Nook vs Sony vs Sony

Pete · 07-05-2010, 01:51 PM

Hello all,

I've narrowed my choices to a Nook, Sony reader touch (PRS 600BC) or a Sony Reader pocket edition (PRS300BC). To be frank, I'm leaning towards a Nook because I don't like Sony, but I'm more concerned with getting the best value for my money.

I'll mainly be using the reader to read books from my personal library, so book prices from stores, and DRM difficulties with purchased books arent a huge concern (but I dont want a DRM laden device). I guess I'm mostly interested in the overall functionality of the devices, ease of use with file transfers, screen size/sharpness, ect. I'll be using the reader around the house maybe occasionally taking it places with me.

Anything you think might be of interest in helping me decide one over the other, or things that made you pick one over the other would be greatly appreciated, even if it seems like something that might matter only to you. I've only used a palm pilot and a an ebookwise, so its likely there are some things in comparing to two that I haven't even thought of. Thanks very much

Noah98 · 07-05-2010, 10:17 PM

The Nook and the pocket Edition are both great devices. I personally don't like the screen on the Touch edition (poor contrast and glare defeat the purpose of eink).

I think the wifi Nook is the best value at $150. It has the most features and a great screen.

The pocket edition has a great screen, but it is only 5 inches. However, it is the most portable and very well constructed. Sony also sells a nice little case with a book light built in. The whole package is very compact. The biggest issue is price. It has the least amount of features and not much internal memory for $150.

I considered all options and opted for a 3g Nook. If you don't need 3G though, get the wifi Nook.

jehane · 07-06-2010, 07:33 AM

Hi Pete

I bought a Sony 300 about 6 weeks ago. I chose this one because I wanted a decent entry-level device and it has so far met my needs perfectly. The only thing I am concerned with is the lack of expandable memory, however it should not be a problem for some time yet. I use it to read library books and other free books and find it very comfortable. In fact I've been forgoing tv in favour of reading since I got it. I have a hard case for it and it's very portable - easily fits in my handbag, which the larger Nook probably wouldn't.

Having said that, reading library books can sometimes be a bit irritating as mine come in PDF format (no ePubs) and it doesn't display particularly well. I don't know if a 6" screen would be any better. ePubs display fine, as do rtfs and txts. I used to read on a Palm M125 and still sometimes read direct from a computer screen and the Sony is much better. While the former two could never replace pbooks for me, the Sony definitely could.

I find it very easy to transfer files and manage them using the Sony software. However the Sony software is annoying in that while you can create Collections to sort books, they cannot be nested, so at some point (not just yet) I will have to choose between number of Collections vs number of books in each Collection. I don't know what the file management is like for the Nook. I am currently learning about Calibre to see if it does a better job in this respect.

I didn't choose the Nook for a few reasons:
1. More expensive (at the time) than the Sony *
2. I don't like the internet screen - I'd never use it and it's a waste of space for me
3. I believe the Nook is locked to B&N? At some point I will want to purchase books and I can't buy from them (outside USA)

Hope this helps

* Edit: No, I have no regrets about the Nook price drop, or a potential Sony price drop. I was in the USA on holiday at the time and took the opportunity to not get ripped off as I would back home (Sony 300 is being sold at $465 here).

bixas · 07-06-2010, 11:45 AM

for me the bes is Sony reader touch (PRS 600BC), i am using it and i am very happy !

boswd · 07-06-2010, 09:51 PM

I'm with Noah, the best value between Sony and the Nook is the nook by far. The Sony's that are within the Nook's range, both wif fi only and full service, have smaller screens, no wireless downloading capibilities, and IMHO an inferior bookstore platform.

I think the Sony's are good e-readers but they offer no value as compared to what's out there is similiar price range.

The Nook is very solid, and a very very enjoyable e-reader. It really is just a joy to use.
Stylish, great book store and support. More features such as "In Store Experience" Free Friday's so on and so on. Freebies, In store coupons

JerseyBiker · 07-06-2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jehane

I didn't choose the Nook for a few reasons:
1. More expensive (at the time) than the Sony *
2. I don't like the internet screen - I'd never use it and it's a waste of space for me
3. I believe the Nook is locked to B&N? At some point I will want to purchase books and I can't buy from them (outside USA)

2. The Internet screen? Are you referring to the touch screen? The touch screen is used to access the features and change pages. The Nook does have an Internet browser but it's only on the screen when you load it.

3. You can get ebooks from many different sources for the Nook. Not just from B&N.

~eddie

Pete · 07-07-2010, 01:27 AM

Thanks alot, everyone.

iandix · 07-07-2010, 02:15 AM

I have both a nook and a Sony PRS600 and I can say the nook leaves the PRS600 in it's dust. The Sony looks more robust but the nook has the best screen and that is what is important. After using the Nook I find it hard to go back to reading on the Sony.

