Jan 08, 2010 12:36 AM
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(Updated Jan 08, 2010 01:12 AM)
Introduction:
To put it simply, an ebook reader is an electronic gadget used to read books. It uses the unique electronic ink display to achieve this. It is this facet which makes this gadget different from, say, a PDA. The screen of this device, unlike, a PDA or a Computer is not backlit. Hence, there is almost no strain on the eye(or as much strain as there would be using a normal paperback).
Why Sony-PRS 505+ Technical Specifications:
After months of comparison and study I finally zeroed in on Sony-PRS 505 as my choice for ebook reading. The comments which follow are based on my own opinions and experience. If you choose to buy one, I would suggest you do your own research.
Amazon's Kindle comes with an added advantage of having wi-fi./Whispernet which is available only in the U.S. so I did not want to pay$100 for a function I won't be able to use. This being new technology I wanted a simpler gadget.
The 6" screen is the sharpest and has the best contrast available. Better than the Kindle. Though, it has the internal memory of just 256 MB, it can be extended up till 16 GB! Which, let me tell you, is space enough for more books than you can read in one lifetime! The Sony Reader also plays MP3's and can store photos(the screen is black & white but resolution is good and clean). It recognises a wide range os formats like rtf, text, epub, lrf, pdf etc. Other formats can be converted via software provided in a CD, which comes free with the reader. You can read in vertical and horizontal views.
Ebooks are easily available from Sony Book Store among others. These can be expensive at times but there are many forums online where almost ALL books can be found for free! But these are pirated, of course. There is also free access to over 500, 000 public domain titles from Google.
It is really light(260g) and thin(122 mm) - actually more convenient than reading a thick paperback. You can take it with you and read anywhere you want. Plus, it was cheaper than the Kindle, at least when I bought it.
It is easy on the eyes and if the font is too small it can be increased thrice it's size. One also bookmark their reading page with a button and get back to reading from where they left. The interface is easy to understand and follow. The pages can be easily turned from buttons on the strong, metal body located at right as well as left side so that left handers can also use it easily. The battery life is great! Once charged fully, it can be weeks before you need to charge again. This depends on the usage, though. The battery can be charged via USB cable through your computer. A separate charger can also be bought.
Since I bought this six-months back I have read about 14-15 books, much more than I managed to read otherwise. I am carrying close to 500 books on my reader right now.
Disadvantages:
I have noticed that using the MP3 player depletes the battery faster so I just use it to read. This technology is still growing, if not in it's infancy. Sony has, since this launched more readers which have Touch Screen. While the idea is cool, this led to a lot of glare on the readers making it more difficult to read. Their latest PRS-900 seems like the ultimate e-reader. Barnes & Noble has also come out with a reader called nook with a small color display.
On the whole it a really cool gadget which can be used not only to read fiction but your text-books, as well! Also, you are saving a tree if you are not buying a paper book
