What should I buy?

terriluvsbooks · 08-13-2009, 09:44 AM

I am planning on getting a reader by early September. It will be my 25th wedding anniversary gift--yes I am a geek who would rather have a toy than a diamond.

I am trying to decide between the Kindle2 and the Sony 505. I have some concerns about both. I do buy atleast 4-5 paperbacks a month and a occasional hardback.

Question about the 505. Is it going to be obsolete in a year or two with the new readers coming out?

Concerns about the Kindle--fragility

Right now I am leaning towards the Kindle unless I can get a 505 for $199. My local Sam's Club has them for $249 but I am expecting them to drop the price at or near the 25th.

TIA!

kelly1010 · 08-14-2009, 01:54 AM

I chose the Sony over the Kindle because of 1) the price and 2) I can get library ebooks and put them on my Kindle without having to do any stripping/conversion. This is in addition to everything I've learned about the Sony since having it. I have only had my Sony since March of this year, and I kept going back and forth, but looking back, if I had to do it all over, I would choose the Sony again.

Good luck with your decision.

HarryT · 08-14-2009, 03:46 AM

Why are you only considering the Sony and the Kindle, as a matter of interest?

emellaich · 08-14-2009, 10:49 AM

It sounds like you aren't aware that the Sony 505 is about to be replaced. For $199 you get the 300 with a bit fewer features and for $299 you get the 600 with more features. Also, Sony has historically had a credit card deal where you can get substantial funds off of a reader by applying for a Sony credit card and purchasing the reader online. In the past, the discount would have been $100 to $150 off the $300 model.

With all of that said, its hard to argue between the two. You will find some in favor of one and some in favor of the other. I am personally a Kindle fan, and it is news to me if its any more fragile than the Sony. I like the Kindle store (although the DRM is not wonderful), and I use the wireless capabilities.

terriluvsbooks · 08-14-2009, 02:35 PM

I'm not really considering the 600 because its the same price as the Kindle2 and most of the books I read would cost $7.19 to Amazons $6.39. The 300 has several negatives--size and no card slot are the biggest. I have a Palm T/X right now that I have some e books on but I really need a bigger reader and font. Now if my Palm came paperback size I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

I think I will be happy with either one I just need to decide. I hope that Sam's Club will have the 2 new Sony's available to view on the 25th then I will make my decision.

In the meantime please feel free to give me more input.

JSWolf · 08-14-2009, 02:57 PM

The problem with the Kindle is that you will be tied into Amazon for most of your content. Sony is switching to ePub and lowering prices at their eBookstore. And the fact that most readers will support ePub means that publishers will take notice and ePub will be one of their supported formats. And if you were to someday get a different reader (not Sony) you'd have a very good chance of your eBooks still being able to be read. Amazon's eBooks are stuck on a Kindle of some kind. So once you go Amazon, you have to stick with Amazon or lose what you bought.

emellaich · 08-15-2009, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terriluvsbooks

I'm not really considering the 600 because its the same price as the Kindle2 and most of the books I read would cost $7.19 to Amazons $6.39. The 300 has several negatives--size and no card slot are the biggest. I have a Palm T/X right now that I have some e books on but I really need a bigger reader and font. Now if my Palm came paperback size I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

I think I will be happy with either one I just need to decide. I hope that Sam's Club will have the 2 new Sony's available to view on the 25th then I will make my decision.

In the meantime please feel free to give me more input.

I understand, and believe me I'm not one to delay my purchase much -- I tend to want it now

. However, if your choice is between the Sony 505 at $249 and the Sony 600, my opinion is that:
1) The extra features of the 600 are worth more than $50, and
2) You will be able to buy the 600 for $249 or less.

Right now, it looks like the sony offer is $50 credit on your first statement. I haven't tried this myself, but I think what happens is that you apply, you get instantly approved, you buy the 600, and when you get your statement you see the purchase and a $50 credit. If you are thinking of taking advantage of this check in the Sony forum for someone who has actually done this. If you feel like waiting

you will probably find a Sony offer for $100 or even $150 off. I think this is the current offer:

http://www.sonyrewards.com/en/gateway/?offerlink=sr50b

DrMoze · 08-15-2009, 07:52 PM

I think the 505 is up-to-date with ePub support and all. It is a thin, sleek device that I personally like much better than the plastic Kindle.

A BIG plus (mentioned above) is the ability to borrow e-books from online libraries with the Sony. Why buy books when you can borrow them? (This in addition to the large number of free books available online in various formats.)

Another BIG plus with the Sony (imo) is the long batteyr life. 3 weeks or so between charges makes it more like a book than another gadget that has to be constantly recharged. I never felt a desire for wireless downloading, and always appreciate how long the battery lasts on the Sony Readers. Just grab it and go, without worrying that it may 'die' on you. I can easily load 100-200 books on my REader, and don't see the need for "instant gratification" of wireless downloads. I have a huge variety of books to read with me.

Between the 505 and the 600, I might lean towards the 600 for an extra $50. But then again, the 505 prices may drop further soon. AnNd I'm also eyeing the more compact 300 model. Decisions, decisions!

BTW, Harry, I know you are biting your tongue and holding back on expounding the virtues of the Cybook. But here in the US, Sony and Amazon are the 2 big players. The Cybook (and other e-ink devices) are just not visible contenders here, in terms of advertising, sales & support.

HarryT · 08-16-2009, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrMoze

BTW, Harry, I know you are biting your tongue and holding back on expounding the virtues of the Cybook. But here in the US, Sony and Amazon are the 2 big players. The Cybook (and other e-ink devices) are just not visible contenders here, in terms of advertising, sales & support.

