Sony Preparing New E-Book Reader to Challenge Amazon

[Ervserver]

way to expensive...I think Sony will find that out

[Halk]

Originally Posted by jswinden

Sony is definitely a legend in their own mind, and perhaps the minds of some fanboys. But I really don't buy that argument about their readers being better built than all the other brands. Their desktop software and device apps are the worst in class. They have no wireless syncing capability due to lack of WiFi, at least on the 350 and 650.

Your choice of language is insulting. By all means have your own opinion, but don't dismiss anyone that anyone who disagrees as a 'fanboy'.

[petercreasey]

I loved my 505 and now love my 950.

I'll surely buy a newer Sony model when they come out then keep my 950 as a backup.

[pendragginp]

Agree the Sonys are just beautifully built readers, physically I haven't seen anything that beats them. And I've had a lot of different kinds.

But their lack of support for their product beats anything I've ever seen. They don't commit, they just bring out a new model. Which they also don't support!

The Kindle is not the best looking or best made reader, IMO, but Amazon's customer service is phenomenal.

[petercreasey]

Originally Posted by pendragginp

their lack of support for their product beats anything I've ever seen. They don't commit, they just bring out a new model. Which they also don't support!

P, I just don't see how you (or anyone) can bash Sony support.

I have used their telephone support numerous times with good success every time. Likewise their repair service one time.

Their warranties have always been honored on the very rare occasion(s) they are needed.

[JSWolf]

I think given Sony is partnering with Rowling, I think Sony is going to get lots of advertising for their new readers. Also, I think a bundle with the HP eBooks on board will sell well.

[thebestjeter]

I still don't think that is going to be a really new line of Sony Reader. What the press is saying is that Sony is going to launch a "improved" version of the currently line (even just a Harry Potter theme one). And, and in order to compete with Amazon I think it's getting late.

[JayB]

I think all they would have to do is add Wifi to the current 650 and drop the price to around $180 U.S. I think people would pay a $40 or $50 dollar premium to get the nicer hardware.

This would help them sell more books from their reader store and eliminate people having to use Sony's desktop software which so many people seem to dislike. Though I use their desktop software and do not have any problems with it.

[Ken401]

Originally Posted by petercreasey

P, I just don't see how you (or anyone) can bash Sony support.

I have used their telephone support numerous times with good success every time. Likewise their repair service one time.

Their warranties have always been honored on the very rare occasion(s) they are needed.

Originally Posted by pendragginp

Agree the Sonys are just beautifully built readers, physically I haven't seen anything that beats them. And I've had a lot of different kinds.

But their lack of support for their product beats anything I've ever seen. They don't commit, they just bring out a new model. Which they also don't support!

The Kindle is not the best looking or best made reader, IMO, but Amazon's customer service is phenomenal.

The comment made me think of the few firmware updates and quickly depleted accessories for the current models.

[JSWolf]

What Sony should do (IMHO) is add wifi and a web browser and update ADE to the latest version. Then on top of that, drop the price some and there you go.

[carpetmojo]

Never happen - too obvious, simple, and logical.................

This is Sony we're talking about here, remember ....

[astra]

Originally Posted by ranma

$180 for lowest model is pretty high if compared to nook 2 and kindle 3.
Both of them are lower than $140.

If the price difference of $40 is enough to sway one in what ebook reader to buy regardless of quality of the product and its usability, so be it. Horses for courses.
Every company cannot aim to make the cheapest piece of crap. Somebody got to aim at customers who want quality products.

[Prestidigitweeze]

Originally Posted by jswinden

I like my 350, and I liked most of the sony readers I've owned. (Although the 600 and 900 sucked due to their fuzzy screens.) However, given their track record in the USA market I'll never buy another one. This last round of readers were difficult to find as were their accessories. I don't see that changing.

Ah, but the rigors of locating a sale-priced Sony Reader and aesthetic/practical accessories are as tantalizing to some as they are repugnant to you.

It isn't a matter of Sony being a superior company -- they've been known to make shoddy and pointlessly restrictive products as well as masterpieces of innovation -- it's a matter of their being good at this particular thing.

However, I'm not going to claim that a reader is exceptionally well made until I actually hold it in my hands. Sony could decide to use cheaper materials at any point, like any other profit-driven company.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Prestidigitweeze

Ah, but the rigors of locating a sale-priced Sony Reader and aesthetic/practical accessories are as tantalizing to some as they are repugnant to you.

It isn't a matter of Sony being a superior company -- they've been known to make shoddy and pointlessly restrictive products as well as masterpieces of innovation -- it's a matter of their being good at this particular thing.

However, I'm not going to claim that a reader is exceptionally well made until I actually hold it in my hands. Sony could decide to use cheaper materials at any point, like any other profit-driven company.

Until Sony makes a shoddy Reader, I'll just go with Sony making good quality Readers.

[Prestidigitweeze]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Until Sony makes a shoddy Reader, I'll just go with Sony making good quality Readers.

Right, but my point is that I can't make assumptions about any eReader that I haven't actually used, let alone even seen.

Remember the Sony Reader with the edge-lighted screen? Well made, of course, but I'll bet you're glad you didn't buy one.