Considering Sony e-reader

Darcy03231 · 09-24-2009, 08:04 PM

I don't have a portable reader yet and am considering the Sony e-reader that's $199. I'm looking at getting it just for travel so I don't have to lug a suitcase of books with me. I don't see myself giving up my books yet!

How easy is it to download the books to the computer and then to the reader. I'm not very computer literate. I did figure out how to use itunes and my ipod though! Also, once you download the ebook onto the computer, can you read it from there if you want to?

lilac_jive · 09-24-2009, 08:21 PM

It actually works the same way as an iPod. You open the software, then click the store to buy, and it downloads to your eLibrary. Then to put the books on the Reader, you connect it to your computer and click and drag the books over to the library.

If you travel a lot, you're going to love it

DougFNJ · 09-24-2009, 09:01 PM

Anytime anyone has asked me about my Ebook Reader, I've always explained, it's like a iPod for books

You can read from the Reader or the PC, Lilac answered your question about the drag and drop. If you like to read, you are definitely going to LOVE it. Anytime anyone asks me what book I want for a present I tell them don't worry about it, I download them. Since Sony got into the Ereader game, I remember buying only 1 book that hadn't been released as an Ebook.

Welcome to a whole new way to read books......enjoy

rjfarrell · 09-24-2009, 10:03 PM

I have not seen or used the PRS-300. But the screen is said to have a very nice contract, which is important.

I have the 505 and the 700. I was very annoyed by the screen of the 700, and the lack of clarity. Felt like i was reading thru pea soup. However, others do not feel that way, and thoroughly enjoy it.

The 505 is absolute perfection for me. I love the clarity, the form factor, the interface, and I quite enjoy the many different formats. Sony is the easiest to check out books from the public library, however others have figured out a way to read books from the library. on other ebook readers.

The software is quite easy to use. Download/drag/drop.

Good luck on your choice. There are many good options out there. I am sure the 300 will serve you well.

easterncoyote · 09-24-2009, 10:16 PM

Hi Darcy, I just got my first dedicated ereader last week, the Sony 300, that you are considering, and I love it. I find it makes reading a much more enjoyable experience compared to printed books; the display is simply astonishing, and the portability is great. Transferring books to your Reader is very easy, much easier than using iTunes (which I actually find rather complicated). Enjoy, and let us know how you like your new Reader!

qpid360 · 09-25-2009, 12:40 AM

It's definitely a great pickup for $199. While it does lack some features that would make it better, like a built-in dictionary, it's still an amazing device. Just like everyone said above, it's basically like an iPod for books so I'm sure you'll have no problem learning how to use it with your computer.

doreenjoy · 09-25-2009, 02:45 AM

It's very easy to put books on the Sony reader. You can even use Windows Explorer to drag & drop books onto it.

Jerboa · 09-25-2009, 07:52 AM

Yesterday was my first day with a PRS-300. It couldn't be easier to use. Easier than my son's ipod, if you ask me.

Using the Sony bookstore was a breeze. Authorize the reader in account settings, add a book to your shopping cart, and buy. The download happens automatically.

If you just want to copy your whole library to your reader, there is a big "sync" button. In Sony's library software, click the reader on the left, then the big "sync"button. Everything in your library will copy over.

As a first ereader, I couldn't be happier. Easy to use, easy to sync, and very sharp display. I say go for it. For $199, and a 30 day return policy, what's to lose?

kennyc · 09-25-2009, 07:55 AM

I say GO FOR IT. Actually pretty simple to use with either the Sony Library software or Calibre (highly recommended from me). To purchase or check out epub books you will need to install Adobe Digital Editions and authorize your reader.

Welcome. Looking forward to the announcement of your acquisition!

quillaja · 09-25-2009, 09:47 AM

don't forget about all the free books out there. they're the "old" books, but of course they are still good. you can get some from google books, but i'd recommend feedbooks.com. it's much better. some of those books are public domain, and others are 'creative commons'.