I wasn't actually thinking of the CyBook; more of the various BeBook clones. Since these devices all now use the same ADE ePub reader, they all have equal access to the ePub book market.

The Sony PRS-505 currently has a very poor implementation of the ADE reader on it. It may be upgraded in the future, but until it is, I don't personally think it's a good choice. The PRS-300 or 600 would be much better choices if you choose to buy a Sony.

08-13-2009, 09:44 AM	#1
terriluvsbooks Member Posts: 16 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: Currently Kindle Fire and I Pad. Previously, k2, k4 and Sony 600	What should I buy? I am planning on getting a reader by early September. It will be my 25th wedding anniversary gift--yes I am a geek who would rather have a toy than a diamond. I am trying to decide between the Kindle2 and the Sony 505. I have some concerns about both. I do buy atleast 4-5 paperbacks a month and a occasional hardback. Question about the 505. Is it going to be obsolete in a year or two with the new readers coming out? Concerns about the Kindle--fragility Right now I am leaning towards the Kindle unless I can get a 505 for $199. My local Sam's Club has them for $249 but I am expecting them to drop the price at or near the 25th. TIA!

08-15-2009, 07:52 PM	#8
DrMoze Booknut Posts: 858 Karma: 2852 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida! Device: Sony Reader 500/505/300/350, Nook Glowlight Plus (6")	I think the 505 is up-to-date with ePub support and all. It is a thin, sleek device that I personally like much better than the plastic Kindle. A BIG plus (mentioned above) is the ability to borrow e-books from online libraries with the Sony. Why buy books when you can borrow them? (This in addition to the large number of free books available online in various formats.) Another BIG plus with the Sony (imo) is the long batteyr life. 3 weeks or so between charges makes it more like a book than another gadget that has to be constantly recharged. I never felt a desire for wireless downloading, and always appreciate how long the battery lasts on the Sony Readers. Just grab it and go, without worrying that it may 'die' on you. I can easily load 100-200 books on my REader, and don't see the need for "instant gratification" of wireless downloads. I have a huge variety of books to read with me. Between the 505 and the 600, I might lean towards the 600 for an extra $50. But then again, the 505 prices may drop further soon. AnNd I'm also eyeing the more compact 300 model. Decisions, decisions! BTW, Harry, I know you are biting your tongue and holding back on expounding the virtues of the Cybook. But here in the US, Sony and Amazon are the 2 big players. The Cybook (and other e-ink devices) are just not visible contenders here, in terms of advertising, sales & support. Last edited by DrMoze; 08-15-2009 at 07:55 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.	brecklundin	News	2	10-10-2009 02:21 PM
Sell Buy My Diamond Ring So I Can Buy A Kindle!	DaisyMama	Flea Market	0	03-03-2009 04:14 PM
Iliad or BeBook - to buy or not to buy, that is the question...	orwell2k	Which one should I buy?	11	10-19-2008 08:09 PM
Iliad or BeBook - to buy or not to buy, that is the question...	orwell2k	iRex	2	10-08-2008 11:03 AM

08-14-2009, 01:54 AM	#2
kelly1010 Book Addict! Posts: 533 Karma: 1070 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: CA Device: Sony PRS-505, iPod Touch, Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi	I chose the Sony over the Kindle because of 1) the price and 2) I can get library ebooks and put them on my Kindle without having to do any stripping/conversion. This is in addition to everything I've learned about the Sony since having it. I have only had my Sony since March of this year, and I kept going back and forth, but looking back, if I had to do it all over, I would choose the Sony again. Good luck with your decision.

08-14-2009, 03:46 AM	#3
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Why are you only considering the Sony and the Kindle, as a matter of interest?

08-14-2009, 10:49 AM	#4
emellaich Wizard Posts: 1,101 Karma: 4388403 Join Date: Oct 2007 Device: Palm>Ebookman>IPaq>Axim>Cybook>Kndl2>IPAD>Kndl3SO>Voyager>Oasis	It sounds like you aren't aware that the Sony 505 is about to be replaced. For $199 you get the 300 with a bit fewer features and for $299 you get the 600 with more features. Also, Sony has historically had a credit card deal where you can get substantial funds off of a reader by applying for a Sony credit card and purchasing the reader online. In the past, the discount would have been $100 to $150 off the $300 model. With all of that said, its hard to argue between the two. You will find some in favor of one and some in favor of the other. I am personally a Kindle fan, and it is news to me if its any more fragile than the Sony. I like the Kindle store (although the DRM is not wonderful), and I use the wireless capabilities.

08-14-2009, 02:35 PM	#5
terriluvsbooks Member Posts: 16 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: Currently Kindle Fire and I Pad. Previously, k2, k4 and Sony 600	I'm not really considering the 600 because its the same price as the Kindle2 and most of the books I read would cost $7.19 to Amazons $6.39. The 300 has several negatives--size and no card slot are the biggest. I have a Palm T/X right now that I have some e books on but I really need a bigger reader and font. Now if my Palm came paperback size I would buy another one in a heartbeat. I think I will be happy with either one I just need to decide. I hope that Sam's Club will have the 2 new Sony's available to view on the 25th then I will make my decision. In the meantime please feel free to give me more input.

08-14-2009, 02:57 PM	#6
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 73,987 Karma: 128903378 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	The problem with the Kindle is that you will be tied into Amazon for most of your content. Sony is switching to ePub and lowering prices at their eBookstore. And the fact that most readers will support ePub means that publishers will take notice and ePub will be one of their supported formats. And if you were to someday get a different reader (not Sony) you'd have a very good chance of your eBooks still being able to be read. Amazon's eBooks are stuck on a Kindle of some kind. So once you go Amazon, you have to stick with Amazon or lose what you bought.

Advert

Advert