Sony Product Reviews and Ratings - Digital Readers - Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System from Abt Electronics

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Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System image

(based on 26 ratings)

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Brand: Sony

Located in: Weekly Specials, Computers, Digital Readers

Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System - PRS500U2/ 6" Electronic Paper Like Display/Turn Approximately 7500 Pages On A Single Charge/ Supports BBeB Book Adobe PDF TXT RTF Microsoft Word MP3 ACC JPEG GIF PNG And BMP Media Formats

More information for the Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System

Review Snapshot®

Avg. Customer Rating:

4.2 stars

(based on 26 reviews)

95% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Describe Yourself:

Gearhead(3), Practical(7), Tech savvy(4), Traveler(5)

Pros:

Adequate storage(4), Bright screen(11), Compact(24), Easy to use(5), Good compatibility with other devices(4)

Cons:

Incompatible(3)

Best Uses:

Home(15), Office(8), School(6), Travel(15)

Primary use:

Personal(6)

Amazing Product

By MRF

from Fort Myers, FL on 10/8/2007

Pros:

Convenient Interface, Lightweight, Reliable, Strong Construction

Best Uses:

Digital Capture, Image Storage

Describe Yourself:

Getting started

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

Very user friendly, compact size makes it easy for traveling or carrying in your laptop case or purse. Great product!

Sony e-Reader

By Traveling Tigers

from Columbia, MO on 9/23/2007

Pros:

Lightweight, Size

Cons:

Availability of books

Best Uses:

For travel

Describe Yourself:

Professional

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

We are pro-Sony products, owning several computers and cameras. Increased travel, especially internationally, caused us to look at electronic readers for convenience.

We could not find another single product that offers what the e-Reader offers. The e-Reader is easy and comfortable to use. It comes in a cover that protects it well, and makes it easy to carry in purse or carry-on bag. The 'print-on-paper' lighting is comfortable, outside in daylight or inside by lamp. My flights to and from Europe and Asia will be much more rewarding now.
My hope is that Sony will work with other electronic book providers to increase the array of selections available to e-Reader users.

Service & Delivery comments:

ABT offered great information about the product, great pricing and ready availability. Although this was our first purchase from them, it won't be our last. Their service is first-rate.
Our first e-reader had a display problem, and the unit was replaced within 4 days! Our warrenty was extended and our free books deadline was updated, without us having to ask!

Hardware good, but book selection poor

By Danaidh

from Chicago-Norwood Park on 8/27/2007

Pros:

Adequate Storage, Compact Design, Easy To Use

Cons:

Limited Compatibility, Slow

Describe Yourself:

Tech Savvy

Primary use:

Personal

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

Only the books you buy from Sony's Connect Store will work on the reader (without substantial, time-consuming work-around). The selection is poor compared to other ebook sites. It isn't just a DRM-issue. Other formats' (e.g. MS) licensed DRM files will not work on this machine.

You can load Adobe pdf files, but font size is too small comfortably to read. You have to redesign pages to a smaller size before loading the files. An online guide on how to do this is available, but the process is time-consuming. Word files also must be on smaller-sized pages, and the .doc format is changed to RTF format in the transfer to your reader.

But the hardware itself is excellent--5 stars. I really like the design and the clear, readable, page print. Storage hasn't become an issue yet, but if it gets tight on the reader, you can just move some files back and forth between your computer and the reader. There is also the card slot.

I just wish there were more content you could use with this machine.

Very easy to use

By Mike

from Fairfield IA on 8/20/2007

Pros:

Compact Design, Easy To Use, Fantastic screen - eink, Good RTF display, Long Battery Life, Sd card compatibility

Cons:

Digital rights management, price too high, Terrible pdf display

Best Uses:

Reading ebooks

Describe Yourself:

Multimedia Professional

Primary use:

Personal

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

the most wonderful thing about the Reader is that it's legible in sunlight, unlike LCD screens

Service & Delivery comments:

prompt delivery, product was perfect condition etc

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

Great item!

By Chris

from New York city on 8/17/2007

Pros:

Adequate Storage, Compact Design, Easy To Use

Cons:

No backlit feature

Best Uses:

Syncing With Computer

Describe Yourself:

Tech Savvy

Primary use:

Personal

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

Great toy for avid reader.

Sony PRS500 easy to use ebook reader

By Meira

from Pittsburgh, PA on 8/16/2007

Pros:

Adequate Storage, Compact Design, Easy To Use, Fast, Long Battery Life

Cons:

Limited Compatibility, Poor Software Bundle

Best Uses:

leisure time reading

Describe Yourself:

Tech Savvy

Primary use:

Personal

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

The Sony PRS500 is a nice, easy to use product for storing large amounts of reading material. The reader is very much at the mercy of retailers who decide what to offer in eBooks. I was pleased to see that it could read pdf files, but disappointed to find out that this compatibility was limited to only certain pdf files.

