PRS-650 Just got my 650 -- better than I thought

Under the Covers · 11-05-2010, 05:46 PM

My PRS-650 just arrived today. I decided on a Sony after much research, watching You Tube videos, and the feedback on Mobile Read -- I live in the sticks, so it would have been a very long drive to get to a place where I could see one in person. I had originally decided on a 950, but finally went with the 650, partly because it comes in black (avoiding any extra glare into my older eyes) and because I simply ran out of patience. I've spent the past few years not reading, and I'm more than anxious to begin again, now with the ability to crank up the print size as needed.

I have to say that, even after all of my research, I am still very pleasantly surprised (thrilled, actually) by how easy and totally intuitive it is. It was ready to go right out of the box, charged to 4 bars (but I charged it anyway, just to be sure). I used Calibre to transfer over a selection of the books I had already downloaded -- and that was easy as pie, too. I'll admit I worried a bit, having also read negative reviews of Sony here, but at this point I'm ecstatic over my new toy that allows me to read again.

So now I'm settling in to begin actually reading. The text size is adjusted to large (with XL and XXL as yet unneeded), which is working out just fine. So I'm a very happy camper, with a to-read list at least a mile long and getting longer by the day.

Whoopee!!!

SeaBookGuy · 11-05-2010, 07:09 PM

Great to hear, UTC!

I've had mine a few weeks now, and I can report one negative issue ... the touch swiping has made my screen a bit messy ... but maybe I have oily digits? I also have a bit of ADD, so have sternly lectured myself: "No - you can't start a fifth book until you finish one of the four current ones!"

lack · 11-05-2010, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Under the Covers

My PRS-650 just arrived today.

Glad to hear that! Mine just arrived this morning too, so I totally understand how you feel right now

Quote:

Originally Posted by Under the Covers

.... and because I simply ran out of patience. I've spent the past few years not reading, and I'm more than anxious to begin again, now with the ability to crank up the print size as needed.

I know how that feels! ONLY 3 new books read every year is a frustrating statistics. I can no longer say my hobby is reading T_T

Quote:

Originally Posted by Under the Covers

It was ready to go right out of the box, charged to 4 bars (but I charged it anyway, just to be sure).

It is good practice to charge any battery powered device (different kind needs different treatment but this is still a good generalization) for the first time after it went out of factory, to charge it overnight for at least 8 hours.*

Quote:

Originally Posted by Under the Covers

So I'm a very happy camper, with a to-read list at least a mile long and getting longer by the day. *

Whoopee!!!

May I suggest we start at mobileread's classic camp...*

God.. seeing fellow excited readers like this is what makes coming here worthwhile

lack · 11-05-2010, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaBookGuy

the touch swiping has made my screen a bit messy ... but maybe I have oily digits? I also have a bit of ADD, so have sternly lectured myself: "No - you can't start a fifth book until you finish one of the four current ones!"

about the oily fingers, I got the same issue so I'm thinking on getting a protective screen but I'm afraid it'll have bad effects on readability and touch sensors..

Under the Covers · 11-06-2010, 12:02 AM

I'll admit I had to chuckle about the oily fingers bit. Keeping the screen in good condition is something I definitely want to do -- and I do use hand lotion...

... though it would certainly prevent scratches, making me yet another oily-fingered reader.

And I love the "classic camp" idea. But I'm back to my old "Just a minute!" while I continue reading, so I may never make it to camp...

NNolan · 11-06-2010, 11:14 AM

I've been using my 350 every day for over a month now, and the only time I ever saw fingerprints on the screen was when it was lying flat on the kitchen table and the sun hit it juuuusssttt right.

dordale · 11-06-2010, 12:01 PM

Congrats on your new readers Under the Covers and Lack!! Hope you both end up enjoying your new readers as much as I'm enjoying mine!!

I've had the same experience as NNolan--don't notice fingerprints unless the light is hitting the screen just right. I do clean my screen with eyeglass wipes once a week or so.

I also use the buttons for page turning about 50% of the time--just depends on which seems to be more comfortable at the moment.

dordale

tech_au · 11-07-2010, 12:15 AM

I had my new 650 for about 2 weeks now so I have noticed some good things and some slightly annoying things about it compared to my trusty 505.
Good
Screen is excellent and doesn't fade in direct sunlight. My 505 partly faded when direct sunlight after awhile. Screen is much whiter and heaps faster page turns when I read the same ebook on both devices.

Database refreshes heaps faster when you unplug it from computer than what the 505 does.

Dictionary lookup is excellent. I don't know how we did without it before. I used to just skip over words I didn't know before as I couldn't be bothered finding out the definition.

