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eBook readers like the Sony E-Reader PRS-505 have been stealing headlines of late, but not all reactions have been positive. iPhone-toting folk will tell you they’ve got an app that handles eBooks just fine, while those that linger in libraries, sniffing spines, can’t even stand the idea of an electronic book.
At just 7.6mm thick, and a just handful more with the bundled faux-leather case, the Sony PRS-505 lets you carry hundreds of books around with you without resulting in back pain – or being stung by Easyjet’s extra luggage charges. Plus, the PRS-505 won’t give you eyestrain like the iPhone does.
The PRS-505’s particular strength is in looking sexy, a Sony specialty. With its svelte, all-metal casing, the PRS-505 is the best looking eBook reader out there, while it’s also packing a reassuring solidity thanks to that metallic frame.
Sony’s offering does fall short of rivals elsewhere. The PRS-505 is not the speediest of devices, with a definite half-second delay when flicking between pages, matched with an odd screen inversion that’ll get right on your wick after a few weeks heavy reading.
However, despite a grand total of 16 buttons on the front to help you skip between books and pages, the PRS-505 doesn’t feel cluttered. Add in the two four-directional pads and it’s perfectly suited for one-handed operation with either mitt: perfect for those hellish public transport trips.
In fact, the only time we found the Sony’s relatively sluggish action to be a particular turnoff was when changing the text size on a hefty novel. It takes about 15 seconds, involving re-formatting the whole ruddy thing. It does only need to be done once per eBook though. There are three different text sizes to choose from but, thanks to the clarity of the PRS-505’s screen, we found the smallest just fine.
Sony’s definitely gone simple with the PRS-505. Unlike Amazon’s Kindle, it doesn’t connect to the web or have a QWERTY keypad. No eNewspapers or mags here.
However, there’s a lot to be said for the PRS-505. It’s a simple device that’s hard to keep your hands off. Not to mention that it’s actually available in the UK, unlike the Kindle. Sure, the PRS-505’s will be eclipsed by more powerful devices, but its stylish, high-quality design won’t be forgotten so easily.
In the U.S we are looking at the sony prs 700. Way better but the price is still up there for e ink.
Amazon is selling the Sony PRS-505 from $230 in refurbished condition & new for $290.
Source: Amazon.
My wife gave me one for my birthday just a week ago, and I am already addicted. It’s comfortable to hold (especially with the sleek leather case from Amazon, about $25), easy to read (the screen is amazing, in dim light and sunlight), and a delight to use.
I love the dictionary feature (put the cursor next to a word, and the definition pops right up), the ability to adjust type size with one click (late at night or in dim light, larger is better for this 62-year-old reader), and the ability to sample for free a few chapters of every book before making a purchase decision.
1. Reformatting is now instant with the latest firmware.
2. The inversion of the screen is required by the nature of e-ink for screen longevity. Other devices eink screen will not last as long ( up to six times shorter life span) if they neglect the screen clear/invert process.