Ratings Snapshot
5 star:
64%
(11)
4 star:
29%
(5)
3 star:
5%
(1)
2 star:
0%
(0)
1 star:
0%
(0)
Reader Digital Book - Dark Blue
Model number:
PRS-505/LC
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
Carry a stack of books in one hand. Experience the joy of reading a variety of your favorite books—all stored digitally in one compact device.
ADDITIONAL IMAGES:
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- Position 1 Overview
- Position 2 Features
- Position 3 Specifications
- Position 5 Reviews
- Position 6 Accessories
Product Reviews
Write a review( Rated 4.6 out of 5 Stars AVERAGE RATING | 17 REVIEWS Ratings Snapshot)
17 of 18 (94%) customers would recommend this product to a friend
Rated 4.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Great for novel reading!
Pros: lightweight, easy on eyes, user friendly, long battery life
Cons: not great for pdf files, runs slow with big files
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I have had my reader for about a month now and love it. I use it for recreational reading only. For this purpose I love it and will never go back to paper books. It truly is easy on the eyes and the pages turn takes no longer than to turn the page of a real book. When I use my clip on book light it does make a small glare on the page if I don't adjust it right, so the one that comes with the cover might be a better option. But it isn't so much of a annoyance that I am running out to buy the other one. I did try pdf files on it when I first got it and the text size is too small and the zoom feature doesn't work on them. So if you want to do a lot of work with pdf files then this isn't the reader for you. The battery lasts forever, I haven't charged it once since the first charge and it's only lost one of the 4 bars. The page turning buttons are nice if you hold the reader with your right hand, but the controls on the left side of the reader are a little awkward with the cover on (which I keep on because my booklight clips to it). The included cover is rather flimsy in that when I put it in my purse once it got dings all over it. Although, better the cover than the reader. I plan to buy a nice hard case for when I go back to school and put it in my backpack. Things I would change/improve: I would put page turning buttons at the top of the device because I often read in bed and hold it at the top. Also, I would add a cancel button because sometime I accidentally hit a page number when I'm trying to turn the page and you can't cancel that out (at least I haven't figured out how if there is a way), so I have to go to a new page and then back to the page I was on. A little clock on the bottom would be nice too. However, all of these things are minor and not deal breakers. Overall, I love my reader and wouldn't trade it for all the paper books in the world.
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
LOVE IT!!!
Pros: lightweight, thin, easy to use
Cons: haven't found any yet!!
Reviewer: emykarr
Date: Jun 30, 2009
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I bought the Sony Reader after considerable research into it and the Kindle 2, and I could not be happier that I chose the Reader. I have it with me at all times, I haven't really had any problem with the lag time other people have mentioned, and I have not once in the month I have had it felt the need to download a book while I was walking through the grocery store or whatever you may be doing when you use the wireless download on the Kindle. I can not stress enough how awesome it is!!
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Great product!
Pros: Great screen contrast, light, fun to use, just like reading a book!
Cons: Doesn't run natively on Mac (but there are ways around this) Slow and annoying in package software
Reviewer: Mellam
Date: May 21, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
4of 4 people found this helpful
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I love this reader. I have held off buying one for over a year. I chose the 505 over the 700 because I didn't need the extra features and the screen contrast quality is much better on the 505 since it doesn't need the extra screen layer for the touch screen. The software included in the package only works with PC's and it's annoying and slow. I own a mac and was able to find a site called Book on Board which sells Adobe EPUB books that work really well on the Reader. It also has instructions for a Mac workaround. You have to use a PC just once to authorize your reader with Adobe Digital editions, but then afterwards just use it on your mac and drag and drop your files and tada! It works like a charm. Fast and easy and only seconds to upload multiple books. WAY better that the software in the package! I think even people with PC's should use this method!! I tested all this out with a friend's ereader and after finding it so easy to use with my Mac I was completely sold and rushed to get my own right away! Plus my public library has ebooks for loan on their website which makes it even better!! I feel this product is better than the kindle by miles. It's a better quality product and so what if it doesn't have wireless? At least I can choose where to buy my books without being forced to get them from one place like Amazon does with their Kindle. Plus, this allows me to loan out those ebooks from my public library which I must say is a major plus. I definitely recommend both the 505 and 700 models. I think it's a matter of preference and price for which one you choose, but both are great products!
