Reviews for Sony Digital Reader Pocket Edition

Reviews for 'Sony Digital Reader Pocket Edition - Dark Blue (PRS300BC)'

Average Rating: 4.0
Total Reviews: 39

=== Review #1 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: A good reader
I bought this reader because I broke the screen my Sony PRS-505

This is smaller and you can see that both reading (the screen is smaller) and wore it (it is smaller and easier it more "plastic" and less "metal" than the other).

I am happy with it, but I think PRS 505 was better.

It has a pocket to protect the apparently not much, had the PRS 505 a type of output.

=== Review #2 ===

Rating: 2
Summary: broken after 3 short weeks

I looked through many forums and it looks like the screen is very fragile and prone to be faulty. Now I'm paranoid about it breaking again. If you decide on this purchase, hope you have better luck and do not break on you.

=== Review #3 ===

Rating: 5
Summary: Excellent E-Reader
This is an easy on the eyes e-reader. The Sony software to transfer e-books will not work under Linux or Windows 7 too easy. The time to transfer PDFs, needs a little time, but impatiently aside a good product.

=== Review #4 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: Excellent Value, but....
If you want a reader to read eBooks, you can not go wrong with this reader - great bang for the buck. Easy and intuitive to use, page / type are clear and easy to read; device is very small and practically, one night free from the PC you can read for a long time to flip pages quickly and feel natural - after half an hour you more comfort with the reader than a paperback - especially a fat!

But there are three annoying drawbacks of these readers, making it 4 stars, not 5 get:

1) Sony bundled software stinks - slow, non-standard interface, insufficient information about books - not counting possible!, The inability to easily identify and remove duplicates, the inability to edit the title, device appears as a USB drive, can not be properly synchronized and managed except through Sony's cludgy software. Unfortunately I can not say I'm surprised, because the par for the course with the software supplied by Sony - the same with their IC Recorder - great device, shitty software.

2) PDF's - PDF support must be improved, although I understand that none of the popular readers is very good with PDF's. On this Sony, make PDF's often a long time, and you get 3 options for the PDF size:

Small: makes the entire page formatted correctly, but usually much too small to read
Medium: The most readable, but the PDF format to be lost and confused.
Large: offers more than 2 sentences per page, format also very confused.

However, you can read a PDF on a medium term - it works.

3) Sometimes the reader a while to load / render a page - maybe 30 seconds or a minute - especially with graphics / PDF 's, but in the meantime, the device shows no activity - can not say whether alive or dead is ... You need a HOURGLASSS, the device SHOW - a boneheaded omisson!

=== Review #5 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: Good at what its for - reading ebooks!

On another note, I have read many bad reviews of the Sony software to manage the eBook Library. I use it only to buy books that I had at the Sony store. Otherwise I use the large caliber eBook Manager, which is free and is fairly easy to use.

PRO:
- Well, it was read for its - Books
- Open Format
- Solidly built device
- Good Value
CONS:
- Slightly smaller screen than Kindle and Sony's two top
- Fewer bells and whistles - no memory card reader or audio connection (if necessary)
- No 3G connectivity (expected at the price point)

=== Review #6 ===

Rating: 5
Summary: Great Buy!
I am so impressed with this reader. I love to read and were looking for, e-reader is a long time. It seemed that most of them were not friends with pdf, what are my ebooks in. Plus, you were a good size and the Kindle is really nothing for me. I could not justify the cost when my netbook about the same size and was easy to take with. Then I recently saw the Pocket Reader, and decided to go for it. I've had a week and love it. It is a basic, no frills, but I do not need frills. The print is clear and easy to adjust the font, I can throw it in my wallet. It is comfortable to hold, easy to use, and it reads pdf .. I just needed to increase the font size.
The adapter must be purchased separately, but it is not necessary --- it's big fees from your computer and the battery life. I had not yet free, and that's just about it while in sleep mode instead of shutting down of the day. One critic said she never closes them down, and it was calculated for two weeks.
There is no backlight, but I knew that going in, if I find the need to read in the dark, I'm going to buy a small clip on the light.
The software gave me a little trouble with the auto sync - namely that it auto-sync automatic-.. whether I will or not. But the problem is probably mine, as said, I can sync manually, but to give all the software seems to me a headache:). Besides the fact that the Reader software library was fairly easy to use.
I showed this to a friend who has now sought, and she's looking "man in the near future you," she was really impressed look on me.
So, if you do not need all the frills and just want a nice little practical Reader - it's just a bit bigger than my hand --- I encourage you at one glance.

