Considering a Sony PRS-505

nobylspoon · 08-24-2009, 02:58 PM

Right now I am on the fence about getting a Sony PRS-505. I am currently using my iPod Touch as my primary source of reading. I can't really complain too much about it, I have read 4 books on it so far and I always have the device with me which is a nice plus. That being said I wonder if it would be worth it for me to get a dedicated ebook reader like the Sony.

I have plans of getting a large format reader for tech manuals but I am holding off until the Plasic Logic device releases. Since the release of it isn't until sometime next year I have been considering this but would I just be waisting my money since I already have the iPod Touch?

wachuko · 08-24-2009, 03:08 PM

I would say, do it!

Do keep in mind that the 300 and 600 are about to be released (Canada has them in their stores). So you might want to look at those before getting the 505.

dordale · 08-24-2009, 03:54 PM

The 300 might be a decent option for you, since you've been reading on the Touch. The 300 has a 5" screen, compared to the 6" screen of the 505. The price of the 300 is nice too at $199. I think the 505 is being sold for $279 now.

The only downside to the 300 is the fact that it doesn't have any SD or MS slots. But, it does have 512mb internal memory which is over twice as much as the 505 has. And, unless you're planning on loading it with a lot of large PDF files, 512mb should be more than plenty. (I have about 200 books on my reader's internal memory and still have room for more.)

dordale

HistoryWes · 08-24-2009, 04:44 PM

I love my 505 and I can't imagine not having it. I doubt that the 300 or 600 will cause me to want to upgrade, but the 900? might, if/when the release it. In short the 505 is a great machine.

nobylspoon · 08-25-2009, 09:21 AM

The main reason I considered the 505 instead of the 300 or 600 is because I can order through Dell.com which I get a discount at along with it being tax free and free shipping for me.

bill_mchale · 08-25-2009, 09:44 AM

Just curious, other than being a bit smaller, is there a reason one might want to wait for the PRS-300 other than it being cheaper? In particular, is the screen refresh noticably faster?

--
Bill

igorsk · 08-25-2009, 10:10 AM

From the released Linux sources, the 300's hardware looks to be identical to the 505 (besides the screen size).

SHOECHICK · 08-25-2009, 02:46 PM

I was trying to decide between the new models and another 505 too. I really want my husband to have one, so I was getting a new one and he my silver 505. Neither of the two or I should say three models impressed me. I've ordered a red 505 for myself while they're still out there.

nobylspoon · 08-25-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHOECHICK

I was trying to decide between the new models and another 505 too. I really want my husband to have one, so I was getting a new one and he my silver 505. Neither of the two or I should say three models impressed me. I've ordered a red 505 for myself while they're still out there.

I agree. I was holding off until todays announcement before deciding but the 7" just doesn't seem worth it for my needs and I am not to impressed with the other two new models so I will be ordering a 505 today

sfstino · 08-25-2009, 04:36 PM

hi everyone,
I just came back from the sonystyle store. I drove the 45 miles to the store with my mind set on getting the 600. I currently have the 505 but was looking forward to the dictionary feature. I also hoping the the new reader would be a whole faster at page turning.
After seeing the new reader, I must admit that I am extremely disappointed with the screen. Now, it's not completely awful to look at, blurry enough to keep me from reading after any extended use.

As for the speed, it really wasn't that much faster. At least not enough to warrant the upgrade.

So, I would certainly recommend getting the 505 over the newer models.

thechansen · 08-25-2009, 11:57 PM

How big of a discount at Dell.com? If you pay retail (or buy from a Sony store) for a 505 you are crazy at this point. If you look around at stores around you, they are often in close out for much much cheaper. My buddy told me Wal Mart in my town (Brick, NJ) had started carrying the reader and accessories, as well as the local Targets. I went to get a few cans of dog food tonight and decided to see what they had over in end cap for the reader. Red clearance tag listed at $220 for the 505. Granted I got mine about a year ago for $200, $220 is certainly a decent price for it. I would pay $20 more for the 505 vs the 300.

SHOECHICK · 08-26-2009, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thechansen

How big of a discount at Dell.com? If you pay retail (or buy from a Sony store) for a 505 you are crazy at this point. If you look around at stores around you, they are often in close out for much much cheaper. My buddy told me Wal Mart in my town (Brick, NJ) had started carrying the reader and accessories, as well as the local Targets. I went to get a few cans of dog food tonight and decided to see what they had over in end cap for the reader. Red clearance tag listed at $220 for the 505. Granted I got mine about a year ago for $200, $220 is certainly a decent price for it. I would pay $20 more for the 505 vs the 300.

I'm in Canada though, our Bricks and Morter stores don't carry them. The 300 is $259, I paid $299 for my new 505 which came with a $25 book gift cert, so it is close to your $20 difference.

DrMoze · 08-26-2009, 12:46 PM

No love for the 300?

SHOECHICK · 08-26-2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrMoze

No love for the 300?

I was really torn, but I love my 505 so much that I thought the 300 would be a downgrade

sfstino · 08-26-2009, 12:56 PM

much love for the 300...if I had younger eyes. The smaller size makes it great for portability, but makes the screen too compact to view text comfortably.

