Sony PRS-505 Still the best? - Page 4

hidari · 03-22-2010, 07:39 PM

As Pilotbob pointed out, the screens on the last generation are all the same. My cybook and 505 had the same screen. I would say the 505 was the best of the last generation overall despite its limitations in certain areas. As Ellfwreck mentioned, ergonomically, it is very good (much better than the Cybook gen 3), The one thing I wish the 505 had was the ability to disable the flash screen as Bookeen devices do (still don't understand why other companies cannot do this simple and excellent feature). For simple reading the 505 is excellent. Most people just want to read and don't need the bells and whistles: access to the internet, highlighting, touch screen, etc...).

PS: about time for a firmware update from Sony for the 505

HarryT · 03-23-2010, 03:54 AM

The one significant thing that the 505 lacks, for me at least, is folder support. For me personally, the ability to have a full heirarchical folder system is essential to sensibly organise my books. I know it has "collections", which are a single-level "pseudo folder", but it's really not nearly as good as "real" folders.

Personally speaking, the best 6" device currently on the market is the BeBook Neo / Onyx Boox 60. It has folders, a touch screen that doesn't affect the screen clarify, search, dictionary lookup, text highlighting, and an excellent user interface.

DoctorOhh · 03-23-2010, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

The one significant thing that the 505 lacks, for me at least, is folder support. For me personally, the ability to have a full heirarchical folder system is essential to sensibly organise my books. I know it has "collections", which are a single-level "pseudo folder", but it's really not nearly as good as "real" folders.

You and I disagree on the need for folder support especially on a ereader. But with the addition of PRS+ the PRS-505 has the complete ability to browse the device by whatever folder structure you wish to set up.

Another benefit of a strong user base.

mandyoz · 03-23-2010, 06:27 AM

Hi All

I have been reading your well informed forums for the last 2 days - I have never owned a e reader but would like to buy one in the next couple of weeks. You are the experts and any help and advice you can offer would be appreciated. I am Australian

I am very confused - I only would like one for reading - I like to travel so the thought of not carrying to many books is my main reason. I won't have a computer with me when I travel

Can you please tell me which would suit me the best sony (which one) Bebook Neo - Astak Ez 5 pocket, Cybook Opus . Kindal 2

By reading the forums I think I would like one with replaceable/rechargeable battery, SD slot, jump ahead jump back option, folder to sort books, wifi maybe but not necessary but could be good. Also would like to access lots of different ebook sites and libraries. If you don't have a Kindal can you still by ebooks from Amazon?

I don't normally update my gadgets and like to keep them until they die a natural death so would like something that will grow old with me. I am not so computer savvy - I am in my 50's.

If anyone can offer some advice I would be forever grateful as it seems very hard to make a decision on which one is going to be the best. Thanks Mandy

Graham · 03-23-2010, 06:48 AM

Hi Mandy,

If you're not so computer savvy then the type of Digital Rights Management (DRM) that the device you choose supports will be a major consideration for you.

Any of the devices will read DRM-free books, such as those available from Project Gutenberg, but with the others your choice is:

a) Get the Kindle, and buy books from Amazon only.
b) Get one of the other devices and buy books from most other sites, but not Amazon.

The good news is that you'll be very happy with any of the devices. (Caveat: I don't know much about the Astak.)

You can do not-particulary-legal computer stuff and convert the books from one format to another, stripping the DRM, but my impression is that you wouldn't want to have to get involved in that. That mechanism is the only way you can use purchased books from Amazon on one of the other devices, or indeed purchased books from other stores on the Kindle.

Also, your forum name suggests you are in Australia, so check the extent of the Amazon support there if you do choose the Kindle.

Graham

Elfwreck · 03-23-2010, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teddman

I don't know why they abandoned their non-touch line of readers besides the Pocket, especially when it came at a cost to screen contrast.

Because they completely ignored the fact that most people don't touch the words part of books while they're reading. And that the ability to hold the book & turn pages with one hand is a strong feature of ebooks, and adding the ability to use two hands (one to hold the device, one to "flip" to the next page) is not an advantage.

They noticed how popular the iPhone is, and thought that everyone wants a touchscreen for all their computer-device activities. Or they think that the line "touchscreen, like the iPhone!" will help them sell readers. They're under the impression that buttons are archaic distractions that new hardware & software will eliminate, rather than navigation devices that don't interfere with the reading itself.

JSWolf · 03-23-2010, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

True. It's the lack of full justification that's the "show stopper" for me. I just can't bear to read all my books left-justified.

