PRS-505 How many people are still using and loving their PRS-505s? - Page 2

tech_au · 10-07-2011, 08:17 AM

Whilst the 650 is now my preferred reader I have not shunned my 505. I probably shouldn't admit that it has become my bathtime reader(safely enclosed in a zip lock bag)

. The touch screen of the 650 doesn't work too well in a zip lock bag

dreams · 10-07-2011, 06:00 PM

I received my 505 as a gift in December 2009 and it continues to do what it does very well. I charge it and change books every other Sunday. I read, on average, about 3 hours a day on it and the length of the battery hold charge doesn't seem to have gone down any yet.

Every time something new comes out, I want to get it, but since the 505 is still going strong, I haven't found a really good reason to replace it. I am watching the T1 though.

seajewel · 10-07-2011, 06:14 PM

Yeah, I've watched the release of new generations without too much excitement.. the 600, the 650, etc. I finally was ready to upgrade this year, but again, the perfect device hasn't been released. I may still get the T1. (If the 650 had wi-fi, I might be interested in buying one even now.. I love how sturdy my 505 is, but wi-fi is pretty much a must for me now. the biggest annoyance of my 505 is having to hook it up to get books. A small annoyance, but an annoyance nonetheless).

As for screen, I know my 505 doesn't have a Pearl screen, but in practice it doesn't bother me. and not because I haven't seen a pearl screen.. I've held Kindle 3s in my hand, and I think Caecilia performs very well as an e-ink reader font, but my Sony is still so readable (as long as there is light). Maybe I'll wait and save up for an ipad or something for pdfs. Readers are getting so cheap now, though, that it's tempting to upgrade even though I don't "need" the upgrade.

JenPen1 · 10-07-2011, 06:56 PM

I gave my three year old 505 reluctantly to my husband. He loves it and reads a couple of hours a day on it. Before the 650 came out I sent the 505 to Sony to replace the battery as everything seemed very slow and I was charging it more often. ( It was still under warranty as I had bought an extended warranty, which I don't normally do! ) Sony replaced the battery and when the 650 came out I bought it. I love it also for different reasons. It is easier to read and has more font size choices. The touch irritates me sometimes as it will think I am looking something up in the dictionary instead of turning the page. I would have preferred a tap to a touch!

So, to answer the question, I did love my 505 and I wished we were still able to buy them as they are more of the work horse of the Sony Readers and the 650 Touch is more 'delicate' and I fear that more things could go wrong with it. I would have bought another 505 if they had been available to buy just to keep it as an extra!!

Jen

khalleron · 10-07-2011, 07:38 PM

I'm using it now, but when my red T1 arrives, I'll be passing it along to a co-worker (who's almost as excited about it as I am about the T1).

Yes, I'll miss the sturdy casing - if the T1 had that as well as the terrific features it has, it would be perfect.

As it is, it's only mostly perfect.

micomicon · 10-10-2011, 02:13 PM

My 505 is still going strong after almost 4 years. I've looked at all the 6 inch-screen Sony readers (and the Kindles) released since the 505, and none of them have offered enough improvement for me to consider upgrading. I would also miss having the page-turn buttons on the side.

I'll probably upgrade when/if there is a new generation of e-ink screens with a more paper-like appearance. (Pearl is still not contrasty enough, IMO.) In the meantime, I've changed my default font to a slightly bolder one.

bookfanmd · 10-10-2011, 04:27 PM

The 505 was my first reader and is still the most functional in my opinion. I loved it so much I got 2 spares when it was replaced with the 600. I gave one of them to my Dad and he uses it nightly. I tried the 600 but didn't like the screen clarity and sold it when the 650 came out. I mainly use the 650 and just ordered a T1 but I take the 505 to the beach every year to use with my waterproof M-edge case as the touch screen readers don't work too well when protected.

I love that you can choose a specific page number just by pressing the number buttons and not have to go into the options menu. That's my biggest gripe with the 650. I don't have great battery life on the 650 and I'll just pop out the SD card and use with the 505 while I'm charging.

I've also tried the Kindle 2 and 3 and prefer the Sony readers. I've never been able to get my collections right on the Kindle and I like having a card slot.

Both my remaining 505's are red and the color is still the most beautiful of all the Sony options in my opinion. It would have been great if Sony had kept the features of the 505 while adding touch and the Pearl screen.

I can't resist trying out the new models as they are released but I think I'll be using the 505 on occasion for many years.

DoctorOhh · 10-10-2011, 08:13 PM

Although I now use a 950 I also have a PRS505 that works great and will be a reliable backup. I just bought and replaced the battery in it so it should be good to go if needed. The site I bought the battery from has a video showing you step by step instructions and supplies the tools with the battery. Following their guidelines was very easy.

