Advice before I take the plunge

mlkmnz · 03-13-2007, 06:50 AM

I've had an old Ebookman 1150 for a while now but I'm pretty set on upgrading to a Sony Reader, especially for the ability to read comics, but I have a small question.

I've read on these forums and at a few other places on the net about issues with the screen breaking/locking up and Sony claiming it to be due to damage caused by the user and not repairing them under warranty. Was this to do with a certain production batch or is it random? I'm based in NZ (soon to be Thailand) and I don't want to shell out big bucks on one of these only to play Russian Roulette and wind up with a $350 paperweight.

Any advice would be appreciated before I whip out old faithful (my credit card) and give her a hammering.

Cheers.

HarryT · 03-13-2007, 08:34 AM

The Reader's screen is pretty tough. I certainly don't think it's going to break in normal use. I've certainly read extremely few reports of it on this forum, and in all cases I think it's been due to physical damage on journeys, etc.

NatCh · 03-13-2007, 08:42 AM

There have also been a few reports of the screens just quitting, though (no damage, just ceasing to function). Not very many, mind you, but a few. If you are ordering it from a place/person that is willing to open the box and make sure the thing turns on etc. that might be a good idea to request.

RWood · 03-13-2007, 10:23 AM

There are bad units in any given production run. Most are caught in quality control/testing. Given the sales numbers we think the Reader has had and even judging by the number here at MobileRead, the percentage that are bad from the factory is very, very low. Most of the damage seems to be caused by users breaking the screen or by shippers damaging the unit in transit.

I have in the the past gotten computer parts that did not work, stereos that did not play, and telephones that would not ring. Over the years this number has declined greatly. Follow NatCh's advice and you should be OK.

Leaping Gnome · 03-13-2007, 10:46 AM

I can tell you I have dropped mine at least 3 or 4 times and have had no damage.

HarryT · 03-13-2007, 11:13 AM

That's actually one benefit of the Reader not having a touch sensitive screen. The screen is a lot tougher than the delicate touch-sensitive membrane that you find on Pocket PCs, Palms, etc.

KlondikeGeoff · 03-13-2007, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leaping Gnome

I can tell you I have dropped mine at least 3 or 4 times and have had no damage.

That's good news, but I gotta know: from what height and onto what surface?

When I dropped mine from the top of the Empire State Building onto the sidewalk, it would not work at all.

HarryT · 03-13-2007, 11:21 AM

I have a bad habit of falling asleep while reading, and I often wake up in the morning to find the Reader on the floor beside the bed. Luckily, thus far I've avoided getting out of bed and standing on it

.

yvanleterrible · 03-13-2007, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

That's actually one benefit of the Reader not having a touch sensitive screen. The screen is a lot tougher than the delicate touch-sensitive membrane that you find on Pocket PCs, Palms, etc.

...or Iliad for that fact.

@mlkmnz
Go ahead, jump in! Just be sure that you have an exit door. Buy new and choose a reseller that can offer you an exchange or repair option.
The reader is an extremely sturdy device. The horror stories are quite rare. You have more chances to die in a car accident. Phew!

DougFNJ · 03-13-2007, 11:25 AM

Harry, Post reports on how it holds up with your weight standing on it

NatCh · 03-13-2007, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KlondikeGeoff

When I dropped mine from the top of the Empire State Building onto the sidewalk, it would not work at all.

Oh, you did not! Everyone knows the wind at the top of the ESB catches things and brings them back to the roof!

scottcstoness · 03-13-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlkmnz

I've had an old Ebookman 1150 for a while now but I'm pretty set on upgrading to a Sony Reader, especially for the ability to read comics, but I have a small question.

I've read on these forums and at a few other places on the net about issues with the screen breaking/locking up and Sony claiming it to be due to damage caused by the user and not repairing them under warranty.

Cheers.

