Sony Software Poll.....v2 - Page 4

hnoto · 01-08-2010, 11:51 PM

As I reread my posts, it seems I sidetracked your thread DG. Sorry about that. Yes, the software was easy to d/l and install and not too difficult to figure out how to use.

Now, back on track?

alecE · 01-08-2010, 11:54 PM

I used the Sony s/w without problems when I first bought my liseuse, but only for managing the collection,not for purchases. Then I became dissatisfied with the s/w, cast about for alternatives and discovered Calibre (& MR thank heavens!) - since then "I have used no other" - Calibre has better interface and better set of features; Sony s/w is adequate but limited.

lmamakos · 01-09-2010, 11:29 AM

I only use the Sony software on the occasions where I buy an ebook from the Sony store. I also use Calibre to manage my collection of books, both the few from the Sony store and the ones purchased from other stores and converted by Calibre to epub format.

I also find that the UI of the Sony software is a bit inconsistent with the normal UI of other programs on OSX. I find it constantly annoying that the mouse scroll wheel doesn't seem to work at all.

zarko · 01-09-2010, 11:33 AM

I never had any problem with my Sony 505 until the new software was set up on the Sony books site. I installed it and bought four new books but was refused to open them. No kmatter how much I tried, they were blocked on my 505. When I asked for help, I was told to hard reset the 505. I followed the proceeds, but nothing happened. The hard reset is supposed to erase all books on the 505, but it never happened no matter how many times I tried. Now I am in a process of getting a new computer, and then I will try again to have my new computer (and two years old 505) authorized by Sony, and if anyone have any suggestions, please help me.
According to Sony the hard reset is when you push the pin in the reset hole and simultaneously press Mark and Vol+ buttons. But it simply does not work.
Thanks

HarryT · 01-09-2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zarko

According to Sony the hard reset is when you push the pin in the reset hole and simultaneously press Mark and Vol+ buttons. But it simply does not work.
Thanks

You must be doing the hard reset incorrectly; that's certainly the right key sequence for it. Note that you have to keep the keys pressed in for about 30 seconds after releasing the reset button.

elcreative · 01-10-2010, 10:15 AM

I normally don't use the Sony S/W because I had my 505 before they supported the Mac (or anywhere outside the US)... I found Calibre and have been using that virtually since its inception.

Calibre meets all my needs unless I wish to buy a DRM encoded book... something I rarely do as I am opposed to DRM... it basically says I don't trust customers and usually interferes with a customer's ease of product use. If Baen can make non-DRM work then others could as well.

Having said that, when Sony finally deigned to support the Mac, I found the software easy to install and easy to use (tho' it helps to take a few minutes reading about it) but already had ADE installed anyway. Can't remember last time I used Sony S/W once I disabled auto-start when connecting reader :-)

RonF · 01-10-2010, 11:56 AM

Win XP - SP3

Used Calibre from the start, didn't install the Reader Library until I wanted to test my new firmware. Installed easy enough, and found the reader attached. I also "bought" a free book from the online site and transferred it to the reader without issue. I then closed the sw, removed the auto-starts and haven't touched it since. Besides the online store, is there anything that the Library can do that Calibre can't? That's a serious question btw

since I have been using Calibre exclusively and it does everything I need i don't know if I am missing something elsewhere.

I know there are many here that use the Sony sw without issues and like it, but with the number of threads talking about problems with the sw (and some from techy people) Sony really does need to take a look to see why. It may be other sw on the computer or operator error, but either way there are enough people with issues that should warrant a further look at it.

Also, the poll is missing the "Trying to use it, but it just won't work" option, or something along those lines. Actually the poll can not clearly tell who has issues and who doesn't (just by looking at the numbers and not reading each post). I voted for "I don't use the software", but I had no issues when I tried it, I just don't use it for other reasons. For those that have problems that would be the only option to choose as well, so the 5th option has a mix of those with problems and those without.

BlackVoid · 01-10-2010, 04:33 PM

I use the Sony software for all transfers to the Reader, however I do not buy anything from the store. I will not buy anything that is crippled by DRM.

I also do not manage my books with the Sony software, I do not use the library feature at all. I organize my books with a file manager and drag and drop the books from the file manager to the Reader. It is quick.

I also like the preview function.

I do not use Calibre at all, I do not like how it stores the files (each book in a separate dir is wasteful and cumbersome), its conversion is sub-par and it does not format the books during transfer.

BlackVoid · 01-10-2010, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonF

Win XP - SP3

Besides the online store, is there anything that the Library can do that Calibre can't?

Yes, it will preformat your books, it means no delay when opening for the first time and when changing text size.

I also have a question: What does Calibre do that other SW cannot perform better? Managing your books: any file manager is easier to use. Converting books: BookDesigner is an order of magnitude better than Calibre. Transferring books: the Sony software does it with preformatting.

RonF · 01-10-2010, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackVoid

Yes, it will preformat your books, it means no delay when opening for the first time and when changing text size.

