Greetings

horsecrzy · 08-11-2009, 10:09 PM

I am really looking for the good, the bad and the ugly about the e-readers. My husband says to wait for the Sony Reader updated, my son says don't do it at all. I am an avid reader and I really like the portability and the comfort of an e-reader. I have the beginnings of arthritis in my hands and the heavy books are .... just not comfortable. I am NOT very technically astute so ease of use and reliability are paramount! Any advice?
Thanks!!

nomesque · 08-11-2009, 10:57 PM

Welcome!

I'm sure you'll find lots of help and advice from the lovely people here!

MickeyC · 08-11-2009, 11:02 PM

Hi horsecrzy and welcome to MobileRead. My advice? Run! You touch a reader, you'll get addicted like the rest of us. I've had a Sony 505 since Jan of 08 and am hopelessly hooked.

Mind you, you've already been on this website which is equally addictive so you might as well give in.

I'd recommend the Sony; either the 505 or 700 hundred. Also the new ones look pretty good. And the Kindle is also a great reader and you have the advantage of being able to buy books directly via the wireless feature.

You need to spend some time in our 'Which One Should I Buy' section here https://www.mobileread.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=123

rebarnmom · 08-11-2009, 11:03 PM

Welcome to MobileRead horsecrzy!

I've had the Sony PRS-700 since January and I love it. The thought of going back to paperback or hardcover books is almost unthinkable. I am very interested in the upcoming Sony Touch 600, because it does have a few more features that I would really like (dictionary and handwritten note-taking). I really like the touch screen capability. It might be easier for you than pushing buttons, but I can't speak from experience with regard to arthritis. I thought I'd use the built-in light more than I do, so I wouldn't mind sacrificing it for the 600. There has been so much negative feedback about the 700's screen clarity compared to the 505, but never having had any other ebook reader, I have no problem with its readability.

Personally, I'd wait until Sony's 300 and 600 come out, before making any decisions, because it makes such a difference to actually play around with the actual readers, to see how they feel in your hand, in making that all important decision. Sony's making them available for play and purchase at so many more retail outlets like Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, etc is great marketing IMHO. Well that's my 2 cents worth! I'm sure that you will find lots of opinions, advice and help here at MobileRead! I spent a great deal of time lurking around, gathering information, before I bought my Sony 700!

Again, Welcome!

PennyPie · 08-11-2009, 11:10 PM

Why don't you browse around the forums which give info & advise about the various forms of readers:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=123

If you're within reasonable driving distance of stores where you can actually try out various readers, that would be great. Also, make sure & check with the return policy of the store you plan to buy from (Brick & Mortar, or internet). Some are very liberal, others, once you buy, it's yours...no returns unless defective.

I had gotten a devise at BJ's & had 3 weeks to try it out & still be able to return for a full refund. The Sony store, at the local mall would NOT let me return a purchase unless defective. Also, neither would Borders. Ask lots of questions!

Stitchawl · 08-11-2009, 11:54 PM

Hi horsecrzy! Welcome to the MobileRead forums. If you are already here, it's too late... Forget it. Hang it up. You have been touched by the e-book reader demon and he's/she's? a relentless master.

Reading is fun. Reading with an e-book is even more fun. I honestly don't know why this should be, but it's so!

My personal choice is a Sony 505. It seems I never put it down. In fact, I was in a bookstore the other day and saw three brand (to me) new paper books by two of my favorite authors and I didn't purchase them! I want to wait until they are available in e-format.

I have 175 books waiting to-be-read in my e-reader, and no need to rush out and buy a dead tree version. Another couple of weeks and I'm sure I'll find these same titles available in e-format.

As for your decision regarding which reader is for you, well, perhaps if you tell us a little bit more about what it is you like to read, folks here can offer opinions. The Sony 505 is the perfect choice for me, living outside the US and reading primarily fiction and non-fiction. Probably not so good for technical journals or magazine reading. I didn't care for the touch screen contrast or the motions required by them, so my reader is push button only. There are two for turning the pages and they seem to just fall right under my fingers when I'm holding the reader with either hand. A slight pressure and the page turns with no extra movement. (Can thumbs get fat from lack of exercise?

)

Give us a bit more information and people here will give you what they got!

Stitchawl

rlparker · 08-12-2009, 09:16 AM

Hi horsecrzy, welcome to MR!

I've had a Kindle since last Sept and, as rebarnmom said, I mucho prefer it to pbooks!

At the time I got mine, I wasn't aware of the Sony or any others. While I really like my Kindle a lot, if I were shopping now, I would consider any of several good--or maybe better--alternatives. The new Sony 600 looks very interesting. You'll be able to see it in person at several different retailers according to the news release, which is an advantage over the Kindle. I really like having a dictionary on board (the Sony 600 has one too), but if that's not a necessity for you, you might consider the Astak Pocket Pro which is coming out around the end of the month.

As for books, if you like to read classics, don't forget that you can get a huge number of them right here from MR. They're free and the ones I've read so far are very nicely formatted.

