PRS-350 Finally got my hands on one

jgray · 09-26-2010, 11:53 PM

After briefly using a PRS350, I will add my voice to the many who say that it is much better than the previous generation readers. I had tried an earlier Sony Reader and found the contrast too low for my tastes.

Although the new Pearl screens are still far from having the contrast of a real sheet of paper (especially in low light), they are a noticeable improvement. The contrast is at a point where I find it usable.

As for the other improvements, I love the new touch screen and the dictionary support. The user interface is mostly intuitive, with only a few references to the manual required. For basic reading without using the fancy features, no manual is needed.

One thing I would very much like to see Sony add is additional dictionaries. I would gladly pay to download more dictionaries. The included multi-lingual dictionaries are wonderful, but the ability to add specialty dictionaries would be even better.

The first specialty dictionary I would add is one of Latin phrases. Such phrases are often used in fiction. French is also frequently seen in English fiction, but a French dictionary is already included. For non fiction, technical dictionaries (medical, computer, etc.) would be of use to some.

In any case, I think it would be very smart if Sony would publish an API and specification for how to add third party dictionaries to the new readers. I know that Sony is using ADE, but I don't know if the dictionary capability is Sony's or Adobe's. If Adobe's, then they should come forward with this information.

To sum things up, I like the PRS350 very much. However, the screen is a bit small (or my eyes are getting older), so I'm going to get a PRS650.

Joe

Papi · 09-27-2010, 07:19 AM

I also would like the ability to add dictionaries (regular French and French <-> German in my case), but I doubt it will be doable, considering how it wasn't possible on the previous generation as far as I know, and they didn't bother adapting dictionaries to different countries : German devices get OED and the American dictionary as the main dictionaries.

Latinandgreek · 09-27-2010, 07:29 AM

I would love a Latin dictionary as well. Perhaps we will see Sony offering the possibility to buy additional dictionaries in the future - I'll keep my fingers crossed.

jgray · 09-29-2010, 10:09 PM

After using a PRS350 for a few days, I have decided to go for it and get a PRS650 of my own. Yesterday, a black PRS650 and a red cover with light was ordered. Today, I got an email saying that the cover was shipped. I wonder when I'll get the reader?

09-26-2010, 11:53 PM	#1
jgray Fanatic Posts: 554 Karma: 2928497 Join Date: Mar 2008 Device: Clara 2E & Sage	Finally got my hands on one After briefly using a PRS350, I will add my voice to the many who say that it is much better than the previous generation readers. I had tried an earlier Sony Reader and found the contrast too low for my tastes. Although the new Pearl screens are still far from having the contrast of a real sheet of paper (especially in low light), they are a noticeable improvement. The contrast is at a point where I find it usable. As for the other improvements, I love the new touch screen and the dictionary support. The user interface is mostly intuitive, with only a few references to the manual required. For basic reading without using the fancy features, no manual is needed. One thing I would very much like to see Sony add is additional dictionaries. I would gladly pay to download more dictionaries. The included multi-lingual dictionaries are wonderful, but the ability to add specialty dictionaries would be even better. The first specialty dictionary I would add is one of Latin phrases. Such phrases are often used in fiction. French is also frequently seen in English fiction, but a French dictionary is already included. For non fiction, technical dictionaries (medical, computer, etc.) would be of use to some. In any case, I think it would be very smart if Sony would publish an API and specification for how to add third party dictionaries to the new readers. I know that Sony is using ADE, but I don't know if the dictionary capability is Sony's or Adobe's. If Adobe's, then they should come forward with this information. To sum things up, I like the PRS350 very much. However, the screen is a bit small (or my eyes are getting older), so I'm going to get a PRS650. Joe

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09-27-2010, 07:19 AM	#2
Papi Addict Posts: 311 Karma: 547600 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Paris Device: Kindle Keyboard, Kindle NT, PRS-650	I also would like the ability to add dictionaries (regular French and French <-> German in my case), but I doubt it will be doable, considering how it wasn't possible on the previous generation as far as I know, and they didn't bother adapting dictionaries to different countries : German devices get OED and the American dictionary as the main dictionaries.

09-27-2010, 07:29 AM	#3
Latinandgreek Warrior Princess Posts: 5,038 Karma: 9724231 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: PRS-505; PRS-350, PRS-T1, iPad, Aura HD	I would love a Latin dictionary as well. Perhaps we will see Sony offering the possibility to buy additional dictionaries in the future - I'll keep my fingers crossed.

09-29-2010, 10:09 PM	#4
jgray Fanatic Posts: 554 Karma: 2928497 Join Date: Mar 2008 Device: Clara 2E & Sage	After using a PRS350 for a few days, I have decided to go for it and get a PRS650 of my own. Yesterday, a black PRS650 and a red cover with light was ordered. Today, I got an email saying that the cover was shipped. I wonder when I'll get the reader?

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