I’ve played around with every e-book reader I’ve been able to get my hands on. I think we’re getting really close to a great book reading experience on an electronic device because of Sony’s new model PRS-505 e-book reader they released last month. This is a slight update from their previous model and has a better quality screen along with a few other new features.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=16184&XID=O:ebook%20reader:corp_read_gglsrch
The unit is about the size of a large paperback book, and is about as comfortable to hold.
It uses what is called an “e-ink” display and it’s very paper-like, with black text on a white background. There is no backlight needed so you don’t get the fatigue like that of a computer display. It reflects light very much like paper. You really have to see it to appreciate it. I was amazed at how good it was.
The display uses very little power so it runs for a long time. In fact, it only uses power when you turn pages. They rate the batteries as lasting 7,500 page turns per charge.
Sony estimates that it will hold 160 books with the built-in memory and even more with optional memory cards.
There are a few negatives, however: It’s a bit expensive at $299. The “page turns” are a little slower than I’d like. And just like a real book, you can’t read it in the dark without a book light.
