New Reader in October? - Page 2

bill_mchale · 09-23-2008, 05:48 PM

Well, a new device might be nice, but I think it should be in addition to and not a replacement of the pr-505. As might an add on wireless module.

That being said, what I would like to see...
1. Support for additional formats might be nice. Particularly nice would be support for ereader format (since that is currently not supported by any dedicated readers).
2. A new online or Java based system that will run on Windows, OSX or Linux. No reason to alienate 5-10% of your market that doesn't like Windows.
3. Announcing an agreement with major publishing houses for DRM free books in multiple formats available at the new revamped (multi platform) Sony Connect Store.

Things I would not particularly like to see.
1. Kindle Support. Frankly the format is too closed as far as I am concerned. Why encourage Amazon.
2. Support for .lit (Again, too closed).

In general of all the readers I have seen the PR-505 comes closest to what I am looking for. If it was made a bit more open and usable on Non-PCs I would get fully behind it.

--
Bill

TheMooch · 09-23-2008, 06:38 PM

While the idea of an add-on communications unit to allow for some form of wireless communication is interesting I think it would be detrimental to Sony to do it. Obviously, if done it would need to be PRS-505 compatible (let's consider the PRS-500 dead and buried for the sake of arguments). It would be safe to assume that Sony is well into, if not nearing the end, of the development cycle for the next generation reader. It's assumed that the new "communication add-on device" capabilities would be built into the new reader. Worst case is that a communication device would be built FOR the new reader and be compatible with the 505. Either way an add-on device like this would fly in the face of "portability" as you would need to carry it with you in order to have it available for use. Not to mention also needing to now carry your power cord more often as said device would undoubtedly be a power hog. Add to that that Sony would be creating yet another product team for a small portion of their business.

With the holiday season coming up I think that if we see anything device related I think it'll be a full on next generation and not an add-on. Sony will want to capitalize on the holidays and geeks are notorious for adopting early.

Lord KiRon · 09-25-2008, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

The DS1000 is, though, in no way a "replacement" for a PRS-505 - it's aimed at a completely different market. It's far too big to carry around with you the way you can the Sony.

I do not want to carry it anywhere, I love reading at home sitting on the sofa

pilotbob · 09-25-2008, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord KiRon

I do not want to carry it anywhere, I love reading at home sitting on the sofa

Remember, bigger screen doesn't mean more text. Generally with a bigger screen you will still have the same amount of words per line to have a comfortable reading experience. Yes, the font will be bigger with the same wpl count than on a 6inch screen. But, why do I need a heavier device with much less battery life to sit on my sofa and read?

BOb

Lord KiRon · 09-27-2008, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Remember, bigger screen doesn't mean more text. Generally with a bigger screen you will still have the same amount of words per line to have a comfortable reading experience. Yes, the font will be bigger with the same wpl count than on a 6inch screen. But, why do I need a heavier device with much less battery life to sit on my sofa and read?

BOb

I do need bigger - to read A4 format books, especially PDFs.
As for battery life ... well that's the reason I am NOT going to buy iRex.

Cookie Monster · 09-27-2008, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill_mchale

2. A new online or Java based system that will run on Windows, OSX or Linux. No reason to alienate 5-10% of your market that doesn't like Windows.

OSX has come with bootcamp since Leopard so Intel based macs can get around such problems quite reasonably. The PPC brigade must be quite small by now, and shrinking rapidly, as the transition was a fair while ago

pilotbob · 09-27-2008, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookie Monster

OSX has come with bootcamp since Leopard so Intel based macs can get around such problems quite reasonably. The PPC brigade must be quite small by now, and shrinking rapidly, as the transition was a fair while ago

Well sure. If you want to spend about $300 more and run software that doesn't work anything like Mac software. Some people make the choice to do that... but those people that just decided that a Mac was for them are left out. Someone in a store browsing and buying a Sony reader for example... would they have any idea that they HAVE to have a PC and it HAS to run Windows? Does the box say that?

BOb

HarryT · 09-28-2008, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Someone in a store browsing and buying a Sony reader for example... would they have any idea that they HAVE to have a PC and it HAS to run Windows? Does the box say that?

BOb

I believe it does, yes. It certainly did with my PRS-500.

However, you certainly don't "have" to have a Windows system to make good use of a PRS-505 these days; there are so many excellent tools available for converting other formats, or you could just do what I did with my PRS-500, and use it for reading nothing except free and DRM-free books.

kacir · 09-28-2008, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookie Monster

OSX has come with bootcamp since Leopard so Intel based macs can get around such problems quite reasonably.

You will have to purchase a FULL version of Windows for your Bootcamp or Parallels. OEM version is NOT legal to run according to Microsoft.
For the the price of full Vista professional (and you DO need at least professional so you can downgrade to XP) I can buy a nice refurbished second-hand notebook (enterprise model) with OEM version of Windows XP (*)

(*)
Please notice that if you purchase a notebook or a desktop computer with OEM version of Windows, you can not *legally* use that Windows license. OEM version is valid only for original owner on the original hardware as listed on the invoice.
Nobody is going to kick down door on your house demanding to see your Licenses, (not yet, anyway), but if you are a business and you get visit from BSA you are in trouble. Big trouble.

tdavie · 09-28-2008, 12:38 PM

I've got a Mac, and although I'm comfortable running a virtual machine, and can therefore use the Sony software if desired, I do prefer using Calibre. That having been said, I can appreciate that there are Mac users who would very much like to have either; a) native OS X software, or b) cross platform java software that would allow them to buy books from Sony.

