Questions from a potential UK buyer

Killian · 07-27-2009, 05:59 AM

Hey all,

Stumbled upon this site a few days back in my ongoing research into ebook readers. I say I'm a potential buyer but I think I'm as good as sold on the PRS-505 from Play for £149.99.

I just had a couple questions I haven't been able to find the answers for and hope you can help

First; I've read a lot about Sony Credit when registering/activating your device. Around $50 I believe. I was wondering if we in the UK get anything similiar? I've already installed Calibre and began sorting my collection of txt's and lit's so am wondering if its even worth bothering installing the Sony software.

Secondly; I already have a Class 6 8GB SDHC card and was wondering if there is any benefit to putting the books onto the memory stick and conserving the capacity of the Reader itself until last. Could it be potentially slower/faster access one way or the other?

Finally; this question relates a little more to calibre but I noticed whilst editing the metadata that there is a 'series' field which can store the books numeric value in that series. Was wondering if I still need to have the number in the title or will the reader sort it based on the series numeric value? For example; I have 'story abc 01 - the first book' with the series number 1. Could I just call it 'the first book' in this case and the series is 'story abc' and the order is '01'. Hope that kinda makes sense.....

I know the last quesiton may be better asked in the Calibre forum but thought I'd give it a try here whilst I was asking the first two.

Thanks in advance to those who can help

sony_fox · 07-27-2009, 07:18 AM

I didn't get any store credit, but I did get a CD of 100 classics. These are different to some of the other 100 free classics you find on some other sites, so a bit of brousing around will get you quite a few books. I bought mine through Waterstones, hence I also got clubcard points with it = a few free current books too.

I think - and I'm sure someone more knowledge will be along in a minute to confirm/refute - the SOny only recognises 2Gig of SD. I don't believe there's much benefit one way or the other, but iof you load a lot of titles at once, ie all 2gig's worth, the reader takes quite a while to process it before you can do anything else!

No idea about your calibre Q, I just create folders for them / or not bother.

Enjoy the reader!
'fox

Killian · 07-27-2009, 07:23 AM

Thanks Sony_fox; as I understand it SD cards are available up to a max of 4GB (though I've never seen any above 2GB) but SDHC (SD High Capacity) cards can go all the way up to 32GB. I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the Sony's SDHC slot can support that maximum but maybe I'm misinformed.

Thanks for the answer regarding credit; sometimes it sucks not being American..... lol

gwynevans · 07-27-2009, 08:34 AM

If you install the US Sony software, you can download the Sony freebies, but otherwise, the credit is for classics that are normally available here in better formatted versions. As for using the SD card - it's not worth going with to start with, as you should get a few hundred books on the Reader itself and they don't do all that well when you try & put /everything/ on a card at the same time, as the UI doesn't scale up all that well (it shows 10 books at time on index pages, so 200 book = 20 pages, etc..)

Ea · 07-27-2009, 09:13 AM

The only thing that Calibre can't and that the Sony software can, is to pre-paginate a book. With Calibre, it means that when you open a book for the first time, it will take the Reader a minute or two to process the book. If you change display size, it will need to process it again (but only one time for each size). For me it's not much of an issue, and as I prefer LRF format and convert everything to LRF, I just set the base font size to my preferred size.

Unless you want/need to carry around many hundreds of books, I'd suggest using the internal memory - or use cards for different smaller collections of books. More than a 100-200 books is a bit to wade through, even if it's sorted in different ways. At least that is what I have found works well for me

Killian · 07-27-2009, 09:22 AM

Interesting. May try out the Sony software first then and see what it's like.

Thanks for all your advice. Is much appreciated.

libraryaddict · 07-27-2009, 11:13 AM

I've had mine for a week and a half now (also from PLay.com), and I love it.

The most annoying thing about the Sony software is that you cannot edit any of the author information, and it insists on ordering authors by first name. Trivial, but it drove me mad very quickly.

Killian · 07-27-2009, 11:21 AM

Think I may just not bother installing the Sony Software then and stick with Calibre.

Now to start sorting some books ready for when I get it

columbus · 07-27-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killian;

Think I may just not bother installing the Sony Software then and stick with Calibre.

Now to start sorting some books ready for when I get it

I use both the US version of the Sony ebook library and calibre (don't have both active at the same time!)

Don't install the UK version of the Sony ebook library as it will leave entries which will prevent you installing the US version.

