The Sony PRS700: the Newest Member of the Sony Reader Family

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by canicula

I can see a visit to the SonyStyle Store. across the road from the Moscone Center, at MacWorld in January...

Ian

I can see it now... You go to the SonyStyle Store, you end up buying a 700, you bring it over to MacWorld and all of a sudden, the 700 becomes the hit of MacWorld, making it on the front cover of every computer based publication with a articles that stored off something like.... The Hit of MacWorld was not any product by Apple, but instead it was the Sony Reader PRS-700...

[bill_mchale]

Originally Posted by hidari

I must disagree.

1. Most people buy Kindles and Sony readers to read on E-ink
2. battery life


I think competition will lower the price to some degree. However, I think 300USD is not a bad price if one uses the produce for a long time.

And YES I think apple products are good; however, the brain-washed macheads that think there is only one solution to technology (apple) I tend to disagree with....

hidari

I agree that most people who buy Kindles and Sony readers now buy them to read on E-Ink. However, that doesn't mean that everyone who reads, or more importantly will read ebooks is necessarily going to care about the screen. Yep, E-Ink is cool technology, but I suspect that many prospective e-book readers are going to be willing to take the jump at $300 when they can use a device they already own. I suspect that they will use iPods, iPhones, Android and Windows Mobile Phones to test the waters... and more than a few of them will find that the smaller screen, while perhaps not optimal for reading, makes it easier to have their books with them everywhere... and will never make the jump.

Basic problem is, that for books, $300 is not an impulse purchase.

As for battery life, not really an issue for most people. I grant if you are planning a 3 week trip out of the United States, that an iPod might not be the best solution, but for everyday reading? Lets face it, many of us are already to the point where we plug our phone in when we go to bed at night. An iPod is not any different (and in fact might be the same device these days).

Essentially I am thinking Apple, mainly because they are the market leader with the iPod Touch of a converged device, but I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest to see other small devices start competing as well.

--
Bill

[spec2]

If Sony doesn't keep the 505 AND lower the price to around $199, I think Sony blinked. There I said it.

When I was choosing eReaders last year it was Kindle vs. Sony Reader. I chose the Reader even though I liked the Kindle's WiFi because I thought the Reader felt better and wasn't goofy looking. Basically I thought the Sony Reader was a better product considering the features of both machines, even if just marginally.

The Kindle 2.0 will be announced in the next month or so. Alleged pics of it are already on rumor sites. If thats really it its much more "normal" looking, even if it still too plasticly. If it keeps the same price point as the current Kindle ($359) then I think it will win out...if any digital reader wins.

$400 is way too much for a reader, especially with no WiFi. Heck, $250 is really too much for the 505 for it to be a mass market item. The backlight was needed. The touch screen (highlighting, etc) is also nice, but probably better for academic purposes than casual reading. I don't see too many $400 Sony Readers selling, especially in this economy and with this stock market.

[JSWolf]

eink cannot have a back light. So what Sony has done is put in a front light using LED.

[Lord KiRon]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

eink cannot have a back light. So what Sony has done is put in a front light using LCD.

Actually it's LEDs no LCD there .

[monkeywrench]

I know that I have been pretty vocal about the lack of Mac or Linux support lately as have others here at MR. I was really looking forward to this announcement thinking that they would add some form of wireless or update the software to support Macs. So on Sony's big day, after 2 years of enjoyable reading on a PRS-500 but jumping through hoops to load books from the Sony ebook store I have ordered a Kindle.

I know that for many of you the Sony reader line is perfect and I respect that. I have enjoyed mine immensely. But with this announcement they have missed the boat, or at least my boat.

I'll check out what they have to offer in the future but for now I am going to the other camp. See ya Sony!

[ultrahle]

The fact that they release PRS 700 after a month they did with PRS 505 freaks me out. I bought 505 2 weeks ago and just ordered the 65$ light from the Sonystyle store. Today I have to rush back with my reader and receipts to have it refunded. Thank god I just have to pay the different for the 700 and 505 and wait til Nov to get it. If they release the news in Dec I will be very angry.