I also have a question: What does Calibre do that other SW cannot perform better? Managing your books: any file manager is easier to use. Converting books: BookDesigner is an order of magnitude better than Calibre. Transferring books: the Sony software does it with preformatting.

Not sure what it does better than others, or worse either. I found this forum before I had my 300 and while waiting for my reader I had checked out Calibre (from reading everyones opinions of it, and stories of Sony's sw) and found it easy to use. I like that I only have to go to 1 place to do all of the things you mention. While having a book pre-formatted is nice, I don't mind waiting the few seconds for formatting the first time I open a book. I also don't normally change my text sizes, I leave it in small, but when I have changed the size it was a mere second or 2 from what I remember. As far as converting, Calibre seems to convert well from what I tried, but as I haven't tried BookDesigner (first I've heard of it) I can't compare them, have to give it a once over, thanks. So for me it works for now and for what I need, for others there may be better options, and I may find some myself.

What do you use to change the meta data (if you do) and which preview function were you reffering to in the previous post, Sony's? I also am not fond of the separate folders (and sub-folders) but it doesn't necessarily bother me as it also cleans itself up if deleting books. How do you manage your books and cover art? File manager?<-- Windows Explorer style?

HorridRedDog · 01-10-2010, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackVoid

.... Converting books: BookDesigner is an order of magnitude better than Calibre. Transferring books: the Sony software does it with preformatting.

A search for BookDesigner doesn't seem to pull up anything useful. Do you have a website?

I REALLY dislike the Sony software. I've seen people walking on cruches with only one foot, yes it can be done, and if you have to do so you will. But its' not something you "want".

Of 3 computers, only my computer at work will run Calibre. Looking for help all I can get is "save to disk", "drag and drop".

It would be great if I could have folders and other ways of sorting / storeing books on my PRS-600. But at this point I just have to give up.

Fledchen · 01-10-2010, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HorridRedDog

A search for BookDesigner doesn't seem to pull up anything useful. Do you have a website?

https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Bookdesigner

JSWolf · 01-10-2010, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackVoid

Yes, it will preformat your books, it means no delay when opening for the first time and when changing text size.

Reader Library no longer paginates LRF/LRX ahead of time. So using LRF now means a longer delay to open them then to open ePUb.

Quote:

I also have a question: What does Calibre do that other SW cannot perform better? Managing your books: any file manager is easier to use. Converting books: BookDesigner is an order of magnitude better than Calibre. Transferring books: the Sony software does it with preformatting.

Calibre converts quite well. The quality of the conversion does depend on the quality of the source. Book Designer does not save to ePub and that makes Book Designer sub-optimal for outputting eBooks.

RonF · 01-10-2010, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackVoid

Converting books: BookDesigner is an order of magnitude better than Calibre.

OK, so I finally found the files for BD. The original 2004 install, and the the 2007 update, and then the Book Cleaner files - all right here. Then I opened it up and just stared at it... lol. This may do a great job, maybe a better one than Calibre, but it is definitely NOT a simple program to use without some major reading and fiddling (at least not from what I saw so far). I also noticed that you can not input lrf or epub and it will not convert TO epub (so in effect NO epub support at all).

I'll stick to Calibre so far - my one stop shop and ease of use, with the option to dig deep into it if one wanted, but almost a one click converter for the faint of heart.

kazbates · 01-11-2010, 09:56 AM

I haven't read all the posts here, but I thought this information was relevant. When I spoke to the Sony rep on Saturday at the CES, she told me that a firmware update was coming in about a month. I told her that I loved my 600 but hated the Reader Library software because it is always crashing on me (especially when trying to transfer a fairly hefty file from Library to my Reader. She said the firmware should fix that. When I questioned why it was a firmware update instead of a software update, she started to explain and then got pulled away to answer a question from another colleague.

As for my use of Reader Library, I use it extensively because I annotate all of my ebooks. I use Calibre for conversions and updating metadata but since it does not support annotations, I'm stuck with Reader Library.

View Poll Results: What do you think of the Sony Software?
I use the software and had no problems installing it.	61	59.80%
I use the software, but found it difficult to learn/install	11	10.78%
The directions for installing the software were clear .	19	18.63%
The directions for installing the software were not clear.	3	2.94%
I don't use the software. (please post why)	34	33.33%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 102. You may not vote on this poll

01-09-2010, 11:33 AM	#49
zarko Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Cybook Gen 3	new sony software problems I never had any problem with my Sony 505 until the new software was set up on the Sony books site. I installed it and bought four new books but was refused to open them. No kmatter how much I tried, they were blocked on my 505. When I asked for help, I was told to hard reset the 505. I followed the proceeds, but nothing happened. The hard reset is supposed to erase all books on the 505, but it never happened no matter how many times I tried. Now I am in a process of getting a new computer, and then I will try again to have my new computer (and two years old 505) authorized by Sony, and if anyone have any suggestions, please help me. According to Sony the hard reset is when you push the pin in the reset hole and simultaneously press Mark and Vol+ buttons. But it simply does not work. Thanks

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01-08-2010, 11:51 PM	#46
hnoto Groupie Posts: 194 Karma: 177180 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mesa, AZ Device: Sony PRS 505	As I reread my posts, it seems I sidetracked your thread DG. Sorry about that. Yes, the software was easy to d/l and install and not too difficult to figure out how to use. Now, back on track?