Ultra portable
The Reader Digital Book offers a unique, on-the-go reading experience and is the perfect travel companion. With a compact and lightweight design, you can take it almost anywhere and read your books whenever and wherever you want. More compact than many paperbacks, it weighs about 9 ounces6 (without cover), is 1/3” thin8, and holds up to 160 eBooks4. You can easily hold it in one hand, and with its rechargeable battery, you can turn up to 7,500 continuous pages on a single charge2.
Multiple eBook titles available
The Reader Digital Book allows you to search, browse, discover, and buy thousands of new releases, classics and popular eBook titles from the Connect eBook Store and other participating websites3. You can even go to other sites that have unsecured eBooks in file formats that the Reader supports5.Access over 500,000 free public domain titles from Google12.This translates into an incredible amount of content suitable for the Reader.
Content Storage Capability
With a compact and lightweight design you can take the Reader Digital Book almost anywhere. And with plenty of internal memory, and 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 the internal memory (256 MB total capacity)4 and hundreds more with optional removable memory cards.
Impressive, paper-like display
The Reader Digital Book provides a new way to experience reading. It boasts an impressive 6-inch display1, utilizing breakthrough E Ink® technology that’s almost paper-like, making it easy to read, even in bright sunshine. In addition, the screen allows for high contrast and high resolution, with a near 180º viewing angle. The text can also be magnified for comfort.
More Than eBooks
The Reader Digital Book isn’t just about reading eBooks. Using the included eBook Library 2.0 PC Software, you can easily transfer Adobe® PDF documents10, Microsoft Word documents5, BBeB Book, and other text file formats to the Reader, allowing you the flexibility to access and view multiple files at any time.
Product Profile
Support
- Find related product support and help in Sony eSupport
License Agreements
Product Warranty
Product Specifications
System Requirements
- Hard Drive : 256MB9 Minimum available Hard Drive space
- Internet Connection : Broadband suggested3
- Operating System : Operating System --- Windows® XP (Home Edition/Professional, Media Center Edition, Media Center Edition 2004, Media Center Edition 2005)& Windows Vista® (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate).
- Optical Drive : Optical Drive capable of reading CD-ROM
- Processor : 800MHz Intel® Celeron® class processor or better
- RAM : 128 MB Minimum
- USB Port : USB 1.1 or faster USB Port (Optimal with USB 2.0)
Display
- Gray Scale : 8-Level Grey Scale
- Resolution : Approx. 170 Pixels Per Inch
- Screen Size : Approx. 6" Measured Diagonally
- Technology : E Ink® "Electronic Paper"
Weights and Measurements
Power
- AC Power : Optional AC Charger requires 120 Volts 60Hz
- Battery Life (Approx) : Up to 7,500 page turns2
- Battery Type : Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- Recharging Time : Approx. 4 Hours with USB charging from powered Computer or Approx. 2 Hours when using optional AC wall charger
Service and Warranty Information
- Limited Warranty Term : Labor- 90 days from the date of purchase; Parts- 1 Year from the date of purchase. See actual warranty for details.
In the Box
- Quick Start Guide
- Tan Soft Case
- CD-ROM
- USB Cable
Accessories & Extras
-
AC Charger for Reader Digital Book
$29.99
Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media
-
8GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media
$49.99
-
2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media
$19.99
-
16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media
$89.99
-
4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media
$34.99
Product Reviews
Write a review( Rated 4.6 out of 5 Stars AVERAGE RATING | 17 REVIEWS Ratings Snapshot)
17 of 18 (94%) customers would recommend this product to a friend
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Rated 4.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: tilnih (California)
Date: Jul 24, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
Was this review helpful?
Great for novel reading!
Pros: lightweight, easy on eyes, user friendly, long battery life
Cons: not great for pdf files, runs slow with big files
I have had my reader for about a month now and love it. I use it for recreational reading only. For this purpose I love it and will never go back to paper books. It truly is easy on the eyes and the pages turn takes no longer than to turn the page of a real book. When I use my clip on book light it does make a small glare on the page if I don't adjust it right, so the one that comes with the cover might be a better option. But it isn't so much of a annoyance that I am running out to buy the other one. I did try pdf files on it when I first got it and the text size is too small and the zoom feature doesn't work on them. So if you want to do a lot of work with pdf files then this isn't the reader for you. The battery lasts forever, I haven't charged it once since the first charge and it's only lost one of the 4 bars. The page turning buttons are nice if you hold the reader with your right hand, but the controls on the left side of the reader are a little awkward with the cover on (which I keep on because my booklight clips to it). The included cover is rather flimsy in that when I put it in my purse once it got dings all over it. Although, better the cover than the reader. I plan to buy a nice hard case for when I go back to school and put it in my backpack. Things I would change/improve: I would put page turning buttons at the top of the device because I often read in bed and hold it at the top. Also, I would add a cancel button because sometime I accidentally hit a page number when I'm trying to turn the page and you can't cancel that out (at least I haven't figured out how if there is a way), so I have to go to a new page and then back to the page I was on. A little clock on the bottom would be nice too. However, all of these things are minor and not deal breakers. Overall, I love my reader and wouldn't trade it for all the paper books in the world.