[ColdSun]

I've posted here many times about my need for a backlight and why I would never use e-ink because I didn't want to lug around a light to read in bed at night. I've got one too many LCD devices (my wife doesn't understand my infatuation with e-reading devices), and I've been very disappointed that no new LCD devices were being released here in the US.

I never knew they had covers for the 505 that had built-in lights. That was a revelation to me, but at the same swipe I find out they have a front-lit e-ink device coming out. I would like to find out how effective it is for reading in the dark from someone who has actually used it. The touchscreen is also a nice feature, but not a buying point for me. Still, even if the light isn't the greatest in complete darkness, maybe this is the time for me to jump into the e-ink market. Someone has obviously been listening to those of us who wanted this feature and if that someone reads these boards I profoundly thank you.

My birthday is coming up, and now I know what I want.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by ultrahle

The fact that they release PRS 700 after a month they did with PRS 505 freaks me out.

What are you talking about? The PRS-505 has been out for about a year.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by HarryT

What are you talking about? The PRS-505 has been out for about a year.

I think he mean a month after it was available in the UK.

But, if that is not what he means than yes... This is the third year in a row that Sony has release a new model in October. I'm not sure why anyone was surprised that they came out with a new device.

BOb

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

I think he mean a month after it was available in the UK.

I don't see the relevance of that, since the PRS-700 hasn't been launched in the UK. The fact that the PRS-700 now exists doesn't change what the 505 can do. If it was a device which met one's requirements last month, it will still do so today.

[Peto]

Well, after reading what's been said here and what you can learn about the 700 at Sonystyle, I think this is an altogether new concept (for Sony). This is in no way a better 505. IMHO it is actually a worse one with some extras that depending on how useful they are to you, might tilt the balance.

There is nothing about the 700 that can improve the reading experience, except for the light. This you'll end up paying by shorter battery life (battery seems to be the same as in the 505, so just no way you can read the same in both). In any case, I solved that problem with an external light long ago and I consider that difference non-exixtent for my daily use of the reader. The 700 is a little heavier but the weight difference is negligible.

When reading fiction, I can find no need for the touchscreen having the hardware buttons of the 505, but I could use the hardware buttons of the 505 on the 700 even if I had the touchscreen. To me, this is the main difference between both interfaces and it is capital. Worse than that, the existing buttons of the 700 are inline with others exactly the same as them and in a not too good position for one (left) handed reading. Right handed reading can't be done unless you release your thumb and slide it along the screen. Many 700 are going to get dropped this way.

The possible dictionary application is the best novelty of the 700. Certainly not enough, in my case, to pay even the same as for the 505 and exchange it for the hardware buttons.

Page turn seems to be faster, but that is no real advantage, being the turn speed of the 505 already pretty good.

So, for whoever needs highlighting text, uses dictionaries all the time or has a whim for a built in light system, this could be a great gadget. For me, it is another product, far from an upgrade, that offers no advantages to me in actual reading (same screen tech and size, with the same 8 shades of gray), and seems actually less comfortable when turning pages in all positions.

Conclusion: I would only buy it if it was far cheaper than the 505. And that only if I was short of money.

As far as I can see, this could have two effects on the 505.

1.- Lower it's price. That is a sensible thing to expect in the medium term and is perfect for me as I have no intention of replacing a 505 with a 700 whatsoever.

2.- Depending on how different their software modules are, Sony might forget about upgrading 505 firmware any more. This I find no mayor issue, since, the way it performs now, the 505 is just perfect for me.

Who knows, maybe this is a test from Sony to check how a touchscreen would be received on their way to competing with Illiad.

It would surprise me none if they release a 510 next year.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I don't see the relevance of that, since the PRS-700 hasn't been launched in the UK.

I agree with you. I am just positing why he is saying "700 was released a month after the 505" how he came up with 1 month.

