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Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System - PRS-500

Abt Model: PRS500U2
 Discontinued Product
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Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System - PRS-500
Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System - PRS500U2/ 6" Electronic Paper Like Display/Turn Approximately 7,500 Pages On A Single Charge/ Supports BBeB Book, Adobe PDF, TXT, RTF, Microsoft Word, MP3, ACC, JPEG, GIF, PNG And BMP Media Formats
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Product Details

Sony Portable Reader System, Model PRS500U2

The Sony® Reader offers a new and convenient digital reading experience. It boasts an amazing screen with technology that rivals text on paper. Weighing less than 9 ounces2 and at only 1/2” thin, it’s more compact than many paperbacks. Plus, it comes with software that seamlessly allows you to search and browse thousands of electronic book titles from the Connect® eBookstore and then easily transfer from your PC to your Sony Reader. With built-in memory and multi-format support, you can take many of your favorite titles and documents with you. So compact and convenient, you’ll want to take it everywhere.

Features:

  • Impressive, Paper-like Display
    Experience reading in a whole new way with the Sony® Reader. It boasts an impressive six-inch display1, utilizing breakthrough E Ink® Display technology, presenting text as clear as if it were on paper*. In addition, the screen can be magnified 200% making reading a joy, even for sight-impaired readers.
    *Daylight readable, high contrast, high resolution (check PPI), near 180º viewing angle.
  • Ultra Portable
    The Sony® Reader offers a unique, on-the-go reading experience. With a very compact and lightweight design, you can take it almost anywhere. More compact than many paperbacks, it weighs under nine ounces and is less than 1/2 ” thin. You can easily hold it in one hand while sipping coffee with the other. You can bring multiple titles to read while traveling without adding weight and bulk to your luggage. And with its rechargeable battery, you can turn approximately 7,500 pages on a single charge. Bring more, pack less... it's the perfect solution for people on-the-go.
  • Content Storage Capability
    The easy-to-carry Reader can store a library of reading options with it's internal memory3 and slot for removable memory cards. You can take many titles or other supported documents for reading whenever, wherever. (Approximately 160 books with the 128MB of internal memory) Add to the capacity with optional Memory Stick® storage media or SD memory card4 (sold separately).
  • Multiple eBook Titles Available
    The Sony® Reader will seamlessly allow you to search, browse and discover thousands of popular titles at the Connect® eBookstore. You can purchase and download these titles to your PC and easily transfer into your Sony Reader.
  • More than eBooks
    The Sony Reader isn’t just about reading eBooks. Using the included CONNECT™ Reader PC Software, you can easily transfer Adobe® PDF documents, BBeB Book, and other text file formats to the Reader5. Seamlessly search, browse and download user-selected RSS Web content from CONNECT™ Store to the PC and transfer to your Sony® Reader. Take along your favorite Web newsfeeds, blogs and more to read5 where ever you are.

Specifications:

Display

  • Technology: E-Ink® "Electronic Paper"
  • Screen Size: Approx. 6" Measured Diagonally
  • Resolution: Approx. 170 Pixels Per Inch
  • Gray Scale: 4-Level Grey Scale
  • Residual image may show on display. This is due to the display characteristics and not a malfunction.

Media Formats Supported

  • Unsecured Text: BBeB Book, Adobe® PDF, TXT, RTF, Microsoft® Word (Conversion to the Reader-requires Word installed on your PC)
  • DRM Text: BBeB Book (Marlin)
  • Unsecured Audio: MP3 and AAC7
  • Image: JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP

Power

  • Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
  • Battery Life (Approx.): Up to 7,500 page turns2
  • Recharging Time: Approx. 4 Hours when using AC wall charger or Approx. 6 Hours with USB charging from powered Computer
  • AC Power: AC Charger requires 120 Volts 60Hz

System Requirements

  • Operating System: Windows® XP (Home Edition/Professional, Media Center Edition, Media Center Edition 2004, Media Center Edition 2005)
  • Processor: 800MHz Celeron® class processor or better
  • RAM: 128MB Minimum
  • Hard Drive: 20MB Minimum availible Hard Drive space
  • Optical Drive: Optical Drive capable of reading CD-ROM
  • USB Port: USB 1.1 or faster port
  • Internet Connection: Broadband suggested3

What's Included:

  • PRS-500 Portable Reader System
  • PC Management Software
  • Black Soft Case
  • USB Cable
  • AC Power Adapter
  • Quick Start Guide