Was this review helpful?
LOVE IT!!!
Pros: lightweight, thin, easy to use
Cons: haven't found any yet!!
I bought the Sony Reader after considerable research into it and the Kindle 2, and I could not be happier that I chose the Reader. I have it with me at all times, I haven't really had any problem with the lag time other people have mentioned, and I have not once in the month I have had it felt the need to download a book while I was walking through the grocery store or whatever you may be doing when you use the wireless download on the Kindle. I can not stress enough how awesome it is!!
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: Mellam
Date: May 21, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
4of 4 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?
Great product!
Pros: Great screen contrast, light, fun to use, just like reading a book!
Cons: Doesn't run natively on Mac (but there are ways around this) Slow and annoying in package software
I love this reader. I have held off buying one for over a year. I chose the 505 over the 700 because I didn't need the extra features and the screen contrast quality is much better on the 505 since it doesn't need the extra screen layer for the touch screen. The software included in the package only works with PC's and it's annoying and slow. I own a mac and was able to find a site called Book on Board which sells Adobe EPUB books that work really well on the Reader. It also has instructions for a Mac workaround. You have to use a PC just once to authorize your reader with Adobe Digital editions, but then afterwards just use it on your mac and drag and drop your files and tada! It works like a charm. Fast and easy and only seconds to upload multiple books. WAY better that the software in the package! I think even people with PC's should use this method!! I tested all this out with a friend's ereader and after finding it so easy to use with my Mac I was completely sold and rushed to get my own right away! Plus my public library has ebooks for loan on their website which makes it even better!! I feel this product is better than the kindle by miles. It's a better quality product and so what if it doesn't have wireless? At least I can choose where to buy my books without being forced to get them from one place like Amazon does with their Kindle. Plus, this allows me to loan out those ebooks from my public library which I must say is a major plus. I definitely recommend both the 505 and 700 models. I think it's a matter of preference and price for which one you choose, but both are great products!
Rated 4.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: frankp (Westerly, RI)
Date: May 9, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
4of 4 people found this helpful
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Very good, but needs improvement
Pros: Comfortable, easy to use, two memory choices, long battery life
Cons: Slow page turns, black & white photos, small internal memory
I am an avid reader, at least 3-4 books per week and dozens of magazines. I was always against ebooks. I like the feel of a paper book in my hand. However, I was tired of carrying several books with me everywhere I go (I said I read alot). So I thought I would give the Sony Reader a try. I must say, I am impressed. With the leather jacket I feel like I am holding a book. I have 165 books loaded on the external memory card and the internal memory. There is still room for hundreds more. I like that. The print is perfect. It is just like reading a book. It is not difficult to use. I was up and running in 30 minutes or less. Battery life before recharging is very good. It plays MP3's and displays photos. Now the bad part. Page turning is very slow. There is a lag when turning the pages. Magazines don't seem to convert too well as far as layout. The software is not too hot either. You have to sync rather then just copy and paste as you can with the external memory card. Speaking of memory, the internal memory is not that much. I don't know what it is, but I'm guessing less then a gig. I have some books that are 60 meg each. And magazines are about 20-40 meg each. This is fine for loading up the memory cards, but not for the internal memory. Photos, of any kind, are in black and white. Wish they were in color. All of my books are non fiction, history, science, magazines, etc. These contain lots of photos and they don't look good not in color. Also, to load up with family photos is a waste since there is no color. Unit is expensive, but I think it's worth it for what it can do. It would really be worth it if it had the improvements I mentioned, plus be able to play video files. I'm sure Sony will be improving as time goes. I am happy in the end. Imagine, taking 165 books with you where ever you go? Unbelievable!!
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: Mamakarina (Oakland, CA)
Date: Mar 23, 2009
I've had this product for 6-12 months
4of 5 people found this helpful
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This is awesome!