=== Review #7 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: I gave it as a gift
I thought you switch it for testing and I've read a few pages from a previously loaded book.
It was very pleasant to read.
I didn't try to read outside the house, download a book or connect it to the laptop.
But I think to buy one for me.

=== Review #8 ===

Rating: 5
Summary: I love it!!

I ordered the Sony and "true love" I do not need any extras. I want to read it.
I holds 350 pounds, what do you want? If you want to read, simply delete some more, what will you do with 350 pounds.
Yes, their library of Sony is limited, but if you're on and Emazon Epub, and any other out there, you can have every book, the Kindle, Amazon and Nook order. Everything you need to do is some juggling. Folks, I am not a computer geek but I found a way to downlod books from Amazon, I have about 6, and most free. Amazon gives you the opportunity to download the book onto your computer and then you go to the caliber and allows you to charge it to your Pocket Reader.
Download the Caliber it "is a book manager, she keeps all your books and you can add them to any device. It's a bit like iTunes, if you know you have itunes has no problem with caliber, and it's free.
As some said, it is a good reader, if all this is, I would have no notations on the edges I just want to read. And that is what this reader, you can.
I have the Readers Digest yesterday and the whole book in a short time, what a pleasure I is simply a book and read it any easier, dass
The Sony Reader is about 1 / 3 less the cost of the big boys.
Do not get me wrong, I think the others are good, but I chose to have this an all the things I need to go.

=== Review #9 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: I loved it 'til it Died
I bought this book from Amazon in just 45 days. I immediately fell in love with her. The controls were easy to use and fairly intuitive, and I have many books on "The Project Gutenberg and Baen Books, which are very inexpensive (or free), and load very easily. I found by trial and error, that the epub format was best to use as it loads faster and images come through in very good (to the computer, at least). illustrations do not do that well on the reader even as they are grainy and gray. It was very quick to download on the reader. On the other hand, the index format to the reader not particularly friendly, until you get used to it.

I wore the device for me again and again, and read several books on rare occasions at home and on the road. The battery life was excellent, and one hours free seemed to persist for several days.

All was well until this morning when I tried to activate it - without success. I change it, I is re-charged - and nothing happened. It is dead. Most annoying! The good news is that I contacted Sony tech support for the reader. The technician was a nice young man with the usual Indian accent. We went through the troubleshooting and confirmed that it was dead. The interesting thing is that if he died within 30 days, I received a new've replaced. Since it is 45 days, I want a "refurbished" unit in one or two weeks. I hope it lasts longer than I miss it already.

=== Review #10 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: It does the job
My husband bought the reader for a Christmas present for me. I am an avid reader and loved books and was trying to, because I could not imagine not tired of reading from a book. After he - I love the portability of it. We often travel so instead of the usual bag filled with heavy books, I can now only take the reader. It fits right into my pocket and I have read in Dr. 's office, while I changed my oil, as a passenger in the car, etc. .. I still love my books - especially those for whom I, 25 at the flea market, but now I have the option of only taking the reader with me when I'm traveling. It is fairly easy to use, but I must admit, I was not the one who has prepared everything on the computer to purchase and download. Be the biggest feature I wish it would be, so I books with other people who can share the reader. The next time I an electronic book device, it will be a that sharing allowed. I wish it glows in the dark. I like it that you can use the fonts larger and it is easy to read.

