Sony Software Poll.....v2

desertgrandma · 01-04-2010, 09:51 PM

There have been many posts just lately concerning the difficulty or impossibility of installing the software that comes with Sony.

Granted, many posts have come from "newbies" and some times directions aren't read, or understood.

Even so.......there are enough posts to make me wonder. We have lots of Sony people on this board, I'm hoping you'll participate.

Tell us how you feel about the software included with your Sony.

Wait for the poll........

desertgrandma · 01-04-2010, 10:00 PM

This is a multiple choice poll, and in no way a criticism of Sony.

I would just like to know how the majority feel about its software.

6charlong · 01-04-2010, 11:15 PM

I suspect a lot of Mobileread denizens use Calibre. I use the Sony software because I don't mind it's quirks and because it's the only way to buy books from the Sony Store, and they have some titles (ones that I want) that no one else has.

dreams · 01-04-2010, 11:51 PM

I have a laptop with Vista Home OS.
I started a year ago with the Sony eLibrary then added ADE about 6 months ago. I found it easy to set up folders/collections on both Readers through the Library. I did not set up or use sync.

I back up and file all my books as soon as I download them.

I was afraid of doing the upgrade after reading so many problem posts. I actually read and saved threads with problems and solutions, just in case I needed them.

Surprise.. When I opened eLibrary and it asked if I wanted to upgrade, I said yes and it gave me 2 options on how to do it. I upgraded through the drop down menu option. No problems!

I had one quick specific question about checking a box for associating file extensions (which I didn't want, but wanted to check if I was understanding the questions correctly) and WDE quickly jumped right in and specifically answered me. < Thank you muchly WDE! >

One of these days, I'll venture on to Calibre. Right now the Sony Reader Library does what I need and I can get the Freebies.

AprilHare · 01-05-2010, 02:19 AM

We all use the Sony software at some point - but Calibre does well with my firmware upgraded PRS-500 and I find myself only using the Sony software to transfer DRM'd books.

Tattncat · 01-05-2010, 04:00 AM

I use the Sony software mostly for loading my books onto my reader and for those few books that can't be gotten elsewhere. I prefer books that are easily liberated or are without pesky DRM. I run all books through Calibre (with the exception of my Sony purchases).

Billjr13 · 01-05-2010, 04:21 AM

I use the Sony software and have since I bought my Sony 700 a year ago. I have never had an issue. I downloaded it when I bought my first ebook from the Sony site plugged in my USB cable and synced it up. Back in Oct it prompted me to dowload and update I did and had no issues either. I am currently running Vista Home Premium and keep it updated and have never had a crash in the 4 years I have had this computer. I am not a super tech by any stretch of the imagination but I can follow directions. I dont think I needed to read the instalation guide for the Sony but I think I might have used or looked at the Quick Start Guide before I downloaded anything.

HarryT · 01-05-2010, 04:46 AM

The software is basic, but it gets the job done. I've had absolutely no problems with it on any machine.

ShortNCuddlyAm · 01-05-2010, 06:09 AM

I voted I don't use the software.

Admittedly, I did use it once to register my Sony, but after that I've used Calibre. Initially this was at least partly because the Sony software wasn't available for the Mac (and what I saw of it when I registered I didn't like that much!). As I'm happy with Calibre I've not bothered looking at the new version of the Sony software.

omk3 · 01-05-2010, 06:12 AM

I had to answer that I use and don't use the software at the same time.

When I first got my prs-505, the sony software would not install on my vista. I was not at all bothered, as I could use it just as an external hard drive and just drag and drop books on my reader. I later discovered calibre for conversions, and then the magic of tags, so I used that.

When my prs-600 came along, the software was supported by vista, and installed perfectly (on its own). I wasn't sure if I wanted to install it at all, but I think it's the only way to check for new firmware and upgrade (correct me if I'm wrong), so I let it install and use it very rarely to check for updates and view some notes.

I don't know why people get so upset by the software. It's not like you need it to run your reader. So many gadgets come with their own software which I never bother with. Like my digital camera for example. Why do I need my camera's software, when it can just function as a hard drive, and I have my own digital imaging software, thank you very much?

Bilbo1967 · 01-05-2010, 06:15 AM

I don't use the Sony software at all; I prefer the look, feel and functionality of Calibre.

AprilHare · 01-05-2010, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

The software is basic, but it gets the job done. I've had absolutely no problems with it on any machine.

I have had problems with it on my Mac; initally installing it proved the installer was somewhat buggy; after persuading it to work, I found it does not work with my PRS-500. Even after the EPUB firmware upgrade, it doesn't work right.