Some people prefer left justified when there is no hyphenation support.

JSWolf · 03-23-2010, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I think it's fair to say that yours is a minority opinion around here

.

I have no idea why LDBolo is even on MR since he hates everything.

JSWolf · 03-23-2010, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the use of modern high-density plastics as a constructional material; they are every bit as good as aluminium, which the Sony is made from.

There is also the entirely practical point that the Kindle could not have a metal case unless it had some kind of external antenna, because the metal would block the 3G cellular signal.

And the nook with it's plastic cracking buttons.

JSWolf · 03-23-2010, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

The one significant thing that the 505 lacks, for me at least, is folder support. For me personally, the ability to have a full heirarchical folder system is essential to sensibly organise my books. I know it has "collections", which are a single-level "pseudo folder", but it's really not nearly as good as "real" folders.

Personally speaking, the best 6" device currently on the market is the BeBook Neo / Onyx Boox 60. It has folders, a touch screen that doesn't affect the screen clarify, search, dictionary lookup, text highlighting, and an excellent user interface.

Of course, if you install PRS+ on a 505, then you DO get the best of both worlds as you get collections AND folders.

JSWolf · 03-23-2010, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandyoz

Hi All

I have been reading your well informed forums for the last 2 days - I have never owned a e reader but would like to buy one in the next couple of weeks. You are the experts and any help and advice you can offer would be appreciated. I am Australian

I am very confused - I only would like one for reading - I like to travel so the thought of not carrying to many books is my main reason. I won't have a computer with me when I travel

Can you please tell me which would suit me the best sony (which one) Bebook Neo - Astak Ez 5 pocket, Cybook Opus . Kindal 2

By reading the forums I think I would like one with replaceable/rechargeable battery, SD slot, jump ahead jump back option, folder to sort books, wifi maybe but not necessary but could be good. Also would like to access lots of different ebook sites and libraries. If you don't have a Kindal can you still by ebooks from Amazon?

I don't normally update my gadgets and like to keep them until they die a natural death so would like something that will grow old with me. I am not so computer savvy - I am in my 50's.

If anyone can offer some advice I would be forever grateful as it seems very hard to make a decision on which one is going to be the best. Thanks Mandy

If you live in the USA, go for the Sony Reader PRS-900. It's very nice.

Timoleon · 03-23-2010, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Of course, if you install PRS+ on a 505, then you DO get the best of both worlds as you get collections AND folders.

Couldn't agree any more --- I've loved my PRS505 over the last couple of years. And if you use Calibre, you can create epub for right-ragged and lrf for full-justified as you see fit.

Ergonomically, it's just about perfect. The only complaint I have, which probably holds true to not only the Sony, is that the battery does not hold the charge quite as long as it used to.

Having said all this, I'm excited about the new choices out there on the horizon, and I might even give the iPad a try...

luqmaninbmore · 03-23-2010, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elfwreck

Because they completely ignored the fact that most people don't touch the words part of books while they're reading. And that the ability to hold the book & turn pages with one hand is a strong feature of ebooks, and adding the ability to use two hands (one to hold the device, one to "flip" to the next page) is not an advantage.

The touch screen is actually an ergonomic advantage. When I had my 700 I usually swiped the screen with the thumb of the hand I used to hold it. It was very natural for me, more than using the buttons. The nook has similar potential, provided you get the swipe down.

kevindorsey · 03-23-2010, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timoleon

Couldn't agree any more --- I've loved my PRS505 over the last couple of years. And if you use Calibre, you can create epub for right-ragged and lrf for full-justified as you see fit.

Ergonomically, it's just about perfect. The only complaint I have, which probably holds true to not only the Sony, is that the battery does not hold the charge quite as long as it used to.

Having said all this, I'm excited about the new choices out there on the horizon, and I might even give the iPad a try...

Ipad looks swell, and I really like it more for homebrew possibilities than a reader to be honest with you. Price is a bit of a downer though.

HansTWN · 03-23-2010, 11:50 PM

I have just got my new DR800SG and I must say it is much better than the 505. The screen does look even better. Characters are crisper, that is especially noticeable for small size Chinese fonts. The background is also lighter, though that may be an optical illusion due to the light grey bezel. Page turns and navigation are very fast and convenient and that extra screen space really makes a big difference, the Sony displays very little text per page except at the smallest font size -- which is almost unusable for me. Overall size is almost the same as the 505. And after the upcoming firmware upgrade functionality will be among the best of all readers. The only major gripe I have is that there is no pen silo.