New Technology To Get Used To

By Greg

from Durham, NC on 7/13/2007

Pros:

Compact Design, Long Battery Life

Cons:

Slow

Best Uses:

Pleasure reading

Describe Yourself:

Tech Savvy

Primary use:

Personal

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

Changing pages has a noticable lag. Shadow shows on the screen when changing pages or when turning off. Still trying to learn the naavigation and deleting bookmarks. Overall, not bad. Would be interesting to have two side-by-side screens to be more "book" like.

Started Reading again with this product

By M

from Richmond, VA on 7/3/2007

Pros:

Adequate Storage, Compact Design, Easy To Use, Fast, Good Compatibility, Great Software Bundle

Cons:

Better backlighting, Need print to be larger, Zoom wld be good

Best Uses:

Mobile Communication, Read wlarger print

Primary use:

Personal

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

Great device for those with problems reading. My husband needed larger print. He had stopped reading and missed it very much. I wish he could get the printing on some of the books to go up larger.
All in all this product has him reading again!

love it!

By Kris

from Renton, WA on 6/25/2007

Describe Yourself:

Frequent Traveler, Practical

Pros:

Compact, Easy Controls, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Useful Features

Best Uses:

Home, School, Travel

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

I love this book reader! As a frequent traveler, half my luggage is always books, so this allows me to carry a bunch of books around...without all that paper to deal with.

Almost there

By Spliviano

from New York, NY on 6/25/2007

Describe Yourself:

Practical

Pros:

Compact, Easy Controls, Good Compatibility With Other Devices, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Useful Features

Cons:

Dull Screen

Best Uses:

Home, Office, School, Travel

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

The Sony Reader is easy to use, has great storage capacity and more than adequate battery life, and on the whole has the features one would want it to have. My only real objection is the contrast, which is decent but not great. In bright light, such as outdoors or under a reading lamp, this is not a problem, but when reading in a dimmer setting, the digital ink appears as dark grey on light grey, rather than as black on white. Still, I do love my Reader.

Great Device

By Bill

from Sterling, VA on 6/24/2007

Describe Yourself:

Frequent Traveler

Pros:

Bright Screen, Compact, Easy Controls, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Useful Features

Cons:

Cost

Best Uses:

Home, Travel

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

Reader met all expectations. Despite it's high cost, it's convienience, size, capacity, and compatability make it a worthwhile purchase.

Easy on the Eyes Ebook Reader

By Gbald from Tallmadge, Ohio on 6/22/2007

Describe Yourself:

Gearhead, Practical

Pros:

Bright Screen, Compact, Easy Controls, Lightweight, Long Battery Life

Cons:

price too high

Best Uses:

Home, Office, Travel

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

I have used my Sony reader for 8 months now, and have read 10 large novels with no problems. The quality of the e-ink print is great, and the standard cover is very durable. I keep all sorts of files on this device and in my opinion it is very user friendly. For reading in the dark a simple clip on led book light does the trick. I have owned Palm PDA's, Franklin Bookman E111, and pocket PC's, and this Sony is by far the best reader I've used. Highly recommend, but a tad expensive.

Take your bookshelf on the road

By George

from Washington DC on 5/25/2007

Describe Yourself:

Frequent Traveler, Gearhead

Pros:

Bright Screen, Compact, Easy Controls, Lightweight, Long Battery Life

Cons:

Lacks Mac support

Best Uses:

Home, Office, Travel

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

I wish it had support for the Mac, but I can work around that. I hope this device catches on! Sony, you almost killed the MiniDisk, killed Beta, don't mess this one up! I like reading wherever I am, [...].Right now I have 30 books in it and the number is increasing. It is also easy to create content from my own writing into the reader, and I transferred many reference docs I use daily. The idea of not killing trees to read the greatest books, and have 50lbs of books in my pocket is just too cool. As is the savings: popular new titles are about [$] cheaper from the online source, than from a bookshop. With the [$] book buying credit, and my own book buying habits, I figure that this purchase will pay for itself in less than a year. I don't see any reason why NOT to get one of these. Don't just do something, sit there and read a great book!

Works as described

By sammythelammy from Uruguay, South America on 5/16/2007

Describe Yourself:

Practical

Pros:

Compact, Easy Controls, Good Compatibility With Other Devices, Lightweight, Useful Features

Cons:

Dull Screen

Best Uses:

Home, Travel

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

No surprises, works perfectly

Best purchase I ever made

By Sylvia

from Columbia, SC on 5/10/2007

Describe Yourself:

Practical

Pros:

Compact, Easy Controls, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Useful Features

Best Uses:

Home, Travel

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

I love my reader. I take it everywhere. I no longer have to carry several books in my luggage. I just wish that your book store would add a Bible that I could download.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

I like it, carry your library with you.

