Thinking of buying it; What are the cons?

[lilac_jive]

Originally Posted by desertgrandma

No, I wouldn't care for it, but so many people want an 'all in one' device........

Not me. The only reason I like my iPod touch is that it is like a mini computer.

But then again, I have a giant purse, and I can fit a lot of crap in it.

[darkmonk]

Woah, if I buy an iphone, it'll not be to say I have an apple product. As a matter of fact, I have never owned anything apple, and would be happy to go through life that way. I've been considering somethings, and am thinking I might go for a G1 instead. Not nearly as many apps, but open source
My only grief with it is the lack of 3.5mm headphone jack. That just makes me sooo mad. I'd but it in a minute otherwise. I still don't know what I want to do, but it just seems extravagant to buy a device dedicated to reading... The next kindle, if it is in canada, I might buy it, though.

[dhbailey]

The iPhones I've seen make me want one, but my service provider is t-mobile, so I'm out of luck.

But I'd never use it as my main ebook reader. I did too much of that on my palm Tungsten T5 and I have mobipocket on my HP iPaq211 pocketpc and in an emergency they're fine, but for extended reading the backlight (they have true backlights, as compared to the 700 which isn't a backlight at all, but sidelights) is too hard on my eyes, even with the brightness turned down.

I've thoroughly enjoyed using my 700 since I got it in early November -- I don't miss the wireless at all, since there aren't all that many new books I want to read, and all the classics and older books from PG are formatted for the Sony readers and easily downloaded to my computer and from there to the reader. I currently have 1500 books on my 700 to select among, so I'm never without a book to suit my mood.

The glare isn't an issue at all for me -- I find it easy to hold the book so that I can read it without having to contort myself uncomfortably.

The clarity of the screen is fine for my reading purposes -- I wish it could be crisper, but the advantages of the touch-screen and the increased speed and storage on the 700 compared to the 505 or the 500 (my first Sony Reader) are so nice that the diminished clarity is easy to read with since it doesn't make the device unreadable.

But I would join others in urging you to do either of two things: 1) go to a store where you can see the device for yourself; or 2) buy it from a place where you can return it (i.e. don't buy it from Borders) if you're unhappy with it.

[zelda_pinwheel]

Originally Posted by dhbailey

The iPhones I've seen make me want one, but my service provider is t-mobile, so I'm out of luck.

But I'd never use it as my main ebook reader. I did too much of that on my palm Tungsten T5 and I have mobipocket on my HP iPaq211 pocketpc and in an emergency they're fine, but for extended reading the backlight (they have true backlights, as compared to the 700 which isn't a backlight at all, but sidelights) is too hard on my eyes, even with the brightness turned down.

I've thoroughly enjoyed using my 700 since I got it in early November -- I don't miss the wireless at all, since there aren't all that many new books I want to read, and all the classics and older books from PG are formatted for the Sony readers and easily downloaded to my computer and from there to the reader. I currently have 1500 books on my 700 to select among, so I'm never without a book to suit my mood.

The glare isn't an issue at all for me -- I find it easy to hold the book so that I can read it without having to contort myself uncomfortably.

The clarity of the screen is fine for my reading purposes -- I wish it could be crisper, but the advantages of the touch-screen and the increased speed and storage on the 700 compared to the 505 or the 500 (my first Sony Reader) are so nice that the diminished clarity is easy to read with since it doesn't make the device unreadable.

But I would join others in urging you to do either of two things: 1) go to a store where you can see the device for yourself; or 2) buy it from a place where you can return it (i.e. don't buy it from Borders) if you're unhappy with it.

yes, that is pretty much how i feel as well.

(and i'm also tempted by the iphone, but not for a reading device).

[=X=]

Originally Posted by darkmonk

Woah, if I buy an iphone, it'll not be to say I have an apple product. As a matter of fact, I have never owned anything apple, and would be happy to go through life that way. I've been considering somethings, and am thinking I might go for a G1 instead. Not nearly as many apps, but open source
My only grief with it is the lack of 3.5mm headphone jack. That just makes me sooo mad. I'd but it in a minute otherwise. I still don't know what I want to do, but it just seems extravagant to buy a device dedicated to reading... The next kindle, if it is in canada, I might buy it, though.

Well there is the BlackBerry Storm. Not apple or google but there are tons of free apps out there. MobiPocket has a BB solution and is working on a Storm specific browser. It has a 3.5mm jack and the audio is awesome. I got the phone as a present and had every intention of returning it in 30 days and sticking with my windows mobile phone. Not going to happen this phone is great!

Or if Andriod (G1) is what your interested there is rumor that the Omnia (slightly modifed hw) phone will be released this summer with the Android OS.


=X=

[mdbenoit]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

I haven't seen a PRS-700, (I have a CyBook Gen3), but those who've seen both say that the PRS-700 screen is worse because of the extra layers it has in front of the eInk screen. In short, all the other 6" eInk readers out there have clearer screens than the PRS-700.

I'd definitely want to see it comoared to something else before buying.

How do you like your CyBook? I believe it takes only Mobi format, which is fine, but overall do you like it?

[ChelC]

I drove myself crazy going to Borders and comparing the two models. There is no doubt that the screen on the 505 is better for reading. The lighting at Borders made it seem worse. Once I actually got mine though, I was and am happy with my purchase. I love my 700. I love the organization and the features. It is not perfect, but it suits my needs the best of everything out there in my price range. The screen in the lighting conditions of my home is quite good. Sometimes I have to angle it differently because of glare, but it isn't bad.

It's all about what features you need. If you don't need the features of the 700, then get the 505 for the better clarity. If you need the features then don't sweat it, you'll be able to read it just fine.

[lilac_jive]

Originally Posted by ChelC

I drove myself crazy going to Borders and comparing the two models. There is no doubt that the screen on the 505 is better for reading. The lighting at Borders made it seem worse. Once I actually got mine though, I was and am happy with my purchase. I love my 700. I love the organization and the features. It is not perfect, but it suits my needs the best of everything out there in my price range. The screen in the lighting conditions of my home is quite good. Sometimes I have to angle it differently because of glare, but it isn't bad.

It's all about what features you need. If you don't need the features of the 700, then get the 505 for the better clarity. If you need the features then don't sweat it, you'll be able to read it just fine.

I'm glad you like it

[ChelC]

I do. Last night I found myself trying to turn pages, and focusing on the front cover in anticipation of a page turn... so it must not be too distracting.