Is the 505 still a valid choice?

[MarciaCat]

Originally Posted by Estlin

Hello everyone,

I am brand-new to this forum. (I had been lurking for a month until I chose to register.) This particular thread is exactly what I was looking for because I think I will get a 505.

I had been deliberating on the 505 vs. the 300 or 600. However, two things have tilted the scales in favour of the 505: the comments in this thread (and elsewhere in the forum) and my air miles. As for the second point, it turns out that I now have more than enough to cash in some of my miles for a new, silver 505. (My plan allows me to redeem miles for merchandise instead of just flights.) So, given that the 505 appears to be the best in Sony class, I will withold buying a 300 or 600 and get a free one with my miles.

One question: is it possible to bookmark passages of books in the 505? I like that one can highlight passages with the new models, but if the 505 can at least offer a bookmark feature, that will be fine with me.

No you can only bookmark pages on the 505.

Welcome to MobileRead and congrats on your new 505; I'm sure you'll love it!

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by kennyc

I'm loving my 505 after about a week of use and thinking seriously about getting a second as a back up or more likely a 300 to go along with it. ...

Just a follow up. I decided to go a different direction on this. I love my 505, but also wanted something smaller and a backup for it like the 300, but after looking at the recently released Astak Pocket Pro which is size-wise the same as the 300 I've decided on it and it should arrive early next week.

[solyfugo]

Hi friends,

I did chose to buy two 505 just two weeks ago so IMOO this is still a good time to pick up one. Even when new devices come to market you'll always can read your books in the PRS-505 the same way you do today, it's not that bad, don't you think?

Regards.

[rjfarrell]

The 505 is a great device. You have made an excellent choice.

[albaranov]

Originally Posted by geep

Given the new entries from Sony complete with the newer technologies/features is purchasing a 505 still a good idea?

Will there be a substantial discount of remaining 505s or are they already getting scarce?

I like the build factor of the 505 and the screen size so the 300 seems like too much of a down grade but not sure if I need the touch screen features of the 600

All comments appreciated

Hi,
That is exactly the same question that I asked myself two-three weeks ago. Finally I decided to go with a 600. When delivered, almost immediately I got upset with the quality of the screen of the 600. Very low contrast, uncomfortable to read for MY EYES. Then I tried to force myself into accepting the device based on the logic that it uses the most recent technology. I failed in that and went to a local Sony Style store to compare my 600 with a 505. The 505 was an easy winner. The store attendant confirmed that other customers complained about the 600's screen. So I purchased a 505 and returned the 600.
It is all about your priorities. I got the device for reading books, all other features should support it's main function and are secondary. I hope it helps. regards, Alex

[LDBoblo]

Originally Posted by albaranov

Hi,
That is exactly the same question that I asked myself two-three weeks ago. Finally I decided to go with a 600. When delivered, almost immediately I got upset with the quality of the screen of the 600. Very low contrast, uncomfortable to read for MY EYES. Then I tried to force myself into accepting the device based on the logic that it uses the most recent technology. I failed in that and went to a local Sony Style store to compare my 600 with a 505. The 505 was an easy winner. The store attendant confirmed that other customers complained about the 600's screen. So I purchased a 505 and returned the 600.
It is all about your priorities. I got the device for reading books, all other features should support it's main function and are secondary. I hope it helps. regards, Alex

It's pretty much exactly the same thing that happened to me when going from paper to a PRS-505, except I didn't return the 505, but just kept buying paper books instead of wasting my money on ebooks. I even paid to get paper copies of the free ebooks I got, just so I could enjoy the superior reading interface.

[Crowl]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Absolutely! Way more features. I'm just considering adding the 300 strictly based on size and ability to stick it in my pocket, etc...

It does seem a nice device and gets the most important thing (the screen) just right, but seeing how slow page turns are on it compared with pretty much every other reader is a little disappointing.

[advocate2]

Interestingly I just went back and compared the CNET ratings on the 505, three and one half stars, and the 600, three stars, and realized that CNET likes the readability of the 505 more. The pressure needed for the page buttons on the 505 has never bothered me, although I wouldn't mind a dictionary when needed. I have never written notes in a book in my life and won't start now. Taking notes in a meeting, though, might be nice.

[sayhello]

Last time I was at the Sony Store, I bought a second blue PRS-505. I will keep it in reserve so that when/if anything happens to my current 505, I will not have to switch to any of these other devices. I've checked out the Kindle and the 300 and the 600, and am happy & content with my 505.

I'm just a little torn about charging it up to make sure if it works or not. Don't want to waste the battery...

Sayhello

[dordale]

sayhello--

Charge it up to make sure it works. Put something on it and read a book or two. From everything I've read, Lithium ion batteries should be stored with about a 50% charge. I think it's a good idea to get it out every few months or so and use it.

dordale