=== Review #11 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: Its what I want!
Although it is not as flashy or full of gimmicks like the Nook or Kindle, the Sony E-Reader is Pocket can be solidly built, feels strong, easy to use, easy to read, and - more important - actually fits in your pocket! I know that my mom will get it better for me because it costs less, but I am firmly convinced that it is now, because of its simplicity and design, the better choice.
I do not like the Kindle, TypePad, it distracts me. And the Nook's Got those pretty Multiple-color screens, consider so important - too important for me. And both seem so thin and frail for things as big ...
At least what I saw from other readers in public transport, and the fake Nook in the state on the B & N. The Sony wins for his accessibility and his open publicity! You can read it for a test-Anywhere from Target to be downloaded to Fry's to Borders AMD many places in between, and through his simple USB cable, texts of the DNG format in close to almost anywhere easily! I have walked 70 + books from Project Gutenberg on my bag, and while that's all I need personally, if I can change my mind and pay for a text that I do exactly how to do Nook / Kindle owners. The two latter, I would have a hard time with amateur writings from the Internet, as I occasional fantasy. Or at least that would be a problem for them, from what I've read ...
My only major problem with the Pocket: There is no SD card slot to save thousands of pounds. But this is only my personal greed is for more space.

Anyway, I am a plebeian, the Sony Reader is so brilliant.

=== Review #12 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: Just what I needed
We have a Kindle 1 ... but my wife is co-opted. I understand that it is a thing called a library, but here in the sticks, I was not often get in the position, in a reasonable amount of time, the books that I wanted. Since we do not really use the browser and the music player of the Kindle anyway, I decided to pocket the Sony. It fits the bill. I have had it cheaper to sell at least $ 100 as the Kindle and the Sony bookstore, the book I was looking for.

The unit itself is great. Small, easy to use. It mounts as a mass storage device on my Mac. The only gripe I have with the reader, is that the rocker on the bottom that lets you turn pages, is much too tight. Use it for an hour, and you will feel it. There are no bells and whistles in this thread: No searching, no highlight, no dictionary. You can bookmark pages. You need a PC to load your books on it.

And that was the worst part of the whole: the Sony Reader software. It digs into your system with hard-to-find DRM-management files. When I loaded a new computer and the software, it has found do not work try despite what I thought was a residual files from the previous installation. He was just crashes. The Sony people were very very good. To help you find used Logmein the file (I would have never guessed) and things going again. But using the software still does not make much sense to me, and is bulky, with a bad interface. You can use it to read on the computer screen. But we might not otherwise need to use it to load except in books.

I have a Google Books epub wait there (Bleak House). I think the formatting is OK, but I have to wait and see.

So, if you just want a reader and not a Kindle or a convergence device, which is good. Except for the software.

=== Review #13 ===

Rating: 5
Summary: MAC friendly easy to use e-reader

The Sony Reader is a pocket e-reader for people who want a small compact unit. Overall, this device is a little larger than a paperback book so that it fit well in their hands.

Pro

Sony Reader Software Library 3.1 works great on a Mac.

Ability to check out e-books from the local library

Ability to download. Epub, pdf, and. Txt to the e-reader. Not all readers will support these formats, so you will not be able to download various free-pounds.

Ability to store books on my desktop Mac for backup purposes.

Battery life

Book Easy to use navigation keys.

Not a touch screen (which is both a pro and a con)

Small, compact size (it fits really well in my coat pocket inside)

You can import your own script, if you saved it as pdf, txt, or epub format.

Number of free e-book sites on the Internet (Google Books, World Public Library, Project Gutenberg, etc. ..)

Con's

No integrated Wi-Fi, so you need not read books with your Mac or pc. For some people, like me, the lack of Wi-Fi is not important.

Not a touch screen (which is both a pro and a con)

Zoom controls only a selection of 3 small, medium and large. Other Sony models have a 5 zoom election ..

Non-user replaceable battery, so that future compensation will need to be carried out by Sony.

Do not do e-ink display, graphics and image detail as fine as a book by.

The Pocket Reader is a reader for anyone who will get used to looking for an easy to access to free more than 1,000,000 books have.

=== Review #14 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: No more paperbacks
I love my Sony Reader. I do not have to carry around printed books more when I am traveling, and I never read the things. The battery lasts up to 2 weeks on a charge. There are tons of books available on the Internet for downloading, and even if it is lit or anything else they can be converted for the reader. The best format is PDF. If you edit the PDF file before tranferring it to the reader by being in the title or author in the properties, the reader that your book and index correctly in their catalog. A word of caution to non-US customers: the Sony Store will only work with U.S. citizens.