Lady Blue · 08-12-2009, 12:26 PM

Hello horsecrzy, and

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to Mobileread.

I have a Sony 505 and love it. Never leave home without it.

and, yeah . . . everything else they said.

horsecrzy · 08-12-2009, 05:15 PM

WOW! Thanks to all for the advice. To answer the few questions listed, I am mostly a fiction and non-fiction reader. NO technical journals (gave those up a while ago) and magazines are fine but not something that I would regularly read. I gobble up books at an alarming rate. (Ask my family) My son has caught this disease as well so... I am looking at this as a $$$$ saver. I buy books at B&N with a discount card. I buy about 15-20 books a month. I can read some of them in a day. (My house takes the brunt of that.) So I figured that if I could save $7-8 per book I could pay for the E-reader in short order. Am I missing anything? Sounds like I shoudl wait until the Sony next readers come out since we are so close anyway. Hmmm...decisions...decisions
Thanks again!!!

kazbates · 08-12-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by horsecrzy

I am really looking for the good, the bad and the ugly about the e-readers. My husband says to wait for the Sony Reader updated, my son says don't do it at all. I am an avid reader and I really like the portability and the comfort of an e-reader. I have the beginnings of arthritis in my hands and the heavy books are .... just not comfortable. I am NOT very technically astute so ease of use and reliability are paramount! Any advice?
Thanks!!

Welcome to MobileRead, horsecrzy!

I have very similar problems. I am an avid reader and am also starting to get a little arthritis in my hands and shoulders. Having my Sony 700 has made reading a joy. I just prop my reader on a lap pillow and can sweep my thumb across the screen to change the page. I would have to agree with your husband that you should wait until the Sony 600 is on the market. It sounds like an excellent reader and the price is much better than what my family paid for my 700 (it was a Christmas gift).

Happy Reading!

horsecrzy · 08-14-2009, 08:04 PM

Thanks Kaz, think I am going to wait.

lilac_jive · 08-14-2009, 08:10 PM

Wow, you sound like a perfect candidate for an ebook reader!!! I love love loooove my 505, but I agree, wait til the new ones come out. That 600 is pretty wicked.

You might like the Kindle better since their books tend to run on the cheaper side. But on the other hand, with your arthritis, it might be awkward holding.

As for technology, if you know how to download to an iPod, you know how to download to a Sony. Same concept.

Whatever you decide, I know you're going to love it. Good luck!!!

08-11-2009, 10:09 PM	#1
horsecrzy Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SE Minnesota Device: none	Greetings I am really looking for the good, the bad and the ugly about the e-readers. My husband says to wait for the Sony Reader updated, my son says don't do it at all. I am an avid reader and I really like the portability and the comfort of an e-reader. I have the beginnings of arthritis in my hands and the heavy books are .... just not comfortable. I am NOT very technically astute so ease of use and reliability are paramount! Any advice? Thanks!!

08-12-2009, 12:26 PM	#8
Lady Blue the snarky blue one Posts: 6,001 Karma: 3877825 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: deep in the heart Device: PRS500, 505 & 600, PRST1 & T2, Kindle PW, Moto Razr, Galaxy Tab 2-10"	Hello horsecrzy, and to Mobileread. I have a Sony 505 and love it. Never leave home without it. and, yeah . . . everything else they said.

08-11-2009, 10:57 PM	#2
nomesque Snooty Bestselling Author Posts: 1,485 Karma: 1000000 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ipswich, QLD, Australia Device: PRS-650	Welcome! I'm sure you'll find lots of help and advice from the lovely people here!

08-11-2009, 11:02 PM	#3
MickeyC Grand Sorcerer Posts: 16,731 Karma: 12185114 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Florida Device: iPhone 6 plus, Sony T1, iPad 3	Hi horsecrzy and welcome to MobileRead. My advice? Run! You touch a reader, you'll get addicted like the rest of us. I've had a Sony 505 since Jan of 08 and am hopelessly hooked. Mind you, you've already been on this website which is equally addictive so you might as well give in. I'd recommend the Sony; either the 505 or 700 hundred. Also the new ones look pretty good. And the Kindle is also a great reader and you have the advantage of being able to buy books directly via the wireless feature. You need to spend some time in our 'Which One Should I Buy' section here https://www.mobileread.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=123

08-11-2009, 11:03 PM	#4
rebarnmom Wizard Posts: 1,289 Karma: 4525055 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: rural Illinois, USA Device: Sony PRS-700 (traded in), Sony PRS-650	Welcome to MobileRead horsecrzy! I've had the Sony PRS-700 since January and I love it. The thought of going back to paperback or hardcover books is almost unthinkable. I am very interested in the upcoming Sony Touch 600, because it does have a few more features that I would really like (dictionary and handwritten note-taking). I really like the touch screen capability. It might be easier for you than pushing buttons, but I can't speak from experience with regard to arthritis. I thought I'd use the built-in light more than I do, so I wouldn't mind sacrificing it for the 600. There has been so much negative feedback about the 700's screen clarity compared to the 505, but never having had any other ebook reader, I have no problem with its readability. Personally, I'd wait until Sony's 300 and 600 come out, before making any decisions, because it makes such a difference to actually play around with the actual readers, to see how they feel in your hand, in making that all important decision. Sony's making them available for play and purchase at so many more retail outlets like Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, etc is great marketing IMHO. Well that's my 2 cents worth! I'm sure that you will find lots of opinions, advice and help here at MobileRead! I spent a great deal of time lurking around, gathering information, before I bought my Sony 700! Again, Welcome!