By Skye Spy from Virginia Beach, VA on 4/24/2007

Describe Yourself:

Frequent Traveler, Gearhead, Practical

Pros:

Bright Screen, Compact, Easy Controls, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Useful Features

Best Uses:

Home, Office, School, Travel

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

A little expensive, but worth it if you want 80 books at you finger tips without lugging 100 lbs of books. The selection of books is growing and I'm adding books I want as I find them. Handy size for frequent flyers. Low power consumption. Yes, I want more books and features, but the size is just right for me. Check out the Sony Connect Bookstore to see if the titles you want are available. I use it when traveling on vacation and business and it is great. Saves luggage and briefcase space. I also use the reader at lunch. Beats PDA and laptop reading hands down.

Best vacation item purchased!

By Sharon

from New London, CT on 3/30/2007

Describe Yourself:

Frequent Traveler, Practical

Pros:

Compact, Easy Controls, Lightweight, Long Battery Life

Best Uses:

Home, Travel

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

I recommend it to everyone who reads. It's light weight to hold - at the beach, in bed or in a chair, fits in my purse, saves on the bulk of bringing books when traveling, and was easy to download. One of the most interesting gagets in ages.

Excellent Product

By Fredo

from Beaumont, TX on 3/13/2007

Pros:

Bright Screen, Compact, Easy Controls, Good selection of books, Lightweight, Long Battery Life

Cons:

books should be cheaper, Incompatible

Best Uses:

good anywhere

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

Fun to use, easy to use. Adding new material is easy.

Very usefull gadget for e-books reading

By Julian

from Walnut Creek, CA on 3/8/2007

Pros:

Compact, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Useful Features

Best Uses:

Home, Travel

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

I bought it for my wife a moth ago. This device has extra large screen with good contrast and cool E Ink technology. SD card slot is very convenient and the battery is good enough. Just eyes keeper gadget.

Easy to use, easy to read. Ideal product

By Intellect

from West Florida on 3/2/2007

Pros:

Bright Screen, Compact, Easy Controls, Good Compatibility With Other Devices, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Very easy to read

Best Uses:

Travel

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

Nifty

Easy for poor hand dexterity

By Bookworm

from Chicago IL on 2/9/2007

Pros:

Bright Screen, Compact, Easy Controls, Long Battery Life

Cons:

Incompatible

Best Uses:

Home

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

I love this product! My disability makes holding books more difficult. I prefer the flexibility of being able to read anywhere away from my computer. The page resolution, battery life and antiglare screen are excellent! The downside is don't count on using it to read e-books purchased from anyone other than CONNECT. Photos are in black and white.

Great advance

By Big Reader

from Los Angeles on 1/29/2007

Pros:

Bright Screen, Compact, Lightweight, Useful Features

Cons:

Incompatible

Best Uses:

Home, Office, School, Travel

Bottom Line:

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

Great advance on previous readers.

Can't go wrong!!

By Laura

from WQakefield, Ri on 1/1/2007

Pros:

Bright Screen, Compact, Easy Controls, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Useful Features

Cons:

Where's the Color

Best Uses:

Home, Office, Travel

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

Got this as Christmas present. Absolutely love it! I have tons of PDF files that I want with me to reference as needed. Bought a 1 gig SD card for $20 bucks and now have them all with me. Plus, lots of free Ebooks out there and this little gem supports the format.
Much cheaper than the Iliad, too. One wish- color! Pictures in B/W are not the same.

If you love to read- like me- and hate toting books with you, buy this great little toy!

No back light

By a father

from Hinsdale, IL on 12/26/2006

Pros:

Compact, Easy Controls, Lightweight

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

I bought this product for my daughter who devours books and really wanted on. However, it is not like an I-Pod. By that I mean it is not backlit so you have to be in just the right degree of light. You can not use it in a dark room or on a dark plane. Unfortunately we are returning the Book.

I am sure at some point in time it will be backlit and have other features but for now!!!!

Abt Electronics Response: Please note that the Sony Reader was designed without a backlight for a reason. It utilizes the new E Ink Display technology, which presents text as clear as if it were on paper. The description does indicate that it is "Daylight readable" meaning you must turn on a light to use it in the dark (just like a real book). We apologize if this wasn't clear to you but would be happy to return it at no cost. -Abt

Wonderfull product... [...]

By Jibberish92

from PA on 12/22/2006

Pros:

Bright Screen, Compact, Easy Controls, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Useful Features

Cons:

Small Memory

Best Uses:

Home, Office, School, Travel

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

I love my reader! I am truly enjoying it. This is the only site I could find that carried this product

[1 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

Great product -- I love it

By Micki

from Chicago on 11/27/2006

Pros:

Bright Screen, Compact, Easy Controls, Good Compatibility With Other Devices, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Useful Features

Best Uses:

Home, Office, School, Travel

Comments about Sony Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System:

Cuts down on book storage - -can read and carry several books/articles at one time etc. Even stores pictures

Customer Reviews about the Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System at Abt Electronics