I don't know anything about the PRS300

HarryT · 07-07-2010, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iandix

I have both a nook and a Sony PRS600 and I can say the nook leaves the PRS600 in it's dust.

Doesn't that rather depend what you want to use it for? You can't do handwritten annotation on the nook, for example. I use the PRS-600 for proof-reading my eBooks, and that is one of its real strengths.

PS: No apostrophe in "it's dust".

delvestoodeep · 07-07-2010, 09:34 AM

I recently purchased the Sony PRS-600, and I've been very happy with it. Perhaps it's just that I've not used a lot of other eInk devices but I don't see what all the fuss is about with the touch-screen coating on the PRS-600. I've used the Nook at my local B&N and haven't found reading on the Sony to be any more difficult, really.

I've read in a number of different lighting situations (outside, reading light, Coffeeshop, table lamp...etc.) and while the contrast between dark and light decreases some, it has never become a problem to read. What I DO notice is that the Sony has yet to frustrate me like playing with the Nook did. Even with its latest firmware update, the Nook seemed to refresh slower. It certainly started up slower.

Combined with all the information I've read about shorter battery life, the sluggishness I experienced each time I used the Nook was enough to cross it off my list. Not to mention that I've heard that the Nook doesn't do landscape mode reading? For most ebooks, that's fine... but I've found it can make the difference between legible and garbled PDFs.

The PRS-300 also was a consideration, but I decided that I didn't need my reader to be "pocketable" and the screen real estate was more important. Plus, it lacked the MP3/AAC player. (Nook also lacks the AAC support, btw, if that's important to you).

Lilly · 07-07-2010, 09:52 AM

I would always choose the Sony Readers. I think it's a better product and I'm not just saying that because I run a Sony Reader Forum.

HarryT · 07-07-2010, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilly

I would always choose the Sony Readers. I think it's a better product and I'm not just saying that because I run a Sony Reader Forum.

What about the fact that Sony, other than on the PRS-900, are using a woefully obsolete version of ADE, and show no signs up updating it. Does that not concern you?

Lilly · 07-08-2010, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

What about the fact that Sony, other than on the PRS-900, are using a woefully obsolete version of ADE, and show no signs up updating it. Does that not concern you?

It does not stop the Sony Reader from reading all DRM ePub files or DRM PDF so no new version needed. I have yet to run into any problems of not being able to shop for my Sony at any store that sells an ePub version of the book.

In fact I'm now enjoying shopping at the new Borders store. They actually had all 4 books in a series that I was looking for while both Amazon & Sony were missing the 3rd book in the series. I have an easy tutorial on the site of how to purchase a Borders book in the Resource Board (tutorial should also work for the Nook).

Sweetpea · 07-08-2010, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Quote:

Originally Posted by iandix

I have both a nook and a Sony PRS600 and I can say the nook leaves the PRS600 in it's dust.

PS: No apostrophe in "it's dust".

Depends, if it's turned to dust or not

HarryT · 07-08-2010, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilly

It does not stop the Sony Reader from reading all DRM ePub files or DRM PDF so no new version needed. I have yet to run into any problems of not being able to shop for my Sony at any store that sells an ePub version of the book.

Personally I'm not a fan of reading left-justified books - it's the lack of full justification for ePub that I find the biggest issue to be with the Sony.

07-05-2010, 01:51 PM	#1
Pete Member Posts: 11 Karma: 64 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: none	Nook vs Sony vs Sony Hello all, I've narrowed my choices to a Nook, Sony reader touch (PRS 600BC) or a Sony Reader pocket edition (PRS300BC). To be frank, I'm leaning towards a Nook because I don't like Sony, but I'm more concerned with getting the best value for my money. I'll mainly be using the reader to read books from my personal library, so book prices from stores, and DRM difficulties with purchased books arent a huge concern (but I dont want a DRM laden device). I guess I'm mostly interested in the overall functionality of the devices, ease of use with file transfers, screen size/sharpness, ect. I'll be using the reader around the house maybe occasionally taking it places with me. Anything you think might be of interest in helping me decide one over the other, or things that made you pick one over the other would be greatly appreciated, even if it seems like something that might matter only to you. I've only used a palm pilot and a an ebookwise, so its likely there are some things in comparing to two that I haven't even thought of. Thanks very much