=== Review #15 ===

Rating: 2
Summary: Not very good.
It only works with books. Does not work well with magazines. There is no color and color images show black and white. It is black ink on light gray background. Not to work in a dark room. My biggest complaint is that on prices.

=== Review #16 ===

Rating: 1
Summary: Not worth your money!
I have a Sony PRS-300 pocket-sized version as a winner of the Christmas gift by my wife and I read it especially some existing books in PDF format. The first thing I noticed that the screen every time you access a new page flashes. I said to myself: "OK, it may just like this for every electronic reader. Then I started to download my books in it, so I could read on a Sunday trip. Guess what, all the books disappeared when I readers! I do not know what happened, neither has anyone information about this issue post (Did I miss any post on this subject?). I forgave it again, and more books are loaded into it, some of them are quite long (more than 2000 pages). And the next thing I knew if I tried to read the long book, is that the reader is just completely dead in the middle of reading! None of the keys worked at this time, the power button! The only way out is the reset button, which is in a little hole, and you have to use a very strong position as a pencil, press. The problem keeps happening then, and I always need on which side I am so that when the system comes back remember, I know which side to go. You can understand what a pain it!

I am still not given up yet, the reader, because it is a gift and I will not throw it out. However, think twice if you spend some [...] on it!

=== Review #17 ===

Rating: 5
Summary: OK, Let's Be Real and Truthful For A Bit...OK?
This is a wonderful e-book reader ... and, as I said, we are brutally to the front ... You can use any. Pdf files on ... it regardless of the source. Am I clear enough or you need a foghorn. Honestly, we all know that many more people books and mp3s, as indeed they buy pirate ... and the unwritten question that seems to bother most people who want an e-reader. The simple answer is ... Yes, you can run it on this reader. I am not referring to the ethics or morals involved in the issue, I am only discussing the capabilities of these readers. Is that clear enough? NB: I do not tolerate nor condemn this practice, I am just stating the case.

For the money, and even more than the price, this is the best e-reader available. Taking all the people who have always wondered if they themselves can do what I just described, but too embarrassed to come to ask and ... yeah, this is the one. Use convert Caliber, files ... it is easier than using the native transfer software. What help, if Caliber works for you.

Students ... This is not the best device for the treatment and notation. Clumsy and eats up the battery out.

Now get off the internet and back into a good book.

=== Review #18 ===

Rating: 3
Summary: Okay reader, terrible authorization process, clumsy library software
My wife had a PRS 300, but was't interested. I already own a Kindle 2 (a far superior product, in my opinion), so we decided that our seven year old daughter we have the Sony Reader (it has a dust mite allergy - a few things on the shelves means fewer health problems). An advanced reader, she was excited to use it, so I quickly loaded it will install with some free books without around the library. This was in order. Then my daughter asked for a particular book, so I needed to purchase the software for the make install and authorize the reader. Problems arose when I tried to use the software, it is slow, buggy, and would not allow the unit.

An Adobe ID is required and will be created for you when you create a store account. What if you already have an Adobe ID? To make a long story short, after several days of attempts and several hours with tech support, I was finally told that the problem was that the process would not work, because I had an existing Adobe ID. I do not know what she has to go so long with that - it is one of the first things I was asked. So we have a Store account with my wife's e-mail address that was very smooth.

As for the use of the device, there are thorough reviews of the advantages and disadvantages, so that I will only say that it is a nice size, feels stable and easy to use is enough for our seven-year-old, she is so satisfied. But the library software is a deal breaker for me. I will only use it for the purchase of books I can not get elsewhere. If we had not won this reader, we would not be himself, and when the time comes, it will probably be replaced with a Kindle - even though it means to buy back pounds in Kindle format.

=== Review #19 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: Pleased so far
I was on the fence about an e-reader for a long time, how many guests, I was torn between the different products out there and wondered who would be best for me, or if I really still need an e-reader to all. I do not travel much, I work from home, and I've had quite a stack of unread "real" books in my house that keep me busy for quite a while. I finally decided on one on the fact that I have for you two kids and I find myself quite often they are waiting in different places, and as annoying that I had forgotten my current book at home. I thought that was at minimum, I keep in my pocket e-Reader to read and always something available.

