I was recently loaned a Sony Reader Digital Book to try, and I liked it more than I thought I would. At first, I was skeptical. I wasn’t sure I would be able to adjust to reading from a screen instead of paper pages.
Sure, I’m a technophile, but I couldn’t imagine replacing the look and feel of a good, old-fashioned paper tome with a sleek electronic screen.
Easy on the eyes
However, as I worked with the slim silver device, I was really impressed by the quality of the screen. I don’t know exactly how it works, but it’s not like reading a computer screen. Visually, it looks remarkably like paper. It’s not bright and backlit, and there is no flicker to irritate your eyes. It’s a comfortable level of contrast, which is easy to read for extended periods without eyestrain.
Easy to use
The Reader’s screen is about the size of a familiar paperback page, and the font size is adjustable. I had no trouble figuring out how to navigate through the pages, and the buttons for turning pages seem to be in just the right place. Bookmarking is easy, and the soft cover makes the Reader look like a book from the outside.
Load it up
There is an impressive library available for the Reader, and I assume that it will continue to grow. Right now, you can download 100 free classic e-books when you buy a Reader. Also, you can import your favorite photos and mp3s, as well as additional text documents, onto the Reader. I shared the Reader with a couple of my bookworm girlfriends, and they fell in love with it, and are adding it to their wish lists.
One little drawback
The only thing I didn’t like about the Reader was the lack of some kind of “night mode,” which would enable me to read in bed without bugging my Hubby. Since the screen is not backlit, you still have to turn on a lamp to read at night.
The verdict
All in all, though, I was pleasantly surprised and genuinely impressed by the Reader. I love being able to carry hundreds of pounds of literature in a 10 ounce device that slips into my little purse without a problem. If you’re a reader who’s been skeptical about e-books, you should take a look at the Sony Reader. It’s amazing how much the display looks like a paper page.
Where to buy it
You can get more information on the Reader from the Sony store, including detailed specifications and titles available for download.
I did not receive any compensation for this review.
Of course, two major drawbacks to e-book readers like this one and the Kindle (both related to DRM):
1. You can’t loan your books. Rather, you can loan them the entire device with all of your books, but not just one book.
2. You don’t own the books you buy. When Sony discontinues their service (they will eventually) and the device fails, you will lose access to all of the books you “purchased.”
I’d like an e-book reader myself but until publishers realize that DRM is anti-customer and stop using it (like the music industry appears to be doing) I won’t be buying one.
Johns last blog post..Teamwork
I am still sketpical for a couple of reasons. One – I am just old school, even my to-do list is still on paper. Two – I look at a computer all day for work, I really don’t want to read a book on one.
I know lots of people love these but I don’t think they are for me.
I’m in agreement with John. When it comes to the mysteries that I devour in my bedtime reading, I want to pass them on to others. There are five or six people with whom I share and circulate books. For each book I buy, I generally read another book that someone else bought. And each book I buy gets read by at least two, some times four or five other people. Ultimately most of my books end up in public libraries, either as part of their collection or as part of their book sales to raise money. Most of the non-mysteries that I read, are books I want to keep; they will get reread several times over the years, and many will be used as references for writing and teaching. So both the lack of ability to transfer individual titles to others, and the lack of permanent ownership are problems for me.
Sues last blog post..all the pretty ponies
I’ve been reading you for a while now but never got to comment. Why? I don’t know. Anyway I’m so jealous you have the Wii Fit AND got to hold the reader in your hands. I’ve been ogling it since it came out a long time ago. I’d also take the Kindle anyday. I’m an avid reader but the thing I don’t like is that I have to purchase the e-books from only one place.
Jojos last blog post..I better go to sleep soon…..so to not EAT
I lend books, too. And if I buy a book, I want to OWN it! (Well, at least until *I* decide it’s time to give it away.)
The biggest problem I had when playing with the Sony reader (and it’s probably the same with the Kindle) is the lag time when turning pages. Maybe I just read faster than the average person, but after a couple of pages it got to be seriously annoying. So I’ll be sticking to the real deal for a while longer.
Kellys last blog post..Collaged Words: Wish
I am a librarian and whether or not ebooks will ever really become a big thing much less replace regular books has been debated for years. I for one, think they are only good for research books where you can follow links. I would never use them for a novel or biography. Besides not having the comfort of a book, I am a bibliophile. I love owning the book.
Jennifers last blog post..TV Series With the Most Pop Culture References
I think that there is one that just came out that is somehow linked to Amazon as well. I think they have their uses, but I also like real books.
waterroses last blog post..Thrill on the Hill! and contest!
I think readers and ‘real’ books can coexist nicely together. There is no need to replace one with the other. I could see myself using a reader while traveling so I wouldn’t have to pack books around but at home, there’s something about walking into my office and seeing my bookshelves full of pretty books.
H.E.Eiglers last blog post..Where have all the parents gone? (Off topic again, get over it)
Yes, there is a downside to e-books. I guess I tend to think of paper books and e-books as filling different needs. I do love a shelf full of books. I enjoy the look of a library, the smell of the pages, and the feeling of significance that accompanies a hefty hardcover.
But I also love the convenience and practicality of the lightweight reader. My purse is full to the zipper, with all kinds of junk you can’t even imagine. Last time I cleaned it out, I actually found a head lamp in there! I don’t know which of my kids put it there, but it was a fun surprise. Maybe it would have come in handy if I’d happened to do some spur-of-the-moment spelunking…