07-06-2010, 07:33 AM	#3
jehane Book addict Posts: 441 Karma: 2650464 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Antarctica/Australia/Ohio Device: Sony PRS-300/T1/Asus TF101	Hi Pete I bought a Sony 300 about 6 weeks ago. I chose this one because I wanted a decent entry-level device and it has so far met my needs perfectly. The only thing I am concerned with is the lack of expandable memory, however it should not be a problem for some time yet. I use it to read library books and other free books and find it very comfortable. In fact I've been forgoing tv in favour of reading since I got it. I have a hard case for it and it's very portable - easily fits in my handbag, which the larger Nook probably wouldn't. Having said that, reading library books can sometimes be a bit irritating as mine come in PDF format (no ePubs) and it doesn't display particularly well. I don't know if a 6" screen would be any better. ePubs display fine, as do rtfs and txts. I used to read on a Palm M125 and still sometimes read direct from a computer screen and the Sony is much better. While the former two could never replace pbooks for me, the Sony definitely could. I find it very easy to transfer files and manage them using the Sony software. However the Sony software is annoying in that while you can create Collections to sort books, they cannot be nested, so at some point (not just yet) I will have to choose between number of Collections vs number of books in each Collection. I don't know what the file management is like for the Nook. I am currently learning about Calibre to see if it does a better job in this respect. I didn't choose the Nook for a few reasons: 1. More expensive (at the time) than the Sony * 2. I don't like the internet screen - I'd never use it and it's a waste of space for me 3. I believe the Nook is locked to B&N? At some point I will want to purchase books and I can't buy from them (outside USA) Hope this helps * Edit: No, I have no regrets about the Nook price drop, or a potential Sony price drop. I was in the USA on holiday at the time and took the opportunity to not get ripped off as I would back home (Sony 300 is being sold at $465 here). Last edited by jehane; 07-06-2010 at 07:36 AM. Reason: add footnote

07-06-2010, 09:51 PM	#5
boswd Banned Posts: 2,391 Karma: 1001781 Join Date: May 2010 Device: The Nook, Nook color and Droid X	I'm with Noah, the best value between Sony and the Nook is the nook by far. The Sony's that are within the Nook's range, both wif fi only and full service, have smaller screens, no wireless downloading capibilities, and IMHO an inferior bookstore platform. I think the Sony's are good e-readers but they offer no value as compared to what's out there is similiar price range. The Nook is very solid, and a very very enjoyable e-reader. It really is just a joy to use. Stylish, great book store and support. More features such as "In Store Experience" Free Friday's so on and so on. Freebies, In store coupons Last edited by boswd; 07-06-2010 at 10:27 PM.

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07-05-2010, 10:17 PM	#2
Noah98 Eccentric Posts: 510 Karma: 342150 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Florida Device: The nook, ipad 3, Kindle Fire HD (8.9), Kindle Paperwhite	The Nook and the pocket Edition are both great devices. I personally don't like the screen on the Touch edition (poor contrast and glare defeat the purpose of eink). I think the wifi Nook is the best value at $150. It has the most features and a great screen. The pocket edition has a great screen, but it is only 5 inches. However, it is the most portable and very well constructed. Sony also sells a nice little case with a book light built in. The whole package is very compact. The biggest issue is price. It has the least amount of features and not much internal memory for $150. I considered all options and opted for a 3g Nook. If you don't need 3G though, get the wifi Nook.

07-06-2010, 11:45 AM	#4
bixas Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 42 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: none	for me the bes is Sony reader touch (PRS 600BC), i am using it and i am very happy !

07-07-2010, 01:27 AM	#7
Pete Member Posts: 11 Karma: 64 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: none	Thanks alot, everyone.

07-07-2010, 02:15 AM	#8
iandix Addict Posts: 295 Karma: 109308 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NSW Australia Device: nook touch a Nook 3g (rooted) and a nookcolor (rooted)	I have both a nook and a Sony PRS600 and I can say the nook leaves the PRS600 in it's dust. The Sony looks more robust but the nook has the best screen and that is what is important. After using the Nook I find it hard to go back to reading on the Sony. I don't know anything about the PRS300

07-07-2010, 09:34 AM	#10
delvestoodeep Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Sony PRS-600	I recently purchased the Sony PRS-600, and I've been very happy with it. Perhaps it's just that I've not used a lot of other eInk devices but I don't see what all the fuss is about with the touch-screen coating on the PRS-600. I've used the Nook at my local B&N and haven't found reading on the Sony to be any more difficult, really. I've read in a number of different lighting situations (outside, reading light, Coffeeshop, table lamp...etc.) and while the contrast between dark and light decreases some, it has never become a problem to read. What I DO notice is that the Sony has yet to frustrate me like playing with the Nook did. Even with its latest firmware update, the Nook seemed to refresh slower. It certainly started up slower. Combined with all the information I've read about shorter battery life, the sluggishness I experienced each time I used the Nook was enough to cross it off my list. Not to mention that I've heard that the Nook doesn't do landscape mode reading? For most ebooks, that's fine... but I've found it can make the difference between legible and garbled PDFs. The PRS-300 also was a consideration, but I decided that I didn't need my reader to be "pocketable" and the screen real estate was more important. Plus, it lacked the MP3/AAC player. (Nook also lacks the AAC support, btw, if that's important to you).

07-07-2010, 09:52 AM	#11
Lilly Guru Posts: 688 Karma: 2090 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Sony PRS-505, PRS-900 & PRS-950, Amazon Kindle2	I would always choose the Sony Readers. I think it's a better product and I'm not just saying that because I run a Sony Reader Forum.