sony e-reader

5limJim

Nilrem wrote: »

IIRC as long as the connected machine can see the device (and it's seen as a mass storage device i think) it should charge.

Basically it needs a working data connection, so not a problem for windows XP, or windows Vista 32 bit with any firmware version on the reader, but potentially a problem for Windows 9x or Windows Vista 64, and possibly some Mac OS versions with early firmware versions.

I've charged mine on both my main machine (Vista 64, and calibre software on the machine), and on my older XP PC with no special software (sony or otherwise) - and the reader is still running the same firmware it had when I bought it (IIRC all the EU models use a later firmware than originally shipped with the early US versions).

makes you wonder why Amazon havent launched the kindle here in the UK, looks an awesome piece of kit

Encantador

5limJim wrote: »

makes you wonder why Amazon havent launched the kindle here in the UK, looks an awesome piece of kit

Thought I read it was something to do with not being able to agree a deal with one mobile phone network to cover the whole of Europe.

As I understand it the Kindle has a sim card in it and you download a book directly to it for a one off fee, hence the need for a deal with a mobile phone network.

May be wrong though.

seth

5limJim wrote: »

makes you wonder why Amazon havent launched the kindle here in the UK, looks an awesome piece of kit

The Kindle is a very different proposition from the Sony. Yes they are both eInk based eBooks but the differences are clear.

Sony: All content loaded via USB there are 4 routes. 1) Using Sony's software 2) Using Calibre (excellent open source software Win/Mac/Linux) 3) Just copy files (Mp3, PDF, EPUB, etc directly to the Sony Unit 4) Copy to a memory stick or SD card and then install that into the Sony Unit.

Kindle content loaded via the built in wireless modem. No monthly charge. If you want to load your own documents, these are emailed to your Kindle account the document is concerted to Kindle format and then sent wirelessly to you Kindle. Purchases and subscription from the Kindle Store automatically appear on you r Kindle.


Sony uses Adobe application software, Kindle uses FoxIt software.

Sony's device is intended for long term use off the grid - Utlra low power. The Kindle is can be used off the grid, but is also an always connected device.

The devices are targeting very different markets, and there are other ebook devices, though these 2 seem to have the most market share.

Interestingly both devices are Linux based.

IvanOpinion

I got a sony ereader a couple of weeks ago and have been very impressed with it (I actually prefer it to books already). Have added a 4Gb memory card and got a load of books of eBay at reasonable prices.

To date I have only purchased a DVD that is a compilation of many of the items on project Gutenberg. I have also bought some book collections that I already have in paper format (many I have not got round to reading yet) ... I am still unsure about licensing etc. (and I have never ripped anything off in my life).

Personally I wish there was somewhere that you could return your paperback for recycling and be offered the ebook version for a few quid ... it would certainly clear out my roofspace.

Ivan

Aidy

WH Smith are adverting the pre-order of a new e-reader from Sony. Don't know much about these, but the pre-order price starts at £159.99 (there are two different models available)

http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndSearch/SearchWithinCategory.aspx?gq=Sony+Reader&cat=%5cBooks&fr_Price=50%2c&sf=PublicationDate&sro=true

woodgate21

John Lewis has a nice red one on offer for £149

The product code is 00139935

sawan82

IvanOpinion wrote: »

Personally I wish there was somewhere that you could return your paperback for recycling and be offered the ebook version for a few quid ... it would certainly clear out my roofspace.

Definitely agree with that Ivan. My sister gave me a Reader last week for my birthday, still making my way through the books that came on the CD with it. Lo and behold get an email from Waterstones yesterday about the new versions. The Pocket is a smaller screen so not interested in that. But am I right in that the Touch only has the added benefit of being touchscreen and increased internal memory? How annoying. Still love it though, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves reading

Nilrem

Aye, as i understand it the Touch is basically the touchscreen version of the 505 with slightly increased internal memory.

I'm slightly tempted, but as I've already got the 505 i'm going to hold off for at least 6-12 months (although my 505 has already paid for itself, i'm not one to get something just because it's the latest model when my current one still works fine).

sawan82

Nilrem wrote: »

Aye, as i understand it the Touch is basically the touchscreen version of the 505 with slightly increased internal memory.

I'm slightly tempted, but as I've already got the 505 i'm going to hold off for at least 6-12 months (although my 505 has already paid for itself, i'm not one to get something just because it's the latest model when my current one still works fine).

That's exactly why we're on the money saving forum But it is true, and it's not worth atm paying an extra £100 for. Plus, although my sister offered to return this one, she didn't offer to pay the difference

seth

There are details of the new models here:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/30/new-sony-reader-prs-300-and-prs-600-details-leaked/

http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/full-specs-leak-on-sony-reader-prs-300-and-prs-600/

The 300 seems to lack any memory card slots and no audio so the 505 seems much better. The 300 is an entry level device. http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2009/08/sony_prs-300_reader_pocket_edition.html

The 600 seems to be a cheaper version of the 700 with no lighting. The 600 shares the same glare on the screen caused by the touch sensitive layer according to reviewers.

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/rd-reader-ebook/prs-600
http://www.sony.co.uk/product/rd-reader-ebook/prs-300

Worth noting that the internal memory on all models is not important if you buy a model with an SD card slot.

SD memory is very cheap 8Gb around £8! Avoid the more expensive Memory stick format for flash memory. Ebuyer, 7day shop, myMemory, etc are all reputable sources of genuine memory. Avoid the fake memory memory sold on ebay and some international resellers.