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Sony Portable Reader System In Dark Blue - PRS-505/LC

Abt Model: PRS505LC
 Discontinued Product This item is no longer available from our website.
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Sony PRS505 Portable Reader System In Dark Blue - PRS505LC/ 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/ Dark Blue Finish
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Product Details

Sony Portable Reader System In Dark Blue, Model PRS505LC

The Reader Digital Book holds about 160 eBooks4 or hundreds more with optional removable memory cards. Its portable size makes it the perfect travel companion, allowing you to read a variety of books whenever and wherever you want. With thousands of eBook titles available from the eBooks Store, you can choose to download new releases, classics and popular book titles3 as well as view other document formats such as Adobe® PDF10, RTF, TXT, BBeB® and Microsoft® Word5. Its long battery life lasts up to 7,500 continuous page turns2, and the amazing paper-like screen technology is easy on the eyes.

Key Features:

  • Compact and light weight-Approx 9 oz6 without soft cover
  • 6” Diag. “E-Paper” display- easy on the eyes
  • Display print quality of Approximately 170 Pixels Per Inch
  • Up to 7,500 continuous page turns on full charge-usage will vary
  • 20,000 eBooks sold from integrated eBooks store3
  • Internal Memory for storing multiple books
  • MemoryStick Duo™ media & SD® Memory Slot-media optional

Features:

  • Ultra Portable
    The Reader Digital Book offers a unique, on-the-go reading experience and is the perfect travel companion. With a compact and lightweight design, you can take it almost anywhere and read your books whenever and wherever you want. More compact than many paperbacks, it weighs about 9 ounces6 (without cover), is ½” thin8, and holds up to 160 eBooks4. You can easily hold it in one hand, and with its rechargeable battery, you can turn up to 7,500 continuous pages on a single charge2.
  • Impressive, Paper-Like Display
    The Reader Digital Book provides a new way to experience reading. It boasts an impressive 6-inch display1, utilizing breakthrough E Ink® technology that’s almost paper-like, making it easy to read even in bright sunshine. In addition, the screen allows for high contrast and high resolution, with a near 180º viewing angle. The text can also be magnified for sight-impaired readers.
  • Content Storage Capability
    With a compact and lightweight design you can take the Reader Digital Book almost anywhere. And with plenty of internal memory, and a slot for optional removable memory cards, you can take hundreds of titles, user-selected web content, or other supported documents for reading on the go. It will hold approximately 160 averaged sized eBooks in internal memory4 and hundreds more with optional removable memory cards (sold separately).
  • Multiple eBook Titles Available
    The Reader Digital Book allows you to search, browse, discover,and buy thousands of new releases, classics and popular eBook titles from the CONNECT eBooksStore and other participating websites3. You can even go to other sites that have unsecuredeBooks in file formats that the Reader supports5. This translates into an incredible amount ofcontent suitable for the Reader.
  • More than eBooks
    The Reader Digital Book isn’t just about reading eBooks. Using the includedeBook Library 2.0 PC Software, you can easily transfer Adobe® PDF documents10, Microsoft Worddocuments5, BbeB Book, and other text file formats to the Reader, allowing you the flexibility toaccess and view multiple files at any time.

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, TXT, RTF, Adobe® PDF, 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 with USB charging from powered Computer or Approx. 2 Hours when using optional AC wall charger.
  • AC Power: Optional AC Charger requires 120 Volts 60Hz

System Requirements

  • Operating System: Genuine Windows® XP (Home Edition/Professional, Media Center Edition, Media Center Edition 2004, Media Center Edition 2005) & Windows Vista® (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate).
  • Processor: 800MHz Intel® Celeron® class processor or better
  • RAM: 128MB Minimum
  • Hard Drive: 20MB9 Minimum availible Hard Drive space
  • Optical Drive: Optical Drive capable of reading CD-ROM
  • USB Port: USB 1.1 or faster USB Port (Optimal with USB 2.0)
  • Internet Connection: Broadband suggested3

What's Included:

  • PRS-505 Portable Reader System
  • PC Management Software
  • Soft Case
  • USB Cable
  • Quick Start Guide

Approximate Dimensions:

  • Height: 6.9" (175mm)
  • Width: 4.8" (122mm)
  • Depth: 0.3" (8mm)

Approximate Weight:

  • Unit (Without Soft Cover): 9 oz
  • Shipping: 1.22 lbs (554 grams)

Warranty Information:

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

Footnotes:

  1. Viewable area measured diagonally.
  2. Up to 7,500 continuous page turns with a single full charge on internal rechargeable battery. Actual battery life will vary base on usage patterns, settings and battery conditions.
  3. Requires Internet connection (broadband recommended). Internet service may require a fee.
  4. Based on average un-illustrated eBook file size of 1.2MB. Actual file sizes vary by electronic book title.
  5. Adobe® PDF, JPEG, BBeB Book and plain text formats natively supported. Microsoft Word requires conversion using included software.
  6. Non-metric weights and measures are approximate and may vary.
  7. Un-encrypted MP3 and AAC format audio files only. Not compatible with most digital copyright formatted audio file content. Headphones not included.
  8. Measured at the narrowest point.
  9. 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.
  10. Adobe® PDF files look better when optimized with the Reader’s screen size, and text may appear small if not optimized.

Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Warranty

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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Sony Portable Reader System In Dark Blue
 
4.3

(based on 36 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (17)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (15)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

89%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Compact (34)
  • Long battery life (30)
  • Easy to use (28)
  • Adequate storage (27)
  • Fast (19)

Cons

  • Limited compatibility (10)
  • Poor software bundle (7)
  • Slow (6)

Best Uses

  • Multimedia (9)
  • Syncing with computer (8)
  • Business use (6)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Tech savvy (20), Technically challenged (9), Multimedia professional (8), Avid gamer (3)
    • Primary use:
    • Personal (35)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

PRS-505 Reader should be a "Best Seller"

The improvements Sony made to their eBook Reader make the PRS-505 a "Must Read". The screen appears "whiter" than the older model and text appears crisper. The &quo...Read complete review

The improvements Sony made to their eBook Reader make the PRS-505 a "Must Read". The screen appears "whiter" than the older model and text appears crisper. The "ghosting" effect (faint remnants of the previous page) when changing pages seems to have been completely eliminated. The page refresh when "turning" pages is twice as fast as the older PRS-500, therefore less distracting. The new button arrangement is much more intuitive and easier to use. The only downside to this device is that for PDF files to display properly they must be formatted with the 6" display in mind. I originally had hoped to port over my service books (I'm a systems hardware engineer) which are PDF files. Unfortunately they are formatted for
8 1/2x11 inch. You can convert the PDF files to RTF (rich text format) via Microsoft Word. Be advised, however, that any bitmap images will not be ported over when converted to rtf format. I find that using Arial font @ 13.5pt to be a good setting. If Sony would make the PRS Reader software more capable of controlling conversion parameters, this product would be a home run. The AC adapter which was included with the original PRS-500, is now an option. It takes 4 hours to completely charge via the supplied usb cable as opposed to 2 hours with an AC adapter, but battery life is so long, it's not really an issue. The unit I received appeared to be fully charged when I got it. In summary, the PRS-505 is a solid device. Well made and very good at doing what it was intended to do: Putting a library of books in a compact form. Don't leave home without it.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Sony Portable Reader needs more work

The Sony eBook Reader is a nice idea, but it needs some more work fron the drawing room. It is sometimes easy to use, but many time, it is not very intuitive. The...Read complete review

The Sony eBook Reader is a nice idea, but it needs some more work fron the drawing room. It is sometimes easy to use, but many time, it is not very intuitive. The "help" file references icons that are not present on the machine. This is VERY confusing. The battery lasts a long time, but after only two weeks (on my second use) and merely setting on my desk unused, the screen had vertical white lines and horizontal gray lines. I had to return it to Sony for repairs. If this happens again, I am selling it [...]. I left the book run for almost two days (by turning Sleep mode off), and the battery barely showed any drainage. The book is nice and thin and very portable. The Sony Ebook software (to transfer files to the Reader is not very intuitive without first calling tech support to assistance. Tech support also said that if one charges the device "too long," it could damage the battery. What the heck kind of design is this? After the year warranty expires, one has to wonder what kind of service Sony will provide, given it comes out with great products, but after a while, Sony abandons the project, just like Sharp. The memory stick (which no one uses) is too esoteric to be useful. I loved my Sony Clies and Picturebook, etc, but Sony abandonned these products and we users were left hanging. This is likely the last Sony product I will purchase. A very frusting aspect of hte Sony eBook Reader is that most books need to be purchased from eConnect (Sony's store) for outrageous prices. The only saving grace is that one can upload word processed files and create PDF files using a page size of about 4X6 so they fit onto the Sony Reader and are relatively viewable. I wish the screen was a bit whiter, but the light gray background may be easier on the eyes after more than 30 minutes of reading, which I have not yet done. Sony Reader also seems to require DRM (Digital Restricted / Rights Management) files. This is baloney, however, as I said above, one can un-DRM files and then format them so they can be uploaded to the Reader without the DRM restrictions. Also, word processed documents can be magnified with the built-in "magnifying glass" but this magnifying glass does not work with PDF files. Well, enough of this. The Sony eBook Reader is a nice idea, but I am not comfortable knowing that Sony will likely abandon the product as it did with the rest of the eConnect content. A small portable sub-mini computer might be a better and longer term choice.

Reviewed by 36 customers

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5.0

An excellent product.

By joecoif

from Orlando Florida

About Me Tech Savvy

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Adequate Storage
  • Compact Design
  • Easy To Use
  • Fast
  • Good Compatibility
  • Great Software Bundle
  • Long Battery Life

Cons

    Best Uses

      Comments about Sony Portable Reader System In Dark Blue:

      Great not to have to carry books

      • Primary use:
      • Personal

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      The best reader from the great seller!