This is something Sony should be able to fix quickly - but has not to date, and they have acknowledged the software does not work with the PRS-500 (still) on their website.

vivaldirules · 01-05-2010, 08:37 AM

My one major issue with the software is that they took away the ability to read BBeB format (LRF and LRX) ebooks. I can load the ones I have on my 505 but I can only read them there and not on my PC. That's annoying when I want to review a book I'm creating or one that someone else has made. It's also annoying because there are times when I'm sitting at my PC that I want to read. And, it's also annoying because I object to elimination of a good format. I'm relying on Calibre now for an LRF viewer (but not LRX, of course) and, frankly, although I love Calibre, the viewer is not terrific.

I've had zero problems with the software otherwise.

desertgrandma · 01-05-2010, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omk3

I
I don't know why people get so upset by the software. It's not like you need it to run your reader. So many gadgets come with their own software which I never bother with. Like my digital camera for example. Why do I need my camera's software, when it can just function as a hard drive, and I have my own digital imaging software, thank you very much?

Because we're "brainwashed" into thinking we need the software loaded with each new device in order for it to run well.

My logitech wireless mouse and digital camera, are great examples.

I finally wised up and realized all the software did was bloat my computer and try to sell me stuff. Not to mention the constant update windows.

GlenBarrington · 01-05-2010, 01:09 PM

I got my first dedicated reader device for Christmas
It takes FOREVER to load and run. And it does everything S l o w l y.

Prior to this, I read Mobipocket books on my Treo. Now, THAT ebook management software works and works well (and QUICKLY!). I am quite pleased with my Mobipocket book buying experience. So I know that this is not an impossible task.

Calibre is a lot closer to what I am used to, but of course there is no Bookstore attached to it, which I find VERY convenient. The Calibre people ought to look into some sort of cross marketing deal with some ebook vendors.

I'm not inclined to ebook piracy, so I will likely always pay for my reading material. But I am going to look for ways to buy my books from other vendors and then convert them to something I can use. Other than being pretty to look at, there isn't much to recommend the Sony Ebook management software.

View Poll Results: What do you think of the Sony Software?
I use the software and had no problems installing it.	61	59.80%
I use the software, but found it difficult to learn/install	11	10.78%
The directions for installing the software were clear .	19	18.63%
The directions for installing the software were not clear.	3	2.94%
I don't use the software. (please post why)	34	33.33%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 102. You may not vote on this poll

01-04-2010, 09:51 PM	#1
desertgrandma Enjoying the show.... Posts: 14,270 Karma: 10462843 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Arizona Device: A K1, Kindle Paperwhite, an Ipod, IPad2, Iphone, an Ipad Mini & macAir	Sony Software Poll.....v2 There have been many posts just lately concerning the difficulty or impossibility of installing the software that comes with Sony. Granted, many posts have come from "newbies" and some times directions aren't read, or understood. Even so.......there are enough posts to make me wonder. We have lots of Sony people on this board, I'm hoping you'll participate. Tell us how you feel about the software included with your Sony. Wait for the poll........

01-05-2010, 01:09 PM	#15
GlenBarrington Cheese Whiz Posts: 1,986 Karma: 11677147 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Springfield, Illinois Device: Kindle PW, Samsung Tab A 10.1(2019), Pixel 6a.	New User-PRS300 and I already hate the Software. . . I got my first dedicated reader device for Christmas It takes FOREVER to load and run. And it does everything S l o w l y. Prior to this, I read Mobipocket books on my Treo. Now, THAT ebook management software works and works well (and QUICKLY!). I am quite pleased with my Mobipocket book buying experience. So I know that this is not an impossible task. Calibre is a lot closer to what I am used to, but of course there is no Bookstore attached to it, which I find VERY convenient. The Calibre people ought to look into some sort of cross marketing deal with some ebook vendors. I'm not inclined to ebook piracy, so I will likely always pay for my reading material. But I am going to look for ways to buy my books from other vendors and then convert them to something I can use. Other than being pretty to look at, there isn't much to recommend the Sony Ebook management software.

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01-04-2010, 10:00 PM	#2
desertgrandma Enjoying the show.... Posts: 14,270 Karma: 10462843 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Arizona Device: A K1, Kindle Paperwhite, an Ipod, IPad2, Iphone, an Ipad Mini & macAir	This is a multiple choice poll, and in no way a criticism of Sony. I would just like to know how the majority feel about its software.

01-04-2010, 11:15 PM	#3
6charlong friendly lurker Posts: 896 Karma: 2436026 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: US Device: Kindle, nook, Apple and Kobo	I suspect a lot of Mobileread denizens use Calibre. I use the Sony software because I don't mind it's quirks and because it's the only way to buy books from the Sony Store, and they have some titles (ones that I want) that no one else has.