I don't expect a new reader in October, but I wouldn't be bothered by one showing up. I think what can be reasonably expected is new software, greater licensing for the ebookstore and new firmware.

Tom

pilotbob · 09-28-2008, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kacir

Please notice that if you purchase a notebook or a desktop computer with OEM version of Windows, you can not *legally* use that Windows license. OEM version is valid only for original owner on the original hardware as listed on the invoice.

Actually, close. The OEM license is for that piece of hardware... no matter who uses or owns it. If you sell the device the OEM license stays with it.

BOb

Cookie Monster · 09-29-2008, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kacir

You will have to purchase a FULL version of Windows for your Bootcamp or Parallels. OEM version is NOT legal to run according to Microsoft.

Just get a copy of your employers corporate edition of windows. It's not illegal for them to copy those versions of windows, just to pass on their installation keys; even though they get sent new ones every year.

Even if your IT guy won't give the keys to you if you ask you can quite easily find out it is with a small program.

pilotbob · 09-29-2008, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookie Monster

Just get a copy of your employers corporate edition of windows. It's not illegal for them to copy those versions of windows, just to pass on their installation keys; even though they get sent new ones every year.

They have to pay for each copy of windows that is installed. So, you are basically violating copyright if you do this.

BOb

Cookie Monster · 09-29-2008, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilotbob

They have to pay for each copy of windows that is installed. So, you are basically violating copyright if you do this.

BOb

Without the keys you can't install. However, there are ways to find corporate keys if you have access to a machine with a corporate version on.

Don't forget though many volume licence agreements allow employees to install at home and/or on laptops

HarryT · 09-29-2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookie Monster

Without the keys you can't install. However, there are ways to find corporate keys if you have access to a machine with a corporate version on.

Don't forget though many volume licence agreements allow employees to install at home and/or on laptops

If it's the standard Microsoft "Select" agreement, the company still has to pay Microsoft for each copy of Windows (and other software) installed.

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09-23-2008, 05:48 PM	#16
bill_mchale Wizard Posts: 1,451 Karma: 1550000 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Maryland, USA Device: Nook Simple Touch, HPC Evo 4G LTE	Well, a new device might be nice, but I think it should be in addition to and not a replacement of the pr-505. As might an add on wireless module. That being said, what I would like to see... 1. Support for additional formats might be nice. Particularly nice would be support for ereader format (since that is currently not supported by any dedicated readers). 2. A new online or Java based system that will run on Windows, OSX or Linux. No reason to alienate 5-10% of your market that doesn't like Windows. 3. Announcing an agreement with major publishing houses for DRM free books in multiple formats available at the new revamped (multi platform) Sony Connect Store. Things I would not particularly like to see. 1. Kindle Support. Frankly the format is too closed as far as I am concerned. Why encourage Amazon. 2. Support for .lit (Again, too closed). In general of all the readers I have seen the PR-505 comes closest to what I am looking for. If it was made a bit more open and usable on Non-PCs I would get fully behind it. -- Bill

09-23-2008, 06:38 PM	#17
TheMooch Member Retired Posts: 102 Karma: 226 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Jose, CA Device: PRS-500 Sony eReader	While the idea of an add-on communications unit to allow for some form of wireless communication is interesting I think it would be detrimental to Sony to do it. Obviously, if done it would need to be PRS-505 compatible (let's consider the PRS-500 dead and buried for the sake of arguments). It would be safe to assume that Sony is well into, if not nearing the end, of the development cycle for the next generation reader. It's assumed that the new "communication add-on device" capabilities would be built into the new reader. Worst case is that a communication device would be built FOR the new reader and be compatible with the 505. Either way an add-on device like this would fly in the face of "portability" as you would need to carry it with you in order to have it available for use. Not to mention also needing to now carry your power cord more often as said device would undoubtedly be a power hog. Add to that that Sony would be creating yet another product team for a small portion of their business. With the holiday season coming up I think that if we see anything device related I think it'll be a full on next generation and not an add-on. Sony will want to capitalize on the holidays and geeks are notorious for adopting early.

09-28-2008, 12:38 PM	#25
tdavie Member Posts: 24 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Winterpeg, Manitoba, Canada Device: Sony 505	I've got a Mac, and although I'm comfortable running a virtual machine, and can therefore use the Sony software if desired, I do prefer using Calibre. That having been said, I can appreciate that there are Mac users who would very much like to have either; a) native OS X software, or b) cross platform java software that would allow them to buy books from Sony. I don't expect a new reader in October, but I wouldn't be bothered by one showing up. I think what can be reasonably expected is new software, greater licensing for the ebookstore and new firmware. Tom