Optional Accessories:

  • Optional Charging/Synching Cradle-BCRRU1
  • Optional Book Covers-PRS-500LC/R, PRS-500LC/T, PRS-500C/G

Approximate Dimensions:

  • Height: 6.9"
  • Width: 4.9"
  • Depth: 0.5"

Approximate Weight:

  • Unit (Without Soft Cover): 9 oz
  • Shipping: 2 lbs

Download Files (.pdf):

Warranty Information:

  • Manufacturer Warranty (authorized online retailer): 90 days labor / 1 year parts

Footnotes:

  1. Screen Size measured diagonally.

  2. Non-metric weights and measures are approximate.
  3. Memory Capacity: Actual user available memory is approximate. A portion of memory is used for data management functions.
  4. File Sizes: Based on average un-illustrated eBook file size of 800 kilobytes. Actual file sizes vary by title.
  5. Formats natively supported: Adobe® PDF, JPEG, BBeB Book and plain text formats natively supported. HTML and other text formats require conversion using included software.
  6. MB means one million bytes when referring to memory capacity. Accessible capacity may vary. A portion of memory space is reserved for operating system and other system functions.
  7. Un-encrypted MP3 and AAC format audio files only. Not compatible with most Digital copyright formatted audio file content. Headphones not included.

Manufacturer Model Number: PRS-500U2

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Reviews

PRODUCT REVIEW SUMMARY
Average Customer Rating:
(based on 26 review)
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
Pros: Lightweight (19), Compact (18), Long Battery Life (18), Easy Controls (16), Bright Screen (11), Useful Features (11), Compact Design (6), Easy To Use (5), Adequate Storage (4), Good Compatibility With Other Devices (4)
Cons: Incompatible (3)
Best Uses: Home (15), Travel (15), Office (8), School (6)
Describe Yourself: Practical (7), Frequent Traveler (5), Tech Savvy (4), Gearhead (3)
Primary use: Personal (6)
Already own it? Write a Review
REVIEWED BY 26 CUSTOMERS
Displaying Reviews 1 - 26 of 26
Amazing Product
By MRF from Fort Myers, FL on 10/8/2007.
Best Uses: Digital Capture, Image Storage
Describe Yourself: Getting started
Pros: Strong Construction, Lightweight, Convenient Interface, Reliable
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 09/23/2007.
Cons: Availability of books
Best Uses: For travel
Pros: Lightweight, Size
Describe Yourself: Professional
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.
Hardware good, but book selection poor
By Danaidh from Chicago-Norwood Park on 08/27/2007.
Pros: Adequate Storage, Easy To Use, Compact Design
Cons: Limited Compatibility, Slow
Primary use: Personal
Describe Yourself: Tech Savvy
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 08/20/2007.
Pros: Compact Design, Long Battery Life, Fantastic screen - eink, Good RTF display, Sd card compatibility, Easy To Use
Cons: Digital rights management, price too high, Terrible pdf display
Describe Yourself: Multimedia Professional
Primary use: Personal
Best Uses: Reading ebooks
the most wonderful thing about the Reader is that it's legible in sunlight, unlike LCD screens
Great item!
By Chris from New York city on 08/17/2007.
Pros: Compact Design, Adequate Storage, Easy To Use
Cons: No backlit feature
Primary use: Personal
Best Uses: Syncing With Computer
Describe Yourself: Tech Savvy
Great toy for avid reader.
Sony PRS500 easy to use ebook reader
By Meira from Pittsburgh, PA on 08/16/2007.
Pros: Adequate Storage, Compact Design, Long Battery Life, Easy To Use, Fast
Best Uses: leisure time reading
Primary use: Personal
Cons: Poor Software Bundle, Limited Compatibility
Describe Yourself: Tech Savvy
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 07/13/2007.
Pros: Long Battery Life, Compact Design
Primary use: Personal
Best Uses: Pleasure reading
Cons: Slow
Describe Yourself: Tech Savvy
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 07/3/2007.
Pros: Fast, Easy To Use, Compact Design, Good Compatibility, Great Software Bundle, Adequate Storage
Best Uses: Mobile Communication, Read wlarger print
Cons: Need print to be larger, Better backlighting, Zoom wld be good
Primary use: Personal
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 06/25/2007.
Describe Yourself: Frequent Traveler, Practical
Best Uses: Home, Travel, School
Pros: Lightweight, Useful Features, Easy Controls, Compact, Long Battery Life
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 06/25/2007.
Pros: Compact, Lightweight, Useful Features, Long Battery Life, Good Compatibility With Other Devices, Easy Controls
