In-Store impressions of 300 and 600

[gravescp]

I wondered down to the Sony Style store today and took a look at the new readers. They had both on display. When you look at both of them side by side you can clearly see the superiority of the 300's display. It is brighter and crisper then the 600.

It was the touchscreen of the 600 that I wanted to put through it's paces. Maybe it is my 2+ years of iphone ownership, but the 600 touchscreen is like stepping back in time. It frequently missed swipes to turn the page, and was 'busy' when I wanted to select text with the stylist. I could really tell that over time these characteristics would annoy me to the point of frustration.

I had very high hopes that the experience would be a good one. I think the merger of a touchscreen with an e-ink display will eventually result in the ultimate e-book reader, but, I will be waiting until the next generation of touchscreen tech something more akin to an iPhones power. Until then I, would recommend, the 300, 505, or a kindle 2.

[kelchm]

I think you are expecting too much out of a resistive touchscreen. Being a long time PDA/smartphone use and now an iPhone user I appreciate the difference. For day to day use that involves scrolling and a virtual keyboard a capactive touchscreen is worlds better. Its just easier to use since you don't need to apply much force.

That said, I think on a device like the sony you can get away with a restive type screen. This is not something that people are going to be typing out emails on or trying to navigate web pages. The user input is basically limited to selecting menu items, double tapping words and occasional keyboard use. Admittedly I don't see the stylus as being an effective way to take notes in the real world.

However, while we are on the topic, why hasn't sony gone the capacitive route? I suspect it has a lot to do with cost. I'm also thinking that a glass capacitive panel would eliminate much of the clarity issues we see on the existing touch screen models.

[grooks]

I think you may be waiting a long while before e-ink touchscreens get anywhere close to those of lcd.

I have a 505 and a 600 and agree the screens of the 300 and 505 are much crisper. I like the touchscreen capabilities of the 600 and the dictionary lookup.

[ultramookie]

Originally Posted by kelchm

However, while we are on the topic, why hasn't sony gone the capacitive route? I suspect it has a lot to do with cost. I'm also thinking that a glass capacitive panel would eliminate much of the clarity issues we see on the existing touch screen models.

i would guess cost is part of it. but also, glass is heavy and would add a lot of weight to an ebook device. not to mention glass is reflective, so while you would get good clarity, you'd probably be also staring at a reflection of yourself while you read.

[DrMoze]

Glass need not be reflective.The surface can be processed (coating, abrasion) for a matte finish. Maybe the large size would make it susceptible to breakage?