I have a reader for about a week and am surprised that I actually have read it very often at home as well as when I'm out. This reader seems to be really the best solution for my situation and needs. I think the downloading process very simple and have no problems with the Sony had business, I have some free books for download from Project Gutenberg, and found it easy to transfer them to the reader. I also try to download some free books from Google Books, but noted that the books that I knew, like Pride and Prejudice, a few typos in the versions that I had from Google. Maybe I've just bought the wrong, but I have deleted, the Gutenberg version instead, and so far they have been free of errors.

I think the reader itself is simple to use and operate the controls are easy to figure out, and I had to consult the manual for almost all (there exists a bare bones, that comes in the package, and a slightly more detailed one, that you can download.) I have no problem with turning a check at the bottom. Sometimes I am by the fact that the control in the middle looks very much like an iPod wheel stumbled think I wanted to turn, say, change the pages that do not.

It is true that the pages will flash briefly when you "turn" them, I found it a little strange at first, but I quickly got used to it. In a way I find it easier to concentrate when reading a book on the reader as I am not distracted, say, the author photo on the back blurbs in the front, etc. I seem to spend more time with the Since I have read the reader and I like to be able to switch back and forth between the pound without even getting up!

=== Review #20 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: reader
I thought I had already reviewed this item ... it is a good reader, easy to use in the sun. A little expensive compared to a used paperback, but rock solid.

=== Review #21 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: Sharing books is the problem

I like the Sony PRS-300. In fact, I liked it so much I bought for my wife to get a Christmas and was in my son-in-law to buy for my daughter to be influential. But that's when the problem has arisen.

I assumed there would be a sensible way for us all to exchange books. After all, we know that with "real" books. And cost of electronic books as much as "real" books, it must do a reasonable manner. WRONG!

I had scoured the Sony literature and FAQs and found nothing that, as you do this, explain, so I thought it must be simplified so simple and obvious that it is not required and explanation. It turns out that there is only one way to something practical, and another way that nobody would ever put up with.

The only way this is something practical is that they all use the same account. Up to six devices (including computers the same account) to use, so theoretically you could have a computer and five readers on the same account. The reason does not work for me and my family is that we are much more independent than that, each with its own computer and we do not all live in the same house. Plus, I do not want to know that all the bills on my credit card.

For me, this is a significant limitation of current digital rights management (DRM) implementation for ePub books used. When ePub books were much smaller than printed books cost, as it should, then this is not such a big issue. But with the ePub pounds costs about the same as the physical diversity and the elimination of the ability to divide and sell or donate the book when you've finished that an imbalance in the value proposition causes. I can not buy used books, either.

Up to this exchange / sale / donation restriction will be removed from ePub pounds, all I care to think about how you will use this product to the actual cost of the books to consider before buying a eReader.

=== Review #22 ===

Rating: 5
Summary: sony pocket reader
My daughter gave me a Kindle for Christmas, I like a lot of stress and the inability to make it work, I found out that you can not download books from the public library. That's my main goal was. The kindle books cost as much as normal books, so what's the point? I returned it and got the Sony Pocket Reader Love it, easy to install - even for me, and it works great, plus it also has the increasing font size. For those who just read that the best.

=== Review #23 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: Sony Reader
Great product concept. I found the actual readers really great, but the instructions a real lack of information. It's really easy to use if you understand it, but it is a learning process.

=== Review #24 ===

Rating: 5
Summary: such a great gift I had to buy one for myself!
I bought this for my friend who is an avid reader and he loved her so much that I buy at a later for me a week.

I love the way you can change font size! Now I can get cozy and read without my reading glasses evil! A few more font sizes would be nice, but it is currently with the 3 well.

I am a kind and I was Clutz how robust this product is thrilled! I have not deleted it, but I think it would take. [...] We went out and bought covers and lights, and those were great additions to a great product. The cover makes it even easier to hold, and the light is wonderful! Zero shine!

