fall into that trap. They try to see what they want, not what is there. I am reminded by an essay in Popular Science that had a big pile of gadgets piled up and said "The gadgets Suck!" The idea being that many companies rush items into production with little or no inovation or thought to longevity. The author said that tech producers need to realise that techies will beat a path to your door for a better e-text Reader. ;- On this forum, it seems that SONY is making a genuine effort to listen to their target market. Either they've come around to customer service, or this is all a clever ruse.

11-01-2006, 01:40 PM	#14
slayda Retired & reading more! Posts: 2,764 Karma: 1884247 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: North Alabama, USA Device: Kindle 1, iPad Air 2, iPhone 6S+, Kobo Aura One	In answer to this review, I'd like to make this comment. I just finished my first book on the Sony Reader (Stole the reader back from my mother long enough for that.) The next book I started to read was the new Weber/Evans book, Hell's Gate (a Hard Back pbook). While I do want the hard copy in my library, after the first few minutes, I went on line to buy the ebook version so I wouldn't have to hold that "Heavy" hard back book while I read. Alas, I am now stuck with reading it on my Palm TX. Think I'll have to buy another reader just for me.

11-01-2006, 01:45 PM	#15
Cthulhu Technologist Posts: 488 Karma: 585237 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: I'm between Cities Device: SONY Reader PRS-500	Slayda: Your post begs the question, Why have the physical copy if you do not intend to read it? It seems a bit silly to me, and I wonder why you would purchase the same book twice, especially one you'll never use. Not trying to be a jerk, just wondering at motivation.