Sony PRS-505 Still the best?

[SneakySnake]

What would be a reasonable price for a new PRS-505 that is ex display shop.

I found three on eBay they reckon just have been sitting on shelf. Trying to see if Sony 12 month warranty applies.

From what I have discovered lately the PRS-505 and 600 can be got for around the same price (I have to order from overseas)

[ShellShock]

Originally Posted by SneakySnake

From what I have discovered lately the PRS-505 and 600 can be got for around the same price (I have to order from overseas)

So the 505, which Sony has discontinued, is worth the same as the latest model, the 600, with all its "enhancements"? This just proves that Sony dropped a clanger with the touchscreen debacle--introducing a new feature that compromises the primary purpose of the device--reading. If I was Sony I would bring out a new 6" model with the same great screen as the 505, and with any other add-ons they would like to have, as long as the screen is not affected. I am sure it would sell much more that the 600.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by ShellShock

This just proves that Sony dropped a clanger with the touchscreen debacle--introducing a new feature that compromises the primary purpose of the device--reading.

How much time have you actually spent reading on a 600, if I may ask? I've noticed that the overwhelming majority of the criticism of it appears to come from people who've never used the device; those of us who have them are, on the whole, very satisfied.

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by HarryT

How much time have you actually spent reading on a 600, if I may ask? I've noticed that the overwhelming majority of the criticism of it appears to come from people who've never used the device; those of us who have them are, on the whole, very satisfied.

I don't have a 600 but do concur with your statement. I know 600 owners who, surprise!, enjoy their 600 immensely and don't go around all day pining over what might have been if only they had a 505.

That said, Long live my 505!

[Zetmolm]

I've noticed that the overwhelming majority of the criticism of it appears to come from people who've never used the device

Well, here is some criticism then from someone who actually used the 600 for a couple of weeks. I read some 7 or 8 books on it. I found the glare really annoying. Now I'm the happy owner of an Onyx Boox: touchscreen, yes; glare, no.

[gwynevans]

Originally Posted by SneakySnake

From what I have discovered lately the PRS-505 and 600 can be got for around the same price (I have to order from overseas)

If you're having to pay the same, go for the 600 - the 505 is still good, but realistically, only better than the 600 if cheaper than it.

[angelad]

Originally Posted by Zetmolm

Well, here is some criticism then from someone who actually used the 600 for a couple of weeks. I read some 7 or 8 books on it. I found the glare really annoying. Now I'm the happy owner of an Onyx Boox: touchscreen, yes; glare, no.

Even though I've never owned a 600, I've met a few folks who let me play with it, and generally they were satisfied with the unit too. Just my 2 cents.

[Teddman]

It depends on what you're looking for in an e-reader. If you like the UI and hardware design of Sony but value contrast above all else, then the 505 is the better pick. I tried to use a 600 after owning a 505 and couldn't get over the 'faint' appearance of the text.

Brand-new 505's go for $300-$400 regularly on eBay, so there is a market actually willing to pay more for it than the 600.

[SneakySnake]

Thanks,

I am still so undecided. Does anyone think that the PRS-900 screen with its 16 greyscale is better than the 505 without touch?

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by SneakySnake

Thanks,

I am still so undecided. Does anyone think that the PRS-900 screen with its 16 greyscale is better than the 505 without touch?

Certainly not as far as contrast. I use my 505 most of the time and am seriously considering selling the 900.

[SneakySnake]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Certainly not as far as contrast. I use my 505 most of the time and am seriously considering selling the 900.

Kenny!

I was on the verge of ordering the 900 B&H is closing for passover soon and I will have to wait a week more if I don't do something soon. $522us including a booklight cover and UPS to Australia. The Ozzie is dropping and I am hoping to catch it before it falls too much. Well maybe next week it will be on the way up again

Unless there is another cheaper way to get one (ebay is more exxy)

But the shelf display 505s on ebay are still sitting at less than $200us and postage from the UK is heaps cheaper.

BUT...... How's the comparison with technical PDFs? (505 to 900) I won't be able to take advantage of the 3g thing anyway.

[kennyc]

Sorry. I'm just trying to "tell it as I see it" -- the 900 is fine, particularly in great light, but the touch layer does add a "fuzziness" to it, just not as crisp. The dictionary and other features are great. The wireless doesn't do anything for me at all.

[SneakySnake]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Sorry. I'm just trying to "tell it as I see it" -- the 900 is fine, particularly in great light, but the touch layer does add a "fuzziness" to it, just not as crisp. The dictionary and other features are great. The wireless doesn't do anything for me at all.

Reading isn't as crisp for me since I had the old flap and zap on my eyeballs. I have lost my bionic closeup reading vision. I guess specs are in order now, but I really like the idea of changing font size. That should keep the specs away for a bit longer.

Snake

p.s. I wouldn't give up being able to see otherwise just to get back my bionic close up. The only disadvantage is that now I can see how dirty the shower floor is.

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by SneakySnake

The only disadvantage is that now I can see how dirty the shower floor is.

I had the same surprise afterward.

[SneakySnake]

OK announcment!

Bidding has commenced on the PRS-505. The Oz to UK exchange rate is good.
Just waiting now to see if I get one.