Stitchawl · 10-10-2011, 08:26 PM

I still use my 505 and love it. It works as well as the day I bought it, and I can't see a reason in the world why I would want to change to a different reader. I have no need for any of the various functions that the new readers provide, and certainly don't want a touch screen. No... my 505 is fine. I already have an extra battery in case this one begins to fade, but so far, so goo!

Stitchawl

petercreasey · 10-10-2011, 08:34 PM

We're still very gladly using our 505. We gave another one away to our daughter.

Meanwhile, I am very gladly using my 950.

And, I have ordered a T1 so that our 505 can become a back up.

Scot · 10-11-2011, 10:15 PM

I'm planning on buying a used 505 in the next few days.
As a dedicated, no-nonsense reader, it seems to be the best readily available reader on the market.
I dont want a touch screen(Though the new laser ones look pretty nifty), dont want wifi(Unless it could link up to dropbox or box.net... Which the android ones might later on) and dont want to spend an arm and a leg. The standard memory ports are also a pretty nice plus, since i have quite a few memory stick pro and SD cards kicking around that are all but useless since nothing other than cameras seem to use them anymore.
So my only options, really, were refurbished kobo's which are always on craigslist and even at bestbuy for dirt cheap(Talking about the first or 2end versions.) or the occasional prs-505 that shows up.

Though after reading this forum, i'm a little hesitant. Seems there are a lot of people running into issues relating to the age of this thing(Batteries not holding a charge, screen dying. Circuit board causing issues) I'm hoping its because you guys actually use the thing and all that wear and tear adds up. Wear and tear most owners would never put on the reader since it seems a lot of people buy it, use it for a few weeks and than dismiss it as a gimmick.

Latinandgreek · 10-11-2011, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scot

I'm planning on buying a used 505 in the next few days.
As a dedicated, no-nonsense reader, it seems to be the best readily available reader on the market.
I dont want a touch screen(Though the new laser ones look pretty nifty), dont want wifi(Unless it could link up to dropbox or box.net... Which the android ones might later on) and dont want to spend an arm and a leg. The standard memory ports are also a pretty nice plus, since i have quite a few memory stick pro and SD cards kicking around that are all but useless since nothing other than cameras seem to use them anymore.
So my only options, really, were refurbished kobo's which are always on craigslist and even at bestbuy for dirt cheap(Talking about the first or 2end versions.) or the occasional prs-505 that shows up.

Though after reading this forum, i'm a little hesitant. Seems there are a lot of people running into issues relating to the age of this thing(Batteries not holding a charge, screen dying. Circuit board causing issues) I'm hoping its because you guys actually use the thing and all that wear and tear adds up. Wear and tear most owners would never put on the reader since it seems a lot of people buy it, use it for a few weeks and than dismiss it as a gimmick.

The 505 is a great reader and is built like a tank. I'm sure that you will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed mine (which my husband is now enjoying. He really loves it, and is not at all interested in new eink readers).

However, I do believe that you can access dropbox from the new PRS-T1 reader from Sony; I don't know what thread it was mentioned in, but I'm sure that someone has mentioned using dropbox on it.

Latinandgreek · 10-11-2011, 11:14 PM

It looks like it can use dropbox. Here's the link

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho....php?p=1781871

revmike · 10-12-2011, 02:54 PM

I've had my 505 for almost 4 years and I have never been tempted to purchase another reader. I don't care about a dictionary, games, wifi, etc. All I want to do with my 505 is read, plain and simple.

Timoleon · 10-12-2011, 03:40 PM

I loved my 505 --- finally gave it up to my sister this past summer because I had recently purchased both a Kindle 3 and a Sony PRS-350. I replaced the battery after 2½ years and it ran like new. The ergonomics of the thing were ideal for one-handed reading and page-turning. The 505 reminds me a bit of the twin rovers on Mars or the Energizer Bunny --- it keeps going and going and going...

