Buying Sony 505 from overseas

Bren423 · 02-28-2009, 11:08 PM

After dropping my Sony PRS 505 two times in the past two months, the display finally went north. I can only read the upper part. I'm torn between going through all the hassle of talking to Sony USA and shipping it or just buy another 505 since it is over the warranty period anyway. I was thinking of just getting an itouch ipod and use it as a reader as I've tried using the Stanza on my Mac desktop but I still love my Sony. Plus I have all these accessories. I bought mine here in Hong Kong from a store that sells parallel import more than a year ago. They promised to send it to Sony if there is a problem. However, that shop is now closed. So I have to order it from overseas. I've heard of B&H. How reliable is it? Do they declare the whole thing on the custom invoice when they send it? Has anybody tried buying it at Amazon? They seem to be selling it but I'm not sure if they will ship electronics internationally. Any suggestions?

Any help will be much appreciated.

dordale · 03-01-2009, 01:17 AM

Bren423--Sorry to hear about the demise of your 505.

I have an iPod Touch and a 505. I do read on my iPod Touch on occasion--using Stanza and the eReader program for the Touch. I can tell you that the experience is no where near as pleasurable as reading on my 505. I highly recommend getting an e-ink device for reading.

I know several people have had good experiences with B&H, but I personally haven't bought anything from them. I don't have any idea about the customs charges--hopefully someone else can answer that for you.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

dordale

HarryT · 03-01-2009, 03:42 AM

B&H are extremely reliable - many people buy from them. I certainly hope that they declare the value of the goods correctly - it is a crime to knowingly make an incorrect customs declaration.

Valloric · 03-01-2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

B&H are extremely reliable - many people buy from them. I certainly hope that they declare the value of the goods correctly - it is a crime to knowingly make an incorrect customs declaration.

They flat-out refuse to list anything but the actual price on the box. I know, I asked them if they could fudge it a bit

, but alas, they're honest folk. Which is good.

HarryT · 03-01-2009, 08:39 AM

That's very good to hear.

MickeyC · 03-01-2009, 08:49 AM

I agree with dordale. I read occasionally on my iPhone but it is nowhere as comfortable or pleasant as my 505. I do like to have the same book on both devices as I always have my iPhone with me so, if I get stuck in line or whatever, at least I can keep reading.

Bren423 · 03-01-2009, 08:42 PM

Thanks. Seems like ordering from B&H is fine. I will go ahead and order the Sony PRS 505 from them ASAP. I was kind of worried about import tax, having no experience when it comes to buying electronics abroad. However, a research about tax duties for Hong Kong showed that it is a free port and hence has no import tax. Dutiable commodities subject to excise duties are limited to four commodities namely liquor, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl alcohol only. I don’t even need to file an import declaration since the amount is less than $4000 so it falls under the exempted items. That’s another hassle I don’t need to go through. Now, I just have to choose which color to get this time, silver or dark blue. I intend to have my silver unit repaired if I know of a friend going to the States so I will have a backup. Or maybe get the iPod Touch. I’m feeling quite lost without my reader right now.

02-28-2009, 11:08 PM	#1
Bren423 Member Posts: 16 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2007 Device: Sony PRS 505 & iPod Touch	Buying Sony 505 from overseas After dropping my Sony PRS 505 two times in the past two months, the display finally went north. I can only read the upper part. I'm torn between going through all the hassle of talking to Sony USA and shipping it or just buy another 505 since it is over the warranty period anyway. I was thinking of just getting an itouch ipod and use it as a reader as I've tried using the Stanza on my Mac desktop but I still love my Sony. Plus I have all these accessories. I bought mine here in Hong Kong from a store that sells parallel import more than a year ago. They promised to send it to Sony if there is a problem. However, that shop is now closed. So I have to order it from overseas. I've heard of B&H. How reliable is it? Do they declare the whole thing on the custom invoice when they send it? Has anybody tried buying it at Amazon? They seem to be selling it but I'm not sure if they will ship electronics internationally. Any suggestions? Any help will be much appreciated.

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03-01-2009, 01:17 AM	#2
dordale Wizard Posts: 1,731 Karma: 3472866 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: Sony PRS-650 & 350; Kindle Voyage; Kobo Aura HD, Aura One, and Forma	Bren423--Sorry to hear about the demise of your 505. I have an iPod Touch and a 505. I do read on my iPod Touch on occasion--using Stanza and the eReader program for the Touch. I can tell you that the experience is no where near as pleasurable as reading on my 505. I highly recommend getting an e-ink device for reading. I know several people have had good experiences with B&H, but I personally haven't bought anything from them. I don't have any idea about the customs charges--hopefully someone else can answer that for you. Good luck with whatever you choose. dordale

03-01-2009, 03:42 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	B&H are extremely reliable - many people buy from them. I certainly hope that they declare the value of the goods correctly - it is a crime to knowingly make an incorrect customs declaration.

03-01-2009, 08:39 AM	#5
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	That's very good to hear.

03-01-2009, 08:49 AM	#6
MickeyC Grand Sorcerer Posts: 16,732 Karma: 12185114 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Florida Device: iPhone 6 plus, Sony T1, iPad 3	I agree with dordale. I read occasionally on my iPhone but it is nowhere as comfortable or pleasant as my 505. I do like to have the same book on both devices as I always have my iPhone with me so, if I get stuck in line or whatever, at least I can keep reading.

03-01-2009, 08:42 PM	#7
Bren423 Member Posts: 16 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2007 Device: Sony PRS 505 & iPod Touch	Thanks. Seems like ordering from B&H is fine. I will go ahead and order the Sony PRS 505 from them ASAP. I was kind of worried about import tax, having no experience when it comes to buying electronics abroad. However, a research about tax duties for Hong Kong showed that it is a free port and hence has no import tax. Dutiable commodities subject to excise duties are limited to four commodities namely liquor, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl alcohol only. I don’t even need to file an import declaration since the amount is less than $4000 so it falls under the exempted items. That’s another hassle I don’t need to go through. Now, I just have to choose which color to get this time, silver or dark blue. I intend to have my silver unit repaired if I know of a friend going to the States so I will have a backup. Or maybe get the iPod Touch. I’m feeling quite lost without my reader right now.

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