Hello from West Texas

bamboozled · 08-08-2009, 02:37 PM

Hello,

I am relatively new to the eReader scene. I was introduced to them on a palm device years ago, but at the time was not really interested in reading on a 160 x 160 screen that needed to be recharged every 2-3 hours. All that button mashing, etc. So I stuck to reading books or some pdfs etc on a PC.

Enter 2009: First heard about Kindle while browsing on Amazon. Looks nice, but the price is prohibitive. Not really interested in the high speed downloads from an airport or a 3G connection. But it did pique my interest with the screen size and portability. But I wanted something I could upload to (USB, IR, or Firewire), carry easily, had good screen resolution and a decent battery life (although this last one would be okay if I could plug in - either USB or wall)

Did a little research and the target item appears to be a Sony PRS-505. Haven't purchased one yet as I am saving up for one (unless I can catch a sweet deal on a used one somewhere). The eink static screen looks tons better than the palm screen I had used years ago and gave up on for the above mentioned reasons (plus quite a bit of eyestrain as well). Given that I am mostly interested in uploading my own files, the 505 appears to be the perfect fit for my needs (especially with the Calibra software).

BTW... Does anyone have other opinions to offer concerning another model that would fit with my needs (that is at reasonable price for a working father of 3 small children)? Is there something about this model that I should know about from those that have experience with this model?

I'll be looking around and asking questions. Hopefully I may contribute at some point.

Bamboozled

Elsi · 08-08-2009, 03:46 PM

Hello Bamboozled. Welcome to MobileRead. I also live in Texas, though I'm much further east than you. I live due north of the DFW airport, practically in Oklahoma!

As the owner of both a Kindle (1st generation) and a Sony PRS-505, I can report that both of them meet the criteria you listed:

something I could upload to (USB, IR, or Firewire)
carry easily
had good screen resolution
and a decent battery life

Both the Sony & Kindle use a 6-inch e-Ink screen, so they have good resolution and a decent battery life. My experience is on the order of 7-14 days, depending on how much reading I'm doing. Both connect to my PC over a USB cable -- and I use the same cable for both devices. Both charge off the wall power, though the Sony *will* change from the USB port if that's all you have. The Kindle2 changes off wall power through its USB port while the Kindle1 and Sony have separate ports for connecting to the wall power.

I've been looking at other brands of readers -- and I'm particularly interested in the new 5-inch devices that are coming out this summer. With a smaller screen, but the same number of pixels, they should have an even sharper display. The Wiki at MobileRead (see it at https://wiki.mobileread.com/ ) has lots of information on all the available manufacturers, retailers, and models of dedicated book readers. You might find it useful to take a look at the comparison matrix at https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/E-book_Reader_Matrix

As I said, welcome to MobileRead. We're glad you've joined us and I hope you'll find a reader that pleases you.

MickeyC · 08-08-2009, 03:59 PM

Hi bamboozled and welcome to MobileRead. Are you aware that Sony is about to launch two new eBook readers? Details here https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52760

ShortNCuddlyAm · 08-08-2009, 06:37 PM

Welcome!

kazbates · 08-09-2009, 01:53 PM

Welcome to MobileRead, Bamboozled!

As cassidym said, Sony is coming out with 2 new readers. The 300 is kind of an entry level reader and the preorders are running at $199. There is also the EBW1150 that is a great entry level reader and can be purchased for slightly over $100 from Fictionwise.com. It's a good reader but not an e-ink device. I've had one for years and love it. It's fairly durable, although it is a bit bulkier than the Sony devices. Good luck with your decision. By the way, once you've decided on a reading device, be sure to check out all the free ebooks you can download here at MR.

Happy Reading!

rlparker · 08-09-2009, 04:04 PM

Hi bamboozled, welcome to MR!

Lady Blue · 08-10-2009, 10:04 AM

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bamboozled, and welcome to MR.

