Kindle vs Sony ebook reader

zebedy

Hi,

I'm going to get an e book reader and can't decide between the new Kindle or the Sony PRS600 (i think that is what the Sony is called)

Disadvantage of the Kindle is that you can't pick it up and have a play in a shop as you can only buy it from Amazon
Disadvantage of the Sony when i had a play was slow speed of turning a page

Also, with the Kindle, i think you can only use ebooks from the Amazon kindle store (not sure how competitive the prices are) or from free places like Gutenburg
Where can you get ebooks from for the Sony.

My local library has an ebook lending website which would be great to use. Anyone know if this is likely to be compatible with Kindle or Sony

Any help or opinions would be great please.

Nilrem

IIRC at the moment it's a case of.

Sony use Epub which is the "universal" or "common" digital book format with optional DRM.
Kindle uses Amazon's own DRM book format.

Both can use other formats, but not necessarily as well, and some of the other formats do not allow for DRM.

This is important as most/all of the libraries/lending services for Ebooks currently use the Epub format, as that is the one in use by most models of ereader, and is available on PC/mackingtosh and netbooks as well (Epub is iirc an Adobe format).

Epub is also from what I've heard publishers preferred version as it lets them tweak the output more than the Kindle/Amazon version which I believe is automatically formatted (a publisher can manually set an Epub version to look right on set displays before setting it up to be "published", Amazons system is automated and going by comments from at least one editor for a major series does not allow them to check before publishing or easily correct the formatting if the automatic system doesn't do the job right).

Sony/epub format books are available from the likes of Waterstones, WHSmith, the Sony ebook store (not sure if it's open here yet).
You can also get books for both Sony and Kindle readers from the likes of project Guetenberg (out of copyright works, so classics etc), or several small publishers (Baen for Sci-fi for example) and authors have set up their own ebook outlets (Baen have a large selection of free books, and great pricing on new ones).


From an ease of use point of view the Kindle wins hands down as it should be very simple to get books your've bought onto it, whilst the Sony readers require manual connection to a computer and then running specific software to do the transfer to the reader.


I've had a Sony 505 for nearly 2 years and love it to bits, I wouldn't be without it now, however my brother has ordered a Kindle 3 (wifi), so I should be able to compare them properly in person:)

Dreamnine

I have a Sony Touch and it doesn't need any special software; I just drag & drop.

I never buy ebooks - if you know where to look practically every book out is available free somewhere.

boltongirl1

Where do you look I am considering buying a Sony ereader as a gift but all the places I have looked at for recent releases ebooks are more expensive

scottishblondie

I have the Sony PRS-600, I can't say I've found the page turn to be slow. I also like the other functions, like being able to draw stuff (I draw a lot of diagrams) and the MP3 function is nice too. The battery last for ages if you only use it for reading books.

I've never been near a Kindle tho, so I can't compare the experience either!

debitcardmayhem

I have a PRS505 and the page turn is "slow" if 0.5-1.5 secs is slow , I turn over at the start of the last sentence so don't find it a problem. I also use calibre which is free and is very good for many ebook readers the manual is here. You can try calibre without an eBook reader if you can find books from Gutenburg / Local Library / other sources plus it will convert books from 1 format to another (if they are not DRM protected. There was also another forum post about two weeks or so ago about Kindles i will search for you and edit soon Here

DizzleUK

Kindles are cool. I've got one on order. I've never liked the look of the Sony one, and up til now the prices have been rather prohibitive to say the least.

I even joined another forum while I wait for it to be delivered. It's a good place to ask any questions about the Kindle.

Nothing will replace MSE though

[Deleted User]

Of course if you have a smartphone you could always investigate the kindle app which is free - http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.amazon.kindle

Fifer

Dreamnine wrote: »

I never buy ebooks - if you know where to look practically every book out is available free somewhere.

Not legally however ...

Dreamnine

Fifer wrote: »

Not legally however ...

No, probably not *shrugs*
http://www.masalaboard.com/showthread.php/208649-E-BOOKS-Download-1000s-of-FREE-books!/page657

lolly5648

I am going to the States soon. Can I buy a Kindle or Sony cheaper over there and can you use the US version over here?