Cons: Dull Screen
Best Uses: Home, School, Travel, Office
Describe Yourself: Practical
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 06/24/2007.
Cons: Cost
Describe Yourself: Frequent Traveler
Best Uses: Home, Travel
Pros: Lightweight, Easy Controls, Useful Features, Bright Screen, Compact, Long Battery Life
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 06/22/2007.
Pros: Bright Screen, Long Battery Life, Compact, Lightweight, Easy Controls
Describe Yourself: Practical, Gearhead
Cons: price too high
Best Uses: Travel, Office, Home
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 05/25/2007.
Describe Yourself: Gearhead, Frequent Traveler
Cons: Lacks Mac support
Pros: Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Easy Controls, Bright Screen, Compact
Best Uses: Travel, Office, Home
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 05/16/2007.
Cons: Dull Screen
Pros: Good Compatibility With Other Devices, Easy Controls, Compact, Useful Features, Lightweight
Best Uses: Home, Travel
Describe Yourself: Practical
No surprises, works perfectly
Best purchase I ever made
By Sylvia from Columbia, SC on 05/10/2007.
Best Uses: Home, Travel
Pros: Long Battery Life, Lightweight, Easy Controls, Compact, Useful Features
Describe Yourself: Practical
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.
I like it, carry your library with you.
By Skye Spy from Virginia Beach, VA on 04/24/2007.
Pros: Bright Screen, Useful Features, Long Battery Life, Lightweight, Compact, Easy Controls
Describe Yourself: Frequent Traveler, Gearhead, Practical
Best Uses: School, Home, Travel, Office
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 03/30/2007.
Best Uses: Home, Travel
Pros: Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Compact, Easy Controls
Describe Yourself: Practical, Frequent Traveler
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 03/13/2007.
Cons: books should be cheaper, Incompatible
Pros: Easy Controls, Bright Screen, Good selection of books, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Compact
Best Uses: good anywhere
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 03/8/2007.
Best Uses: Home, Travel
Pros: Useful Features, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Compact
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 03/2/2007.
Best Uses: Travel
Pros: Very easy to read, Long Battery Life, Easy Controls, Lightweight, Compact, Bright Screen, Good Compatibility With Other Devices
Nifty
Easy for poor hand dexterity
By Bookworm from Chicago IL on 02/9/2007.
Best Uses: Home
Cons: Incompatible
Pros: Long Battery Life, Bright Screen, Compact, Easy Controls
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 01/29/2007.
Cons: Incompatible
Pros: Lightweight, Compact, Useful Features, Bright Screen
Best Uses: Office, Travel, School, Home
Great advance on previous readers.
Can't go wrong!!
By Laura from WQakefield, Ri on 01/1/2007.
Best Uses: Office, Travel, Home
Pros: Useful Features, Bright Screen, Lightweight, Compact, Long Battery Life, Easy Controls
Cons: Where's the Color
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: Lightweight, Easy Controls, Compact
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!!!!
Wonderfull product... [...]
By Jibberish92 from PA on 12/22/2006.
Pros: Bright Screen, Useful Features, Lightweight, Long Battery Life, Easy Controls, Compact
Best Uses: Office, Travel, Home, School
Cons: Small Memory
I love my reader! I am truly enjoying it. This is the only site I could find that carried this product
Great product -- I love it
By Micki from Chicago on 11/27/2006.
Pros: Bright Screen, Lightweight, Easy Controls, Useful Features, Long Battery Life, Compact, Good Compatibility With Other Devices
Best Uses: Office, Travel, School, Home
Cuts down on book storage - -can read and carry several books/articles at one time etc. Even stores pictures
Displaying Reviews 1 - 26 of 26

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Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System - PRS-500
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Questions and Answers

Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System - PRS-500 Sony PRS500 Portable Reader System - PRS-500
UPC Code: 027242691438		 Discontinued
More reasons to buy the Sony PRS-500 from Abt Electronics
  • Abt.com is an authorized dealer (Learn More).
  • The Sony PRS-500 is Brand New.
  • The Sony PRS-500 Ships in a Factory Sealed Box.
  • Abt ships this product for free!
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