BOb

[Dave Berk]

I just read Paul Biba's (of Teleread) great summary of the Sony event and I noticed something that I haven't read in any other summary, mainly:

Also, there is no flicker or “blink” when you change pages. This is a major ergonomic improvement over earlier versions. A representative of E-ink, who makes the screen, was at the event and I cornered him and asked him how Sony accomplished this. He said it was a combination of Sony proprietary technology and some small improvements in the E-ink screen. Primarily, he said, this is a result of Sony’s expertise in writing an optimized driver and in designing the display chip and optimizing timing issues. This, I would guess, is going to be extremely difficult for competitors to do for themselves.

Many people, here on the forums and elsewhere, have expressed opinions on the new reader. Opinions which ranged between simple disappointment to calling the PRS-700 an inferior device to the PRS-505. I understand how people can feel cheated, especially if they just bought a PRS-505 (as many in the UK did) but I think that they are giving up on the PRS-700 too soon.

Let me summarize why I think the PRS-700 is gonna be great:
1. Touch-screen.

Yes, Touch screen. Not for nothing Apple had started using touch screen with the iPod line - once you get used to it it's a better way to interface with the hardware (IMHO). Many people here wrote how they miss the button placement of the old PRS-505. With a touch screen anywhere can be a button. Since Sony said the whole thing is configurable - make your own buttons, wherever you like them.

2. Faster page turns.

Every reviewer who reviewed the units agreed that the PRS-700 has faster page turns than the 505. It's still not instantaneous, but it's gotten to the point where it doesn't matter anymore, especially paired with point 3.

3. No "blink".

See Paul Biba's quote.

4. Great hardware and ergonomics.

True, the PRS-505 has this as well, but no other reader on the market, INHO, comes close to sony when it comes to designing hardware that just works. Coupled with good ergonomics - you get the best device on the 6' market.
Many here seems sure they don't like the new design but opinions can change. When the PRS-505 came out many had said the same thing about the PRS-505. Said that it looked worse than the PRS-500. Some probably still think so today, most though has grown to like the design.

5. Integrated side light.

I remember how many people wanted this when the PRS-505 came out, yet now you don't read a much about it. Yes, I know there are light wedges available, but it's not the same as when you get it as part of the package.
What about battery life you say? well, is it any easier when you have to take care of two batteries? You don't need it - don't use it.

6. (future, hopefully) Dictionary support.

It's been talked about here already. The hardware is available. You can mark a word with the touch of a finger (or a stylus). I do believe we will see it, if not right now, then with a later firmware release. How much later? that will depend how much pressure people will put up, I suppose.

Also, Sony has made it clear they intend to improve on their ebooks store offering, increasing the available content to a 100,000 titles by Christmas. That's still half of what Amazon has made available, but there is no reason to assume they will stop there. Much of Amazon large difference is made by works which, without being insulting, is not what you'd call quality content. I'm not sure that Sony is going to do any better, but here's to hoping.

All in all, when you look at the changes from the PRS-500 to the 505 and now 700 you can see a long line of small improvement. Which, when summed up amount to a great device. So maybe it's not a revolutionary device, but it's certaintly an evolutionary one.

[BobLenx]

I have been using a PRS-505 for over ten months now - have read over 80 public domain books with another 600 plus stored on my laptop - and love it - a fantastic device. I'm not about to buy the 700 model at this point in time, unless Sony offered me about a $100-$150 credit for the 505. The 505 meets all my reading needs at the moment. When my 505 experiences problems, the 700 would be a great choice to replace it.

However, to weigh in on the discussion/controversy over the new 700 model - here are my comments.

Despite what others have said, the PRS-700 is a major advance for Sony IMHO. It shows that they are committed to the eReader community and intend to continue coming out with new and improved devices. That is important for me.

The progression to a touch-screen eInk device is significant. That is what people want these days in their MP3 players, cell phones and even computers. This is their first attempt at a touch screen device - be patient, more features will be forthcoming in new units from them. Touch screen is the future of all screen-based electronic devices.

