Sony 505 or Kindle 1 or 2?

[JSWolf]

505/700 have ePub.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

While the K2 is available in the US, it's not available to try out before you buy and given why you don't consider the BeBook/EZ Reader/V3 & gen3, that also leaves out the Kindle. As the only brand in the US that you can try before you buy is Sony.

While this is true you can buy a Kindle and return it within 30 days for a refund if it's not for you.

Also if you are near a Fry's they sell the EZ Reader there.

[Renaldo]

Originally Posted by radamo

Are you saying that they actual area of the text display is larger than the K?
I know that the screens are the same size.

No, that was my mistake. I meant that the edges of the case around the screen on the 505 were smaller. I guess I was thinking 'margins' because that's kind of what they are when you're reading. Sorry for the confusion!

[jj2me]

Originally Posted by radamo

The points that strike home with me and have been ringing in my head are:
K- Whispernet nice but not needed
S+ Form factor (smaller platform, same screen size) of the Sony
K+ Amazon selection
Both have their own DRM challenges
S+ I can see one at Target or Borders
RA

K+ Dictionary

Although your list resonates with you, I thought I'd mention the dictionary because I noticed that I missed it only after purchasing a Sony PRS-505. Now I'm using a big heavy paper dictionary, but will probably buy a good eDictionary for my PDA or Centro.

Here's two others that resonated with me:
S+ Adobe Digital Editions (as you mentioned in your first post)
S+ Initial price, if you can get it for under $250.

ADE formatting is bothersome to some, enough so that they don't read library books in that format. I'm not bothered, and like the cost savings of using a public library.

Price was an important factor for me, as I didn't want a big investment in a device that might be noticeably inferior in a year or two (assuming there will be major desirable advancements in eReaders, like color, fold-up/roll-up screens, etc.).

For my purposes, when Calibre recently started supporting ePub output (and thus was now compatible with the Kindle) I developed a little buyer's remorse, thinking I would have preferred the extra features of the Kindle 2. Until the recent DRM flap. And the Sony-Google tie-in is also nice (those SD and MS card slots can be used to hold the world's library).

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by jj2me

K+ Dictionary

Although your list resonates with you, I thought I'd mention the dictionary because I noticed that I missed it only after purchasing a Sony PRS-505. Now I'm using a big heavy paper dictionary, but will probably buy a good eDictionary for my PDA or Centro.

Good point on the dictionary. When I had my Sony I did think I needed a dictionary feature. I still don't NEED it, but it sure is nice. I find myself using it a fair amount, especially on older books and historical books with terminology from past centuries I'm not familiar with. It's nice to be able to move the cursor to that word and have a little popup at the bottom of the screen with a definition.

[radamo]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

...Having had both I can say they are both great devices and they both have their ups and downs.

I hope you don't mind me asking you a few questions?

What was your reason for the switch?

Now that you have switched what things do you like about the kindle2?

Now that you have switched what things do you miss from the Sony?

Thanks,
RA

[radamo]

Originally Posted by jj2me

K+ Dictionary

Yes, I could see that being very helpful.
Thanks,
RA

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by radamo

I hope you don't mind me asking you a few questions?

Not at all

What was your reason for the switch?

Book availability mainly. I kept finding books I wanted only available on the Kindle. The pricing for some titles was a lot nicer too.

Now that you have switched what things do you like about the kindle2?

Well, again mainly book availability/price. I'm also finding I like the dictionary and the ability to search.

Now that you have switched what things do you miss from the Sony?

Collections. I was a heavy user of collections for organizing things and I do miss having those or some similar form of option.

[radamo]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

.....Collections. I was a heavy user of collections for organizing things and I do miss having those or some similar form of option.

Brian,
The things you have mentioned would be important to me as well... Collections or something like it seem like they would make it a much easier way to "file" things.

Last question (I think): How do you feel about the screen contrast and readability compared to the 505? Seems like many people at "amazon" are complaining the the K1 had a much better font/screen contrast/readability factor.

Thanks so much for all of your input.

Regards,
RA

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by radamo

Brian,
The things you have mentioned would be important to me as well... Collections or something like it seem like they would make it a much easier way to "file" things.

Last question (I think): How do you feel about the screen contrast and readability compared to the 505? Seems like many people at "amazon" are complaining the the K1 had a much better font/screen contrast/readability factor.

Thanks so much for all of your input.

Regards,
RA

I know a lot of people seem to have contrast issues. I guess I just don't see it. I've done multiple side by sides with the 505 and the contrast is basically the same. What's not the same is the font. The Kindle's font is 'thinner' in structure. It took me about a book and a half to really get used to the font, but I'd been using the 505 for over a year and was really used to that.

[radamo]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

I know a lot of people seem to have contrast issues. I guess I just don't see it. I've done multiple side by sides with the 505 and the contrast is basically the same. What's not the same is the font. The Kindle's font is 'thinner' in structure. It took me about a book and a half to really get used to the font, but I'd been using the 505 for over a year and was really used to that.

If I didn't have 5 new paperbacks to read I probably would order right now...

Thank you so much for all of your input.

RA

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

I know a lot of people seem to have contrast issues. I guess I just don't see it. I've done multiple side by sides with the 505 and the contrast is basically the same. What's not the same is the font. The Kindle's font is 'thinner' in structure. It took me about a book and a half to really get used to the font, but I'd been using the 505 for over a year and was really used to that.

That is why I like the fact that the CyBook allows one to load whatever font one wishes; one isn't stuck with someone else's idea of what the "ideal" font is.

[pboss]

The dictionary function is nice. What I hate about Amazon is how they try to control everything. But I gotta admit their pricing model is awesome. There’s a definitive cost-value to purchasing an ebook.