Slightly annoying.
DC charge jack is now gone so you can't read while charging

USB cable is now micro instead of mini meaning my usb charger can no longer be used until I buy a spare cable to plug into my charger.

Sometimes the page doesn't turn when you swipe and a couple of times it didn't turn when I clicked the button. Anyone else had that happen ?

I think there's a problem with creating collections on the reader.The added order doesn't seem to match the order you added them on. If you add them in a bulk lot it seems to pick it own order when you look at the collection. If you pick them one by one the order seems to change when you check it later. Quite strange I'll have to see if this happens when you create collections with the Sony Library software instead.

doreenjoy · 11-07-2010, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech_au

IDC charge jack is now gone so you can't read while charging

USB cable is now micro instead of mini meaning my usb charger can no longer be used until I buy a spare cable to plug into my charger.

Most recent devices are all micro USB, so that is a trend Sony is following. If you have a micro USB charger, you can read while charging.

Glad you're mostly happy with it, though.

SeaBookGuy · 11-07-2010, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech_au

a couple of times it didn't turn when I clicked the button. Anyone else had that happen?

Yes, I thought maybe I hadn't pressed hard enough, although was pretty certain I'd used roughly the same pressure as always - thanks for the confirmation!

jgray · 11-07-2010, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech_au

Sometimes the page doesn't turn when you swipe and a couple of times it didn't turn when I clicked the button. Anyone else had that happen?

Yes, I've had it happen a few times when clicking the button. I just assumed that I didn't press hard enough and that the switch didn't make contact.

Joe

NNolan · 11-07-2010, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Sometimes the page doesn't turn when you swipe and a couple of times it didn't turn when I clicked the button. Anyone else had that happen ?

I've had that happen on my 350, and also on every other brand of reader I own at one time or another, so I don't worry about it.

SkyDream · 11-07-2010, 08:12 AM

That happens sometimes.
It seems it's the same problem as for the 505, 900 and maybe other Sony Readers.

But it doesn't happen too often so i just ignore this one.

adityadubey · 11-07-2010, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Under the Covers

My PRS-650 just arrived today. I decided on a Sony after much research, watching You Tube videos, and the feedback on Mobile Read -- I live in the sticks, so it would have been a very long drive to get to a place where I could see one in person. I had originally decided on a 950, but finally went with the 650, partly because it comes in black (avoiding any extra glare into my older eyes) and because I simply ran out of patience. I've spent the past few years not reading, and I'm more than anxious to begin again, now with the ability to crank up the print size as needed.

Ditto on all counts, except that
1)I'm in India and could not have gone and seen one physically even if I were prepared for a long drive.
2) I just like black. Period.

Also I thought the 950 was a bit bulky and I didn't really want wifi or 3-G on my reader. I'm already distracted enough

3) I've also not been reading much the past 2-3 years, mainly because I've been relocating a lot and it gets difficult transporting a lot of books

that's the main reader why I got the Reader.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Under the Covers

I have to say that, even after all of my research, I am still very pleasantly surprised (thrilled, actually) by how easy and totally intuitive it is. It was ready to go right out of the box, charged to 4 bars (but I charged it anyway, just to be sure). I used Calibre to transfer over a selection of the books I had already downloaded -- and that was easy as pie, too. I'll admit I worried a bit, having also read negative reviews of Sony here, but at this point I'm ecstatic over my new toy that allows me to read again.

So now I'm settling in to begin actually reading. The text size is adjusted to large (with XL and XXL as yet unneeded), which is working out just fine. So I'm a very happy camper, with a to-read list at least a mile long and getting longer by the day.

Whoopee!!!

Ditto :-) Only I have exams for 2 weeks, so mine is stowed away for the moment. And I prefer the small and medium font.

I'm 24, I assume w.r.t. the older eyes comment you are significantly more advanced in years. Everything in your post is just the way I'd have said it

!

Interesting how some things are universal beyond age groups and geographies.

lack · 11-07-2010, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech_au

Dictionary lookup is excellent. I don't know how we did without it before. I used to just skip over words I didn't know before as I couldn't be bothered finding out the definition.

second this. For me who is not a native english speaker this is a blessing. I used t skip the words I don't understand

But the dictionary lookup is unforgiving for big thumbs

Especially my thumbs T_T

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech_au

Sometimes the page doesn't turn when you swipe and a couple of times it didn't turn when I clicked the button. Anyone else had that happen ?

I do. Tolerably not so often though. Glad you pointed this out. Nearly thought I got a bad unit.

Others, Anyone finds the bookmarking is rather picky? Or is it again just my big fat fingers?

