Sony Reader

Sony Digital Reader Pocket Edition - Silver (PRS300SC)
$199.99
I bought this product based on its small form factor and quality construction. This product is just perfect for traveling. It fits in my coat pocket, easing the boredom of cancelled flights and constant downtime. The screen mimics paper and enjoys good lighting or even sunshine. It is much more convenient than carrying a hard cover new release. I purchased the simple leather case which recreates the feeling of reading a paperback. Oddly, I enjoy using this e reader, but I do NOT enjoy reading on my computer. Go figure.

Amazingly, you can download many of the classics from Google in ebook format for free and load them into your e reader. I was able to find about 56 of the "100 World Classics" as chosen by Dr. John Campbell as a free download. PDFs such as the instruction manual are just readable in horizontal mode (hold the + key down for 6 seconds to flip the orientation). I was also able to transfer a Word document aptly titled "Property Of" stored in rtf format using the shareware program Calibre. Calibre also supports editing of metadata, such as author's name, on the PRS300. Purchased books can be read and transferred to more than one registered computer. If the eBook software is running when you connect the e reader, the program will attempt an auto synch which could be problematic. Clicking on the status icon will allow you to cancel the operation. As other reviewers have noted, consider using the eBook Library software for transferring purchased and classic books; consider using the shareware program Calibre for transferring pdfs and rtf files.

Don't purchase this e reader if you need instant wireless gratification, highlighting or margin notes. Now the downside. On my mac book running OSX 10.6, the ebook software had one bad hair day and refused to recognize the e reader. The e reader does NOT like changing fonts on a really large book and becomes unresponsive (we are talking a book with 9000 pages plus). So be prepared to do an occasional hard reset with a paper clip. Overall, I am very pleased with this e reader as a traveling companion. It will not replace books in my library, but it I will no longer be lugging hard cover new releases while traveling!

Sony PRS-505 Portable Digital e-Reader System (Silver)
$299.99
When getting ready to buy a reader, I did many comparisons between the original Kindle and the Sony 505. I ended up buying the 505, because the Kindle was proprietary in its format of books. The Sony could utilize PDFs as well as other book formats. I have enjoyed the Sony Reader. Compared to the Kindle, it feels substantial and well-made. The only loss of functionality from Kindle to Sony is the lack of wireless access to new books. This was not high on my list.

So, the hardware is good and is the only reason this gets 3 stars. The software interfaces on the book and the computer have much to be desired. They are slow and clunky and prone to putting multiple copies of books on the reader. I have had to do 2 firmware updates that take an excessively long time. When I synchronized the book today, I was notified that another firmware update is now required if I want to continue using the Sony format of books or the Sony store. In addition, I have to send the book to Sony for the upgrade! Of course they are encouraging me to buy a new machine and are offering a $50 credit after they receive my old book in the mail. So, no matter what, I have to go through the hassle of boxing and shipping my device. The only thing I have to say is, I'm glad I made sure the device was not proprietary, because I will not spend another dime with Sony on this device or any other reader made by Sony.

Sony Digital Reader Pocket Edition - Pink (PRS300RC)
$199.99
I love this product. I have had it for about a week and have not put it down. I love it so much that I am buying another because I kind of left the one I had on top of my car so now I have to get another. This producy is so great that I went right back to amazon and brought it again. ys I am upset that I lost 194.00 dollars but it is worth it to bu again.

Sony PRS-505/LC Blue Digital Book Reader
$299.99
It's not just for e-books. With Sony's "eBook Library" or, my favorite software, Kovid Goyal's free (open source) "Calibre" on my computer, I've downloaded & converted thousands of free books (public domain), news feeds (rss), blogs, and html articles from hundreds of respected on-line sources.

I use to download material to my laptop. But I grew tired of the bulky, heat and nose producing, contraption on my desk/lap/bed/couch/in my bathroom. The e-reader is so natural to use, I've at times found myself turning it over looking for the next page.

The PRS-505 doesn't have wireless connection (like Kindle) but it doesn't need it! It also doesn't have the Kindle's unnecessary bulk and the 50+ keys/buttons to fumble with. Through your computer, it does everything the Kindle can do, but the 505 is a lot smaller (footprint, not screen) and easier to use.

I've used my PRS-505 (daily) for two years. It's function flawlessly and I've read more books & news articles then every before in my life. I've downloaded books, maps, dictionaries, and even graphic novels, and not once wished I had any of the added functionality advertised by the Kindle - or even the newest reader models (Touch, Pocket, or Daily). The PRS-505 is, in a word, perfect.