Sony launches next-gen eBook reader
updated 08:30 am EDT, Tue October 2, 2007
Sony PRS-505 eBook Reader
Sony today launched its first major update to its Reader eBook handheld. The new device is the first to reflect Sony's newer, more open approach to media playback and now works as a simple USB mass storage device: users can copy books and create folders on the device by using their operating system rather than a custom software program. The Reader can optionally be set up to automatically sync with specified folders. Controls have also been improved for a more natural feel, Sony says; page turn buttons and other parts of the interface more closely resemble what users would expect.
A new version of the Reader stores 160 eBooks and accepts more stored on either Memory Sticks or SD cards; aside from copy-protected books from Sony's CONNECT eBook store (accessed through Windows only), the device displays PDF, RTF, and raw text as well as several image formats and AAC/MP3 audio. Through the use of an ePaper display, the PRS-505 can average about 7,500 pages on a single battery charge. Sony ships dark blue and silver versions of the Reader this week for $300 with a protective cover.
Need to see it in person
10/02, 09:30am reply
If they haven't solved the extremely annoying double-refresh problem every time you flip a page, I'm not interested.
timbck2
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2006
Protective cover?
10/02, 09:33am reply
Does it have "Don't Panic" written on it in large, friendly letters?
Zaren
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
mac compatible?
10/02, 09:56am reply
Wow, the last one couldn't connect to a mac. Sounds like there's hope for this one.
simdude
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2004
Mac Compatible!
10/02, 10:12am reply
I don't see what the fuss is about, you Mac fan-boys wouldn't buy this anyway. If it isn't made by Apple, then it must be inferior, right?
BeLow Me
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2007
usability
10/02, 10:45am reply
Um, it's not because it's made by Apple or not. In most, if not all cases, Apple products have better usability compared to other products. For example, take a look at the picture, how many left and right arrows do you see? I see 3 sets. Do you need 3 sets of scrolling arrows?
Well I do like the ePaper though. At this time, double refresh is required, because the page has to be reset to blank, before changing to a new page.
dliup
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
Yeah, Fan boy, Whatever
10/02, 12:03pm reply
I don't think this thing has enough buttons. You know, maybe if companies would design products for people other than engineers or the uber geeks us "Mac fan-boys" would buy the other products. But no, your right, it's just b/c we're all blinded by the SJ distortion field. You might try taking your blinders off and take a closer look.
slider
Mac Elite
Joined: Oct 1999
not Apple
10/02, 03:59pm reply
I drive an Apple car, and only eat apples. Below me is right, we're all bigots. BTW, I just got an xbox 360 (in addition to my Wii) because network games on it are great. I guess I gotta put away my Pippin now.
tindrum
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2004