08-24-2009, 02:58 PM	#1
nobylspoon Zealot Posts: 100 Karma: 1234598 Join Date: Apr 2009 Device: Sony PRS-505, Asus Transformer, WIFI Xoom, EVO LTE, 3G Paperwhite 10/2	Considering a Sony PRS-505 Right now I am on the fence about getting a Sony PRS-505. I am currently using my iPod Touch as my primary source of reading. I can't really complain too much about it, I have read 4 books on it so far and I always have the device with me which is a nice plus. That being said I wonder if it would be worth it for me to get a dedicated ebook reader like the Sony. I have plans of getting a large format reader for tech manuals but I am holding off until the Plasic Logic device releases. Since the release of it isn't until sometime next year I have been considering this but would I just be waisting my money since I already have the iPod Touch?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
My Decision: Sony PRS-505 vs. Sony PRS-700 vs. Kindle 2	enarchay	Which one should I buy?	7	05-30-2009 10:21 PM
Amazon Kindle/Sony PRS-700/Sony PRS-505 Comparison Photos	chrissy	Which one should I buy?	18	05-06-2009 12:25 PM
Poll: Sony Reader PRS-505 upgrade to Sony PRS-700	Kris777	Sony Reader	70	02-18-2009 06:34 PM
Just saw Sony PRS 700 and PRS 505 at Sony Style Store	gamegirl	Sony Reader	14	12-15-2008 04:16 PM
Sony Reader PRS-505 upgrade to Sony PRS-700	Kris777	Sony Reader	23	12-08-2008 06:56 AM

08-24-2009, 03:08 PM	#2
wachuko eBook Worm Posts: 205 Karma: 2745996 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Orlando, FL Device: Kindle Paperwhite/ Sony PRS-505/PRS-600 Silver/PRS-T1	I would say, do it! Do keep in mind that the 300 and 600 are about to be released (Canada has them in their stores). So you might want to look at those before getting the 505.

08-24-2009, 03:54 PM	#3
dordale Wizard Posts: 1,731 Karma: 3472866 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: Sony PRS-650 & 350; Kindle Voyage; Kobo Aura HD, Aura One, and Forma	The 300 might be a decent option for you, since you've been reading on the Touch. The 300 has a 5" screen, compared to the 6" screen of the 505. The price of the 300 is nice too at $199. I think the 505 is being sold for $279 now. The only downside to the 300 is the fact that it doesn't have any SD or MS slots. But, it does have 512mb internal memory which is over twice as much as the 505 has. And, unless you're planning on loading it with a lot of large PDF files, 512mb should be more than plenty. (I have about 200 books on my reader's internal memory and still have room for more.) dordale

08-24-2009, 04:44 PM	#4
HistoryWes Teacher/Novelist Posts: 632 Karma: 2274466 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Nevada Device: Nook STR, iPad	I love my 505 and I can't imagine not having it. I doubt that the 300 or 600 will cause me to want to upgrade, but the 900? might, if/when the release it. In short the 505 is a great machine.

08-25-2009, 09:21 AM	#5
nobylspoon Zealot Posts: 100 Karma: 1234598 Join Date: Apr 2009 Device: Sony PRS-505, Asus Transformer, WIFI Xoom, EVO LTE, 3G Paperwhite 10/2	The main reason I considered the 505 instead of the 300 or 600 is because I can order through Dell.com which I get a discount at along with it being tax free and free shipping for me.

08-25-2009, 09:44 AM	#6
bill_mchale Wizard Posts: 1,451 Karma: 1550000 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Maryland, USA Device: Nook Simple Touch, HPC Evo 4G LTE	Just curious, other than being a bit smaller, is there a reason one might want to wait for the PRS-300 other than it being cheaper? In particular, is the screen refresh noticably faster? -- Bill

08-25-2009, 10:10 AM	#7
igorsk Wizard Posts: 3,442 Karma: 300001 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Belgium Device: PRS-500/505/700, Kindle, Cybook Gen3, Words Gear	From the released Linux sources, the 300's hardware looks to be identical to the 505 (besides the screen size).

08-25-2009, 02:46 PM	#8
SHOECHICK Addict Posts: 228 Karma: 1032 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Device: Red Sony 505 and Ipad	I was trying to decide between the new models and another 505 too. I really want my husband to have one, so I was getting a new one and he my silver 505. Neither of the two or I should say three models impressed me. I've ordered a red 505 for myself while they're still out there.

08-25-2009, 04:36 PM	#10
sfstino Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: prs 505	hi everyone, I just came back from the sonystyle store. I drove the 45 miles to the store with my mind set on getting the 600. I currently have the 505 but was looking forward to the dictionary feature. I also hoping the the new reader would be a whole faster at page turning. After seeing the new reader, I must admit that I am extremely disappointed with the screen. Now, it's not completely awful to look at, blurry enough to keep me from reading after any extended use. As for the speed, it really wasn't that much faster. At least not enough to warrant the upgrade. So, I would certainly recommend getting the 505 over the newer models.

08-25-2009, 11:57 PM	#11
thechansen Member Posts: 17 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2008 Device: Sony Reader PRS-505	How big of a discount at Dell.com? If you pay retail (or buy from a Sony store) for a 505 you are crazy at this point. If you look around at stores around you, they are often in close out for much much cheaper. My buddy told me Wal Mart in my town (Brick, NJ) had started carrying the reader and accessories, as well as the local Targets. I went to get a few cans of dog food tonight and decided to see what they had over in end cap for the reader. Red clearance tag listed at $220 for the 505. Granted I got mine about a year ago for $200, $220 is certainly a decent price for it. I would pay $20 more for the 505 vs the 300.

08-26-2009, 12:46 PM	#13
DrMoze Booknut Posts: 858 Karma: 2852 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida! Device: Sony Reader 500/505/300/350, Nook Glowlight Plus (6")	No love for the 300?

08-26-2009, 12:56 PM	#15
sfstino Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: prs 505	much love for the 300...if I had younger eyes. The smaller size makes it great for portability, but makes the screen too compact to view text comfortably.