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

Amazon Kindle DX

The Kindle DX from Amazon is the most recent addition to Amazon's popular line of eBook Reader devices. Introduced in May 2009, the Kindle DX is the largest Kindle available with a screen size of 9.7". Most of the technology in the Kindle DX is found in the previous Kindle 2 with the main differences coming in the size of the display, and the size of the internal memory clocking in at 4GB (3.3GB usable). Other differences include native PDF support (other Kindles require conversion) and auto-rotation from portrait to landscape. The Kindle DX retains the same WhisperNet wireless technology as the Kindle 2 offering free wireless access for book downloads.

Features

• 9.7" diagonal E-Ink display
• 1200x824 resolution, with 16 shades of gray
• weights 18.9 ounces
• Dimensions: 10.4" x 7.2" x 0.38"
• 4GB of memory
• Battery
  • 4 days with wireless turned on
  • 2 weeks with wireless off
  • 4 hours for full charge
• Ports: USB2.0, 3.5mm headphone
• Built-in stereo speakers
• Text-to-Speach technology
• Formats
  • E-Book: Kindle (AZW), Mobi
  • Text: PDF, TXT, DOC, HTML, DOC, RTF
  • Audio: Audible, MP3
  • Images: JPEG, GIF, PNG

WhisperNet - One of the biggest selling points of the Kindle is the product's stand-alone nature. Since it has a 3G wireless receiver built-in, you can browse the book store, download and purchase books and download other content such as blogs and websites without ever connecting it to your computer. For a price you can add e-mail support which lets you e-mail content to your Kindle where it'll be automatically downloaded over the wireless connection. However, the WhisperNet technology works only in the United States, if you take the Kindle abroad the wireless functions are useless.

Automatic Backup - Amazon stores and logs all the books you've purchased from their online store, meaning you can redownload any books for free. Furthermore, Amazon's online services keep track of your bookmarks, annotations, and last page read.

Text Books and Newspapers - Amazon has established partnerships with leading textbook and newspaper publishers to offer digital versions of their publications. Newspapers may be offered at a reduced price with a long-term subscription. Prices for textbooks are still unknown.

Pros

• large screen is more versatile
• retains slim form-factor of previous Kindles
• native PDF support is great
• E-Ink tech is easy on the eyes
• improved internal storage over the Kindle 2 - 2GB to 3.3GB

Cons

• wireless limited to United States
• expensive
• larger and almost double the weight of the Kindle 2