sony e-reader

DocProc

I can't seem to get it into my head that these e-readers are really all that good an idea.

For a few £s more you can buy a Netbook, which has tons more features and a bigger screen too. It can also store lots more books and to obtain more you most probably need to go online and either buy some or do a download.

But you can't go online with an e-book reader.

However, you can go online with a Netbook.

Anyhow, that's just my opinion. What do others think?

Here are Reviews for absolutely loads of them:-

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?prodcatid=167

Enterprise_1701C

The e-readers are far better for reading as a book, it looks like a page of a book. If you are after something that reads like a book, then this is it. You do not need to go online if all you want to do is read - you can download them on the main computer and download them from there onto the reader. You can insert a book mark and start reading where you left off too - can you do that on a netbook? Battery life is also far better as it only uses the battery when you turn the page, as opposed to the netbook that would have to use power just to run the display.

It really is a case of preference, but given a choice I would go for the e-reader every time - currently desperately trying to win one.

krisskross

I have a netbook and a book reader.

The bookreader will fit in my pocket or handbag, weighs hardly anything. Needs recharging every couple of weeks.

The netbook although nifty is not exactly portable for reading on the bus, has about an 8 hour battery life.

Encantador

Also, try using a netbook in bright sunshine like on holiday (abroad obviously). I also have both and prefer the ereader for reading.

Torkijo

DocProc wrote: »

I can't seem to get it into my head that these e-readers are really all that good an idea.

For a few £s more you can buy a Netbook, which has tons more features and a bigger screen too. It can also store lots more books and to obtain more you most probably need to go online and either buy some or do a download.

But you can't go online with an e-book reader.

However, you can go online with a Netbook.

Anyhow, that's just my opinion. What do others think?

Here are Reviews for absolutely loads of them:-

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?prodcatid=167

I have both, and use them for very different things, as well as the battery differences reading Liquid Ink screens is a lot less stressful on the eyes and the reader makes you feel like relaxing with a book as opposed to my netbook that makes me feel i have a smaller version of my work laptop with me.

I bought the netbook first with the aim of using it as a reader but found many flaws with using it for that purpose - some of these were:
battery life
Comfort
Urge to 'just check my e-mail (as opposed to getting away from it all with a book)

The Netbook is used for a lot of things and is very useful, but its not comfy to sit on a sofa and just read for a few hours - especially if its a pdf.

Both have their place, but for reading books choose either a real book or a dedicated reader.

Torkijo

on another note, anyone have any comments on additional covers for the 505? We know have 2 in our household and would prefer them to look different to avoid confusion.

Cheers

sawan82

Torkijo wrote: »

on another note, anyone have any comments on additional covers for the 505? We know have 2 in our household and would prefer them to look different to avoid confusion.

Cheers

Still using the tan one that came with it, although I did buy the Sony black leather one (reduced from waterstone's - don't know if still available though). Also bought a screen protector, not got round to fitting it though. This weekend.

And in ereader vs. netbook. They're two different devices. I wouldn't want to use a netbook as a reader because of the extra strain on my eyes, and I would just end up surfing the net. The reader is the perfect size as previously mentioned. And when I'm really engrossed in a book, I go to turn the page! Then got to think nooooo - press the button!

Torkijo

sawan82 wrote: »

And when I'm really engrossed in a book, I go to turn the page! Then got to think nooooo - press the button!

Snap -caught me out a few times that one!

I do prefer the layout of the 2 page turning buttons on the 505 to the new 300 or the touch though.

Is the black leather one OK - heard the connectors were weak?

sawan82

Torkijo wrote: »

I do prefer the layout of the 2 page turning buttons on the 505 to the new 300 or the touch though.

Is the black leather one OK - heard the connectors were weak?

Resisted the temptation to check out the new ones so far!

I did hear that but *i'm ashamed to admit* i haven't tried it yet. I'll check it out tonight and let you know

On a side note, can't believe how expensive some ebooks are. How comes they don't put them on 3 4 2 like they do with normal ones??

Torkijo

sawan82 wrote: »

Resisted the temptation to check out the new ones so far!

I did hear that but *i'm ashamed to admit* i haven't tried it yet. I'll check it out tonight and let you know

On a side note, can't believe how expensive some ebooks are. How comes they don't put them on 3 4 2 like they do with normal ones??

I use sites like Baen and a few others i googled that have a lot free - Authors listing them as loss leaders (Such as first in a trilogy) etc. Also i think some Libraries will be offering them soon.

On the accessories i nipped into town at lunchtime and visited Waterstones and they have the following discounts on accessories for the Sony Reader PRS-505:

Leather replacement Case reduced from £25 to £7.99
Reader Cover with Light (PRSA-CL1) from £35 to £17.50
Advanced Screen Protector from £8 to £4.99

but dont bother trying the one in Leamington as i just got 2 of each for our readers and they have no stock left.


WHSmiths also have offers on the covers online where the Leather one is 50% off at £12.50.