Sony PRS-505 Portable Digital e-Reader System
- displays eBooks purchased from the CONNECT eBook online store
- displays Adobe® PDFs, plus TXT, RTF, BMP, JPEG, GIF, PNG and Microsoft® Word files
- plays MP3 and AAC files (protected files not supported)
- internal 192MB memory
- memory slot holds an SD Memory Card (up to 2GB capacity) and Memory Stick® Duo media (up to 8GB capacity)
Product Description
The Reader (model PRS-505) features a svelte body design. Re-styled controls more closely mimic paper page turns and allow for quick, intuitive navigation.A next-generation electronic paper display delivers faster response and a higher contrast ratio for easy reading even in bright sunshine. Eight levels of gray scale provide for crisp and clear text, images, and graphics.This device is designed for people on the go, this device is compelling because it allows them to carry a wide variety of reading materials whether they are on a cross-country flight, in a doctor’s office waiting room, or at a beach resort. The Reader can handle a stack of books and other documents that people would rather not carry, yet offers a ‘book-like’ reading experience unavailable with other electronic devices.With the capacity to store up to 160 typical eBooks, the Reader can act as a mobile library. Expansion slots for Memory Stick Duo media or SD memory cards make the device’s … More >>
Sony PRS-505 Portable Digital e-Reader System
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5 comments
TrueGuy on December 11, 2009 at 5:49 pm
There are a few reasons you may wish to choose a Kindle over a Sony Reader.
1. Features. The Sony is extremely tiresome to use after holding it for a while, especially because of the page turning buttons. They are too small, in a poor location, and have to be pushed hard to turn the page. This gets old REALLY fast. The Kindle has a great big page turner in a perfect location. This is a MAJOR feature that you wouldn’t even consider unless you used both devices.
The Kindle can be used wirelessly to buy books anywhere, but the Sony has to use a USB cable plugged into a computer that has the Sony software installed. And the software is so awful that it is practically unusable. Furthermore, the books are significantly less expensive at amazon.com then at the Sony book store. This saves the device owner a fortune over the life of the device. Amazon has a much larger selection as well.
2. A Concern About Sony’s Intolerance. Let me preface this by saying that people can believe whatever they want, and are totally free to buy whatever books that they want to buy. However, a major company like Sony should understand that MANY of their customers (approximately 90% in the USA) have some kind of belief in God.
The Sony Reader came preloaded with numerous book excerpts, but one was particularly curious.It was “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins. I read it, and this book is not an unbiased or fair and balanced assessment of people of faith. It is an insulting, arrogant, vitriolic and hateful attack upon them. People are free to choose whatever they wish to read and to purchase. But I am quite perplexed that of all the books Sony could have included excerpts of–this intolerant and disrespectful book was one of the few that was chosen. They may as well have included a free copy of “The Communist Manifesto” on their Reader. I would like to note that this book is available for purchase everywhere, but of all the possible free excerpts you could specifically promote to a general audience, this was a curious choice indeed.
Sony apparently is not concerned that 90% of Americans believe in God or else they would have made a less offensive choice. There is a question as to whether Sony agrees with the content of the book, and why they felt it should be promoted to every single person who purchases their ebook reader. Sony appears committed to this controversial position because the book apparently has also been included for free on the new 700 model.
There is nothing to indicate to the consumer evaluating which device to purchase, that this book is one of the free offerings you receive with a Sony. You find that out after the fact.
And for those that would say “just delete it” if it offends you, that’s fine. But the point is that the company who I am financially supporting by purchasing their technology does not respect my beliefs or the beliefs of billions of people worldwide, whether they be Christian, Jewish, Muslim or otherwise. In fact, you are completely unaware of their lack of respect for your beliefs until you drop $300 to purchase their device.
Some people may care less about this and think this is a total overreaction, some may be offended like I am and buy a non-offensive product, and some may be encouraged to buy the Sony because they are an atheist and want to financially support them. That is everyone’s individual perrogative. However, you are now informed and are free to make your purchase choice accordingly.
Terri L. Giao on December 11, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Unfortunately this unit does not work with our system (not sure why) The support team tried at first to help but now choose not to respond to our needs. So! This item sucks, Sony Sucks and we will not be purchasing anything else from amazon or Sony. Thanks For Nothing! It was a $300.00 dollar mistake. Shame on you guys.
Ken and Terri Giao
P.S. From Terri Giao, this was my christmas present, thanks alot for nothing!!!!!
P. Bheda on December 11, 2009 at 7:55 pm
After reading all these reviews, it helps, i will wait for apple touch screen netbook
Thomas P. Bernhardt on December 11, 2009 at 9:31 pm
My son was excited to use it. He bought three books, stayed up at night reading, and threw it into his backpack in the morning. When he took it out that morning, only half the screen was visible. Apparently some pressure cracked it (internally) and it is now useless. We called Sony and they won’t commit to replacing it under warranty.
The unit has a terrible design. The screen is only covered by plyable fake leather, and thus any external pressure will crack the screen. Really, really stupid design. Very disappointing.
Jerry Gadget on December 11, 2009 at 9:42 pm
This product became inoperative immediately following set-up. We were unable to get the Reader running; and , ultimatly returned it to the Manufacturer for replacement. We have had no response from SONY, the manufacturer. Any help from Amazon will be greatly appreciated.