Pros: multiplee books on one device, easy on the eyes
Cons: some books not available as ebooks
I purchased this reader last summer. It has definitely been one the best decisions I have ever made. I am a book worm and read a book a day or more sometimes. I found myself leaving the tv off and just reading in my off time. I love it!! My sister is also a book lover like me and just moved to Hawaii from California. She was unable to take all her books with her so I gave her my reader to take with her. I will never get it back. She is addicted. And her daughter loves it too. I just ordered the 700 as a replacement and can hardly wait for it to get here! The only con I can really think of is that sometimes I can not find the books that I am wanting to read in ebook form. The battery lasts forever! and the screen is easy to read and does not strain my eyes. I can even read without my glasses sometimes. Thank you for this great product.
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: RichBoston (Boston, MA)
Date: Jan 11, 2009
I've had this product for 1-3 months
22of 23 people found this helpful
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Better Than Kindle!
Pros: Beautiful Design, Great Screen, Easy to Use
Cons: No Wireless Download Capability, No Touch Screen
I had, and returned a Kindle. Great idea but terrible design and...ugly and...horrible case and...cheap looking plastic. Maybe they will get it right down the road. In the meantime there is the Sony Reader. I just upgraded to the 505. This is Apple like in it's build quality; even better. Just stunningly thin and beautiful! What few 'flaws' there were on the 500 have been 'corrected' here with a better screen, more thoughtful layout of buttons, bigger memory and much better case design. I was going to buy the leather case but the standard issue is quite nice and I might save my money. Downloading books from the Sony E-Store is effortless and fun. Transferring them to the Reader is equally uneventful. The process takes only seconds. The only Kindle function I miss is the wireless download feature. Undeniably cool but not THAT big of a deal...and...it was a major drain on the battery. The Reader battery goes for days and days and days.... You know how comforting it is to have your entire music library with you on your iPod? You have the similar luxury of having hundreds of books available at any moment, wherever you go when you have this great device. I know that the Sony Reader isn't cheap but when you love something it seems like a bargain. That's the case here. Some may love this more than others but I can't imagine anyone being disappointed.
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: uawhit (Boaz, AL)
Date: Jan 9, 2009
I've had this product for 6-12 months
6of 6 people found this helpful
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Excellent Buy
Pros: Ease of use, easy on the eyes, lightweight, great for travel
Cons: wall charger optional
I have had my reader for 8 months now and love it. I can't see going back to traditional books after using this. It is a very well made product and I carry it with me whenever I travel. I never have to worry about carrying a lot of books with me. Not only is it great for travel but I love it just around the house. I would recommend this book to anyone and I have. Everyone that has seen it wants one. The only drawback for them is the price.
Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot
Reviewer: earthgirl26
Date: Jan 8, 2009
1of 1 people found this helpful
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Better Than Expected!
Pros: Easy to hold and read!
Cons: Not the easiest menu and software to use.
My favorite thing about this product is the easy to read screen. Glare is very minimal and you forget that you aren't reading from a paper page! The page turning buttons are perfectly placed so that you can use your thumb in the corner or a finger on the edge. The software is fairly easy to learn as it reminds me of iTunes, but I would prefer easier access to your e-books on your computer screen. Overall, a wonderful product. I would buy another and recommend one to anyone who loves to read.
- Residual image may show on display. This is due to the display characteristics and not a malfunction.
- Viewable area measured diagonally.
- Up to 7,500 continuous page turns with a single full charge on internal rechargeable battery. Actual battery life will vary base on usage patterns, settings and battery conditions.
- Requires Internet connection (broadband recommended). Internet service may require a fee.
- Based on average un-illustrated eBook file size of 1.2MB. Actual file sizes vary by electronic book title.
- Adobe® PDF, JPEG, BBeB Book and plain text formats natively supported. Microsoft Word requires conversion using included software.
- Non-metric weights and measures are approximate and may vary.
- Un-encrypted MP3 and AAC format audio files only. Not compatible with most digital copyright formatted audio file content. Headphones not included.
- Measured at the narrowest point.
- MB means one million bytes when referring to memory capacity. Accessible capacity may vary. A portion of memory space is reserved for operating system and other system functions.
- 10. Adobe® PDF files look better when optimized with the Reader’s screen size, and text may appear small if not optimized.
© 2007 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Sony, Sony logo, like.no.other, Memory Stick Duo and Connect are trademarks of Sony.
E Ink is a trademark of E Ink Corporation. Adobe, the Adobe logo, Adobe PDF and Adobe Reader are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are either registered or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Intel and Celeron are either registered or trademarks of the Itel Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other products or companies mentioned are either registered trademarks, trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.