Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver)
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, from popular sites such as Salon, Slate, Huffington Post, engadget and Gizmodo among others 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, and 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 averaged 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 48 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (42)
- Compact (38)
- Long battery life (38)
- Adequate storage (29)
- Good compatibility (23)
Cons
- Poor software bundle (11)
- Slow (7)
- Limited compatibility (6)
Best Uses
- Multimedia (10)
- Syncing with computer (8)
- Business use (7)
- Organization (7)
- Mobile communication (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Tech savvy (19), Technically challenged (14), Multimedia professional (6), Avid gamer (4)
- Primary use:
- Personal (40), Business (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
I never regret buying it!
I like to read, and read during breakfast, on my way to work and back and when I have a spare minute. 5 years ago I bought my first PDA (also from Sony)...Read complete review
I like to read, and read during breakfast, on my way to work and back and when I have a spare minute. 5 years ago I bought my first PDA (also from Sony) and used it mainly for reading. Later I changed it for another model, and for iPaq at last, which I have till now, but always give a look to old Sony Clie's - because iPaq's lacks some Sony elegance.
Sometimes I read news about E-Ink technology and was curious to try it. First E-Ink devices I see was Hanlin V8, with very simple hardware and software, but I liked the screen and bought for myself newer model, V3 (I leave outside USA and at that time I didn't know how to order Sony for myself). Despite its disadvantages (mainly, pure quality of case, battery and buttons) and crude look, I liked it. And used for 4 months at home and at subway.
But from the articles and photos, I knew about Sony 505. Later, I found that it isn't difficult to order it from the USA, and a week later I got the silver one and reflashed it with Cyrillic fonts (it is very simple procedure). What can I say - It's a Sony :) - the same elegance I remember from my Clie's, nice design, good metal case and working buttons. Also, the screen refresh is faster and the screen is more contrast. I don't need to wait 15 seconds to open a book (only for the first time) and Sony never hangs (V3 usually hangs ones in a week, annoying). And some small, but really nice features, such as clock - with V3, I been late sometimes for a half an hour or more. With Sony I can always check what time is now.
I buy new gadgets sometimes, and very often I get dissatisfied and regret about purchase. Yes, new and nice device, but I have absolutely no joy from it. But (as it was with my first PDA), I never regret buying Sony for reading - yes, it doesn't show videos, hasn't GPS and cannot make a coffee, its screen a bit small for comfort PDF reading, but for reading for pleasure and during the way to work it is great. Recommend it for all book-lovers. Personally I can recommend the Silver one, not the Blue one (because I don't like finger-prints visible on the Blue reader).
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Neat little thing, but expensive.
I purchased this reader so I could cut down on the number of paperbacks I purchase. I have enjoyed using the reader and have only two complaints. First, the pictures of the reader are...Read complete review
I purchased this reader so I could cut down on the number of paperbacks I purchase. I have enjoyed using the reader and have only two complaints. First, the pictures of the reader are deceiving-the screen looks lighter than it really is and I find it difficult to read sometimes in certain lighting because of this. Second, sometimes I've pressed on the next page button a little too hard and the reader flips through several pages and I have to go back, searching for the last page I was reading.
Otherwise, I'm enjoying it.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 48 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
If you are looking for a dedicated eReader, the Sony 505 is a great option. I agonized over the decision, considering the Kindle, the Sony Touch and Pocket editions, the IRex line, etc. I finally decided that I do really want a dedicated reading device that provides a reading experience as close to that of a paper book as possible. To that end, the 505 fit the bill perfectly. The new pocket edition is much too small. I am amazed at people who can read on tiny tiny screens. The 505 is a manageable size with excellent font options, and I will not get carpal tunnel scrolling through any pages like I would on my Ipod touch. The sony Touch is cool, but had too much glare on the screen. I also applaud Sony's move to include ePub (Amazon's insistence on proprietary formats was enough to keep me away from the Kindle). I hope that Sony realizes that they have left a gap in their line up by discontinuing this 505 and not providing us with an adequate replacement. Snag one while you can!
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Multimedia
- Syncing With Computer
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
Think about Kindle? Forget it!