01-08-2010, 11:54 PM	#47
alecE Evangelist Posts: 412 Karma: 546196 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: UK canal boat Device: sony prs505, prs650, kobo Glo HD liseuses	I used the Sony s/w without problems when I first bought my liseuse, but only for managing the collection,not for purchases. Then I became dissatisfied with the s/w, cast about for alternatives and discovered Calibre (& MR thank heavens!) - since then "I have used no other" - Calibre has better interface and better set of features; Sony s/w is adequate but limited.

01-09-2010, 11:29 AM	#48
lmamakos Member Posts: 13 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2009 Device: PRS-600	I only use the Sony software on the occasions where I buy an ebook from the Sony store. I also use Calibre to manage my collection of books, both the few from the Sony store and the ones purchased from other stores and converted by Calibre to epub format. I also find that the UI of the Sony software is a bit inconsistent with the normal UI of other programs on OSX. I find it constantly annoying that the mouse scroll wheel doesn't seem to work at all.

01-10-2010, 10:15 AM	#51
elcreative Wizard Posts: 2,888 Karma: 5875940 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: PRS505, 600, 350, 650, Nexus 7, Note III, iPad 4 etc	I normally don't use the Sony S/W because I had my 505 before they supported the Mac (or anywhere outside the US)... I found Calibre and have been using that virtually since its inception. Calibre meets all my needs unless I wish to buy a DRM encoded book... something I rarely do as I am opposed to DRM... it basically says I don't trust customers and usually interferes with a customer's ease of product use. If Baen can make non-DRM work then others could as well. Having said that, when Sony finally deigned to support the Mac, I found the software easy to install and easy to use (tho' it helps to take a few minutes reading about it) but already had ADE installed anyway. Can't remember last time I used Sony S/W once I disabled auto-start when connecting reader :-)

01-10-2010, 11:56 AM	#52
RonF Zealot Posts: 139 Karma: 306 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY Device: Sony PRS-300, K3 WiFi, K4 NT, PW2	Win XP - SP3 Used Calibre from the start, didn't install the Reader Library until I wanted to test my new firmware. Installed easy enough, and found the reader attached. I also "bought" a free book from the online site and transferred it to the reader without issue. I then closed the sw, removed the auto-starts and haven't touched it since. Besides the online store, is there anything that the Library can do that Calibre can't? That's a serious question btw since I have been using Calibre exclusively and it does everything I need i don't know if I am missing something elsewhere. I know there are many here that use the Sony sw without issues and like it, but with the number of threads talking about problems with the sw (and some from techy people) Sony really does need to take a look to see why. It may be other sw on the computer or operator error, but either way there are enough people with issues that should warrant a further look at it. Also, the poll is missing the "Trying to use it, but it just won't work" option, or something along those lines. Actually the poll can not clearly tell who has issues and who doesn't (just by looking at the numbers and not reading each post). I voted for "I don't use the software", but I had no issues when I tried it, I just don't use it for other reasons. For those that have problems that would be the only option to choose as well, so the 5th option has a mix of those with problems and those without.

01-10-2010, 04:33 PM	#53
BlackVoid Evangelist Posts: 415 Karma: 510423 Join Date: Nov 2006 Device: Sony PRS-505	I use the Sony software for all transfers to the Reader, however I do not buy anything from the store. I will not buy anything that is crippled by DRM. I also do not manage my books with the Sony software, I do not use the library feature at all. I organize my books with a file manager and drag and drop the books from the file manager to the Reader. It is quick. I also like the preview function. I do not use Calibre at all, I do not like how it stores the files (each book in a separate dir is wasteful and cumbersome), its conversion is sub-par and it does not format the books during transfer.

01-11-2010, 09:56 AM	#60
kazbates Wizard Posts: 2,627 Karma: 406616 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Device: SurfacePro, SurfaceBook 2	I haven't read all the posts here, but I thought this information was relevant. When I spoke to the Sony rep on Saturday at the CES, she told me that a firmware update was coming in about a month. I told her that I loved my 600 but hated the Reader Library software because it is always crashing on me (especially when trying to transfer a fairly hefty file from Library to my Reader. She said the firmware should fix that. When I questioned why it was a firmware update instead of a software update, she started to explain and then got pulled away to answer a question from another colleague. As for my use of Reader Library, I use it extensively because I annotate all of my ebooks. I use Calibre for conversions and updating metadata but since it does not support annotations, I'm stuck with Reader Library.

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