PRS-505 for $279 - too much? - Page 2

holmess · 04-29-2010, 11:19 AM

Guys,
I got lucky and was able to get my hands on two actually four PRS-505 e-book readers. Please send me your offers or call me at 5one29one9661nine. email me at sherlochatgmaildotcom.

GA Russell · 04-29-2010, 11:45 AM

This thread supports my view mentioned some time ago that the only Sony I've seen enthusiasm for here is the 505.

Thrasher, I trust Harry's judgment completely, but he didn't mention the price of the Bebook Neo. I consider price to be a necessary component for comparing apples to apples.

Thrasher · 04-29-2010, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA Russell

This thread supports my view mentioned some time ago that the only Sony I've seen enthusiasm for here is the 505.

Thrasher, I trust Harry's judgment completely, but he didn't mention the price of the Bebook Neo. I consider price to be a necessary component for comparing apples to apples.

That's the thing. $339 plus shipping to Canada seems quite a lot for Onyx Boox.

One more question about the 505 and 300. Do these come with a leather cover? I'm assuming an AC adapter is not included.....

Teddman · 04-29-2010, 02:27 PM

The 505 comes with a very nice faux-leather cover. The 300 does not (it's an extra $20 or so from Sony).

I still consider the 505 the model to beat because its hardware quality and ergonomic feel in the hand is superior to anything else out there (though I haven't held nearly every reader on the market, it seems that way to me). It has great screen contrast. And I also appreciate the simple elegance of the UI--it's very easy to move around in menus and do what the device is meant for: reading.

I love the 505 so much I already bought a backup model off of eBay (used for around $200).

dreams · 04-29-2010, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I'd seriously suggest looking at other brands. Things have seriously moved on in the eBook reader market since the release of the 505, and there are many more significantly better devices available. The BeBook Neo (aka Onyx Boox 60) is my personal favourite at present.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Simply because it offers far more facilities. The Wacom touch screen gives you all the benefits of a touch screen without the loss of image quality that the 600 and 900 suffer from; it has a full folder-based file system, meaning that you can store an effectively unlimited number of books (and doesn't have the "library scan" that effectively limits the book numbers of Sony devices); it has text highlighting, searching, and dictionary lookup (like the 600 and 900), and it has the latest version of the ADE software built in, meaning much better rendering of ePub and PDF files. With its WiFi, and support for the latest Adobe "over the air" delivery, you can buy books from pretty much any ePub bookstore.

Also, unlike Sony, it's receiving frequent firmware updates, and has a development team who are genuinely responsive to user feedback and new feature requests.

I just think it's an all-round better machine. I've had mine for two months now.

Thank you, Harry.

Due to your comments, I've actually considered getting it. Then, I start to think about what I would actually use, and I realize that only the latest ADE software is something that interests me.

I only keep about 200 books on my 505 and actually have fun when it is time to reload, as I browse my laptop (like a store) when it is time to reload. I don't highlight or search and I have a credit card sized electronic dictionary (stored in the cover) for looking up words if needed (I don't even use this very often). I guess, to me, it just has "more bells and whistles" (as neilmarr said) than I really need.

I think that is what is great about having the variety of Readers on the market, today. Choosing a Reader is a very personal decision based on what is necessary and important to each person.

HarryT · 04-30-2010, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thrasher

That's the thing. $339 plus shipping to Canada seems quite a lot for Onyx Boox.

True. What you have to ask yourself is, if faced with paying $279 for a reader which, let's face it, Sony are unlikely ever to update, "are the extra features of the Onyx/BeBook worth paying an extra $60 for?" For me, the answer is "unquestionably, yes". For some people, then of course the answer might equally unquestionably be "no". It's all down to personal choice.

kartu · 04-30-2010, 04:40 AM

Are there any "comparison photos" of "Onyx Boox 60" vs anything?
From what I've seen here:
http://www.the-ebook.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12833

its contrast is on prs 600 levels at best.

neilmarr · 04-30-2010, 04:53 AM

I guess it's so early in the game that there's not yet a device available that would be perfect for everyone (if there ever is). As Harry so rightly says, it's a matter of horses for courses. A problem for many of us, though, is that we haven't got a local store to visit where there's a range of demo machines for us to try out first hand, so we must rely on expert and trusted user advice in the forums to make a choice. Please do keep the reviews coming in. Cheers. Neil

HarryT · 04-30-2010, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kartu

Are there any "comparison photos" of "Onyx Boox 60" vs anything?
From what I've seen here:
http://www.the-ebook.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12833

it's contrast is on prs 600 levels at best.

No, the Wacom touch screen has no impact on screen clarity, unlike the resistive touch screen on the 600 (because it's behind the eInk screen, rather than in front of it). The screen on the Onyx/Neo accordingly has exactly the same clarity as any non touchscreen device, eg 505, Kindle, CyBook, etc.

kartu · 04-30-2010, 05:08 AM

I thought e-ink screens are at least 3-5mm thick (beside other problems), didn't know one could use touchscreen positioned behind it, resistive or not...

Still curious about comparison photos, if there are any.

BBRags · 04-30-2010, 05:20 AM

For today only, woot.com has refurbished PRS600 for $199.

HarryT · 04-30-2010, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kartu

I thought e-ink screens are at least 3-5mm thick (beside other problems), didn't know one could use touchscreen positioned behind it, resistive or not...

