Sony Removed PRS-700 AND 505 !

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by rhadin

Harry, how can the consumer tell the difference in ADE support without actually buying a device. For example, assuming that BeBook or Astak uses the more capable ADE support, what would tip me to that as a consumer?

All the ePub devices other than the Sony are using Adobe's "Portable SDK" and have the enhanced capabilities compared with the Sony (to the best of my knowledge).

[junkyardwillie]

I hope they release a large e ink device. Their devices always looked light years ahead of the Kindle, I'd like to see a large screen Sony device

[Talldog]

Many high-tech companies over the past several years found out that as soon as they announced a new generation of a product, the bottom fell out of the market for the existing generation.

Sony has been struggling financially for a while now. They certainly can't afford to write off existing inventory.

Given that Sony is a major player in the eReader space, I think it's quite likely that they're keeping their mouths shut as long as possible in order to clear out their inventory before they announce new products.

[Abecedary]

Originally Posted by Talldog

Many high-tech companies over the past several years found out that as soon as they announced a new generation of a product, the bottom fell out of the market for the existing generation.

Sony has been struggling financially for a while now. They certainly can't afford to write off existing inventory.

Given that Sony is a major player in the eReader space, I think it's quite likely that they're keeping their mouths shut as long as possible in order to clear out their inventory before they announce new products.

Yup. That seems to be exactly what's going on here. Many companies take this strategy, but you generally don't realize it. It's only because we have so many people keeping such a close eye on TWO particular products that we're much more aware of it.

[rcuadro]

I hope there really is not going to be a large screen war since I think the larger the screen the less portable they are. While the larger ones are attractive for home/office/school use, they are not attractive (to me at least) for lugging around for casual reading.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by rcuadro

I hope there really is not going to be a large screen war since I think the larger the screen the less portable they are. While the larger ones are attractive for home/office/school use, they are not attractive (to me at least) for lugging around for casual reading.

I completely agree with you. That's why I'm happy to have both my large-screen iRex DR1000S, and my portable "go-anywhere" CyBook.

[Wetdogeared]

I'm seriously considering extending the warranty on my PRS-700 while I still can. I can add an additional 4 years coverage for about 160.00 CA$, OUCH!

Any downside to this decision, other than the cost?

Any thoughts?

WetDogEared.

[kazbates]

Originally Posted by Wetdogeared

I'm seriously considering extending the warranty on my PRS-700 while I still can. I can add an additional 4 years coverage for about 160.00 CA$, OUCH!

Any downside to this decision, other than the cost?

Any thoughts?

WetDogEared.

I went on the Sony website yesterday and did see that there are no longer any 700's available. What really concerned me (since I already have a 700) is that the option to purchase replacement stylus's is also no longer available. It seems like an extended warranty might be a good idea. I know I am going to look into it now.

[HarryT]

Do you think you're likely to want to keep it another four years? It's a rapidly-changing field, and there's almost certain to be something significantly better out within that time period. That would be my only concern.

[Wetdogeared]

Originally Posted by kazbates

I went on the Sony website yesterday and did see that there are no longer any 700's available. What really concerned me (since I already have a 700) is that the option to purchase replacement stylus's is also no longer available. It seems like an extended warranty might be a good idea. I know I am going to look into it now.

I can still get 2 replacement styli at sonystyle.ca for about 30.00 CA$ but they want $15 to ship them. I'm going to my local retail store today to see if they have any or if they will order them for me without the shipping charges.

ps. The puppy chewed the end off of my current stylus.

WDE.

[kazbates]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Do you think you're likely to want to keep it another four years? It's a rapidly-changing field, and there's almost certain to be something significantly better out within that time period. That would be my only concern.

Very true. I'm nothing if not a slave to the latest and greatest. But, old technology that still works can be used as a back-up device or can be given (in my case) to one of the kids.

[kazbates]

Originally Posted by Wetdogeared

I can still get 2 replacement styli at sonystyle.ca for about 30.00 CA$ but they want $15 to ship them. I'm going to my local retail store today to see if they have any or if they will order them for me without the shipping charges.

ps. The puppy chewed the end off of my current stylus.

WDE.

Going to the store is a good idea. There is a SonyStyle store at one of the malls here in NoVA. I think I'll give them a call. Thanks!

[Wetdogeared]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Do you think you're likely to want to keep it another four years? It's a rapidly-changing field, and there's almost certain to be something significantly better out within that time period. That would be my only concern.

I think I could live with it for another 4 years. Wireless isn't a priority but a dictionary look-up firmware upgrade would be nice. I'm not sure if firmware upgrades are a reality on discontinued items.

I do like new shiny toys though.

WDE.

[acastillo]

My bet would be on Sony releasing a new product.

From a Standards & Poor Stock Report dated July 18, 2009:

CORPORATE STRATEGY. In June 2008, SNE introduced a series of new initiatives designed to build on its previous three-year revitalization plan. The new mid-term goals are to: 1) further strengthen core electronics businesses through an expansion of products, cost reduction measures aimed at improving profitability, and a fostering of innovation both inside and outside the company; 2) increase network and wireless connectivity across electronics devices to provide customers a more seamless experience; 3) capitalize on growth in BRIC countries and other emerging markets with a target annual sales figure of 2 trillion yen in the BRIC countries by FY 11; and 4) establish a 5% operating margin as the baseline level for acceptable profitability.
Responding to the severe economic downturn, SNE has implemented several measures, particularly in the electronics business, to reform its operational structure with a priority on speed and profitability. Some of these measures include a lowering of inventory levels, reducing advertising and marketing expenses and cutting employee headcount by about 8,000 employees. In all, SNE is working to reduce costs throughout the Sony Group by more than 300 billion yen in FY 10, and expects to record restructuring.

Now I agree that Sony doesn't appear to be a strong enough investment risk (and I in NO WAY encourage anyone to do ANYTHING), but if Sony were to wait until mid or late August to begin its advertising blitz of a new ebook device, I may just take my monthly investment "play money" that I use at the beginning of each month and put it on SNE this month. I think that, in the short term, Sony is going to be getting some much deserved financial attention.

[dreams]

Originally Posted by acastillo

My bet would be on Sony releasing a new product.

From a Standards & Poor Stock Report dated July 18, 2009:

My bet also

**hopefully, not a VAIO netbook / reader --- IMO it would lose the advantage of light & easy portability and battery life***