Sony Reader Digital Book Second Edition
About a year ago the first edition of the Sony Reader digital book was released with about 10,000 eBook titles available at that time. The device has not been a big hit, but now Sony is giving it another shot with the second edition Sony Reader Digital Book (model PRS-505) this month. The new Reader features a "svelte body design" and comes in silver and dark blue colors. Sony has re-styled the Reader controls to more closely mimic paper page turns and allow for quick, intuitive navigation. For the people who thought that the first edition Reader was a bit slow with a below-average screen, the new version features a next-generation electronic paper display that is said to deliver faster response and a higher contrast ratio for easier reading, even in bright sunshine.
Sony Reader has the capacity to store up to 160 typical eBooks, and is also equipped with expansion slots for Memory Stick Duo media or SD memory cards. A new USB-based mass storage capability allows you to use the device as a portable drive for your documents, images and other files as well. There's also a new auto sync feature that lets you set up folders with books and documents that can be automatically synchronized when the Reader is connected to a PC.
"For people on the go, this device is compelling because it allows them to carry a wide variety of reading materials whether they are on a cross-country flight, in a doctor's office waiting room, or at a beach resort," said Steve Haber, senior vice president of Sony's Digital Imaging and Audio Division. "The Reader can handle a stack of books and other documents that people would rather not carry, yet offers a 'book-like' reading experience unavailable with other electronic devices."
Additional features include the option to magnify the text in three sizes, and the ability to switch the Reader to landscape mode for another level of magnification and wider page view. The Reader can also store and display Adobe PDF, RTF, text and JPEG images files. The second edition Sony Reader digital book has better battery life, with a single battery charge providing up to 7,500 pages of continuous reading.
The new Reader costs about $300 and comes with a USB cable, eBook Library PC companion software, and a color-coordinated, protective soft cover. Optional accessories include pink or black leather covers and an AC wall charger. More information about Sony Reader is available online at http://www.sony.com/reader.