10-07-2011, 06:56 PM	#19
JenPen1 Connoisseur Posts: 63 Karma: 80 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Manitoba, Canada Device: Sony PRS505 (given away), Sony 650 Touch, LG Nexus 4, Kobo Arc	Moved onto 650 I gave my three year old 505 reluctantly to my husband. He loves it and reads a couple of hours a day on it. Before the 650 came out I sent the 505 to Sony to replace the battery as everything seemed very slow and I was charging it more often. ( It was still under warranty as I had bought an extended warranty, which I don't normally do! ) Sony replaced the battery and when the 650 came out I bought it. I love it also for different reasons. It is easier to read and has more font size choices. The touch irritates me sometimes as it will think I am looking something up in the dictionary instead of turning the page. I would have preferred a tap to a touch! So, to answer the question, I did love my 505 and I wished we were still able to buy them as they are more of the work horse of the Sony Readers and the 650 Touch is more 'delicate' and I fear that more things could go wrong with it. I would have bought another 505 if they had been available to buy just to keep it as an extra!! Jen

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Two 505s loaded on one computer?	kelly1010	Sony Reader	15	12-20-2009 06:28 PM
sony prs-505s - Format und Formatkonvertierung	tomco	Sony Reader	4	11-07-2009 07:52 PM
Sony PRS-505S eBook Reader, Red £149 Delivered at John Lewis	tweety	Sony Reader	0	08-17-2009 04:05 PM
PRS 700 perfect for old people	mos	Sony Reader	26	06-18-2009 02:49 AM
Sony PRS-505S $199 at Dell.ca today only!	ould	Deals and Resources (No Self-Promotion or Affiliate Links)	6	12-04-2008 03:19 PM

10-07-2011, 08:17 AM	#16
tech_au Oz Bookworm Posts: 516 Karma: 4056 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Australia Device: Sony PRS 505,PRS 650	Whilst the 650 is now my preferred reader I have not shunned my 505. I probably shouldn't admit that it has become my bathtime reader(safely enclosed in a zip lock bag) . The touch screen of the 650 doesn't work too well in a zip lock bag

10-07-2011, 06:00 PM	#17
dreams It's about the umbrella Posts: 25,110 Karma: 56250158 Join Date: Jan 2009 Device: Sony 505\| K Fire \| KK 3G+Wi-Fi \| iPhone 3Gs \|Vista 32-bit Hm Prem w/FF	I received my 505 as a gift in December 2009 and it continues to do what it does very well. I charge it and change books every other Sunday. I read, on average, about 3 hours a day on it and the length of the battery hold charge doesn't seem to have gone down any yet. Every time something new comes out, I want to get it, but since the 505 is still going strong, I haven't found a really good reason to replace it. I am watching the T1 though.

10-07-2011, 06:14 PM	#18
seajewel Fanatic Posts: 589 Karma: 1451235 Join Date: Jun 2008 Device: Sony PRS-505, Sony PRS-950	Yeah, I've watched the release of new generations without too much excitement.. the 600, the 650, etc. I finally was ready to upgrade this year, but again, the perfect device hasn't been released. I may still get the T1. (If the 650 had wi-fi, I might be interested in buying one even now.. I love how sturdy my 505 is, but wi-fi is pretty much a must for me now. the biggest annoyance of my 505 is having to hook it up to get books. A small annoyance, but an annoyance nonetheless). As for screen, I know my 505 doesn't have a Pearl screen, but in practice it doesn't bother me. and not because I haven't seen a pearl screen.. I've held Kindle 3s in my hand, and I think Caecilia performs very well as an e-ink reader font, but my Sony is still so readable (as long as there is light). Maybe I'll wait and save up for an ipad or something for pdfs. Readers are getting so cheap now, though, that it's tempting to upgrade even though I don't "need" the upgrade.

10-07-2011, 07:38 PM	#20
khalleron Kate Posts: 1,700 Karma: 3605799 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Oregon, United States Device: MeeBook, Kobo Libra Colour	I'm using it now, but when my red T1 arrives, I'll be passing it along to a co-worker (who's almost as excited about it as I am about the T1). Yes, I'll miss the sturdy casing - if the T1 had that as well as the terrific features it has, it would be perfect. As it is, it's only mostly perfect.

10-10-2011, 02:13 PM	#21
micomicon Enthusiast Posts: 40 Karma: 200 Join Date: Nov 2007 Device: iPad, Sony PRS-505	My 505 is still going strong after almost 4 years. I've looked at all the 6 inch-screen Sony readers (and the Kindles) released since the 505, and none of them have offered enough improvement for me to consider upgrading. I would also miss having the page-turn buttons on the side. I'll probably upgrade when/if there is a new generation of e-ink screens with a more paper-like appearance. (Pearl is still not contrasty enough, IMO.) In the meantime, I've changed my default font to a slightly bolder one.