If you are worried, I think that the 2-year accidental damage plan is only $45. They might not ship it back to NZ if you needed to send it for repairs, but for me the availability of that plan helped clinch the decision (that and 10% off for borders, $20 in borders rewards, and the $50 in free ebooks, which apparently is back!)

HarryT · 03-13-2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougFNJ

Harry, Post reports on how it holds up with your weight standing on it

Believe me, if I stood on it there wouldn't be a lot left of it. The expression "sylph like" is rarely applied to my physique

.

mlkmnz · 03-13-2007, 04:48 PM

Cool thanks for all your feedback guys. What the hell, I'm going to go all in :P

yvanleterrible · 03-13-2007, 05:34 PM

It will be all to your pleasure!

03-13-2007, 06:50 AM	#1
mlkmnz Enthusiast Posts: 33 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2006 Device: Ebookwise 1150, Sony Reader	Advice before I take the plunge I've had an old Ebookman 1150 for a while now but I'm pretty set on upgrading to a Sony Reader, especially for the ability to read comics, but I have a small question. I've read on these forums and at a few other places on the net about issues with the screen breaking/locking up and Sony claiming it to be due to damage caused by the user and not repairing them under warranty. Was this to do with a certain production batch or is it random? I'm based in NZ (soon to be Thailand) and I don't want to shell out big bucks on one of these only to play Russian Roulette and wind up with a $350 paperweight. Any advice would be appreciated before I whip out old faithful (my credit card) and give her a hammering. Cheers.

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03-13-2007, 08:34 AM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	The Reader's screen is pretty tough. I certainly don't think it's going to break in normal use. I've certainly read extremely few reports of it on this forum, and in all cases I think it's been due to physical damage on journeys, etc.

03-13-2007, 08:42 AM	#3
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	There have also been a few reports of the screens just quitting, though (no damage, just ceasing to function). Not very many, mind you, but a few. If you are ordering it from a place/person that is willing to open the box and make sure the thing turns on etc. that might be a good idea to request.

03-13-2007, 10:23 AM	#4
RWood Technogeezer Posts: 7,233 Karma: 1601464 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia, USA Device: Sony PRS-500	There are bad units in any given production run. Most are caught in quality control/testing. Given the sales numbers we think the Reader has had and even judging by the number here at MobileRead, the percentage that are bad from the factory is very, very low. Most of the damage seems to be caused by users breaking the screen or by shippers damaging the unit in transit. I have in the the past gotten computer parts that did not work, stereos that did not play, and telephones that would not ring. Over the years this number has declined greatly. Follow NatCh's advice and you should be OK.

03-13-2007, 10:46 AM	#5
Leaping Gnome Evangelist Posts: 490 Karma: 1641 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Louisville Device: Sony Reader PRS-500	I can tell you I have dropped mine at least 3 or 4 times and have had no damage.

03-13-2007, 11:13 AM	#6
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	That's actually one benefit of the Reader not having a touch sensitive screen. The screen is a lot tougher than the delicate touch-sensitive membrane that you find on Pocket PCs, Palms, etc.

03-13-2007, 11:21 AM	#8
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I have a bad habit of falling asleep while reading, and I often wake up in the morning to find the Reader on the floor beside the bed. Luckily, thus far I've avoided getting out of bed and standing on it .

03-13-2007, 11:25 AM	#10
DougFNJ Avid Reader Posts: 273 Karma: 1332 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New Jersey Device: Kindle Paperwhite Signature, 2TB iPad Pro 11”	Harry, Post reports on how it holds up with your weight standing on it

03-13-2007, 04:48 PM	#14
mlkmnz Enthusiast Posts: 33 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2006 Device: Ebookwise 1150, Sony Reader	Cool thanks for all your feedback guys. What the hell, I'm going to go all in :P

03-13-2007, 05:34 PM	#15
yvanleterrible Reborn Paper User Posts: 8,616 Karma: 15446734 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Que Nada Device: iPhone8, iPad Air	It will be all to your pleasure!

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