Sony Reader PRS-505

The Sony Reader PRS-505 is the upgrade to Sony's first eBook reader the PRS-500 featuring improved hardware specifications and improved software capabilities. The 6" screen uses a new version of the E-Ink technology with a better contrast ratio, faster response time, and support for eight shades of gray instead of four. Furthermore the PRS-505 contains two slots, one for Memory Stick Duo cards, and one for SD Cards.

Features

• 6" EInk screen
• Portrait and landscape modes
• Formats: HTML, Txt, PRC, PalmDoc, PDF, Secured Mobipocket
• 32MB of integrated storage expandable by 12GB through memory cards
• Unprotected MP3 and AAC support

Memory

Transferring content to the reader is accomplished by one of two ways: 1) through Sony's eBook Library software (Windows only), and 2) dragging and dropping directly from your computer. The eBook library software acts as a portal where you can purchase new protected eBooks, and also transfer Word, and other documents to the 505's native format. When connected to your computer through USB, the 505 acts as a USB mass storage device and shows up as an extra drive. If you have memory cards in the slots, then both can show up as separate mass storage drives when connected to your computer.

Organization

Alongside the traditional methods of browsing your books - including by author, by date downloaded - the software in the 505 has additional support for Collections. Collections are custom defined groups of books for easier organization, though only one level of grouping is available with subgroups not possible.

Both unprotected MP3 and unprotected AAC playback are supported. Music controls are built directly in the player's software letting you perform that standard actions such as play, pause and skip tracks. No dedicated music controls are found on the 505's hardware, which means that when you have music playing while reading a book there's no way to control the music.

Regarding the poor display of pdfs, various workarounds have been proposed. One is an 'any2lrf' converter, found as part of a library called libprs500

Pros

• Simple and sleek design
• USB mass storage mode works with all operating systems
• Huge storage capabilities (up to 12GB total)
• Excellent text reproduction
• PDF support
• Improved button placement
• Cheaper than other available eBook readers
• Can now group collections on SD
• very easy to read, in the right light
• No back light (no glare, sharply increased battery life)
• Helpful user community
• Now supports ePub (open eBook format)

Cons

• Software still inneficient for large collection
• Can't control music while reading
• Formatting of RTF files can be slow
• Page transition is annoying