The US version of the Sony ebook library will allow you access to the Sony ebook store which has regular $0.00 freebies which can be worth having (don't register any address details with this or you will be blocked and you can't buy books there without a US cc & address or USA gift cards). You need to register your reader here - (will not affect buying ebooks from elsewhere)

Have a look at the bargain priced books section. You can also download the US software from the link at the top of that page.

Killian · 07-27-2009, 12:03 PM

Thanks for the link. Will start downloading now. Can't get my hands on a US CC but how about the gift cards? Are they easily available in the UK? Presumably somewhere out there will sell and email codes?

Quote:

Originally Posted by columbus

You need to register your reader here - (will not affect buying ebooks from elsewhere)

Where exactly should I be registering it sorry? Through the US Sony Software or elsewhere?

columbus · 07-27-2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killian;

Thanks for the link. Will start downloading now. Can't get my hands on a US CC but how about the gift cards? Are they easily available in the UK? Presumably somewhere out there will sell and email codes?

There are people here who will help with gift cards -just post a message asking - but I think like others you will find plenty of good things to read to start with both here and elsewhere for little or no cost. Check the deals & freebies thread.

For instance if you found Red Dwarf amusing have a look at this thread Download Hal Spacejock, by Simon Haynes - Free! Who is a member here. The remainder of the series are available for download at very reasonable cost and are well worth it. Also have a look at Richard Herley also a member here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killian;

Where exactly should I be registering it sorry? Through the US Sony Software or elsewhere?

Open an account at the Sony ebook store by clicking on the store icon in the left panel of the US ebook library - give only your user name and a password. With your reader plugged into the USB lead log on to your account & register your reader there. If you look at the "settings"- "About" - "SONY" screen on the reader it will change to "Authorized for the ebook store" which allows you to read the Sony DRM books.

corroonb · 07-27-2009, 05:01 PM

If you're into sci-fi, Cory Doctorow and James L. Halperin have both made their books available for free online.

Killian · 07-28-2009, 04:01 AM

Just put my order in with Play.com. Got it for £142.49 as I get 5% off courtesy of my Varsity Card. Bargain considering its still in the £200s at most places

Just got to bide my time till it arrives now, eyes are aching from all the pc reading!

Ea · 07-28-2009, 10:41 AM

Happy waiting!

Killian · 07-28-2009, 10:49 AM

Yup; called play up a few hours after ordering asking "Why haven't you processed my order yet!" lol. Talk about impatient!

Has now gone from 'processing' to 'packing' so hoping they'll be sending out via Courier tonight.... fingers crossed!

07-27-2009, 05:59 AM	#1
Killian Enthusiast Posts: 43 Karma: 29000 Join Date: Jul 2009 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Questions from a potential UK buyer Hey all, Stumbled upon this site a few days back in my ongoing research into ebook readers. I say I'm a potential buyer but I think I'm as good as sold on the PRS-505 from Play for £149.99. I just had a couple questions I haven't been able to find the answers for and hope you can help First; I've read a lot about Sony Credit when registering/activating your device. Around $50 I believe. I was wondering if we in the UK get anything similiar? I've already installed Calibre and began sorting my collection of txt's and lit's so am wondering if its even worth bothering installing the Sony software. Secondly; I already have a Class 6 8GB SDHC card and was wondering if there is any benefit to putting the books onto the memory stick and conserving the capacity of the Reader itself until last. Could it be potentially slower/faster access one way or the other? Finally; this question relates a little more to calibre but I noticed whilst editing the metadata that there is a 'series' field which can store the books numeric value in that series. Was wondering if I still need to have the number in the title or will the reader sort it based on the series numeric value? For example; I have 'story abc 01 - the first book' with the series number 1. Could I just call it 'the first book' in this case and the series is 'story abc' and the order is '01'. Hope that kinda makes sense..... I know the last quesiton may be better asked in the Calibre forum but thought I'd give it a try here whilst I was asking the first two. Thanks in advance to those who can help

07-27-2009, 07:23 AM	#3
Killian Enthusiast Posts: 43 Karma: 29000 Join Date: Jul 2009 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Thanks Sony_fox; as I understand it SD cards are available up to a max of 4GB (though I've never seen any above 2GB) but SDHC (SD High Capacity) cards can go all the way up to 32GB. I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the Sony's SDHC slot can support that maximum but maybe I'm misinformed. Thanks for the answer regarding credit; sometimes it sucks not being American..... lol Last edited by Killian; 07-27-2009 at 08:18 AM.