03-23-2010, 03:54 AM	#47
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	The one significant thing that the 505 lacks, for me at least, is folder support. For me personally, the ability to have a full heirarchical folder system is essential to sensibly organise my books. I know it has "collections", which are a single-level "pseudo folder", but it's really not nearly as good as "real" folders. Personally speaking, the best 6" device currently on the market is the BeBook Neo / Onyx Boox 60. It has folders, a touch screen that doesn't affect the screen clarify, search, dictionary lookup, text highlighting, and an excellent user interface. Last edited by HarryT; 03-23-2010 at 03:56 AM.

03-23-2010, 06:27 AM	#49
mandyoz Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2010 Device: none	Hi All I have been reading your well informed forums for the last 2 days - I have never owned a e reader but would like to buy one in the next couple of weeks. You are the experts and any help and advice you can offer would be appreciated. I am Australian I am very confused - I only would like one for reading - I like to travel so the thought of not carrying to many books is my main reason. I won't have a computer with me when I travel Can you please tell me which would suit me the best sony (which one) Bebook Neo - Astak Ez 5 pocket, Cybook Opus . Kindal 2 By reading the forums I think I would like one with replaceable/rechargeable battery, SD slot, jump ahead jump back option, folder to sort books, wifi maybe but not necessary but could be good. Also would like to access lots of different ebook sites and libraries. If you don't have a Kindal can you still by ebooks from Amazon? I don't normally update my gadgets and like to keep them until they die a natural death so would like something that will grow old with me. I am not so computer savvy - I am in my 50's. If anyone can offer some advice I would be forever grateful as it seems very hard to make a decision on which one is going to be the best. Thanks Mandy Last edited by mandyoz; 03-23-2010 at 08:20 AM.

03-23-2010, 06:48 AM	#50
Graham Wizard Posts: 2,742 Karma: 32912427 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: North Yorkshire, UK Device: Kobo H20, Pixel 2, Samsung Chromebook Plus	Hi Mandy, If you're not so computer savvy then the type of Digital Rights Management (DRM) that the device you choose supports will be a major consideration for you. Any of the devices will read DRM-free books, such as those available from Project Gutenberg, but with the others your choice is: a) Get the Kindle, and buy books from Amazon only. b) Get one of the other devices and buy books from most other sites, but not Amazon. The good news is that you'll be very happy with any of the devices. (Caveat: I don't know much about the Astak.) You can do not-particulary-legal computer stuff and convert the books from one format to another, stripping the DRM, but my impression is that you wouldn't want to have to get involved in that. That mechanism is the only way you can use purchased books from Amazon on one of the other devices, or indeed purchased books from other stores on the Kindle. Also, your forum name suggests you are in Australia, so check the extent of the Amazon support there if you do choose the Kindle. Graham Last edited by Graham; 03-23-2010 at 06:51 AM. Reason: Spelling

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03-22-2010, 07:39 PM	#46
hidari MR Drone Posts: 1,613 Karma: 15612282 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DRONEZONE Device: PB360+, Huawei MP5, Libra H20	As Pilotbob pointed out, the screens on the last generation are all the same. My cybook and 505 had the same screen. I would say the 505 was the best of the last generation overall despite its limitations in certain areas. As Ellfwreck mentioned, ergonomically, it is very good (much better than the Cybook gen 3), The one thing I wish the 505 had was the ability to disable the flash screen as Bookeen devices do (still don't understand why other companies cannot do this simple and excellent feature). For simple reading the 505 is excellent. Most people just want to read and don't need the bells and whistles: access to the internet, highlighting, touch screen, etc...). PS: about time for a firmware update from Sony for the 505

03-23-2010, 11:50 PM	#60
HansTWN Wizard Posts: 4,538 Karma: 264065402 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Taiwan Device: HP Touchpad, Sony Duo 13, Lumia 920, Kobo Aura HD	I have just got my new DR800SG and I must say it is much better than the 505. The screen does look even better. Characters are crisper, that is especially noticeable for small size Chinese fonts. The background is also lighter, though that may be an optical illusion due to the light grey bezel. Page turns and navigation are very fast and convenient and that extra screen space really makes a big difference, the Sony displays very little text per page except at the smallest font size -- which is almost unusable for me. Overall size is almost the same as the 505. And after the upcoming firmware upgrade functionality will be among the best of all readers. The only major gripe I have is that there is no pen silo.

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