New Chapter on Digital Reading (Sony) - Page 6

pilotbob · 09-10-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikkos010

I have to agree with Nate on this. While I like the look of the eink screen, I read so fast that the refresh on the devices I've looked at is hugely distracting. Currently I use a PDA in landscape mode with mobipocket. It displays 1/3rd-1/2 a page, and pressing the page flip button results in an instantaneous refresh.

The Jetbook has a 5inch reflexive LCD screen. The display is sharp and clear and the page refresh is instant. Perhaps this is an option for people that can't tolerate the eInk.

BOb

nekokami · 09-10-2008, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

The only devices I can think of which have remotely comparable battery times were the old mono "PalmPilot" PDAs, which would run for weeks of a couple of AAA batteries. Their screen size, however, bears no comparison to that of a modern book reader.

I still use one of those!

Also, the Newton Messagepad units would run for weeks on one set of AA batteries. I think the key in both cases is the monochrome screen....

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I agree that most of the power is used by the backlight rather than by the screen itself, but virtually all modern LCD screens seem to require the backlight in situations where eInk can be comfortably read without artificial light. There are very few situations where my iPod Touch, HP iPaq, or HTC Smartphone can be used without a backlight.

I think this is the point. The color screens must be backlit (and are virtually unreadable in sunlight). That uses a lot of power. Even without switching to bistable LCD displays, I suspect the lighting is where a lot of the power consumption is.

I suspect the backlighting is also what's causing the headaches, not because of glare, but because of the nature of the lighting. Just speculation on my part, but does the backlight used in these devices have a refresh rate of its own? On an AC device, there's probably a flicker due to the alternating current. I'm less sure about the battery-powered devices.

sporosarcina · 09-10-2008, 10:36 PM

Mobipocket is a nonstarter, they are owned by Amazon and Amazon won't dilute their market.

I am looking for a way to significantly increase their number of books. Unless they can get anywhere close to amazon's selection and pricing it won't matter how nice their hardware is. Even if they covered every other format (epub, lit, pdf, and ereader) they will not come close to Kindle's catalog.

Having said that, I am going to say that Sony is going to try and out-sexy Kindle. I think their killer shot would be a color eink reader, but I think it would be impossible to keep such a device under wraps in today's environment. The fact we haven't seen such a device on the web is telling. We could have the off chance that the recently shown color system from Fujitsu may suddenly be under the Sony name.

No matter the amount of new hardware, it has to fix the deficient catalog first.

nekokami · 09-10-2008, 11:33 PM

An alliance with Fictionwise (who now own eReader) could be interesting.... I think Sony is going to stick with ePub rather than pursue another DRM format, though.

Catire · 09-10-2008, 11:43 PM

Sony would shoot themselves in the foot if they release a new reader so close to the UK launch of the current one.

athlonkmf · 09-11-2008, 07:29 AM

If sony announced that they combined their reader with Fujitsu's color screen and Epson's controller, they'll have a reader which can be fast, color and low power consumption.

That would actually truely bring a new chapter on digital reading.

If they sell it for 500 bucks, then it won't even compete with the 505. "Well, if you don't need the colour, you could just opt for the 505".

(Also... I haven't seen any Eink's announcement on color e-ink for awhile. I believe that in a previous Eink-newsletter, they were going to show color einkprototype. But this never happened, and it's completely silent after that. Maybe... if Sony made some exclusive deals....)

bill_mchale · 09-11-2008, 11:07 AM

Hi, I am new as a member, but I have browsed the forums and the site for some time. I have in particular been interested in the Sony reader for some time. Here are my thoughts on the question at hand.

1. I suspect it is not going to be a new alliance with a publishing house. If that was the case, it would in their interest to announce it as soon as possible.
2. I also suspect that it is not going to be an announcement for support of a new format. Again, I suspect that if they were supporting another format, they would just announce a new firmware release and push it out.

So, what might it be?
1. It might be a new device. Unlike others here, I don't believe that it would be a disaster for Sony to launch another device as long as the device was not replacing the 505. An Iliad sized device for example would not necessarily make 505 owners feel like their machines had been made obsolete if it was sold in parallel with the 505. Those who want to read novels would find little need for the larger screen. Likewise a color device, if they could get it out the door for around $350-$400 and drop the 505 price to $250 might well be a good move.

2. I think it could be an announcement about a redesign, reworking of their book store. A web based, cross platform system that would allow both purchasing and reading books on any internet capable device would not be a bad move on their part. This would particularly be true if the books then could be downloaded to your 505. With the new netbooks literally exploding as a segment of the notebook computer market, and macs gaining market share, the consumer OS market is more fractured than it has been since Microsoft and IBM teamed up for DOS 1.0. Cross Platform, or platform neutral book stores and software are the way to go.