11-05-2010, 05:46 PM	#1
Under the Covers Night Reader Posts: 127 Karma: 4314 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Rocky Mountains (US) Device: Sony PRS-650	Just got my 650 -- better than I thought My PRS-650 just arrived today. I decided on a Sony after much research, watching You Tube videos, and the feedback on Mobile Read -- I live in the sticks, so it would have been a very long drive to get to a place where I could see one in person. I had originally decided on a 950, but finally went with the 650, partly because it comes in black (avoiding any extra glare into my older eyes) and because I simply ran out of patience. I've spent the past few years not reading, and I'm more than anxious to begin again, now with the ability to crank up the print size as needed. I have to say that, even after all of my research, I am still very pleasantly surprised (thrilled, actually) by how easy and totally intuitive it is. It was ready to go right out of the box, charged to 4 bars (but I charged it anyway, just to be sure). I used Calibre to transfer over a selection of the books I had already downloaded -- and that was easy as pie, too. I'll admit I worried a bit, having also read negative reviews of Sony here, but at this point I'm ecstatic over my new toy that allows me to read again. So now I'm settling in to begin actually reading. The text size is adjusted to large (with XL and XXL as yet unneeded), which is working out just fine. So I'm a very happy camper, with a to-read list at least a mile long and getting longer by the day. Whoopee!!!

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11-05-2010, 07:09 PM	#2
SeaBookGuy Can one read too much? Posts: 2,029 Karma: 2487799 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Naples, FL Device: Kindle PW 3, Sony 350 and 650	Great to hear, UTC! I've had mine a few weeks now, and I can report one negative issue ... the touch swiping has made my screen a bit messy ... but maybe I have oily digits? I also have a bit of ADD, so have sternly lectured myself: "No - you can't start a fifth book until you finish one of the four current ones!"

11-06-2010, 12:02 AM	#5
Under the Covers Night Reader Posts: 127 Karma: 4314 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Rocky Mountains (US) Device: Sony PRS-650	I'll admit I had to chuckle about the oily fingers bit. Keeping the screen in good condition is something I definitely want to do -- and I do use hand lotion... ... though it would certainly prevent scratches, making me yet another oily-fingered reader. And I love the "classic camp" idea. But I'm back to my old "Just a minute!" while I continue reading, so I may never make it to camp...

11-06-2010, 11:14 AM	#6
NNolan Compulsive Gadget Geek Posts: 406 Karma: 4219324 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: South Central Virginia Device: One of each, and two in some cases	I've been using my 350 every day for over a month now, and the only time I ever saw fingerprints on the screen was when it was lying flat on the kitchen table and the sun hit it juuuusssttt right.

11-06-2010, 12:01 PM	#7
dordale Wizard Posts: 1,731 Karma: 3472866 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: Sony PRS-650 & 350; Kindle Voyage; Kobo Aura HD, Aura One, and Forma	Congrats on your new readers Under the Covers and Lack!! Hope you both end up enjoying your new readers as much as I'm enjoying mine!! I've had the same experience as NNolan--don't notice fingerprints unless the light is hitting the screen just right. I do clean my screen with eyeglass wipes once a week or so. I also use the buttons for page turning about 50% of the time--just depends on which seems to be more comfortable at the moment. dordale

11-07-2010, 12:15 AM	#8
tech_au Oz Bookworm Posts: 516 Karma: 4056 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Australia Device: Sony PRS 505,PRS 650	I had my new 650 for about 2 weeks now so I have noticed some good things and some slightly annoying things about it compared to my trusty 505. Good Screen is excellent and doesn't fade in direct sunlight. My 505 partly faded when direct sunlight after awhile. Screen is much whiter and heaps faster page turns when I read the same ebook on both devices. Database refreshes heaps faster when you unplug it from computer than what the 505 does. Dictionary lookup is excellent. I don't know how we did without it before. I used to just skip over words I didn't know before as I couldn't be bothered finding out the definition. Slightly annoying. DC charge jack is now gone so you can't read while charging USB cable is now micro instead of mini meaning my usb charger can no longer be used until I buy a spare cable to plug into my charger. Sometimes the page doesn't turn when you swipe and a couple of times it didn't turn when I clicked the button. Anyone else had that happen ? I think there's a problem with creating collections on the reader.The added order doesn't seem to match the order you added them on. If you add them in a bulk lot it seems to pick it own order when you look at the collection. If you pick them one by one the order seems to change when you check it later. Quite strange I'll have to see if this happens when you create collections with the Sony Library software instead.

11-07-2010, 08:12 AM	#13
SkyDream Wizard Posts: 1,377 Karma: 9400 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Europe Device: PRS-650, iPod touch 4G, iPad 3	That happens sometimes. It seems it's the same problem as for the 505, 900 and maybe other Sony Readers. But it doesn't happen too often so i just ignore this one.

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