The Reader’s specs can be found on the Sony Web site. The PRS 505 Reader can now be purchased for $279. The PRS 700 BC, the next generation Reader, features an interactive touch screen display and built-in light. The 700 can be purchased for $349. The Reader is compatible with several different file formats, including Word & PDF. You simply have to import these documents into your library via your computer.
Now, I must state that I haven’t had the opportuny to test drive the Kindle, but I’m hopelessly devoted to my Sony Reader. I’m not a fan of the “control” Amazon has over the books that you can purchase for it, and the fact it is only sold in the States astounds me. Perhaps, given the chance to test the Kindle, my opinion might change, but don’t plan on it.
Let me finish by stating that yes, I still read “traditional” books, and no, I do not believe they are bordering on extinction. There will always be a use for traditional books.
e-Book readers simply make reading while traveling easier and make multiple books more portable. I receive on average 25 galleys or advance reading copies per month. Think about all the space I would save if those books were available electronically (and my husband would stop pulling his hair out at the site of books piled all over our home).
So, I have a few questions for you. Do you have an e-book reader? If yes, which one? If no, what are your thoughts on e-book readers? Which one would you buy?
Personally I can’t afford any ebook readers right now. I check out most of my books at the library or get galleys/ARCs myself. I love books. Love the smell, the feel… everything. I don’t know that I could give those up. I stare at a computer screen long enough during the day, I don’t know that I could look at another screen in my downtime. Although I do see your point and it would be very convenient to have while traveling. I’d also be all for paying a little bit extra for the book itself and then being able to download it for free on to my ebook reader.
After finding out about Net Galley I sort of want an e-reader (let’s be honest, I already ‘sort of want’ed one, but now that feeling’s even stronger). I don’t know that I’d ever buy one for myself, but I wouldn’t be adverse to receiving one as a gift, preferably a Sony Reader for the same control reason you mentioned.
Well, you know I have a Kindle and so far, I love it. We will definitely have to compare our readers in New York!!!
I actually have an iTouch and can download eBooks from Kindle, eReader and a few more apps from iTunes. I love eBooks, I read at night now while my husband likes to watch TV with the lights off!
I don’t have any e-reader. I couldn’t choose a Kindle because I’m going to be living in the UK for at least a couple more years, so I’d probably go with a Sony. I really like that the commenter above me used an iPod touch to read ebooks. I think that would be an ideal solution for me. I’ll have to see if my fiance gets a fancy new job anytime soon. =)
I have a Kindle 2 – was a gift. I love it. I don’t read from it exclusively but it sure is great for travel as well as vacation reads (inexpensive pb that cost less than the pb). I’ll never give up real books but I love being able to walk around with 30 books on the Kindle in my handbag
Nice post!
I was given a Kindle 1 for Christmas (in October) this past year and LOVE it. To be quite honest, I like that Amazon "manages" the books I buy. I can go into my account, or my shopping cart (that I keeped piled with books I either want to buy & watch the prices rise and fall, or check out from the library) and get the ones for my Kindle that I'd like to read. There has been a huge number of books come out for free, such as classics. In Kindle 1 you could insert a memory card (in Kindle 2, you cannot, but can keep them all on Amazon's side), and that's where I've save over a hundred classics that I got for free.
In the end, I suppose an e-reader is all about freedom and reliability. I haven't experienced a Sony-Reader, but will say that I LOVE my Kindle and it's versatility. As with your own experience, my Kindle has NOT replaced the book in hand (and addictive book smell…yes, weird, but I know book people will agree), but it has given me much needed freedom and downloading ability when I really want to read something and am out and about!
I don’t have either one but my dh has asked if I’d like one.I “fooled” around with my boss’ Kindle last week but I can’t say I’m sold. I like the fact that you can have loads of books with you but I wonder if I’d miss the real book feel or the smell all of us readers love. I’ll be watching these comments to see if I sway one way or the other.
I love reading this and all the comments… I really want a gadget to read books on… but of course not to replace my real books.
I've had my Kindle 1 since December 2007.
I <3 it.
I would read all my books on it if possible. I actually hate holding a book now. I love being able to hold the Kindle one handed and drink a cup of tea, or coffee, with the other. And there's nothing like lying down in bed reading, very comfortably, on my Kindle. You can NOT read comfy in bed with a physical book.
You can check out my 6 month review on my blog.
Just a correction to your post about the Kindle. You can add your own content for FREE but to have it sent wirelessly there’s a small $0.10 conversion fee.
Great post. I’m Kindle all the way baby! I am a must have wireless kind of girl.
I think the Sony Reader is spiffier-looking than the Kindle but I wouldn’t buy either as I wouldn’t want to juggle with multiple one-trick gadgets. I’d rather have something with many functions.
My husband has a Kindle. He travels frequently, and it fits his needs. Really likes the “whispernet” technology that lets him buy a book/newspaper without a PC hookup.
Like you, I’m not crazy about the proprietary/ownership issues with the Kindle. If I were to buy an e-reader, the new Sony would be my pick. The idea of a touchscreen appeals to me, too.
I’m a broken record: I want an e-book reader, but I want one that works across platforms and is good for more than one store. I want to be able to read the free ebooks available as digital downloads from my library.
I can’t afford one now anyway, but I’m hoping they come to some agreement soon.
You already know my opinion – I’m addicted to my Sony Reader and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I’m so intrigued with the e-book readers, but I just can’t see myself buying one until all the wonderful publishers who give us bloggers ARC’s go to e-book downloads. On the one hand, it would be waay cool to be able to download an e-book ARC the same day as it’s offered, but I think I’d miss that fun little rush when the mailman/UPS guy brings me a book!
I suspect that when it comes time, I’ll probably look at the Sony. It seems to be a bit less proprietary than the Kindle, and I figure if Ipod’s irritate me to to no end with Apple’s awful proprietary Itunes store crap, then probably the Kindle will too. (Don’t get me started on the whole Itunes thing! I can’t believe that my kids will only use Ipods. Sheesh, they have to go through this whole complicated procedure to add music to their Ipod. Whereas I just plug my Zen into my computer, open two windows and drag the music over. Apple is a genius at marketing, I’ll give them that!)
I wonder if the kindle has a highlight feature for textbooks
I would have been lost without my highlighter in college!
I have a Sony ereader. I won it at Romantic Times in 2008. And I like it. Couldn’t afford the Kindle or the Sony either, if I haven’t won it.
I would LOVE one of these. It won’t happen. That is a little too pricey. Maybe next year if I am lucky I could get one! I would have to say the Sony, you seem to get more for your money with it!
The Sony PRS-505 reader is the way to go. It is so sleek and sexy, just makes you want to read more.
Guess I can see the appeal of an eReader for travel, but I prefer "real" books. Even if they take up too much room in my suitcase.
Unless someone gave me a device, already full of books, I can't see myself ever owning one. I love to be surrounded by my books. I decorate with them, gift them, trade them with friends. I just love good, old-fashioned books!