3. Alliance with Google? --- seems unlikely, but with Google doing what Google has been doing lately, you never know

.

--
Bill

acemccloudxx · 09-11-2008, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

I would believe 10% of sales in recent quarter were 10%. But, I don't think that equates to 10% of machines in use being Macs. I also thing the vast majority of Macs out there are still PPC?

BOb

This web site (http://www.adiumx.com/sparkle/) has statistics gathered anonymously from all users of its software. I actually use this program (and recommend it) on both my work computer (dual G5 Pro) and home computer (iMac CoreDuo). I think that it represents a reasonably accurate sampling of connected Macs that are actively used.

That is something that I'm not sure that current market statistics take into account - just because someone HAS a computer doesn't mean that they USE it. For a company like Sony, connected computers that are in active use are their real market - the others are all meaningless.

Ace

pilotbob · 09-11-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acemccloudxx

I think that it represents a reasonably accurate sampling of connected Macs that are actively used.

No, it doesn't. It represents a sample of people that use that software. Also, since the software requires OS X.4 or higher then there is no way older Macs would be represented.

BTW: I agree about having vs using. I have several old PCs sitting in the garage waiting to be taken to the recycling dump.

BOb

JSWolf · 09-11-2008, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MerLock

I've been reading that Sony is planning to continue introducing the Reader throughout Europe this year and they just released it in the UK. Would they really announce a new Reader so soon? I'm thinking perhaps mid/end of next yr. would be the next logical release. Maybe they are introducing changes in the sony store, we'll see!

Good point. Why bring out the 505 in the UK in September if Sony plans to supersede the 505 with a new Model in October?

acemccloudxx · 09-11-2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

No, it doesn't. It represents a sample of people that use that software. Also, since the software requires OS X.4 or higher then there is no way older Macs would be represented.

BOb

Not entirely true. They have older downloads that go back as far as 10.2.

My point was that, because Adium is a general purpose program with modest resource requirements, its users are going to represent a wide cross-section of the total Mac community and will therefore be more generally representative of Macs that are in actual use. No, it isn't a perfectly representative sample but short of obsessively splitting hairs, it should, at the very least provide useful indicators.

JSWolf · 09-11-2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

The Jetbook has a 5inch reflexive LCD screen. The display is sharp and clear and the page refresh is instant. Perhaps this is an option for people that can't tolerate the eInk.

BOb

PDF on a 5" screen.. no thanks. Also, the only other format it supports is text. The Jetbook is also priced more expensive than a 505. All in all, I'd have to say no way.

pilotbob · 09-11-2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Only if you want to read PDF and text. The Jetbook should never have been released. It costs more than a 505.

LRF is text. Why do you say these obnoxious things? The Kindle, Cybook, BeBook, iLiad, etc all cost more than the 505.

BOb

BuddyBoy · 09-11-2008, 05:15 PM

Hmmm, there are several models of wi-fi cards available in an SD form factor. I really doubt Sony would take the risk of alienating their brand new european customers, so I suspect it is either software related or a simple add-on like the aforementioned wifi card.

Probably a major content-sales shift, officially highlighting the path they've already undertaken - opening up the epub and drm pdf direction means the opportunity to partner with many other ebook vendors, and if they scrap their own bookstore, relieves them of the territorial sales restrictions since they go back to selling hardware only, and not content.

So a device that can be used anywhere with almost any vendor. If they can make it work seamlessly, and, even better, wirelessly, I suppose that would qualify as a new chapter in digital reading.

Gideon · 09-12-2008, 01:25 AM

If Sony came out with a better product, I'd be sorely tempted... but it still comes down to content.

Of course.. as long as I can convert an Amazon file into something readable by the Sony, I wouldn't mind so much. But they'd have to do a whole lot to make that worthwhile. Sleek looking isn't enough.

I still don't trust Sony to do anything interesting software wise, or support their bookstore better.

As to supporting Macs... Mac users are often early tech adopters, and the student mac usage numbers are a lot higher, and students have to be a demographic they want. I know the lack of Mac support was a reason I returned my Sony Reader.

That and the insanely crappy, expensive store.

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09-10-2008, 10:36 PM	#78
sporosarcina Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Michigan Device: Dell Axim x51v, Sony z750a	Mobipocket is a nonstarter, they are owned by Amazon and Amazon won't dilute their market. I am looking for a way to significantly increase their number of books. Unless they can get anywhere close to amazon's selection and pricing it won't matter how nice their hardware is. Even if they covered every other format (epub, lit, pdf, and ereader) they will not come close to Kindle's catalog. Having said that, I am going to say that Sony is going to try and out-sexy Kindle. I think their killer shot would be a color eink reader, but I think it would be impossible to keep such a device under wraps in today's environment. The fact we haven't seen such a device on the web is telling. We could have the off chance that the recently shown color system from Fujitsu may suddenly be under the Sony name. No matter the amount of new hardware, it has to fix the deficient catalog first.