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07-27-2009, 07:18 AM	#2
sony_fox Zealot Posts: 109 Karma: 84 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Manchester Device: Kobo Auroa H2O	I didn't get any store credit, but I did get a CD of 100 classics. These are different to some of the other 100 free classics you find on some other sites, so a bit of brousing around will get you quite a few books. I bought mine through Waterstones, hence I also got clubcard points with it = a few free current books too. I think - and I'm sure someone more knowledge will be along in a minute to confirm/refute - the SOny only recognises 2Gig of SD. I don't believe there's much benefit one way or the other, but iof you load a lot of titles at once, ie all 2gig's worth, the reader takes quite a while to process it before you can do anything else! No idea about your calibre Q, I just create folders for them / or not bother. Enjoy the reader! 'fox

07-27-2009, 08:34 AM	#4
gwynevans Wizzard Posts: 1,402 Karma: 2000000 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: UK Device: iPad 2, iPhone 6s, Kindle Voyage & Kindle PaperWhite	If you install the US Sony software, you can download the Sony freebies, but otherwise, the credit is for classics that are normally available here in better formatted versions. As for using the SD card - it's not worth going with to start with, as you should get a few hundred books on the Reader itself and they don't do all that well when you try & put /everything/ on a card at the same time, as the UI doesn't scale up all that well (it shows 10 books at time on index pages, so 200 book = 20 pages, etc..)

07-27-2009, 09:13 AM	#5
Ea Wizard Posts: 3,490 Karma: 5239563 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Denmark Device: Kindle 3\|iPad air\|iPhone 4S	The only thing that Calibre can't and that the Sony software can, is to pre-paginate a book. With Calibre, it means that when you open a book for the first time, it will take the Reader a minute or two to process the book. If you change display size, it will need to process it again (but only one time for each size). For me it's not much of an issue, and as I prefer LRF format and convert everything to LRF, I just set the base font size to my preferred size. Unless you want/need to carry around many hundreds of books, I'd suggest using the internal memory - or use cards for different smaller collections of books. More than a 100-200 books is a bit to wade through, even if it's sorted in different ways. At least that is what I have found works well for me

07-27-2009, 09:22 AM	#6
Killian Enthusiast Posts: 43 Karma: 29000 Join Date: Jul 2009 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Interesting. May try out the Sony software first then and see what it's like. Thanks for all your advice. Is much appreciated.

07-27-2009, 11:13 AM	#7
libraryaddict Member Posts: 10 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jun 2009 Device: Sony? convince me	I've had mine for a week and a half now (also from PLay.com), and I love it. The most annoying thing about the Sony software is that you cannot edit any of the author information, and it insists on ordering authors by first name. Trivial, but it drove me mad very quickly.

07-27-2009, 11:21 AM	#8
Killian Enthusiast Posts: 43 Karma: 29000 Join Date: Jul 2009 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Think I may just not bother installing the Sony Software then and stick with Calibre. Now to start sorting some books ready for when I get it

07-27-2009, 05:01 PM	#12
corroonb Addict Posts: 317 Karma: 1232685 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ireland Device: Kindle Voyage, Kobo Aura, Nexus 9	If you're into sci-fi, Cory Doctorow and James L. Halperin have both made their books available for free online.

07-28-2009, 04:01 AM	#13
Killian Enthusiast Posts: 43 Karma: 29000 Join Date: Jul 2009 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Just put my order in with Play.com. Got it for £142.49 as I get 5% off courtesy of my Varsity Card. Bargain considering its still in the £200s at most places Just got to bide my time till it arrives now, eyes are aching from all the pc reading!

07-28-2009, 10:41 AM	#14
Ea Wizard Posts: 3,490 Karma: 5239563 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Denmark Device: Kindle 3\|iPad air\|iPhone 4S	Happy waiting!

07-28-2009, 10:49 AM	#15
Killian Enthusiast Posts: 43 Karma: 29000 Join Date: Jul 2009 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Yup; called play up a few hours after ordering asking "Why haven't you processed my order yet!" lol. Talk about impatient! Has now gone from 'processing' to 'packing' so hoping they'll be sending out via Courier tonight.... fingers crossed!

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