08-11-2009, 11:10 PM	#5
PennyPie Cocoa & Toast...mmmmmm... Posts: 275 Karma: 1000 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio Device: Sony PRS-700, iPhone	Why don't you browse around the forums which give info & advise about the various forms of readers: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=123 If you're within reasonable driving distance of stores where you can actually try out various readers, that would be great. Also, make sure & check with the return policy of the store you plan to buy from (Brick & Mortar, or internet). Some are very liberal, others, once you buy, it's yours...no returns unless defective. I had gotten a devise at BJ's & had 3 weeks to try it out & still be able to return for a full refund. The Sony store, at the local mall would NOT let me return a purchase unless defective. Also, neither would Borders. Ask lots of questions!

08-11-2009, 11:54 PM	#6
Stitchawl Opsimath Posts: 12,344 Karma: 187123287 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand Device: Sony PRS-650, iPhone 5, Kobo Glo, Sony PRS-350, iPad, Samsung Galaxy	Hi horsecrzy! Welcome to the MobileRead forums. If you are already here, it's too late... Forget it. Hang it up. You have been touched by the e-book reader demon and he's/she's? a relentless master. Reading is fun. Reading with an e-book is even more fun. I honestly don't know why this should be, but it's so! My personal choice is a Sony 505. It seems I never put it down. In fact, I was in a bookstore the other day and saw three brand (to me) new paper books by two of my favorite authors and I didn't purchase them! I want to wait until they are available in e-format. I have 175 books waiting to-be-read in my e-reader, and no need to rush out and buy a dead tree version. Another couple of weeks and I'm sure I'll find these same titles available in e-format. As for your decision regarding which reader is for you, well, perhaps if you tell us a little bit more about what it is you like to read, folks here can offer opinions. The Sony 505 is the perfect choice for me, living outside the US and reading primarily fiction and non-fiction. Probably not so good for technical journals or magazine reading. I didn't care for the touch screen contrast or the motions required by them, so my reader is push button only. There are two for turning the pages and they seem to just fall right under my fingers when I'm holding the reader with either hand. A slight pressure and the page turns with no extra movement. (Can thumbs get fat from lack of exercise? ) Give us a bit more information and people here will give you what they got! Stitchawl

08-12-2009, 09:16 AM	#7
rlparker Ars longa Posts: 1,179 Karma: 17404 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: north carolina, usa Device: Kindle K1, K3 wifi	Hi horsecrzy, welcome to MR! I've had a Kindle since last Sept and, as rebarnmom said, I mucho prefer it to pbooks! At the time I got mine, I wasn't aware of the Sony or any others. While I really like my Kindle a lot, if I were shopping now, I would consider any of several good--or maybe better--alternatives. The new Sony 600 looks very interesting. You'll be able to see it in person at several different retailers according to the news release, which is an advantage over the Kindle. I really like having a dictionary on board (the Sony 600 has one too), but if that's not a necessity for you, you might consider the Astak Pocket Pro which is coming out around the end of the month. As for books, if you like to read classics, don't forget that you can get a huge number of them right here from MR. They're free and the ones I've read so far are very nicely formatted.

08-12-2009, 05:15 PM	#9
horsecrzy Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SE Minnesota Device: none	WOW! Thanks to all for the advice. To answer the few questions listed, I am mostly a fiction and non-fiction reader. NO technical journals (gave those up a while ago) and magazines are fine but not something that I would regularly read. I gobble up books at an alarming rate. (Ask my family) My son has caught this disease as well so... I am looking at this as a $$$$ saver. I buy books at B&N with a discount card. I buy about 15-20 books a month. I can read some of them in a day. (My house takes the brunt of that.) So I figured that if I could save $7-8 per book I could pay for the E-reader in short order. Am I missing anything? Sounds like I shoudl wait until the Sony next readers come out since we are so close anyway. Hmmm...decisions...decisions Thanks again!!!

08-14-2009, 08:04 PM	#11
horsecrzy Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SE Minnesota Device: none	Thanks Kaz, think I am going to wait.

08-14-2009, 08:10 PM	#12
lilac_jive Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,870 Karma: 27376 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Device: PRS-505	Wow, you sound like a perfect candidate for an ebook reader!!! I love love loooove my 505, but I agree, wait til the new ones come out. That 600 is pretty wicked. You might like the Kindle better since their books tend to run on the cheaper side. But on the other hand, with your arthritis, it might be awkward holding. As for technology, if you know how to download to an iPod, you know how to download to a Sony. Same concept. Whatever you decide, I know you're going to love it. Good luck!!!

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