09-10-2008, 11:33 PM	#79
nekokami fruminous edugeek Posts: 6,745 Karma: 551260 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northeast US Device: iPad, eBw 1150	An alliance with Fictionwise (who now own eReader) could be interesting.... I think Sony is going to stick with ePub rather than pursue another DRM format, though.

09-10-2008, 11:43 PM	#80
Catire Lord of the Universe Posts: 670 Karma: 737849 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Maturin , Venezuela Device: Sony Reader PRS-505 / PSP	Sony would shoot themselves in the foot if they release a new reader so close to the UK launch of the current one.

09-11-2008, 07:29 AM	#81
athlonkmf Guru Posts: 714 Karma: 1014039 Join Date: May 2007 Device: Sony PRS-500, Sony PRS-505, Kindle 3, Sony PRS350, iPad 64GB	If sony announced that they combined their reader with Fujitsu's color screen and Epson's controller, they'll have a reader which can be fast, color and low power consumption. That would actually truely bring a new chapter on digital reading. If they sell it for 500 bucks, then it won't even compete with the 505. "Well, if you don't need the colour, you could just opt for the 505". (Also... I haven't seen any Eink's announcement on color e-ink for awhile. I believe that in a previous Eink-newsletter, they were going to show color einkprototype. But this never happened, and it's completely silent after that. Maybe... if Sony made some exclusive deals....)

09-11-2008, 11:07 AM	#82
bill_mchale Wizard Posts: 1,451 Karma: 1550000 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Maryland, USA Device: Nook Simple Touch, HPC Evo 4G LTE	Hi, I am new as a member, but I have browsed the forums and the site for some time. I have in particular been interested in the Sony reader for some time. Here are my thoughts on the question at hand. 1. I suspect it is not going to be a new alliance with a publishing house. If that was the case, it would in their interest to announce it as soon as possible. 2. I also suspect that it is not going to be an announcement for support of a new format. Again, I suspect that if they were supporting another format, they would just announce a new firmware release and push it out. So, what might it be? 1. It might be a new device. Unlike others here, I don't believe that it would be a disaster for Sony to launch another device as long as the device was not replacing the 505. An Iliad sized device for example would not necessarily make 505 owners feel like their machines had been made obsolete if it was sold in parallel with the 505. Those who want to read novels would find little need for the larger screen. Likewise a color device, if they could get it out the door for around $350-$400 and drop the 505 price to $250 might well be a good move. 2. I think it could be an announcement about a redesign, reworking of their book store. A web based, cross platform system that would allow both purchasing and reading books on any internet capable device would not be a bad move on their part. This would particularly be true if the books then could be downloaded to your 505. With the new netbooks literally exploding as a segment of the notebook computer market, and macs gaining market share, the consumer OS market is more fractured than it has been since Microsoft and IBM teamed up for DOS 1.0. Cross Platform, or platform neutral book stores and software are the way to go. 3. Alliance with Google? --- seems unlikely, but with Google doing what Google has been doing lately, you never know . -- Bill

09-11-2008, 05:15 PM	#89
BuddyBoy eBookin' Fool Posts: 310 Karma: 1008360 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Device: Kindle Paperwhite, KK, iPad (Ex Prs 505, 500, Reb1100-2150, Rocket)	Hmmm, there are several models of wi-fi cards available in an SD form factor. I really doubt Sony would take the risk of alienating their brand new european customers, so I suspect it is either software related or a simple add-on like the aforementioned wifi card. Probably a major content-sales shift, officially highlighting the path they've already undertaken - opening up the epub and drm pdf direction means the opportunity to partner with many other ebook vendors, and if they scrap their own bookstore, relieves them of the territorial sales restrictions since they go back to selling hardware only, and not content. So a device that can be used anywhere with almost any vendor. If they can make it work seamlessly, and, even better, wirelessly, I suppose that would qualify as a new chapter in digital reading.

09-12-2008, 01:25 AM	#90
Gideon Wearer of Pants Posts: 1,050 Karma: 7634 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Norman, OK Device: Amazon Kindle DX / iPhone	If Sony came out with a better product, I'd be sorely tempted... but it still comes down to content. Of course.. as long as I can convert an Amazon file into something readable by the Sony, I wouldn't mind so much. But they'd have to do a whole lot to make that worthwhile. Sleek looking isn't enough. I still don't trust Sony to do anything interesting software wise, or support their bookstore better. As to supporting Macs... Mac users are often early tech adopters, and the student mac usage numbers are a lot higher, and students have to be a demographic they want. I know the lack of Mac support was a reason I returned my Sony Reader. That and the insanely crappy, expensive store.