Sony's new eReader edition Touch is perhaps the biggest challenger to current Amazon Kindle 2. What follows is based on my impressions after using the Sony eReader PRS600 few weeks. I also have some opinion on how it compares to Kindle 2.
First, we enumerate some of the new touchscreen Sony eReader
Touch Screen 6 ", 600 x 800 pixels, 8 levels of gray
taking notes by hand and annotate, highlight, use the included stylus or virtual keyboard
512 MB onboard memory can store up to 350 ebooks
Accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo or SD card
Single adjustable five font sizes
The battery lasts up to two weeks or 7,500 rpm page
Integrated Dictionary
Available in silver, black or red
Supported formats: PDF, Adobe Digital Editions, epub, mp3, Microsoft Word, BBeB
The PRS 600 is supplied with a neoprene carrying case. You probably want to get good coverage, though, as the bag does not provide much protection. Also included is a USB cable to connect to your computer and a guide. If you want a card, you must purchase this separately. You could probably do without if eink eReaders basis as it has a very good car. A full charge takes about four hours, during which the eReader must be connected to the USB port of your computer.
Sony has also announced some new features to go with their new eReaders. First, Sony eBook Store software is now compatible with Mac Moreover, the Sony ebook reader support Adobe Digital Editions, which means that you can buy ebooks from sources other than the Sony eBook Store. Ebooks in the Sony eBook Store will be available in Adobe Digital Editions for owners of other ebook readers can buy ebooks from Sony, if they are compatible with ADE. Finally, you can borrow e-books in public libraries using Overdrive as a provider for digital media.
Being able to check the local library and read ebooks on your eReader sounds like a really good feature, but is currently quite limited. Most libraries have some titles to choose from. The Los Angeles Public Library system, for example, has just over 200 shares at the time, and is a great library system. Libraries have a finite number of "copies" of each title more ebooks will be a waiting list to get in before you can tick a box.
The Sony PRS 700, Touch Edition replaces the Sony was known for his genius that made the incorrect reading or outside in bright light difficult. This is a common problem with touch screen, the contrast reduced. The PRS 600 is not as bad as the PRS 700, but there are reflections. The contrast is not as good in most eReaders without touchscreen. Outside of reading I found the touch of editing, to be quite readable in full sun or shade other or complete. When I had problems was in partial shade, it was difficult to find an angle that reveals trends reflected on the screen. Inside I found the worst glare when playing next to a table lamp, or when reading in bed with a side table lamp.
The glare from the side, the touch screen makes navigation easier. Page took place or using a swipe your finger on the touch screen or using the buttons at the bottom of the eReader. The movement of the finger is a bit 'of addiction. The Sony Touch is very difficult to use with one hand while reading in bed. Sony could make it easier by putting the buttons to turn the page on the sides of eReader rather than substance.
The touch screen is also useful to take notes and use. You can use the stylus to scribble in the margins, if you want. You can also make annotations on PDF documents, but not when they are enlarged. The default PDF view is generally too small to be read as a whole page on screen which is mounted on the PRS 600 is a bit 'small for this purpose. You can use the zoom function of PDF files, and then pan the image around with your finger on the touch screen.
You can also combine your ebooks together in collections of titles based on the author, category, etc. You can do it from your computer, however, the same eReader.
Overall, I enjoyed the Sony Touch Edition. There are, however, some areas where I think it falls a bit 'short compared to the Kindle 2.
First, the question is not so little content. If you delete the Google public domain ebooks from the Sony eBook Store will be left with about one third the number of securities which the Kindle Store Help Yes, you can purchase other ebooks ebooks online shops, but mostly they seem to have roughly the same titles at similar prices. When I compared prices Kindle ebook store is almost always cheaper for a given title.
Then of course there is a Kindle wireless. Purchase e-book is obviously very convenient wireless, but wireless connection also allows the Kindle 2 much more versatile. If you want something to read the research you can access Wikipedia or on the web. The Kindle's browser is a bit 'awkward, but if you need to access the Internet or check e-mail, is there for you. For me, it is much more valuable than the touch screen. Sony also announced the eReader daily edition, due out by the end of 2009 and should come with a wireless connection. However, wireless can connect to the Sony eBook Store from Sony, without any connection to the Internet and wireless outlets other ebook. At least, that the information has been provided to the daily edition to date.
In conclusion, I like Sony. I found the reflection sometimes annoying, but not so bad as to be a deal breaker. You may feel very differently, may be a good idea to have a look handy if you have a Sony Style store near you. I think the Kindle's wireless connectivity is much more convincing than having a good touch from Sony. And if you want to read mainly sold current (which are mostly around $ 9.99) or Google offers public domain, you will have less choice of reading material with eReaders with Sony to Kindle 2, and probably will cost more.
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