Sony E-Reader PRS-505 review

eBook readers like the Sony E-Reader PRS-505 have been stealing headlines of late, but not all reactions have been positive. iPhone-toting folk will tell you they’ve got an app that handles eBooks just fine, while those that linger in libraries, sniffing spines, can’t even stand the idea of an electronic book.

At just 7.6mm thick, and a just handful more with the bundled faux-leather case, the Sony PRS-505 lets you carry hundreds of books around with you without resulting in back pain – or being stung by Easyjet’s extra luggage charges. Plus, the PRS-505 won’t give you eyestrain like the iPhone does.

The PRS-505’s particular strength is in looking sexy, a Sony specialty. With its svelte, all-metal casing, the PRS-505 is the best looking eBook reader out there, while it’s also packing a reassuring solidity thanks to that metallic frame.

Sony’s offering does fall short of rivals elsewhere. The PRS-505 is not the speediest of devices, with a definite half-second delay when flicking between pages, matched with an odd screen inversion that’ll get right on your wick after a few weeks heavy reading.

However, despite a grand total of 16 buttons on the front to help you skip between books and pages, the PRS-505 doesn’t feel cluttered. Add in the two four-directional pads and it’s perfectly suited for one-handed operation with either mitt: perfect for those hellish public transport trips.

In fact, the only time we found the Sony’s relatively sluggish action to be a particular turnoff was when changing the text size on a hefty novel. It takes about 15 seconds, involving re-formatting the whole ruddy thing. It does only need to be done once per eBook though. There are three different text sizes to choose from but, thanks to the clarity of the PRS-505’s screen, we found the smallest just fine.

Sony’s definitely gone simple with the PRS-505. Unlike Amazon’s Kindle, it doesn’t connect to the web or have a QWERTY keypad. No eNewspapers or mags here.

However, there’s a lot to be said for the PRS-505. It’s a simple device that’s hard to keep your hands off. Not to mention that it’s actually available in the UK, unlike the Kindle. Sure, the PRS-505’s will be eclipsed by more powerful devices, but its stylish, high-quality design won’t be forgotten so easily.
Source:[electricpig.co.uk]