Reviews of the Sony PRS-500 Portable Reader System
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CNET Review
The Good: Slim and relatively lightweight; screen requires no backlight and is easy to read in bright environments; with the addition of optional memory card (SD or Memory Stick Pro), it's capable of storing thousands of electronic books; font size can be adjusted with a single button push; decent battery life; displays PDF and Word files, most image files, and plays MP3 and AAC audio.
The Bad: Overall, the unit feels a tad sluggish, with a short but noticeable delay when turning a page; controls aren't as intuitive as they could be; interface could be slightly easier to use; Sony's online Connect bookstore is still a work in progress; proprietary Connect book files aren't compatible with other devices and are often as expensive as paper books; Connect software isn't available for Mac owners; no support for Audible audio books.
The Bottom Line: Though the Sony PRS-500 Portable Reader System is an impressive platform for reading e-books and other documents, the price and availability of compatible "books" makes it a tougher sell.
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alaTest.com
Review Summary: Experts rate this product 72/100 and users 58/100. Comparing these reviews to 44992 other PDAs reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 88/100 = Very Good.
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No Rating
pdastreet.com
Review Summary: Sony's Reader uses a new on-screen printing technology called E-Ink, which gives letters the crispness of printed fonts and the rest of the screen the matte look of paper. Sure, you always know you're looking at an electronic gadget, but the effect is cal
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mobiletechreview.com
Review Summary: We applaud Sony for bringing the Reader to the US market. For some folks, it's been long time coming after watching the Sony LIBRIe released only in Japan. Apparently there are quite a few fans-- Sony can't make the Sony Reader fast enough to fulfill the
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pcmag.com
Review Summary: This is the best eBook reader that has ever been made, but it could still use some tweaks when it comes to ease of use and performance.
Manufacturer: Sony
Part number: PRS500
Operating System / Software
- OS provided Sony Reader Software
General
- Built-in devices Digital camera, Display
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 4.9 in x 0.5 in x 6.9 in
- Weight 8.8 oz
- Packaged contents Carrying case
- Slot provided type Memory Stick, SD Memory Card
Memory
- Installed RAM 64 MB
Display
- Display type 6 in E Ink
- Color support 2-bit (4 gray levels)
- Max resolution 800 x 600
Power
- Battery installed ( max ) 1 Lithium ion
- Recharge time 4 hour(s)
- Power supply device Power adapter
Product Video
Product Photos
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