10-10-2011, 04:27 PM	#22
bookfanmd Addict Posts: 246 Karma: 4476 Join Date: May 2009 Location: US - Maryland Device: Sony 300/505/T1 Nook STWG Kobo Glo Kobo Aura HD KDX iPad1 K3 KT PW2	The 505 was my first reader and is still the most functional in my opinion. I loved it so much I got 2 spares when it was replaced with the 600. I gave one of them to my Dad and he uses it nightly. I tried the 600 but didn't like the screen clarity and sold it when the 650 came out. I mainly use the 650 and just ordered a T1 but I take the 505 to the beach every year to use with my waterproof M-edge case as the touch screen readers don't work too well when protected. I love that you can choose a specific page number just by pressing the number buttons and not have to go into the options menu. That's my biggest gripe with the 650. I don't have great battery life on the 650 and I'll just pop out the SD card and use with the 505 while I'm charging. I've also tried the Kindle 2 and 3 and prefer the Sony readers. I've never been able to get my collections right on the Kindle and I like having a card slot. Both my remaining 505's are red and the color is still the most beautiful of all the Sony options in my opinion. It would have been great if Sony had kept the features of the 505 while adding touch and the Pearl screen. I can't resist trying out the new models as they are released but I think I'll be using the 505 on occasion for many years.

10-10-2011, 08:13 PM	#23
DoctorOhh US Navy, Retired Posts: 9,896 Karma: 13806776 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North Carolina Device: Icarus Illumina XL HD, Kindle PaperWhite SE 11th Gen	Although I now use a 950 I also have a PRS505 that works great and will be a reliable backup. I just bought and replaced the battery in it so it should be good to go if needed. The site I bought the battery from has a video showing you step by step instructions and supplies the tools with the battery. Following their guidelines was very easy.

10-10-2011, 08:26 PM	#24
Stitchawl Opsimath Posts: 12,344 Karma: 187123287 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand Device: Sony PRS-650, iPhone 5, Kobo Glo, Sony PRS-350, iPad, Samsung Galaxy	I still use my 505 and love it. It works as well as the day I bought it, and I can't see a reason in the world why I would want to change to a different reader. I have no need for any of the various functions that the new readers provide, and certainly don't want a touch screen. No... my 505 is fine. I already have an extra battery in case this one begins to fade, but so far, so goo! Stitchawl

10-10-2011, 08:34 PM	#25
petercreasey Wizard Posts: 1,188 Karma: 1119516 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: Sony: PRS 950 & T1, Kobo: Aura One & Forma	We're still very gladly using our 505. We gave another one away to our daughter. Meanwhile, I am very gladly using my 950. And, I have ordered a T1 so that our 505 can become a back up.

10-11-2011, 10:15 PM	#26
Scot Member Posts: 11 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jun 2010 Device: PRS-505, TouchPad, iPad2	I'm planning on buying a used 505 in the next few days. As a dedicated, no-nonsense reader, it seems to be the best readily available reader on the market. I dont want a touch screen(Though the new laser ones look pretty nifty), dont want wifi(Unless it could link up to dropbox or box.net... Which the android ones might later on) and dont want to spend an arm and a leg. The standard memory ports are also a pretty nice plus, since i have quite a few memory stick pro and SD cards kicking around that are all but useless since nothing other than cameras seem to use them anymore. So my only options, really, were refurbished kobo's which are always on craigslist and even at bestbuy for dirt cheap(Talking about the first or 2end versions.) or the occasional prs-505 that shows up. Though after reading this forum, i'm a little hesitant. Seems there are a lot of people running into issues relating to the age of this thing(Batteries not holding a charge, screen dying. Circuit board causing issues) I'm hoping its because you guys actually use the thing and all that wear and tear adds up. Wear and tear most owners would never put on the reader since it seems a lot of people buy it, use it for a few weeks and than dismiss it as a gimmick.

Advert

Advert

10-11-2011, 11:14 PM	#28
Latinandgreek Warrior Princess Posts: 5,038 Karma: 9724231 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: PRS-505; PRS-350, PRS-T1, iPad, Aura HD	It looks like it can use dropbox. Here's the link https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho....php?p=1781871

10-12-2011, 02:54 PM	#29
revmike Zealot Posts: 122 Karma: 5282 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: hanford, ca Device: Sony Readers 505 \ T-2, Nook Glowlight Plus 7.8	I've had my 505 for almost 4 years and I have never been tempted to purchase another reader. I don't care about a dictionary, games, wifi, etc. All I want to do with my 505 is read, plain and simple.

10-12-2011, 03:40 PM	#30
Timoleon Time Enough at Last Posts: 387 Karma: 1151316 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New England Device: iPad 3, iPhone 5, Kindle 3, Fire, Sony PRS-350	I loved my 505 --- finally gave it up to my sister this past summer because I had recently purchased both a Kindle 3 and a Sony PRS-350. I replaced the battery after 2½ years and it ran like new. The ergonomics of the thing were ideal for one-handed reading and page-turning. The 505 reminds me a bit of the twin rovers on Mars or the Energizer Bunny --- it keeps going and going and going...