Darcy03231 · 09-25-2009, 09:58 AM

Thanks everyone! Since all I read for pleasure is novels, after all my research it looked like a good fit for me. While the Kindle looked interesting, it had a lot of features I'll never use (and I can buy a lot of books for the extra $100).

kennyc · 09-25-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darcy03231

Thanks everyone! Since all I read for pleasure is novels, after all my research it looked like a good fit for me. While the Kindle looked interesting, it had a lot of features I'll never use (and I can buy a lot of books for the extra $100).

and not be restricted to proprietary formats.

Treven · 09-25-2009, 11:08 PM

I NEVER leave home without my Sony reader. I get it out while I'm waiting for a bus, I get it out while I'm on a bus, I get it out when I'm in a restaurant, I get it out in airports. Get the idea there's really no place where you can't use the reader?

Plus it weighs ounces instead of a James Mitchner novel; plus it never weighs more no matter how many books you download.

kelly1010 · 09-26-2009, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darcy03231

Thanks everyone! Since all I read for pleasure is novels, after all my research it looked like a good fit for me. While the Kindle looked interesting, it had a lot of features I'll never use (and I can buy a lot of books for the extra $100).

And don't forget that you can get free ebooks from the library too, anything in epub or pdf format. And check them out just like a regular library books, and they expire automatically after 21 days so no late fees!! This was one of the dealbreakers between the sony and kindle for me(I have the 505) as well as the price. Happy reading!!

joobies · 09-26-2009, 10:58 AM

Darcy, Something else you may want to consider in the Sony vs Kindle debate.
Battery life.
The Kindle is quite short and the Sony is remarkably long.
I own a Kindle and my husband has a Sony 505.
I recharge every day and a half, or so.
My husband has had his Sony for over a week and still has not had to recharge.
That is big - in my book.
Good luck with your decision.

09-24-2009, 08:04 PM	#1
Darcy03231 Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: none	Considering Sony e-reader I don't have a portable reader yet and am considering the Sony e-reader that's $199. I'm looking at getting it just for travel so I don't have to lug a suitcase of books with me. I don't see myself giving up my books yet! How easy is it to download the books to the computer and then to the reader. I'm not very computer literate. I did figure out how to use itunes and my ipod though! Also, once you download the ebook onto the computer, can you read it from there if you want to?

09-25-2009, 07:55 AM	#9
kennyc The Dank Side of the Moon Posts: 35,930 Karma: 119747553 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Denver, CO Device: Kindle2 & PW, Onyx Boox Go6	I say GO FOR IT. Actually pretty simple to use with either the Sony Library software or Calibre (highly recommended from me). To purchase or check out epub books you will need to install Adobe Digital Editions and authorize your reader. Welcome. Looking forward to the announcement of your acquisition! Last edited by kennyc; 09-25-2009 at 01:09 PM.

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09-24-2009, 08:21 PM	#2
lilac_jive Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,870 Karma: 27376 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Device: PRS-505	It actually works the same way as an iPod. You open the software, then click the store to buy, and it downloads to your eLibrary. Then to put the books on the Reader, you connect it to your computer and click and drag the books over to the library. If you travel a lot, you're going to love it

09-24-2009, 09:01 PM	#3
DougFNJ Avid Reader Posts: 273 Karma: 1332 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New Jersey Device: Kindle Paperwhite Signature, 2TB iPad Pro 11”	Anytime anyone has asked me about my Ebook Reader, I've always explained, it's like a iPod for books You can read from the Reader or the PC, Lilac answered your question about the drag and drop. If you like to read, you are definitely going to LOVE it. Anytime anyone asks me what book I want for a present I tell them don't worry about it, I download them. Since Sony got into the Ereader game, I remember buying only 1 book that hadn't been released as an Ebook. Welcome to a whole new way to read books......enjoy

09-24-2009, 10:03 PM	#4
rjfarrell Zealot Posts: 111 Karma: 142 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Arizona (USA) Device: Sony PRS-505, Iphone, Ipad	I have not seen or used the PRS-300. But the screen is said to have a very nice contract, which is important. I have the 505 and the 700. I was very annoyed by the screen of the 700, and the lack of clarity. Felt like i was reading thru pea soup. However, others do not feel that way, and thoroughly enjoy it. The 505 is absolute perfection for me. I love the clarity, the form factor, the interface, and I quite enjoy the many different formats. Sony is the easiest to check out books from the public library, however others have figured out a way to read books from the library. on other ebook readers. The software is quite easy to use. Download/drag/drop. Good luck on your choice. There are many good options out there. I am sure the 300 will serve you well.

