Question from a newbee

joy83 · 10-18-2009, 06:58 PM

Sorry if this has been asked before since it is a very common question. I was just wondering if I can transfer .pdf files from my computer to the reader or does it have to be just the ebooks bought from the sony store that I can read on the reader?

Another question that is very common, which is the better Sony reader, the one with 6inch screen or the pocket version with 5inch screen?

Thanks

Superlucky · 10-18-2009, 10:57 PM

Welcome, joy83.

Pdfs are one of the file types that can be transferred to your Reader. Some of them look great and some of them look terrible - it all depends on how the individual pdf files are formatted. You can also read other files such as epubs, and you can obtain them anywhere you like, not just at the Sony store.

The question about the better Reader is harder to answer because it depends on what you want to do with your device and how much you want to spend. The 300 (pocket) is more portable and cheaper and has better screen clarity, but the 600 (touch) is larger and has a lot more features, including dictionary support and removable memory. I suggest you spend some time looking at the Which on should I buy? forum. You should be able to find the answers to all your questions. I also suggest going to a store that sells both devices (like Best Buy in the US) so you can get a feel for both.

Good luck!

AnemicOak · 10-18-2009, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joy83

Sorry if this has been asked before since it is a very common question. I was just wondering if I can transfer .pdf files from my computer to the reader or does it have to be just the ebooks bought from the sony store that I can read on the reader?

The Sony's will read books from the Sony store and also DRM'd ePubs and PDFs from stores like Books On Boards. It will also read ePubs and PDFs without DRM. PDFs generally don't look as nice as ePub or Sony's LRF/LRX format unless they were formatted for a smaller screen.

Quote:

Another question that is very common, which is the better Sony reader, the one with 6inch screen or the pocket version with 5inch screen?

The answer is, it depends. A lot of folks feel the recently discontinued PRS-505, now found on clearance some places, is the best. The Pocket Edition (PRS-300) is very similar to the 505 except the screen is a bit smaller and it doesn't accept memory cards (it does have more built in memory though). You'll find lots of opinions on the Touch Edition (6" touch screen), PRS-600, here on the forum. Some don't like it and others love it.

If you don't need a touch screen, note capability or dictionary I'd probably look at the 505 or 300. If you do then the 600 might be right for you.

kelly1010 · 10-19-2009, 02:54 PM

I transfer pdf files (usually free books) to my reader all the time. Sometimes they open with adobe reader and I save them as pdf files, then open Adobe Digital Editions, and add them to my library. (At least I think this is the way to do it lol)

BookCat · 10-25-2009, 05:26 PM

It very much depends upon how the pdf is formatted. Some are perfect for ereaders, others are awful. I try the pdf on my 505, and if it looks fine, I keep it as a pdf. If it looks awful, I delete it and go back to the file on computer, see if it allows "copy to clipboard" (this is usually found under edit), if it does, I try to reformat it in Word. I devised an ereader template. Sometimes, this looks great. If it still looks a bit off, I wizz the rtf file through Calibre to convert to lrf. This usually works.

I hope this helps.

As to which reader: I'm not fond of either the 300 or the 600 and would advise trying to find a 505, even a second hand one. As previous posters have mentioned, it depends what functions you want in the reader. If you mainly want it for reading, rather than notation, the 300 might be better. If, like me, you prefer a large font, the smaller screen might be a bit of an issue.

Welcome to MR.

10-18-2009, 06:58 PM	#1
joy83 Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2009 Device: none	Question from a newbee Sorry if this has been asked before since it is a very common question. I was just wondering if I can transfer .pdf files from my computer to the reader or does it have to be just the ebooks bought from the sony store that I can read on the reader? Another question that is very common, which is the better Sony reader, the one with 6inch screen or the pocket version with 5inch screen? Thanks

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10-18-2009, 10:57 PM	#2
Superlucky Fanatic Posts: 581 Karma: 5952 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: PRS-505, PRS-350	Welcome, joy83. Pdfs are one of the file types that can be transferred to your Reader. Some of them look great and some of them look terrible - it all depends on how the individual pdf files are formatted. You can also read other files such as epubs, and you can obtain them anywhere you like, not just at the Sony store. The question about the better Reader is harder to answer because it depends on what you want to do with your device and how much you want to spend. The 300 (pocket) is more portable and cheaper and has better screen clarity, but the 600 (touch) is larger and has a lot more features, including dictionary support and removable memory. I suggest you spend some time looking at the Which on should I buy? forum. You should be able to find the answers to all your questions. I also suggest going to a store that sells both devices (like Best Buy in the US) so you can get a feel for both. Good luck!

10-19-2009, 02:54 PM	#4
kelly1010 Book Addict! Posts: 533 Karma: 1070 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: CA Device: Sony PRS-505, iPod Touch, Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi	I transfer pdf files (usually free books) to my reader all the time. Sometimes they open with adobe reader and I save them as pdf files, then open Adobe Digital Editions, and add them to my library. (At least I think this is the way to do it lol)

10-25-2009, 05:26 PM	#5
BookCat C L J Posts: 2,912 Karma: 21115458 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Birmingham UK Device: Sony e-reader 505, Kindle PW2, Kindle PW3, Kobo Libra2	It very much depends upon how the pdf is formatted. Some are perfect for ereaders, others are awful. I try the pdf on my 505, and if it looks fine, I keep it as a pdf. If it looks awful, I delete it and go back to the file on computer, see if it allows "copy to clipboard" (this is usually found under edit), if it does, I try to reformat it in Word. I devised an ereader template. Sometimes, this looks great. If it still looks a bit off, I wizz the rtf file through Calibre to convert to lrf. This usually works. I hope this helps. As to which reader: I'm not fond of either the 300 or the 600 and would advise trying to find a 505, even a second hand one. As previous posters have mentioned, it depends what functions you want in the reader. If you mainly want it for reading, rather than notation, the 300 might be better. If, like me, you prefer a large font, the smaller screen might be a bit of an issue. Welcome to MR.

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