Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue)
- No Longer Available
The Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book couples an innovative electronic paper display with simple on-screen controls and stylish design. Travelers can carry as much as they want to read whether they are traveling across the globe or just around the corner. With battery life equivalent to roughly 7,500 continuous page turns, readers can potentially devour multiple bestsellers without having to recharge.
The Reader's high-resolution electronic paper display delivers a realistic print look that rivals traditional paper and results in crisp text and graphics that are easy on the eyes and readable even in bright sunlight. In addition to electronic books the Reader can also store and display personal documents in Adobe PDF format, RTF, text and JPEG photos. You can also download via your PC, selected RSS feeds from blogs and news sites, free-of-charge. Some of the popular sites are Salon, Slate, Huffington Post, engadget and Gizmodo among others that are also available.
- 6" SVGA Monochrome Display with E Ink Display Technology
-
The Sony Reader boasts an impressive display, utilizing breakthrough technology that's almost paper-like. In addition, the text can be magnified for sight-impaired readers. It is Daylight readable, providing high contrast, high resolution, and a near 180° viewing angle.
What is e Ink Electronic Paper Technology?
Although revolutionary in concept, electronic ink is a straightforward fusion of chemistry, physics and electronics. The principal components of electronic ink are millions of tiny microcapsules, about the diameter of a human hair. Each microcapsule contains positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles suspended in a clear fluid. When a negative electric field is applied, the white particles move to the top of the microcapsule where they become visible to the user. This makes the surface appear white at that spot. At the same time, an opposite electric field pulls the black particles to the bottom of the microcapsules where they are hidden. By reversing this process, the black particles appear at the top of the capsule, which now makes the surface appear dark at that spot.
- Compact and Lightweight for Ultimate Portability
- The Sony Reader offers a unique, on-the-go reading experience. With a very compact and lightweight design, you can take it almost anywhere. More compact than many paperbacks, it weighs 9 ounces (without cover) and is less than 1/3" thin. You can easily hold it in one hand while sipping coffee with the other.
- Excellent Battery Life
- The Sony Reader has a built-in rechargeable battery with which you can turn up to 7,500 continuous pages on a single charge, and it can be recharged in as little as 4 hours with the optional AC adapter (6-8 hours via USB port with included USB cable).
- Internal and Expandable Memory
- The Sony Reader has 192MB of internal memory, and a slot for optional removable memory cards. You can take many titles, user-selected Web content, or other supported documents for reading on the go. It will hold up to 160 electronic books in internal memory and hundreds more with Memory Stick media or SD memory cards (sold separately).
- Select from Thousands of eBooks
- Browsing and buying books online is a simple, integrated experience. With plenty of internal memory, plus a slot for optional removable memory cards, you can take hundreds of titles, user-selected Web content, or other supported documents for reading on the go. It will hold approximately 160 average sized eBooks in internal memory, and hundreds more with optional removable memory cards.
- View More Than eBooks
- The Sony Reader isn't just about reading electronic books. Using the included eBook Library 2.0 PC Software, you can easily transfer Adobe PDF documents, Microsoft Word documents, BBeB Book, and other text file formats to the Reader. Also, search, browse and download user-selected RSS Web content to the PC and easily transfer to the Sony Reader. Take along Web newsfeeds, blogs and more, to read. It also displays JPEGs with the same amazing readability, and even plays unsecured MP3 and AAC audio files
| Display Type | e Ink "electronic paper" display |
| Display Size | 6" |
| Resolution | SVGA (800x600 pixels) |
| Digital Interface | USB |
| Video In/Out | No/No |
| Card Slot |
Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro Secure Digital (SD) card |
| Internal Memory | 192MB |
| Power Requirements |
Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery AC Adapter USB Port (Battery Recharge only) |
| System Requirements |
Windows System ONLY
|
| File Support | BBeB Book, Adobe PDF, JPEG, MP3 (Bit rate: 32 to 320 kbps; Sampling frequency: 22.05, 44.1 kHz), AAC (Bit rate: 40 to 320 kbps; Sampling frequency: 24.0, 44.1, 48.0 kHz) |
| Dimensions | 6.9 x 4.8 x 0.3" (175 x 122 x 8mm) |
| Weight | 9.0 oz. (250g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 72 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (57)
- Long battery life (33)
- Portable (28)
- Compact (27)
- Easy to setup (23)
Cons
- Slow (12)
- Poor software bundle (8)
Best Uses
- Daily use (7)
- Multimedia (7)
- Syncing with computer (7)
- Business use (6)
- Organization (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Power user (22), Tech savvy (20), Casual user (8), Technically challenged (8), Traveler (6)
- Primary use:
- Personal (59), Business (6)
Most Liked Positive Review
This is an Excellent Thing!