09-24-2009, 10:16 PM	#5
easterncoyote Zealot Posts: 133 Karma: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Device: Kindle 2, Kindle 3, Kindle PW, Kobo Touch, Kobo Clara Colour	Hi Darcy, I just got my first dedicated ereader last week, the Sony 300, that you are considering, and I love it. I find it makes reading a much more enjoyable experience compared to printed books; the display is simply astonishing, and the portability is great. Transferring books to your Reader is very easy, much easier than using iTunes (which I actually find rather complicated). Enjoy, and let us know how you like your new Reader!

09-25-2009, 12:40 AM	#6
qpid360 e-reading :) Posts: 30 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Pasadena, CA Device: Sony Reader Pocket Edition, Barnes & Noble nook	It's definitely a great pickup for $199. While it does lack some features that would make it better, like a built-in dictionary, it's still an amazing device. Just like everyone said above, it's basically like an iPod for books so I'm sure you'll have no problem learning how to use it with your computer.

09-25-2009, 02:45 AM	#7
doreenjoy 01000100 01001010 Posts: 1,889 Karma: 2400000 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: Polyamorous	It's very easy to put books on the Sony reader. You can even use Windows Explorer to drag & drop books onto it.

09-25-2009, 07:52 AM	#8
Jerboa Member Posts: 10 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: PRS-300	Yesterday was my first day with a PRS-300. It couldn't be easier to use. Easier than my son's ipod, if you ask me. Using the Sony bookstore was a breeze. Authorize the reader in account settings, add a book to your shopping cart, and buy. The download happens automatically. If you just want to copy your whole library to your reader, there is a big "sync" button. In Sony's library software, click the reader on the left, then the big "sync"button. Everything in your library will copy over. As a first ereader, I couldn't be happier. Easy to use, easy to sync, and very sharp display. I say go for it. For $199, and a 30 day return policy, what's to lose?

09-25-2009, 09:47 AM	#10
quillaja Connoisseur Posts: 79 Karma: 42 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: sony reader touch (prs-600)	don't forget about all the free books out there. they're the "old" books, but of course they are still good. you can get some from google books, but i'd recommend feedbooks.com. it's much better. some of those books are public domain, and others are 'creative commons'.

09-25-2009, 09:58 AM	#11
Darcy03231 Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: none	Thanks everyone! Since all I read for pleasure is novels, after all my research it looked like a good fit for me. While the Kindle looked interesting, it had a lot of features I'll never use (and I can buy a lot of books for the extra $100).

09-25-2009, 11:08 PM	#13
Treven Addict Posts: 222 Karma: 680 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: the Left Coast Device: iPad	I NEVER leave home without my Sony reader. I get it out while I'm waiting for a bus, I get it out while I'm on a bus, I get it out when I'm in a restaurant, I get it out in airports. Get the idea there's really no place where you can't use the reader? Plus it weighs ounces instead of a James Mitchner novel; plus it never weighs more no matter how many books you download.

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09-26-2009, 10:58 AM	#15
joobies Addict Posts: 234 Karma: 1856 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Midwest USA Device: Kindle 1, Sony PRS-505	Darcy, Something else you may want to consider in the Sony vs Kindle debate. Battery life. The Kindle is quite short and the Sony is remarkably long. I own a Kindle and my husband has a Sony 505. I recharge every day and a half, or so. My husband has had his Sony for over a week and still has not had to recharge. That is big - in my book. Good luck with your decision.