I had read all the reviews and therefore does not even install the software that comes with this reader. (we use the caliber and could not be happier)

One of the best things about this product is that we can never have (to buy or install!) From another shelf again!

=== Review #25 ===

Rating: 4
Summary: The Toyota Corolla of portable readers

The Sony Pocket Reader is a solid quality portable eReader. It fits in your wallet. also with a lot of crowding around within the closed protective case, it will not accidentally and draining the batteries are supplied with electricity. Just a little background for the readers .. I ham a former owner of the Amazon Kindle. I was very happy with it. I have to be given to a family member over to Afghanistan. that gave me a perspective on the pros and cons of the Pocket Reader.

What I like most:

-glare-free reading on the pages

Access to public libraries. Sony seems to have broad partnerships with public libraries. I could download Dick Francis' "10 pounds. Penalty" on Christmas Day.

The Sony E-Book Store is similar to Apple's iTunes. I was able to download books immediately by my familiarity with the iTunes format.

-There is room for 300 + pounds

Easy page-turning and book marking. I found it easy to segue into the reading experience.

Areas of Improvement

-No wireless or Whispernet capability. The Pocket Reader is a device that papoose live on a computer with Internet access need.

-Only 3 font sizes. If you are reading glasses to read the small font with 1,50 reading glasses

The eBook Store has a very limited choice and higher prices. Only give one example, the first 2 "Twilight" books in the Kindle Store is about $ 5.00. Store them on the e-book is 9.99. This is higher than the paperback price at Wal-Mart and Target.

The e-book store has about 2 newspapers.

All in all, a high budget low cost for your ereader biliophile everyone.

=== Review #26 ===

Rating: 5
Summary: Top Quality
I am very happy with this Sony PRS300BC readers. It is one of the best purchases I've made lately. With the 3 font sizes, it is easy to read. I've yet to buy any books, but I have downloaded many, many of the (free!) Ancient classics. Books that I have not read since I was a child. I take it with me everywhere I wait a few minutes to have, (surgeries, etc.). It is always there and always ready to enertain me. The young have many more features, but for the money, this can not be beaten too.

=== Review #27 ===

Rating: 5
Summary: Very Happy With It!

I have a lot of research and treatment of the Kindle, Nook or the Sony Reader. I really thought I wanted the Kindle, but on doing a bit of research, found that a lot of the features that I thought I would not need / all this, what I had expected. The magazine subscriptions sounded great, until I saw a very limited number of magazines available. They are all business and news mags, do not go get, Cosmopolitan and parents. The same is true for newspapers - I live in Central New Jersey, and we read the Asbury Park Press and The Star-Ledger - the next available newspaper the New York Times - not good enough for me. I liked the idea of the audio reading, but found not to permit some authors of this option is not on their books. So that is said, why pay money for features that I do not want? The Sony Reader, you can accept a variety of file types, so you can get books from Sony Store, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even sellers on eBay. I understand that Amazon Kindle to books is limited, and Nook B & N is limited only books.

The Pocket Edition is not wireless, but it's really not a problem. It takes less than 2 minutes on the web from my laptop to go, and choose to buy a book and transfer to my readers. I thought I wanted wireless Kindle or Nook, because I could go on the net, but I've said that you do not - it can only go to the online estore.

Once again why the need for all those features you really do not want to pay for it? This is a great reader at a reasonable price! The pocket size makes much more sense if you want to throw it in your pocket to take to the beach or check out the Dr. office - the larger ones are almost too big to tote around. I thought the nook in my hands at Barnes and Noble, and felt that it was difficult - actually, kind of top heavy. If I place on the lower corners (which I think is usually a hard cover book), I thought it wanted to tip back. Embarrassing and uncomfortable. In addition, the touch screen on the Nook is very small - the girl in the shop hit the wrong things when they show it to me.

I'm absolutely love this product and would highly recommend it!

=== Review #28 ===

Rating: 5
Summary: WOW!!

And I mean WOW! I researched eReaders and opted for this type, and I'm in love with her. The best feature that I like is that I can download my books from the local library, in contrast to "other" readers where to buy the books. Sure, I go through my computer, but it is a simple point, click and drag! If you want to read only books, this is a great product!