      By SeNS

      from Waltham, MA

      About Me Technically Challenged

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Compact Design
      • Easy To Use
      • Good Compatibility
      • Great Software Bundle
      • Long Battery Life
      • Nice design
      • Perfect quality

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Business Use
        • Multimedia
        • Reading

        Comments about Sony Portable Reader Digital Book In Silver:

        [...] Thanks, ABT!

        • Primary use:
        • Personal

        Comment on this review

         
        4.0

        Sony Reader ~ Simply Fabulous

        By Paul

        from Minnetonka, MN

        About Me Technically Challenged

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Adequate Storage
        • Compact Design
        • Easy To Use
        • Fast
        • Good Compatibility
        • Long Battery Life

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Multimedia
          • Organization
          • Syncing With Computer

          Comments about Sony Portable Reader Digital Book In Silver:

          I love the Sony Reader ... I travel a LOT and taking many books and documents along in a simple, easy-to-use package/format that's light and easy on the eyes is a simple delight. This is changing the way I read books (for education and pleasure) and work documents.

          • Primary use:
          • Personal

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          I am very satisfied with this product

          By Dick the reader

          from Phoenix, Az

          About Me Tech Savvy

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Adequate Storage
          • Compact Design
          • Easy To Use
          • Great Software Bundle
          • Long Battery Life

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Reading Books

            Comments about Sony Portable Reader Digital Book In Silver:

            This a very good product for the price.

            • Primary use:
            • Personal

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            I would buy one more

            By Irene

            from Winfiel, IL

            About Me Tech Savvy

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Adequate Storage
            • Compact Design
            • Long Battery Life

            Cons

            • Poor Software Bundle
            • Slow

            Best Uses

              Comments about Sony Portable Reader Digital Book In Silver:

              Very good

              Service and delivery comments:

              Perfect

              • Primary use:
              • Personal

              Comment on this review

               
              4.0

              Nice- easy to use and carry!

              By Mishacatty

              from Fresno, CA

              About Me Multimedia Professional

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Adequate Storage
              • Compact Design
              • Fast
              • Long Battery Life

              Cons

              • Buttons not placed good
              • Limited Compatibility
              • Poor Software Bundle

              Best Uses

              • Multimedia

              Comments about Sony Portable Reader System In Dark Blue:

              Had a bad battery in the first one...only lasted 3 days. ABT was wonderful and replaced it at no charge. New one is great. The only objection is the the placement of the buttons. Need to be replaced so that they are in a position to use them when you are naturally holding the reader. NOTE: for you audible book listeners....grab an SD card and download MP3 books... now you have a reader and an audible book player in one!!!

              • Primary use:
              • Personal

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              Sony Portable Reader

              By Fran

              from Chicago, IL

              About Me Tech Savvy

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Adequate Storage
              • Compact Design
              • Easy To Use
              • Light and easy to travel
              • Long Battery Life

              Cons

              • Needs lighting on screen

              Best Uses

              • Holds many books
              • Read while you travel

              Comments about Sony Portable Reader Digital Book In Silver:

              Able to storage many books. Light weight to travel with whether far or just to read in a waiting room. Easier to handle while reading in bed. Many books available.

              • Primary use:
              • Personal

              Comment on this review

               
              4.0

              Great for the avid reader of old books

              By Jim the Reader

              from Milan, OH

              About Me Tech Savvy

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Adequate Storage
              • Compact Design
              • Fast
              • Long Battery Life

              Cons

              • Low contrast viewing

              Best Uses

              • Reading old books

              Comments about Sony Portable Reader Digital Book In Silver:

              I use it to read old out-of-copyright books from the Gutenberg project and other e-books.

              It's great for travel because I can take hundreds of books with me in a compact package.

              The contrast is low and you need good light to see it well.

              • Primary use:
              • Personal

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              Bravo to Sony (for the Reader) and ABT

              By Paul

              from Minnetonka MN

              About Me Technically Challenged

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Business Use
                • Syncing With Computer

                Comments about Sony Portable Reader Digital Book In Silver:

                I LOVE the Sony Reader, and the exceptional price [...] from ABT. I'll be a more frequent customer now that I've discovered them!

                • Primary use:
                • Business

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                Sony Portable Reader System

                By Em the bookworm

                from Slidell, LA

                About Me Technically Challenged

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Compact Design
                • Easy To Use
                • Fast
                • Good Compatibility
                • Long Battery Life

                Cons

                • Poor Software Bundle

                Best Uses

                • Multimedia
                • Syncing With Computer

                Comments about Sony Portable Reader System In Dark Blue:

                Portable Reader makes reading on the go very easy. Only downside is that you can only download e-books from Sony, no other sites.

                • Primary use:
                • Personal

                Comment on this review

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                Sony Portable Reader System In Dark Blue

                Sony Portable Reader System In Dark Blue

                UPC Code: 027242723658
                $279.99
                Discontinued


                More reasons to buy the Sony PRS-505/LC from Abt Electronics
                • Abt.com is an authorized dealer (Learn More).
                • The Sony PRS-505/LC is Brand New.
                • The Sony PRS-505/LC Ships in a Factory Sealed Box.
                • Abt ships this product for free!