Help me decide...

beansell · 03-31-2009, 10:22 AM

Hello all,

I am in the market for an ebook reader and during my research I stumbled across this forum which has been a huge help. I was hoping I could get some ffedback to help me make my final decision on which reader to buy as I am really having a hard time deciding. I basically am looking for a machine to read books on (PDFs, note taking, and other items not as important). Portability and durability are also criteria that weigh heavily on my decision. I have narrowed my choices down to the Sony 505 and the kindle2 and I have pros and cons for both of them:

Sony 505
+ I am a fan of sony products
+ I prefer the style over the Kindle
+ Price is almost $100.00 less
- Sony's bookstore seems to have less selection
- Need to sync to a computer

Kindle2
+ Like the ability to buy on the go
+ Seems like the market leader
+ Better book selection
- I am not a fan of the keyboard
- Have read a lot of stories of build quality problems
- Price

Can anyone give me some opinions of what may be the best choice based on my above message? Thanks.

lilac_jive · 03-31-2009, 10:47 AM

I have to say that I prefer not being able to buy books on the go, and I like syncing to a computer. I don't like having a ton of books on my 505 (it confuses me). I also don't have much of a problem with selection - I read romance and new releases. Most of the time if it's not available on Sony (for me) it's not available on the Kindle.

Hope this helps.

AbFabGab · 03-31-2009, 11:05 AM

Here is my take:

I was considering the Kindle (only K1 at the time) and the 505..
I ended up choosing the 505 because:
- $100 cheaper
- could get library books easily onto it
- I really liked the RED 505 .. lol
- I had more control over getting content on it
(in terms of formats it reads and can be converted and all the free reads that I could get on it.. a lot of them in pdf and 505 supports pdf reflow)
- Calibre software for converting (big kudos to Kovid for this!)
- it was smaller than Kindle
(I like to read in bed at night and it looked more comfy to hold.. esp. with one hand)

I do envy Kindle's 6 font sizes but haven't had any issues yet
with that on my 505. Also, there are hacks (is that the term?)
to add fonts or change fonts of the books so I could try that.

HTH

GraceKrispy · 03-31-2009, 06:00 PM

I have a 505. After reading quite a few comments and comparisons of the kindle vs the 505, I'm very glad to have the 505.

It seems to me, just from posts on this forum, that the 505 tends to be sturdier and more durable.

Since I read library books almost exclusively (although since I can get a lot of free books at places like this forum and feedbooks and such, that works too!), I love the ease of downloading library books onto my reader and returning them early and getting more.

Since I really just want to read, read, and read

I am glad I have something that doesn't have any extra bells and whistles, and just allows me to read read read! I find I really don't need to "buy on the go." It's just as easy for me to upload books (and charge it on the computer at the same time!) once every few days or so and then I have as many in there as I want. RIght now I have about 86 on my reader, about 76 of which I have not yet read. I doubt I'll need to upload any on the go.

From what you post, I think a 505 is perfect for you, but I could be a bit biased....

kelly1010 · 04-01-2009, 06:40 PM

I also chose the 505 over the Kindle. I went back and forth with my decision but decided that the Kindle really didn't have any extra features that was worth paying the extra $100 for. I also use library e-books and it seems really complicated to load them on the Kindle, where the sony, you just download adobe digital editions, and you're good to go.

I read Romance, and contemporary fiction, so between the Sony website and a couple other websites, I've found most of the books I'd want.

Kelly

InlawBiker · 04-01-2009, 07:12 PM

"I too" faced this choice. I too wanted the PRS-505 but ended up with a Kinda 1 (used). Why? Because I'm a cheapskate and couldn't find a used 505. On Craigslist they're about the same price, around $200.

Anyway for library books I believe the Sony is the better choice because of the native PDF support. Kindle will support unprotected PDF if you convert them. Neither is good for taking notes. I think a small laptop still wins in this category.

Greg.

ShortNCuddlyAm · 04-01-2009, 07:15 PM

There are other places to get books from other than the Sony wesbite, so don't let that put you off!

kelly1010 · 04-01-2009, 09:32 PM

Hey Am.....out of curiosity, where do you buy your books from?? I've only had my 505 a week and I'm still scouting around the different websites. So far I have Sony, fictionwise (I'm told Secure Adobe Reader format will work), HarperCollins, E-Harlequin, and the websites with free books. OH, and BooksonBoard.

I'd love to know more websites. Whether they're free books or paid books.

Thanks!

grooks · 04-01-2009, 11:16 PM

Check out your local library.

Adam

kelly1010 · 04-02-2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grooks

Check out your local library.

