Sony Digital Reader Pocket Edition - Silver (PRS300SC)
The Reader Pocket Edition features a 5" display and an elegant, lightweight design that's easy to slip into a purse or jacket pocket for convenient, on-the-go reading. Not sure which books to bring on your trip? With the Reader Pocket Edition, you will never have to make that choice again. 512MB of onboard memory lets you carry up to 350 of your favorite books3 at a time. Enjoy access to a wider number of books from a wider number of places. By supporting both industry standard formats, ePub and PDF, you can access books at Sony's eBookstore, check out books from public libraries, access over 500,000 free public domain titles from Google, as well as sharing sites, online aggregators and personal publishers. The Reader Pocket Edition utilizes EInk screen technology to deliver an amazing, paper-like display that's more like ink on paper and fully readable in direct sunlight. Intuitive eBook Library software makes it easy to download eBooks, manage your collection, and transfer titles to your Reader Pocket Edition. eBook Library software works with both PC and Mac. Enjoy up to two full weeks of reading (7,500 continuous page turns) on a single battery charge. The Reader Pocket Edition offers you the ability to resize text. Choose from three adjustable font sizes to improve readability. Two full weeks of reading on a single battery charge 3 adjustable font sizes to customize your reading experience USB 2.0 data and power connection Read in multiple formats, including ePub and PDF Quick page turns and high contrast ratio Display - Screen Size - Vizplex 5 inches Resolution - 800 x 600 pixels Gray Scale - 8-levels gray scale Power - Battery Type - Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (battery - DC 3.7 V) AC Power - DC 5.2 V Battery Life (Approx) - 7,500 (BBeB Book) Media Formats Supported - Unsecured Text - EPUB file (Non DRM/ Adobe DRM protecte
Sony Digital Reader Pocket Edition - Silver (PRS300SC) Features
- Carry Up To 350 Of Your Favorite Books At A Time
- Three Adjustable Font Sizes To Enhance Reading
- Elegant, Lightweight Design With 5 Display
Sony really shines in quality electronics. I adore this device, and the 5 inch screen really isn't too small. I've zoomed through several books already, as the screen is easier on my eyes than regular paper. Turning pages is fast, easy. The software is simple click and drag. I have purchased books from multiple sites, sometimes saving several dollars. Sony is honorable that way.
The only negative is that landscape mode, which you only need if you are using the largest font really, fades out at the top and bottom. I called customer service, who stated this was not normal and they would send me a new unit. Well, it never arrived, however, I dropped the pursuit since I purchased another identical model for my daughter and hers does the same thing.
The easiest and best improvement would be to add a 4th font size to the pocket reader. I discovered different eBooks use different size print.
Overall, I still give this item 5 stars. It's durable, yet light and compact, and so easy to use.
One additional comment, which can be important to some people. There are certain places, like schools, hospitals, etc. that ban the use of wifi electronics. This device avoids the arguments (well it's turned off) since it doesn't even have it! PLEASE SONY KEEP ONE READER -WITHOUT- WIFI FOR FUTURE VERSIONS! -- Simple and Nearly Perfect
I have been reading ebooks for about 5 years. Usually on a PDA, then later on my phone. The key for me was portability. The PDA and phone worked well, but the back lit screens really took a toll on my eyes. I knew I didn't want a Kindle because I didn't want to be locked into one place for books. EPUB seems to be the industry standard these days for ebooks. So I knew a reader that used EPUB was what I was looking for. The prices of the Sony reader had really dropped, and after reading a book on my phone with my eyes tearing up and burning, I decided enough was enough. What mattered to me the most was readability of the screen. After doing research, I found the Sony Reader Pocket Edition had one of the best screen contrast. I know it does not have the touch screen, but the touch screens add another layer of glass, so the contrast was not as good. It also does not have all the extra features that touch screen readers have, but the most important thing is to be able to read the book in comfort. This definitely does the job.
The Reader is suppose to hold about 300 books, so far I have 200 books on mine, and the hard drive is not even 1/3 full, so it will hold way more than 300. Now that I've had it I can read with no eye strain. I couldn't believe how different it was compared to reading on my computer or phone. The E-Ink technology really is an eyesight saver. -- Why did I wait so long to buy one?
I was looking for an E-Reader who's primary attribute was just that: readability. I do not care for any extra gadgets like 3G, dictionary, WiFi, Internet browsing, color picture display, etc... So I got this device about a month ago, and so far, no major complaints. This was $80 well spent (I got it used).
Two minor issues I have are:
When you get a book as a PDF or RTS and convert it to an EPUB so it can be read more easily on the machine, it sometimes jumbles up the words/paragraphs and puts them in the wrong places in the text. For this reason, I have decided to search for EPUB formats first and other formats second.
The Sony Reader software. I have heard that it is hard to use. I say "heard" because I have Linux, and Sony does not make the software available for Linux users, so I have not been able to use it. While Calibre can be used to organize/transfer/convert books, you need the actual Sony software to get books from the Sony website (If I'm wrong on this, someone please correct me). So if you have Linux, then either you have to do some technical chores to get the software to install/run, or you have to find another venue from which to receive books. -- Does what its made to do.