01-04-2010, 11:51 PM	#4
dreams It's about the umbrella Posts: 25,110 Karma: 56250158 Join Date: Jan 2009 Device: Sony 505\| K Fire \| KK 3G+Wi-Fi \| iPhone 3Gs \|Vista 32-bit Hm Prem w/FF	I have a laptop with Vista Home OS. I started a year ago with the Sony eLibrary then added ADE about 6 months ago. I found it easy to set up folders/collections on both Readers through the Library. I did not set up or use sync. I back up and file all my books as soon as I download them. I was afraid of doing the upgrade after reading so many problem posts. I actually read and saved threads with problems and solutions, just in case I needed them. Surprise.. When I opened eLibrary and it asked if I wanted to upgrade, I said yes and it gave me 2 options on how to do it. I upgraded through the drop down menu option. No problems! I had one quick specific question about checking a box for associating file extensions (which I didn't want, but wanted to check if I was understanding the questions correctly) and WDE quickly jumped right in and specifically answered me. < Thank you muchly WDE! > One of these days, I'll venture on to Calibre. Right now the Sony Reader Library does what I need and I can get the Freebies.

01-05-2010, 02:19 AM	#5
AprilHare Wizard Posts: 2,981 Karma: 11862367 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: Sony Reader PRS-T2	We all use the Sony software at some point - but Calibre does well with my firmware upgraded PRS-500 and I find myself only using the Sony software to transfer DRM'd books.

01-05-2010, 04:00 AM	#6
Tattncat Bookworm Posts: 673 Karma: 1029391 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Device: Nook Tablet, Samsung Galaxy Tab3, Sony PRS700, Sony PRS505	I use the Sony software mostly for loading my books onto my reader and for those few books that can't be gotten elsewhere. I prefer books that are easily liberated or are without pesky DRM. I run all books through Calibre (with the exception of my Sony purchases).

01-05-2010, 04:21 AM	#7
Billjr13 Addict Posts: 357 Karma: 550002 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Colorado Device: Sony PRS 700 & 650	I use the Sony software and have since I bought my Sony 700 a year ago. I have never had an issue. I downloaded it when I bought my first ebook from the Sony site plugged in my USB cable and synced it up. Back in Oct it prompted me to dowload and update I did and had no issues either. I am currently running Vista Home Premium and keep it updated and have never had a crash in the 4 years I have had this computer. I am not a super tech by any stretch of the imagination but I can follow directions. I dont think I needed to read the instalation guide for the Sony but I think I might have used or looked at the Quick Start Guide before I downloaded anything.

01-05-2010, 04:46 AM	#8
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	The software is basic, but it gets the job done. I've had absolutely no problems with it on any machine.

01-05-2010, 06:09 AM	#9
ShortNCuddlyAm WWHALD Posts: 7,879 Karma: 337114 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mitcham, Surrey, UK Device: iPad. Selling my silver 505 here	I voted I don't use the software. Admittedly, I did use it once to register my Sony, but after that I've used Calibre. Initially this was at least partly because the Sony software wasn't available for the Mac (and what I saw of it when I registered I didn't like that much!). As I'm happy with Calibre I've not bothered looking at the new version of the Sony software.

01-05-2010, 06:12 AM	#10
omk3 Wizard Posts: 1,454 Karma: 37243 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Europe Device: pocketbook 360, kindle 4	I had to answer that I use and don't use the software at the same time. When I first got my prs-505, the sony software would not install on my vista. I was not at all bothered, as I could use it just as an external hard drive and just drag and drop books on my reader. I later discovered calibre for conversions, and then the magic of tags, so I used that. When my prs-600 came along, the software was supported by vista, and installed perfectly (on its own). I wasn't sure if I wanted to install it at all, but I think it's the only way to check for new firmware and upgrade (correct me if I'm wrong), so I let it install and use it very rarely to check for updates and view some notes. I don't know why people get so upset by the software. It's not like you need it to run your reader. So many gadgets come with their own software which I never bother with. Like my digital camera for example. Why do I need my camera's software, when it can just function as a hard drive, and I have my own digital imaging software, thank you very much?

01-05-2010, 06:15 AM	#11
Bilbo1967 Not scared! Posts: 13,424 Karma: 81011643 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midlands, UK Device: Kindle Paperwhite 10, Huawei M5 10	I don't use the Sony software at all; I prefer the look, feel and functionality of Calibre.

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01-05-2010, 08:37 AM	#13
vivaldirules When's Doughnut Day? Posts: 10,059 Karma: 13675475 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Houston, TX, US Device: Sony PRS-505, iPad	My one major issue with the software is that they took away the ability to read BBeB format (LRF and LRX) ebooks. I can load the ones I have on my 505 but I can only read them there and not on my PC. That's annoying when I want to review a book I'm creating or one that someone else has made. It's also annoying because there are times when I'm sitting at my PC that I want to read. And, it's also annoying because I object to elimination of a good format. I'm relying on Calibre now for an LRF viewer (but not LRX, of course) and, frankly, although I love Calibre, the viewer is not terrific. I've had zero problems with the software otherwise.