Adam

I did and they have an pretty big collection...I even drove 2 1/2 hours to get a library card from another local that has an even bigger collection.

Jill75 · 04-02-2009, 01:09 AM

Like other and you, I was choosing between a Kindle and a Sony. But then reading all through the threads, I find the sony:

- less in price
- have wider book format
- better format than Kindle
-not limited to books in Amazon

So the variety of books I can read is what I considered to be the major factor as i dont want to be limited.

ShortNCuddlyAm · 04-02-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelly1010

Hey Am.....out of curiosity, where do you buy your books from?? I've only had my 505 a week and I'm still scouting around the different websites. So far I have Sony, fictionwise (I'm told Secure Adobe Reader format will work), HarperCollins, E-Harlequin, and the websites with free books. OH, and BooksonBoard.

I'd love to know more websites. Whether they're free books or paid books.

Thanks!

Hi Kelly,

I seem to have settled on booksonboard and fictionwise! I will probably be buying some books from Waterstones (not sure if they sell outside the UK) - normally their prices and range are abysmal, but they seem to be the only place currently with all of Iain (M) Banks' books.

I've looked at diesel and ebooks.com but never bought from them.

I've also bought some direct from the author (Richard Herley, in this case)

As for free books, I mostly get mine here.

wallcraft · 04-02-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShortNCuddlyAm

I will probably be buying some books from Waterstones (not sure if they sell outside the UK) - normally their prices and range are abysmal, but they seem to be the only place currently with all of Iain (M) Banks' books.

I typically buy from WHSmith, and they definitely sell outside the UK (VAT free for US buyers). However, WHSmith only has 16 Iain Banks titles, vs 19 at Waterstones. Two of the missing titles are recently released, and one (The Steep Approach to Garbadale) is at WHSmith but only in PDF and not catalogued by author. So perhaps Waterstones is better for ePub (although I also get MOBIs from WHSmith).

kelly1010 · 04-03-2009, 01:20 AM

[QUOTE=ShortNCuddlyAm;416447]Hi Kelly,

I seem to have settled on booksonboard and fictionwise!

Hi Am,

So in Fictionwise, do you just stick with multi-format or do you have luck with the Secure Adobe format?

beansell · 04-03-2009, 08:57 AM

Thank you for all the feedback. I think I have made my decision to go with the Sony product. I can't wait to get started reading...

03-31-2009, 10:22 AM	#1
beansell Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: none	Help me decide... Hello all, I am in the market for an ebook reader and during my research I stumbled across this forum which has been a huge help. I was hoping I could get some ffedback to help me make my final decision on which reader to buy as I am really having a hard time deciding. I basically am looking for a machine to read books on (PDFs, note taking, and other items not as important). Portability and durability are also criteria that weigh heavily on my decision. I have narrowed my choices down to the Sony 505 and the kindle2 and I have pros and cons for both of them: Sony 505 + I am a fan of sony products + I prefer the style over the Kindle + Price is almost $100.00 less - Sony's bookstore seems to have less selection - Need to sync to a computer Kindle2 + Like the ability to buy on the go + Seems like the market leader + Better book selection - I am not a fan of the keyboard - Have read a lot of stories of build quality problems - Price Can anyone give me some opinions of what may be the best choice based on my above message? Thanks.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
I still can't decide!	simplyparticular	Which one should I buy?	8	07-13-2010 04:52 PM
cant decide	martinmach	Which one should I buy?	3	12-22-2009 05:55 PM
How to decide	KimE1023	Amazon Kindle	29	03-02-2009 06:05 PM
Cannot decide, please help...	kressg23	Which one should I buy?	28	01-14-2009 01:34 PM
Please help me decide!	CanadianContent	Which one should I buy?	9	10-11-2008 09:44 AM

03-31-2009, 10:47 AM	#2
lilac_jive Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,870 Karma: 27376 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Device: PRS-505	I have to say that I prefer not being able to buy books on the go, and I like syncing to a computer. I don't like having a ton of books on my 505 (it confuses me). I also don't have much of a problem with selection - I read romance and new releases. Most of the time if it's not available on Sony (for me) it's not available on the Kindle. Hope this helps.