Still curious about comparison photos, if there are any.

Wacom touch screens don't rely on a "physical" touch; it's an electronic system.

kartu · 04-30-2010, 06:40 AM

Harry,

may I ask what is the source of the info on how Wacom touch-screens were applied to e-ink screen in Neo/Onyx?

HarryT · 04-30-2010, 07:18 AM

That's the way that all Wacom touch screens work - there's a fine mesh of wires beneath the display which detects interruptions in an electric field caused by the stylus. This cannot go "above" the display or it would interfere with it; it's always beneath, because, unlike a resistive touch screen, it does not rely on physical contact with the stylus.

As you can see from my profile, I have a number of different book readers. Comparing, side by side, the Neo with the Kindle, the CyBook, etc, the screen is absolutely identical in appearance. There is no touch layer "above" the eInk display, as there is with the resistive touch screen of the PRS600 and 900.

kartu · 04-30-2010, 07:43 AM

Harry,

so your assumption is based on the following facts:

1) that Wacom touchscreen is capacitive and since you don't see mesh of wires on the screen, it's behind it
2) Neo's screen is absolutely identical to that of non touchscreen e-readers

right? Just to be sure.

04-29-2010, 11:19 AM	#16
holmess Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Device: PRS-500	Have two PRS-505 New. Offer me a Price Guys, I got lucky and was able to get my hands on two actually four PRS-505 e-book readers. Please send me your offers or call me at 5one29one9661nine. email me at sherlochatgmaildotcom.

04-29-2010, 02:27 PM	#19
Teddman Addict Posts: 242 Karma: 695 Join Date: Jun 2009 Device: Sony PRS-505	The 505 comes with a very nice faux-leather cover. The 300 does not (it's an extra $20 or so from Sony). I still consider the 505 the model to beat because its hardware quality and ergonomic feel in the hand is superior to anything else out there (though I haven't held nearly every reader on the market, it seems that way to me). It has great screen contrast. And I also appreciate the simple elegance of the UI--it's very easy to move around in menus and do what the device is meant for: reading. I love the 505 so much I already bought a backup model off of eBay (used for around $200). Last edited by Teddman; 04-29-2010 at 02:29 PM.

04-30-2010, 04:40 AM	#22
kartu PRS+ author Posts: 1,637 Karma: 2446233 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Sony PRS-300, 505, 600, 650, 950	Are there any "comparison photos" of "Onyx Boox 60" vs anything? From what I've seen here: http://www.the-ebook.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12833 its contrast is on prs 600 levels at best. Last edited by kartu; 04-30-2010 at 04:48 AM.

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04-29-2010, 11:45 AM	#17
GA Russell Argos win Grey Cup! Posts: 7,679 Karma: 31487351 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	This thread supports my view mentioned some time ago that the only Sony I've seen enthusiasm for here is the 505. Thrasher, I trust Harry's judgment completely, but he didn't mention the price of the Bebook Neo. I consider price to be a necessary component for comparing apples to apples.

04-30-2010, 04:53 AM	#23
neilmarr neilmarr Posts: 7,215 Karma: 6000059 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Monaco-Menton, France Device: sony	I guess it's so early in the game that there's not yet a device available that would be perfect for everyone (if there ever is). As Harry so rightly says, it's a matter of horses for courses. A problem for many of us, though, is that we haven't got a local store to visit where there's a range of demo machines for us to try out first hand, so we must rely on expert and trusted user advice in the forums to make a choice. Please do keep the reviews coming in. Cheers. Neil

04-30-2010, 05:08 AM	#25
kartu PRS+ author Posts: 1,637 Karma: 2446233 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Sony PRS-300, 505, 600, 650, 950	I thought e-ink screens are at least 3-5mm thick (beside other problems), didn't know one could use touchscreen positioned behind it, resistive or not... Still curious about comparison photos, if there are any.

04-30-2010, 05:20 AM	#26
BBRags Connoisseur Posts: 59 Karma: 12 Join Date: Nov 2008 Device: None	For today only, woot.com has refurbished PRS600 for $199.

04-30-2010, 06:40 AM	#28
kartu PRS+ author Posts: 1,637 Karma: 2446233 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Sony PRS-300, 505, 600, 650, 950	Harry, may I ask what is the source of the info on how Wacom touch-screens were applied to e-ink screen in Neo/Onyx?

04-30-2010, 07:18 AM	#29
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	That's the way that all Wacom touch screens work - there's a fine mesh of wires beneath the display which detects interruptions in an electric field caused by the stylus. This cannot go "above" the display or it would interfere with it; it's always beneath, because, unlike a resistive touch screen, it does not rely on physical contact with the stylus. As you can see from my profile, I have a number of different book readers. Comparing, side by side, the Neo with the Kindle, the CyBook, etc, the screen is absolutely identical in appearance. There is no touch layer "above" the eInk display, as there is with the resistive touch screen of the PRS600 and 900.

04-30-2010, 07:43 AM	#30
kartu PRS+ author Posts: 1,637 Karma: 2446233 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Sony PRS-300, 505, 600, 650, 950	Harry, so your assumption is based on the following facts: 1) that Wacom touchscreen is capacitive and since you don't see mesh of wires on the screen, it's behind it 2) Neo's screen is absolutely identical to that of non touchscreen e-readers right? Just to be sure.

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