I believe CNET or someone like enity reviewed the Sony Electronic Book and said something along the lines of "gee this doesn't have the bells and whisles of the new I-phone." Y...Read complete review
I believe CNET or someone like enity reviewed the Sony Electronic Book and said something along the lines of "gee this doesn't have the bells and whisles of the new I-phone." You can put music on it and I think (as I briefly scanned the instruction/usage manual)you can do movies/vifdeos though they will be b&w(?).Anyway...this is a great thing for READERS- those relaxing by the fire/metro-commuters/non-driving travelers, etc.,.Books you can download from the Sony online store and probably elsewhere; thousands of them, latest offerings and classics. The unit has some memory but for very little money I bought a 2 gig SD card. It takes other types like the Sony duo-memory stick but on my seek and purchase walk about the sd card was the best(cheapest).One of the cool features is you can easily change the type size for us oldsters that are sight challenged. An hour or so embellicaled to the p.c./mac will give you a very long usage (haven't run out yet). For 30 bucks ( 25 at B&H ) you can buy the Sony E.B. Charger for those that demand such.I bought blue from B&H because all of these I have seen are the silver. [...]Nothing really bad to say about the PRS-505. I think CNET, whose reviewer seemed to be I-phone oriented and didn't "get it" as far as I'm concerned said something like, "I don't need batteries to read a book." which is true...and I don't want or need 3/4 of the applications the new I-phone offers which shows how specialized we all have become.If you want to hit a homerun with the serious reader you love (or indulge yourself) the Sony Digital Book makes a nice gift or treat to one's self. B&H ( a company I have used for years both personally and professionally )can make it happen!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Disappointed at limitations of Reader
I had high hopes when I opened my gift box to see an e reader. I did not know that much about the Sony one but rather had looked at another reader. The Sony ...Read complete review
I had high hopes when I opened my gift box to see an e reader. I did not know that much about the Sony one but rather had looked at another reader. The Sony PRS-505 would be the basic no frills answer if looking for a reader. You have 3 choices of font sizes and the plain background is easy to read in good light. For those of a "certain age" it becomes difficult to see in low light. Which brings up the necessity of ordering the light cover to see in low light and a power cord unless you like leaving your computer on to charge with the USB cord that comes with the reader. This greatly increased the cost. After trying the new light cover I found it still very difficult to almost impossible to read in a dark car or plane at night. The other cost to consider is the price of the ebooks offered by Sony. They are higher than other ebooks and offer no magazines or newspapers. When traveling reading a newpapwer on a plane can be difficult with the bulk and noise of turning papes so to be able to acess newspapers would have been a great benefit. The biggest drawback is that you must download and manage the contents of your Sony Reader with your computer. This takes up precious hard drive space and now you have books on your computer and your reader. Some might find this a benefit. You must have your computer to obtain new books for your reader so now you are once again tied to your computer. Other readers are wireless and you can acess newspapers, magazines and new books from your reader.There is no way to highlight any parts of the book or look up any unknown words like other readers. If all you want to do is read in good light and do not mind managing and charging your e reader with your computer then this basic reader is for you.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 72 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
The screen is much improved over the previous model, PRS-500. In my opinion, it is best of Sony readers (500, 505 & 700). Excellent built quality, feels very solid. Soon be replaced with new models so get it when you can
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Easy To Use
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
This is so far the best electronic device I have owned, because I love reading and the Sony ereader has made my life that much easier because in my job I travel allot, and most of the time I have excess luggage and have to pay an obscene amount of money to take my books, because I travel with about 10 to 12 books depending on the length of the trip.
The great thing about it is that it can hold more than 170 books, family pictures and some of my new age reading music I like to listen to. The battery does last me for about a week or two because I read about an average of 3 hours a day weekends I read for longer periods.
It took me a week to stop reaching and trying to turn a page. But now I just take my sony with me every where easy portable and user friendly.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
- Organization
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
it holds both word and pdf files also jpegs. well worth it purchase price
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Good Compatibility
Cons
- Poor Software Bundle
Best Uses
- Multimedia
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
I frequently use this product and am very happy with it. One thing to note is that it does make life easier if you have a well maintained ebook library with all of the meta data tags for your books up to date. The sony software that comes with the unit isnt great for this but there is an excellent free alternative. Once loaded with books the sony reader is fantastic. Battery life is amazing (I have not charged it in a month) and there is little to no glare from the screen.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Poor Software Bundle
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
I prefer PRS505 over Kindle 2. Most my texts are .pdf and unless very complex reproduce well. Unlimited storage with SD MemorySticks. [...] Also this unit is metal constuction vs. plastic Kindle construction (subject on new class action suit)
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Expensive cover
Best Uses
- Reading And Music
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
Reading is awesome. Does not straining to the eyes. This i a cool gadget!!! Happy with it.,
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
I love, love, love reading and this makes it so much more convenient for traveling, for getting books quick, for saving paper, for not having thick beginnings or ends.. on and on.. really if you are thinking of buying one, just do it!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Limited Compatibility
Best Uses
- Multimedia
- Syncing With Computer
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
I took this on a trip and was able to choose from many books to read. The weight of the books in either hard cover or paperback would have been prohibitive. This reader made it easy and fun to travel with books.