I currently have about 100 books on my Sony PRS-505. All are on internal memory and I still have about 100 megs free. Books load fairly fast, and page turns are instant.
Eye strain is absolutely zero! There is none. E-Ink is wonderful.
The external memory slots are great. I keep PDF's on a SD card, considering their size, for work purposes.
So far I have read about 4 complete novels on the PRS-505 and I couldn't be happier about my purchase.
All in all the Sony is awesome. If you like to read you will love it.
I cannot comment on the included software. I am using the free ebook app Calibre.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
- Multimedia
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
I purchased a Sony PRS-505 several months back for my wife's birthday and quickly realized I wanted one for myself as well, which I now have. We travel alot and these e-readers are perfect for travel. The Sony model has a great advantage over the Kindle since there are many free books available as well... they may not be current best sellers, but I have found plenty to keep me busy (I have yet to pay for a book). I also take online classes and I use my Sony to read my text books on the go (PDFs). Some people have mentioned they have issues with the reader taking too long too open/zoom PDFs, I have not had this issue. I purchased a memory stick as well so I can add some music too. The reader has a slim design and is comfortable to hold and turn pages even with one hand. The only thing I don't like is you can't seem to put books into your own folders for organization. You can sort by title and author but I'd like to be able to categorize these myself. Overall I think this is a great product and would highly recommend for traveling or for around the house.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Good Compatibility
- Limitless storage
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Screen contrast
- UI could have been better
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
As I live in Turkey, Kindle was not an option so I decided to buy this Sony reader as my "Second best choice". I definetely do not regret buying it and have been using it extensively for the past few weeks. The battery life is phenominal. I charged it only for about 20 minutes through USB when I received the device and I have finished 3 books (totally more than 2000 pages) and still have 50% battery life remaining. I also use it often while flying and since the display does not have electronic look to it, I have never been warned by flight attendants to turn it off during take off and landing. I think the screen size at 6 inches is at the sweet spot right between high portability and perfect usability. I find the new version of the PC software quite adequate for my needs and since I read mostly DRM free .txt and .pdf files, I really do not need to use the PC software at all. I just copy the e-book files to an SD card and then stick the card into the reader and I am done. Also, I have found this device not too picky about the e-book formats that I have tried, which is a definete plus for someone living out of the US. I think it is one of the best e-ink devices in terms of format support. I registered to the sony e-book store with my local (Turkish) credit card and I was able to buy a book without any problems, which is not the case with [...] or [...] stores.As the device is quite thin, I handle it with care but the all-metal body and the (ugly) protector I would think that this reader would be much stronger than most other consumer electronic devices such as compact cameras, laptops or even mobile phones.While you can listen to music while reading a book, I would reccomend agains it. If you tend to skip or repeat tracks often, I think neiter e-ink technology, nor the interface ergonomy is good enough to allow it.Also I would have preferred a little more contrasty screen then this one, but still it seems that this device offers the best contrast among the current crop of e-book readers.I placed my order for this model just before the launch of the newer 5 and 7 inch Sony e-book readers but I do not regret it. In fact if I would lose it, I think I would prefer to buy this 6 inch one despite it is not produced and sold anymore.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Good Compatibility
- Great Software Bundle
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Led light incorporated
Best Uses
- Organization
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
After long time in doubt, I plucked up the courage to spend my money on buying the PRS-505 Reader Digital Book. All the good comments I had read about it were certain. It is delight! Comfortable, easy to use, nice and, I can have my favourite books in a small device at last!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Slow
Best Uses
- Business Use
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
I think that e-reader technology is still need to developing. I remember early days of emerging digital cameras. There were not sufficient to covering all abilities compared to classical 35 mm cameras but were also fascinating. From this perspective, Sony PRS-505 is a good e-reader in the market. But e-readers is still need to many improvements. First of all, this is not proper device to read big printing books. You need magnification to read text with these books and it causes many problems. But, it is well-done with pocket books. Second pitfall is colorless screen. So, image processing for books with color figures are not satisfactory. Anyway, I think that we are still in early days of this technology and future will mostly based on e-readers.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Good Compatibility
- Great Software Bundle
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- No backlight
Best Uses
- Mobile Communication
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
This e-reader is worth every penny. Reading on it is very easy on the eyes and a pleasure to use. The only con I have about this is there is no backlight. That might help when reading in darker places. Other than that I am 100% satisfied.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Good Compatibility
Cons
Best Uses
- Reading ebooks
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
It's a great device.