The concept of having the keyboard appear when you require it via the touch screen is, in my opinion, far superior to the Kindle's somewhat klutzy physical keyboard which put me off from buying it - not to offend any Kindle users. I don't particulalry need to use a keyboard with my eReader, but it would be a nice touch to have.

With the note taking, highlighting and text search features, it would appear that some form of dictionary support is around the corner - quite possibily in the 700 model before it actually hits the market or soon thereafter with an update. That I would like, although I rarely have to look words up in the dictionary. And since the reader dictionaries are fairly basic due to size, I suspect that many words I might need to look up would not be found.

And I have never made a note in any book I have ever read in my life and see no reason to now - and that includes college textbooks. However, I would like to have the text search capability so that I could refer back to a section of a long novel - for instance to see when a character was first introduced in the novel to refresh my memory of them - or in backtracking clues in a mystery novel. Now highlighting is something I probably would do. And I suppose I would find a form of notes useful, but in something like little notepads rather than, or in addition to, within a given book. How about having a notepad associated with a book but separate from it easily called up via the Utility botton?

The front light is a real nice idea as well. I have a clip on light but it is clumsy to use.

When I read a physical book, I turn the pages from the top right corner of the right page. With the 505 I have to use buttons on the lower left or on the right side. I adjusted to that and I am sure that even at the advanced age of 62, I could adapt to the new buttons at the lower left and use the touch screen to flip pages - which is actually so close to what we do with a physcial book that for the life of me I cannot understand the complaints I have read here. Just don't read while eating greasy potato chips or popcorn, and wash your hands.

From the photos I have seen the 700 appears to have a "ribbed" left edge which would probably make it more comfortable to hold. Plus according to the news so far, page turns are quite a bit faster on the 700 over the 500 and 505 - again a good improvement.

I suspect that Sony is working very hard to get more ebooks in their on-line store. That will come. I believe one of the people who attended the intro show said the Sony people commented that their goal was 100,000 books fairly soon.

It will be interesting to see the changes they are going to be making to their store with version 2.5 of the computer software. So far everything I read is free via public domain sites anyway - I borrow new releases from my public library rather than buying them - but I can understand those who want to have more books available to download from Sony. And if there was some new book I really wanted to read and was willing to pay for, I too would be upset if it wasn't available for my device from Sony.

But I honestly don't find it at all awkward to connect the 505 to my laptop and manage my books that way. I usually only keep 10 to 15 books on my reader at a time so that it runs faster. And even in this regard Sony has increased the memory to 450 MB so we can store about 320 books rather than only 150 or so. Good grief, I couldn't possibly want that many to wade through on my eReader. I would still rather have them on my laptop and go get them when I want them. It only takes me about 5 minutes to hook up and get new books to read once or twice a month. But again it shows Sony is thinking when they designed this new unit.

As for WiFi, that would be nice - and I am sure it will be in their next eReader. Trust me, Sony knows they will eventually lose buyers to the Kindle if they don't add WiFi. In fact, if I am in the market for a new reader when the PRS-7## model comes out next year or the year thereafter and it does not include WiFi capability, Sony will lose me as a customer. I want Wikipadeia access.

Not to mention five print sizes rather than the three we now have - and zoom in/out.

As for price, cheaper would be nice, but it isn't - that's the way it goes. If I were a first time buyer for an eReader in November, it would be a no-brainer. The 700 would win out over the 505 in a heartbeat despite the $399 pricetag.

I only have one complaint with Sony - and I have it with my 505 as well as the 700. Make the AC adapter part of the package you sell, not a separate purchase. They go together and should be sold as a unit. Having to leave my laptop on and connected to power and wait for up to four hours to recharge the eReader is moronic. I have the adapter and can read while the unit recharges. This is a no-brainer Sony - get with the program.

Overall my vote is that Sony did a great job in putting together the PRS-700. Kudos. Now I await some of you lambasting me for my personal opinions.