Tech From an E-booker’s Viewpoint

Just about everyone has some sort of review of the newest Sony reader. Some of you for sure are getting tired of the same old thing being said, so hopefully my review will be different.  First, I would like to point out that who ever came up with the first version should be transferred to another department.  This time Sony finally got the design right for a person who simply wants to read.  I read Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkin’s Kingdom Come in one sitting. I was totally engrossed with the texture and feel of this e-book reader. Understand that I was recovering from my Lasik enhancement procedure and I couldn’t bear to look at a computer screen for more than a couple of minutes. I found no problem at all with the PRS-505; no eye strain, no having to make myself blink. The screen on the PRS-500 is so much clearer and brighter.  I almost felt like it had a light.  When I read on the older Sony reader I always had to have additional lighting in the room, not so anymore.  Another thing that impresses me is the ergonomics.  This has to be the lightest device I have every used.  The button placement is natural to how I hold a book.  I didn’t have to reach to turn pages.  What was funny is that I caught myself alternating page turns; sometimes with my left hand and sometimes with my right.  I am so glad that Sony moved those number buttons to the side.  On the original reader I was constantly touching the buttons and losing my place.  I found it more than frustrating. I haven’t experienced any ghosting, but to be fair I didn’t experience this with the original reader either.  I have notice that page turns are faster, comparable to turning pages in a paper book. 

I do have some gripes though.  I am real big on covers.  I guess it’s to make up for not being able to use a pretty bookmark.  I don’t like the cover for the 505.  It’s got a swivel attachment and when I fold it back it feels and looks like I am holding a binder.  No real biggie, I simply detached the reader from the cover.  This cover also feels cheaper and I wonder about the durability of the attachment.  I am also wondering how many times this cover can withstand being folded back before it splits.  I have had this happen many times with binders that I use. One good thing is that this cover omits that snap in disc that was begging to break my screen. I have ordered the pink premium cover and hopefully it is an improvement over the stock tan colored one.  That bothers me too.  The color they picked is a turn off.  It doesn’t match the silver color of my reader and makes it look cheap.  I see better covers in the dollar store for paper organizers.  Sony doesn’t include a AC adapter, but you can use your adapter from the original reader.  Also you can pick up an usb to AC adapter relatively cheap.

So should you buy one?  If you are happy with your PRS-500, there is no reason to upgrade.  If you’ve been waiting for a reader this may be the one for you.  The only thing Sony needs to do now is to get rid of their DRM reader and get one that recognizes Palm ereader and Mobipocket books.  Yeah, I know I am dreaming.