I recommend to use Calibre software to convert books to LRF format.
I keep books on SD cards, works out great.
I had problem charging the device using USB wall charger, but it works fine when charging from computer USB.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
- Person pleasure
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
I purchased this reader so I could cut down on the number of paperbacks I purchase. I have enjoyed using the reader and have only two complaints. First, the pictures of the reader are deceiving-the screen looks lighter than it really is and I find it difficult to read sometimes in certain lighting because of this. Second, sometimes I've pressed on the next page button a little too hard and the reader flips through several pages and I have to go back, searching for the last page I was reading.
Otherwise, I'm enjoying it.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
The product came into my hands within days of the placement of the order (and I live in Iceland). [...].The product itself is just as described, very comfortable to read off and with minimal glare. I've found myself reading books quickly and enjoyably, and have no regrets about the purchase. I would recommend it to anybody (and all people who've seen it turn green with envy).
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Aluminum construction
- Can buy books anywhere
- Good Compatibility
Cons
- Retro Software
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
Very easy on the eyes. Nothing like a computer screen. Amazing outside in sunlight. I bought this to read, not to surf the web or look at pictures. It does not disappoint. With Sony, I own my e-books. They live on my hard drive, reader and SD card. Handsome and sturdy anodized aluminum construction. Included cover is sweet. [...]. No regrets.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Poor Software Bundle
- Slow
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
I bought this reader to read pdf files. you need a 3rd party software to convert pdfs to lrf. otherwise pretty useless. when you magnify the font, it doesn't show graphics or images. it loses font and goes back to small sometimes. sofware on the cd is useless but you don't need it. you can download books from windows using usb port. device is nice and sleek, quality of screen is good. again software on the device is not that good and slow.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
It's a bit heavier than I expected but easier to handle than a book...and no black smudges on your thumbs. It's very easy to use, thought I might like there to be more titles in the bookstore.
I'd definitely recommend it...and already have.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Organization
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
Excellent for not having to take a suitcase of books with me on every trip. Great clarity and definition.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Mobile Communication
- Syncing With Computer
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
Easy to set up & use.My wife loves it
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
- Ideal for travel
- Organization
- Syncing With Computer
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
I am often out of the country for 3 weeks at a time and this is a great way to carry reading material without the added burden of packing books. Easy to use, does not weight much, compact - just the ticket. The only thing I may have done different is to have spent the added $100 for the model with the built in light since I think it would be easier to read when using the typical reading light found on planes (reflection issues).
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Good Compatibility
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Poor Software Bundle
Best Uses
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
It's a joy to use. The e-ink screen makes everything so easy to read and even though the on-board memory may seem small it's more than enough for a ton of books.
The best thing about the reader is how simple it is to use and how many books you can carry with you at once. I had been wanting to read a collection but as always happens, when you really get into a book and can't put it down, did you remember to carry the next in the collection with you. With the reader there's no worry about that. You finish one, you start the next one immediately. In one day I read three books back to back.
The only complaint that I have is the included software. In all honesty, it's not the easiest thing to use. If you already have books in Sony's Reader format then fine, but if you have e-books in another format, be prepared for a wait.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
...when using the Sony PRS-505 E-book reader. No matter if sun is shining. Screen shows every book page very clearly.
I definitly recommend this item if You like reading books on business trips or else.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Adequate Storage
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Good Compatibility
- Great Software Bundle
- Long Battery Life
Cons
Best Uses
- Organization
- Syncing With Computer
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
Don't have to run to bookstore
Can download books using my library card for free
Light and portable
No downfalls, it's great
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Organization
Comments about Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book (Silver):
I read a lot, and I have no space for my books.
With this reader I have a lot of space and I can take it easyly everywhere I go. it´s so compact and easy to use!
- Primary use:
- Personal
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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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