I've owned a kindle and a Sony PRS900 before owning this machine, and I can very honestly say that this is the best e-reader I've ever had in my hands. It really does everything I want it to do, and as a graduate student who reads both for work and fun, I need it to do alot!
First, let me comment on the screen. It is not only much aesthetically improved over the Sony PRS900 (which had a glare and not a great contrast between background and type), but it is better than the kindle in terms of contrast as well. And, of course, the kindle does not have a touch screen, which for a student is a drawback (but I'll get to that).
Next, not that it REALLY matters, but this is the lightest ereader I think I've ever had the pleasure of holding. I didn't think that would be a big deal, but when you read for extended periods, it is nicer to hold something light (but substantive). Much lighter, in fact, than the other 7-inch-screened PRS900 and nook color (not to mention the heavy and awkward ipad).
But the real thing that separates this machine from the others, at least to this graduate student, is the fact that the pdf reading experience is a good as can be expected on a 7 inch screen. Yes, the kindle and nook can read pdfs, but this allows me to TAKE NOTES on my pdfs - actually write on them with the stylus! And I can zoom in on my pdfs (locking the zoom so that subsequent pages are zoomed also), and move the pdf with a drag of the finger. (For those interested, the 'search' and 'dictionary' features also work on many pdfs).
Now, for the few negatives. Sony still hasn't really improved their bookstore experience, and I have to imagine that a kindle can purchase a book via 3G in about half the time it would take this Sony. The wi-fi is okay, but is a bit slower than I'd like to see, and anyone who really wants to browse the net may want to get the nook color. Lastly, the machine takes a while to 'load up' between turning the device on and entering the 'menu' screen, unlike the PRS900, which took you to the menu screen almost directly after pressing the 'on' button. (The kindle has the same problem, though.)
So, if you can muster up the comparatively lofty sum for this device, I would highly recommend it. Sony puts out a high quality e-reader, one that this reviewer thinks is qualitatively better than both the kindle and the nook. The design is simpler and more intuitive, and I think this machine is more versatile, especially if you are a student who values the ability to read and "interact" with pdf and other files.
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 5.04 x 0.38 x 7.87 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 9.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| ASIN | B0046SHTME |
| Item model number | PRS950SC |
| Customer Reviews |
3.9 out of 5 stars |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | Yes |
| Date First Available | October 11, 2010 |
Feedback
Good reader, but dying at 18 months.
For the most part, I like the reader. It handles epub, PDF, and has internet support. Downsides: The browser isn't supported widely as most mobile browsers are today. Text sizes need to be re-tweaked. They range from hilariously enormous to too tiny to read. PDF reading is painful; it's the margins. The reader can zoom in on a page to eliminate the margins, but when you change pages you have to redo the zoom. The killer: When it first arrived, there was a dead zone on the screen for touch. This wasn't a big deal since it was a tiny line and I never wrote on it with a stylus. Now 18 months after buying it, the screen is dying. I know it's not due to damage because I've kept it in a padded steel-lined case and it's never been mishandled. Of course the warranty is only for one year. I paid $271.99 at Best Buy before Amazon had these in stock, which was a significant amount over the price of the Kindle at the time. For the extra money I paid, I would have expected a product that lasted longer than 18 months. Bottom line: I would not buy this again.
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