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08-08-2009, 02:37 PM	#1
bamboozled Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lubbock, TX Device: Sony PRS-300, Compaq PPC	Hello from West Texas Hello, I am relatively new to the eReader scene. I was introduced to them on a palm device years ago, but at the time was not really interested in reading on a 160 x 160 screen that needed to be recharged every 2-3 hours. All that button mashing, etc. So I stuck to reading books or some pdfs etc on a PC. Enter 2009: First heard about Kindle while browsing on Amazon. Looks nice, but the price is prohibitive. Not really interested in the high speed downloads from an airport or a 3G connection. But it did pique my interest with the screen size and portability. But I wanted something I could upload to (USB, IR, or Firewire), carry easily, had good screen resolution and a decent battery life (although this last one would be okay if I could plug in - either USB or wall) Did a little research and the target item appears to be a Sony PRS-505. Haven't purchased one yet as I am saving up for one (unless I can catch a sweet deal on a used one somewhere). The eink static screen looks tons better than the palm screen I had used years ago and gave up on for the above mentioned reasons (plus quite a bit of eyestrain as well). Given that I am mostly interested in uploading my own files, the 505 appears to be the perfect fit for my needs (especially with the Calibra software). BTW... Does anyone have other opinions to offer concerning another model that would fit with my needs (that is at reasonable price for a working father of 3 small children)? Is there something about this model that I should know about from those that have experience with this model? I'll be looking around and asking questions. Hopefully I may contribute at some point. Bamboozled

08-08-2009, 03:46 PM	#2
Elsi Wizard Posts: 2,366 Karma: 12000 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas, USA Device: Kindle; Sony PRS 505; Blackberry 8700C	Hello Bamboozled. Welcome to MobileRead. I also live in Texas, though I'm much further east than you. I live due north of the DFW airport, practically in Oklahoma! As the owner of both a Kindle (1st generation) and a Sony PRS-505, I can report that both of them meet the criteria you listed: something I could upload to (USB, IR, or Firewire) carry easily had good screen resolution and a decent battery life Both the Sony & Kindle use a 6-inch e-Ink screen, so they have good resolution and a decent battery life. My experience is on the order of 7-14 days, depending on how much reading I'm doing. Both connect to my PC over a USB cable -- and I use the same cable for both devices. Both charge off the wall power, though the Sony will change from the USB port if that's all you have. The Kindle2 changes off wall power through its USB port while the Kindle1 and Sony have separate ports for connecting to the wall power. I've been looking at other brands of readers -- and I'm particularly interested in the new 5-inch devices that are coming out this summer. With a smaller screen, but the same number of pixels, they should have an even sharper display. The Wiki at MobileRead (see it at https://wiki.mobileread.com/ ) has lots of information on all the available manufacturers, retailers, and models of dedicated book readers. You might find it useful to take a look at the comparison matrix at https://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/E-book_Reader_Matrix As I said, welcome to MobileRead. We're glad you've joined us and I hope you'll find a reader that pleases you.

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08-08-2009, 03:59 PM	#3
MickeyC Grand Sorcerer Posts: 16,732 Karma: 12185114 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Florida Device: iPhone 6 plus, Sony T1, iPad 3	Hi bamboozled and welcome to MobileRead. Are you aware that Sony is about to launch two new eBook readers? Details here https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52760

08-08-2009, 06:37 PM	#4
ShortNCuddlyAm WWHALD Posts: 7,879 Karma: 337114 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mitcham, Surrey, UK Device: iPad. Selling my silver 505 here	Welcome!

08-09-2009, 01:53 PM	#5
kazbates Wizard Posts: 2,627 Karma: 406616 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Device: SurfacePro, SurfaceBook 2	Welcome to MobileRead, Bamboozled! As cassidym said, Sony is coming out with 2 new readers. The 300 is kind of an entry level reader and the preorders are running at $199. There is also the EBW1150 that is a great entry level reader and can be purchased for slightly over $100 from Fictionwise.com. It's a good reader but not an e-ink device. I've had one for years and love it. It's fairly durable, although it is a bit bulkier than the Sony devices. Good luck with your decision. By the way, once you've decided on a reading device, be sure to check out all the free ebooks you can download here at MR. Happy Reading!

08-09-2009, 04:04 PM	#6
rlparker Ars longa Posts: 1,179 Karma: 17404 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: north carolina, usa Device: Kindle K1, K3 wifi	Hi bamboozled, welcome to MR!

08-10-2009, 10:04 AM	#7
Lady Blue the snarky blue one Posts: 6,001 Karma: 3877825 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: deep in the heart Device: PRS500, 505 & 600, PRST1 & T2, Kindle PW, Moto Razr, Galaxy Tab 2-10"	bamboozled, and welcome to MR.

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