03-31-2009, 11:05 AM	#3
AbFabGab Gadget-Luster Posts: 330 Karma: 2157280 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NY - USA Device: Kindle Paperwhite, Samsung Galaxy Tab S2	Here is my take: I was considering the Kindle (only K1 at the time) and the 505.. I ended up choosing the 505 because: - $100 cheaper - could get library books easily onto it - I really liked the RED 505 .. lol - I had more control over getting content on it (in terms of formats it reads and can be converted and all the free reads that I could get on it.. a lot of them in pdf and 505 supports pdf reflow) - Calibre software for converting (big kudos to Kovid for this!) - it was smaller than Kindle (I like to read in bed at night and it looked more comfy to hold.. esp. with one hand) I do envy Kindle's 6 font sizes but haven't had any issues yet with that on my 505. Also, there are hacks (is that the term?) to add fonts or change fonts of the books so I could try that. HTH

03-31-2009, 06:00 PM	#4
GraceKrispy It's Dr. Penguin now! Posts: 3,909 Karma: 4705733 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: (USA) Device: iPad mini, Samsung Note 3, Sony PRS-650 (rarely used now)	I have a 505. After reading quite a few comments and comparisons of the kindle vs the 505, I'm very glad to have the 505. It seems to me, just from posts on this forum, that the 505 tends to be sturdier and more durable. Since I read library books almost exclusively (although since I can get a lot of free books at places like this forum and feedbooks and such, that works too!), I love the ease of downloading library books onto my reader and returning them early and getting more. Since I really just want to read, read, and read I am glad I have something that doesn't have any extra bells and whistles, and just allows me to read read read! I find I really don't need to "buy on the go." It's just as easy for me to upload books (and charge it on the computer at the same time!) once every few days or so and then I have as many in there as I want. RIght now I have about 86 on my reader, about 76 of which I have not yet read. I doubt I'll need to upload any on the go. From what you post, I think a 505 is perfect for you, but I could be a bit biased....

04-01-2009, 06:40 PM	#5
kelly1010 Book Addict! Posts: 533 Karma: 1070 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: CA Device: Sony PRS-505, iPod Touch, Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi	I also chose the 505 over the Kindle. I went back and forth with my decision but decided that the Kindle really didn't have any extra features that was worth paying the extra $100 for. I also use library e-books and it seems really complicated to load them on the Kindle, where the sony, you just download adobe digital editions, and you're good to go. I read Romance, and contemporary fiction, so between the Sony website and a couple other websites, I've found most of the books I'd want. Kelly

04-01-2009, 07:12 PM	#6
InlawBiker Connoisseur Posts: 94 Karma: 544 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle WA Device: Kindle 1.0	"I too" faced this choice. I too wanted the PRS-505 but ended up with a Kinda 1 (used). Why? Because I'm a cheapskate and couldn't find a used 505. On Craigslist they're about the same price, around $200. Anyway for library books I believe the Sony is the better choice because of the native PDF support. Kindle will support unprotected PDF if you convert them. Neither is good for taking notes. I think a small laptop still wins in this category. Greg.

04-01-2009, 07:15 PM	#7
ShortNCuddlyAm WWHALD Posts: 7,879 Karma: 337114 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mitcham, Surrey, UK Device: iPad. Selling my silver 505 here	There are other places to get books from other than the Sony wesbite, so don't let that put you off!

04-01-2009, 09:32 PM	#8
kelly1010 Book Addict! Posts: 533 Karma: 1070 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: CA Device: Sony PRS-505, iPod Touch, Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi	Hey Am.....out of curiosity, where do you buy your books from?? I've only had my 505 a week and I'm still scouting around the different websites. So far I have Sony, fictionwise (I'm told Secure Adobe Reader format will work), HarperCollins, E-Harlequin, and the websites with free books. OH, and BooksonBoard. I'd love to know more websites. Whether they're free books or paid books. Thanks!

04-01-2009, 11:16 PM	#9
grooks Wizard Posts: 1,326 Karma: 30250 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Fort Myers, FL Device: Pocketbook Era, Kobo Forma	Check out your local library. Adam

04-02-2009, 01:09 AM	#11
Jill75 Zealot Posts: 135 Karma: 150 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: none	Like other and you, I was choosing between a Kindle and a Sony. But then reading all through the threads, I find the sony: - less in price - have wider book format - better format than Kindle -not limited to books in Amazon So the variety of books I can read is what I considered to be the major factor as i dont want to be limited.

04-03-2009, 01:20 AM	#14
kelly1010 Book Addict! Posts: 533 Karma: 1070 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: CA Device: Sony PRS-505, iPod Touch, Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi	[QUOTE=ShortNCuddlyAm;416447]Hi Kelly, I seem to have settled on booksonboard and fictionwise! Hi Am, So in Fictionwise, do you just stick with multi-format or do you have luck with the Secure Adobe format?

Advert

Advert

04-03-2009, 08:57 AM	#15
beansell Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: none	Thank you for all the feedback. I think I have made my decision to go with the Sony product. I can't wait to get started reading...