PRS-500 vs. 505?

[firelance]

Hi folks,

First post to the forum. I've been wanting an ebook reader for while now and have been waiting till I can get a PRS-505 for $200 or so. I thought I had a chance with the expansy refurbished deal but that seemed to disappear fast.

On the other hand, I now have a chance to pick up a used PRS-500 for a $100 or so. I know the technical differences, size, memory etc. but I was wondering if anyone could comment on basic usability issues. I already have spare a spare 4gb memory stick and spare SD cards as well as a psp charger. Given that the last PRS-500 sold on the classifieds for $150, I figure this is a pretty good deal but a good deal isn't enough to get me to buy. .

The other option is the datavis deal going on right now for $250 for the PRS-505.

Is there anything in particular I should be on the lookout for when I see the unit?

Any tips are appreciated.

[Lilly]

If you can wait for the PRS-505 please do. Sony no longer supports the PRS-500. Also the only DRM the PRS-500 reads is the Sony proprietary LRF, while PRS-505 & 700 also reads Abode PDF and ePud (you'll be able to check out library books if your local library offers ebooks).

[firelance]

Blech, I also realize that since I'm running Windows 7 64, I probably won't be able to use the reader on my computer as it is. What a pain. Thanks for the info.

[lilac_jive]

Originally Posted by firelance

Blech, I also realize that since I'm running Windows 7 64, I probably won't be able to use the reader on my computer as it is. What a pain. Thanks for the info.

You can use Calibre instead. Someone should be by shortly to help explain how it works (I don't have it, but pretty much everyone else does). You just won't be able to use the Sony Library software on your computer. Big difference

Anyway, welcome to the forum! I'd say that you should try and swing for the 505. The only positive that the 500 has over the 505 is that you can find it pretty cheap.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by firelance

Blech, I also realize that since I'm running Windows 7 64, I probably won't be able to use the reader on my computer as it is. What a pain. Thanks for the info.

Actually, I think the newest version does work on 64-Bit windows. And, I would imagine the newest driver still works with the 500.

BOb

[lilac_jive]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Actually, I think the newest version does work on 64-Bit windows. And, I would imagine the newest driver still works with the 500.

BOb

I think that's only Vista though. Maybe I'm wrong?

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by firelance

Blech, I also realize that since I'm running Windows 7 64, I probably won't be able to use the reader on my computer as it is. What a pain. Thanks for the info.

Do a little searching. If I'm not mistaken a couple folks had the Sony software running in Window's 7 (not sure if it was 64bit or not).

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by lilac_jive

I think that's only Vista though. Maybe I'm wrong?

Win7 is Vista point 1. I think people said to run on Win7 they had to set it to compatiblity of Vista... but I have seen reports of it working on 32 and 64-bit Win7.

BOb

[GeriWolters]

Hi Firelance,

The Sony eReader software runs fine under Windows 7 x64.
Just installing was a pain (also on Vista, I've read. It's not very x64 friendly). The trick is to extract the executable using the /a parameter (elsewhere on the forum). Then run the extracted exe file. It will create a bunch of files and directories. You can move these to the c:\program files (x86) directory.
Also, you will have to create the shortcut yourself. Running in Vista compatibility mode might be wise to do, at least as a precaution.
Just a small remark when creating the shortcut: the .exe file is in the Sony\Reader\Data\Bin directory. Not quite Windows standard...

Kind regards,

Geri

[firelance]

Thanks for the advice everyone. The price was really really tempting but I'm going to try to hold out a little longer to find a PRS-505.

My concern over compatibility was that it seemed that the PRS-500 itself used some non-standard USB driver which made 64 bit compatibility difficult, even in third party software. I'm glad to hear that issue is resolved.

[ahintz]

I just upgraded to a 505 from a 500 I had for about 18 months. The 505 is definitely a better device, and just for longevity I'd want an e-reader that supports ePub (which the 505 does). I also am running it on Windows 7 x64, and other then using the compatibility options on the program after installation (it installed just fine), it has worked great.

[DDHarriman]

Do not think twice, get the 505 over the 500, it’s worth the difference in cash and much more.

If you can not get it now, build momentum until you can get it, and you will not regret the sacrifice.

Best regards,

[sayhello]

Originally Posted by GeriWolters

Hi Firelance,

The Sony eReader software runs fine under Windows 7 x64.
Just installing was a pain (also on Vista, I've read. It's not very x64 friendly).

Huh. I had no problems installing the Library software on my Vista x64 machine... I guess I should count myself lucky!

Sayhello

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Lilly

If you can wait for the PRS-505 please do. Sony no longer supports the PRS-500. Also the only DRM the PRS-500 reads is the Sony proprietary LRF, while PRS-505 & 700 also reads Abode PDF and ePud (you'll be able to check out library books if your local library offers ebooks).

BBeB without DRM is LRF. With DRM it is LRX.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Actually, I think the newest version does work on 64-Bit windows. And, I would imagine the newest driver still works with the 500.

BOb

eBook Library works on Vista x64 only for the 505 and 700 because they mount as a mass storage device natively. The USB driver for the 500 requires x32 and I don't think there ever will be an x64 driver. Calibre does not work with the 500 under any Windows x64.