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

[Tattncat]

Originally Posted by recycledelectron

I couldn't disgree more. Wireless connectivity is a pain, IMHO. If you do have wireless, please give me a manual kill switch like HP laptops.

What I need is
(1) MUCH more storage via SD and MSPD cards. Why does the PRS-505 max out it's SD card slot at 2GB when there are 128GB SDHC cards at Fry's?
(2) USB OTG (on-the-go) for reading USB Hard Disks
(3) A file browsing system that is NOT that <expletive> <expletive> mother <expletive> card-catalog thingy the PRS-505 uses.

I use my PRS-505 with a Nokia N800 Internet Tablet, several 2.5" hard disks, and a solar/battery charger to access a multi-terabyte library. I would love to replace both the PRS-505 (reader) and the N800 (used for file browsing, editing meta data, and accessing the hard disks) with a PRS-700.

(If you are not trying to archive all human knowledge in a single ammo can, this will not apply to you.)

Andy

Where did you get your solar charger? I have a soldius but it doesn't have an adapter for my 505.

Please advise.

[InspectorGadget]

Originally Posted by Tattncat

Where did you get your solar charger? I have a soldius but it doesn't have an adapter for my 505.

Please advise.

Any tip or system for a PSP fits the Sony readers (at least the 500 and 505). I got a PSP tip for an iGo charger and use that on the road with my 500.

The voltage says 5.2V but it charges just fine on 5.0V (what do you think USB charging is?). I think this 5.2V malarkey is just a ploy to get you to buy expen$ive Sony accessories. Anyone know any different?

So any charging system that will put out 5V, then put that into either a PSP tip or a Mini-B USB tip should charge the Sony reader.

- The Inspector

[Lord KiRon]

From test people performed on some russian forum it charges fine in range between 4.5 up to 6V .

[kartu]

Originally Posted by BuddyBoy

They are indeed, it's how capacitance works. You can make a stylus that does work, but it needs a power source - a small battery will do.

As an example, if you have an iPhone, you probably know that you can tap with a plain stylus all day long and nothing happens, but touch the screen with the negagtive pole of a AAA battery and it reacts just like a finger touch.

No, capacitance touchscreen doesn't need your fingers to be negatively charged.

[Alfy]

Why in the world would I want to put my greasy fingers on the book I'm reading? Seriously, I really don't like the idea of getting my fingers on the screen all the time, and then taking a piece of cloth to remove the traces!

[Boyodublin]

I just went into a local Sony Style store to get a hands on look at the new PRS-700. The experience has prompted me to cancel my pre-existing order, because I was abhorred by the screens greasiness. The screen on my PRS-500 does not react the same to my fingers as the screen on the new PRS-700. It looks like the screen is made from a different material?? More glassy, if that's possible? Anyway, I was also disappointed with the new lighting system: it is uneven and distracting. I will stick to my tried and tested PRS-500, which I've had for the past two years and get great satisfaction from. I will give Sony some credit with the increased speed in the enlargement of the fonts (5 different sizes); although because there were only small excerpts from texts on the unit I tested, it may be a little misleading--would the enlargement speed be the same with a full text of a book?
Anyway, I am definitely holding off on this purchase until my PRS-500 gives out on me, which I hope is many a year away.

[Boyodublin]

Oh, I forgot to add in my previous communication that the plastic cover on the unit juts out to the side of the unit by about an inch, making it nearly impossible to handle. I would have to take the cover off before being able to hold the unit comfortably--a bit ridiculous really!

I like being able to simply fold the cover back on my 500 to get to the reading.

Sorry Sony, but this is a real bust!!

[NatCh]

That cover fit is pretty much the same as the 505's fit, there are ways to compensate for it, and a lot of folks like it better.

[David Munch]

Originally Posted by recycledelectron

What I need is
(1) MUCH more storage via SD and MSPD cards. Why does the PRS-505 max out it's SD card slot at 2GB when there are 128GB SDHC cards at Fry's?

Good luck finding a SDHC card above 32 GB. They don't exist.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by NatCh

That cover fit is pretty much the same as the 505's fit, there are ways to compensate for it, and a lot of folks like it better.

When I first saw the 505, I did not think that the cover jutting out on the right was a good thing. But after using it, it's actually a very good thing. It gives a place to hold securely in one hand.

[Boyodublin]

In an earlier review of a hands-on experience with the PRS-700, I made the following statement, “The screen on my PRS-500 does not react the same way to my fingers as the screen on the new PRS-700. It looks like the screen is made from a different material? More glassy, if that's possible?”

Yes, I felt rather silly about making such a claim; however, I wanted to be honest about my first impressions and I put it out there anyway.

Today I found the following statement and an important question from another forum member named Aru, which I think explains why I had the first impressions and reaction that I tried to describe.

In his review, Aru states that, “The 700 has the added benefit of touch screen and front-light, however does the additional layer of the front pane of glass/plastic, which is somewhat distanced from the display to allow for the LEDs, deteriorate the image? Is there a difference in clarity and contrast between the 700 and the 505?”

Having looked at Aru’s review, it is now my belief that it was the actual space between the glass/plastic and the actual e-ink display that left me with the impressions I had. I knew that something was completely different from my PRS-500 experience, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Thanks Aru for helping me to more fully understand my first impressions of the PRS-700. Until your review, I couldn't quite figure out the difference that I experienced, and why I felt that the display was so different from the PRS-500. Now I get it!

[Patricia]

Originally Posted by Boyodublin

Having looked at Aru’s review, it is now my belief that it was the actual space between the glass/plastic and the actual e-ink display that left me with the impressions I had. I knew that something was completely different from my PRS-500 experience, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Actually, with the touch-screen you were putting your finger on it. But we know what you mean. Thanks for taking the trouble to clarify your initial review.

[ZaZg]

I want it. I want it. I want it.

[ZaZg]

Thanks for you input. My first reaction was "get it, get it, get it NOW", but I can't "test" it here in Québec. It can't be sold in Québec Sony stores, because there is no French version of the user interface. Going to the US or an English province to test it would take me over a day...

Anyway, I hate greasy screen, and I am a bit frantic about having my PRS-505 sparklingly clean. I guess I wouldn't like the 700 screen so much. And as for light, I have a small slinky reading light working wonders, very small so I can carry it anywhere along with the Reader.

I'll do just like you. Wait for the next release.

[bbusybookworm]

Originally Posted by ZaZg

Thanks for you input. My first reaction was "get it, get it, get it NOW", but I can't "test" it here in Québec. It can't be sold in Québec Sony stores, because there is no French version of the user interface. Going to the US or an English province to test it would take me over a day...

Huh? that's interesting.

One of our french members mentioned that the 505 on sale in France has a completely French user interface.

I thought they already had that interface out in Canada. And figured that the 700 would have it built in from the start as well.