The ability to change font size makes reading easy on the eyes.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Long Battery Life
- Solid build
Cons
- No multilingual support
- Poor Software Bundle
Best Uses
- Merely replaces a book
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
An excellent electronic book: clear, simple design, not overloaded with features (Wi Fi, ...), very compact, lightweight, solid built, good screen, good battery life. I'd wish the screen to be a bit bigger.
On the bad side:
1. No support for non latin scripts (I need Cyrillic) - resolved by installing designated unofficial firmware
2. No right-to-left scripts support (I need Hebrew) - resolved by preparing a PDF with embedded fonts
3. Bulky software - there are alternatives (book designer)
Bottom line: an excellent product if you use it for Latin scripts, otherwise you need to mess a bit with 3rd party software.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Slow
Best Uses
- Business Use
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
This is a great product. perfect to store all my pdf-files. Easy to use on the beach here in Sweden :-)
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
So far i am pretty impressed with the unit. It does what i bought it for, namely reading books, mostly from txt files or other sources. I have no need for a touchscreen or internet connectivity when i am reading (there is enough stuff already pulling at my attention and therefore it is nice to be disconnected when reading books.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
It's incredibly simple to set up and use. I was surprised that the downloading of books is so easy and instantly quick. It's a much better price than the Kindle, so the wireless aspect of the Kindle no longer warrants its high price. I now feel like I can take a "book" with me everywhere because of it's convenient size and simplicity! Also, I read almost an entire book without needing to recharge.
Very few negatives: the buttons for turning pages could be larger and located better. Also, the price of Sony books is a little higher than from other websites.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Slow
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
This is an excellent product. I bought two units, one for me and the other one for a friend. I'm very happy with it. It's very practical. Now, I read everyday. The people at B&H were very helpful and very professional at answering my questions. I recommend this product and I recommend shopping at B&H. They had the best price.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Limited Storage
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
So far so good, I received my reader on time (just when I finished my exams)which was amazing. I have loaded almost all my books. It took about a day to get use to because I kept on reaching to turn the page, like in a normal book.
Once you learn the basics which books to buy and how to load to the books it becomes way easier to use.
No more 5kgs of axcess luggage because of my reading books. But I do carry just a book in case I run out of battery which has not happened yet ( I have not recharged in 3 weeks which is great).
So I would recommend to book lovers
L. South Africa
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
- Organization
- Syncing With Computer
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
Easier to read than a book. No glare on the screen. You can even read it in low light situations. Battery lasts forever. Amazing storage capacity with the expansion slots. I highly recommend this product to anyone who is tired of carrying around books. The music player funtion is also nice. Eight levels of gray is plenty of contrast , as compared to the kindle II's 16. Anyone considering the kindle II, remember it isn't as compatable as the sony reader. the kindle doesn't have the storage space either. Downloading books to the reader takes about 20 seconds on a high speed connection, which is very nice. If your thinking about buying one, just do it already you won't be disappointed!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
This reader is the best one out, the only reason I am giving it 4 stars is because I wish that it worked with a Mac but I called Sony tech support and they told me that they are coming out with an update soon and it will work with Mac.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Excellent display
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
Excellent display, solid body, ergonomic design, perfect battery life, reasonable price.
This is the first Sony's product I love so much!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
A wonderful product for the avid reader or PDF user.
Storage and viewing of PDF documents and other media types is convenient and eco-friendly.
Excellent resolution with large storage capacity.
Its light weight, sleek design is perfect for traveling.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy to Read
- Easy To Use
Cons
- PDF implementation
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
I'll keep this short, no one wants to read too much in these reviews. It's great, just bought a second one for someone else. Good price, screen is easy to read, the only negative thing I have to say about it is the PDF zooming function could be better. But other than that it's great.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
- Organization
- Syncing With Computer
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Dark Blue):
Was a gift for my husband for Christmas. He says he's enjoying immensly the convenience of having several books at his disposal in one easy to use small package. The only problem is that he finds himself reading several novels at the same time! :)
- Primary use:
- Personal
Displaying reviews 1-20
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- USB Cable
- Soft Case
- Software CD-ROM
- Quick Start Guide
- 1 Year Parts/90 Days Labor Sony U.S.A. Limited Warranty
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