...Continued from "Introducing: My Sony® Reader!"
Shortly after my Sony® Reader arrived I had unexpected visitors. My sister helped herself to a cup of coffee as usual and my brother began what I feared might be one of our usual lengthy discourses about something or other. It was nearly impossible to hide my impatience with their otherwise welcome visit as the Sony®Reader silently begged my attention. It wasn't until I declined their kind invitation to lunch several times that they finally left me alone with the promise of 21st century reading. (No offense Reba and Phil!)
The Sony®Reader comes with easy-to-follow instructions, USB cable, a protective carrying case, charger and CD to download software that immediately links you to myriad CONNECT™ ebooks. As my Sony®Reader was charging up for the first time I anxiously loaded the software. My stomach growled having foregone the lunch invitation but who needed food? Reading is the stuff of life! To my surprise the software included a few books as well as a $50 credit to purchase whatever I wanted. Nothing could stop me now, be it hunger or those 2,000+ volumes spread throughout various rooms in my house.
It only took a few minutes to familiarize myself with the technology of the Sony®Reader. There is an easy on/off switch on the side, two different ways to turn pages, a SIZE button which enables you to change the size of text, ten marker buttons for easy scrolling or skipping around, a MARK button for bookmarking and a MENU button.
The MENU offers options such as the books you have loaded, an operation guide, virtual file folders for your library, bookmarks, photos, audiofiles and settings. Your book menu 
allows you to pick up where you left off, go to the beginning, go to the end, visit your bookmarks, view the table of contents or your reading history, information and utilities. I must say it is far more organized than my own library. (Incidentally, where did I set that extra copy of Krista Tippett's Speaking of Faith that I promised to a friend so long ago?!)
Holding what PC World dubbed one of 2007's 20 Most Innovative Products of the Year, I was excited about the e-ink technology and the entertainment possibilities my little machine had to offer, but wondered if I'd miss the feel of a good book. There was only one way to find out and I was ready!
As I began to read Arthur Phillips' recently released Angelica: a Novel the first thing I noticed was how easy it was to get comfortable. Whether sitting upright, reclining or - as I often do when answering the phone or the door during one of those "really good parts" of a book - standing/walking, the Sony® Reader was a natural fit. I also realized that I was able to read much faster. (Whether that was due to the ease of the Sony® Reader or the novel itself remained to be seen - more on that another time.)
The second thing that particularly appealed to me was the ability to change the text size. (Do you have any idea how embarrassing it is to request large text at my age?!)
Thirdly, I considered the omission of backlighting on the Sony®Reader. It seemed as though the machine should be better lit until I realized that the softness of the e-ink technology combined with the absence of a backlit screen was what made the Sony® Reader oh-so-easy on my eyes. For low-light or nighttime reading, you can purchase a flex neck LED reading light for only $14.95 from the SonyStyle.com website. (Honey, if you're reading this please note that my birthday is just around the corner!)
I have to admit: I'm SOLD on my Sony® Reader. So, what do to with those seven (and counting) full floor-to-ceiling bookshelves? Keep them, of course! Book collecting is much more than just a hobby for me. As Cicero said, "A room without books is like a body without a soul." I can make room for books anytime. But the Sony®Reader offers convenience, comfort, versatility and style that make reading a new pleasure all over again.
Buy the Sony®Reader for $349.99 or $12/month before 5/17 and get free shipping. Purchase and register your Reader before 7/31 and receive $149 worth of ebooks.
Also see:
- Chris Steib's fine review of the Sony®Reader and his Ultimate eBook Experience: Reading in the bathtub.
- User's Guide to Creating PDFs for the Sony®Reader (pdf file)
- PC World October 2006 Article
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Comments: 31
I love books and would hate to give up the feel of sitting with a real one but it would be convenient to have this available at times.
Good job!
That said, I guess I am a bit old-fashioned, in that I still like paper. I have looked at some of the electronic paper, and my main complaint has been that I can't read outside, in brightish light, because the sun/light blinds the screen... but that was a few years ago, and perhaps the technology has gotten better.
Also, what I left out here but will write more about later is the fact that you can transer PDF files, photos and mp3s to the Sony®Reader. I can't read PDF files I've saved unless I have my computer with me or have printed them out, digital photo frames are somewhere around $100 (for a cheap one) and I paid $300 for the last iPod I bought.
The concept of eBooks has come a long way and will continue to evolve even as I occasionally curl up on a corner of the couch with a big, heavy book on my lap.
Great comments, all!
Sounds good for an avid reader on a plane even, or just in their bed.
PDF's available and e-books as well as mp3 player, great. Sounds good however, the availability of the source book is somewhat limited but is likely to grow.
Good info Diana and good review
That said, it's not like reading a long PDF file off your computer screen. Of course, too much VDT viewing is not comfortable for your eyes. Nor is it good for them.
There are pros and cons. I'm happy to answer any questions!
I will never give up my library, I guess is my final word...but I would love to try one of these out.
How much space is left for reading on the reader when the text size is increased? I, too, prefer the feel of dead trees between my hands, so much to peruse, feel, touch, smell, by the fire, the window with a cool breeze, sitting in a chair by a window.
No computer or ebook reader can do that for me. But there are other advantages to a reader, too, I realize.
Blending the old and new worlds is a challenge for us all to take up.
Do you find it easy on the eyes? For example, many people who relax and read on paper rush and scan on the computer screen. Do you find yourself in book mode or on-screen mode when you're reading on the reader?
Mr Bill: approximately 2 1/2" across and 3 1/4" - 3' 1/2" lengthwise.
Eric: I'm in book mode! It's much easier on the eyes than my computer.
Gil: I don't expect the library to go away anytime soon - in fact, not ever.
As much as I like gadgets, I think I'll pass on this one.
However, from your description & being gadget oriented, I may have to buy one and then my tune may change. Thanks for the excellent review ~j
Like everyone else, thanks for a great review! I've been debating for about a month on whether or not to purchase a Sony Reader, as a matter of fact, I've got the order page open right now...I just have to press 'submit' and I'm done...but I'm torn. I want one just because I want one...I used to be an avid reader but I've slown down over the past few years and I keep telling myself that the Reader will help me get back into 'book mode'. The question I keep asking myself is 'do I really want to spend $400+ (you gotta get all the bells and whistles, right? LOL)for a product that will probably change in the next few months and continue to evolve into something better or do I just grab one now? I know, I know, I straddle the fence...
Your review is definitly a plus in the buy column for me...
Just start with the Reader. With the bonus of free eBooks being offered right now, that's all you need. And remember - shipping is even free if you order today from Sony.
I can honestly say I'm reading more (and faster) if that helps. Happy Reading whatever you decide!
Got a lifeDrive for Christmas - doubt hubby will think I need another toy quite yet
We have at least 400 books here and the freight to get them to Australia is huge, We have been scanning them, but 400 pages takes over 3 hours then to reduce and re size them is at least another 3 hours, then you always miss a page. and it is a disaster, esp as most of the books are teaching books and language dictionaries
we were even trying to photograph all the pages, it gives a better quality but takes up too much disc space, again thank you a lot
http://www.lib2go.com