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Buy This not That
by Chris Matier on June 17, 2008

If you are in the market for an eBook reader: Buy This: Amazon Kindle Not That: Sony PRS-505. The Amazon Kindle's features support the user experience and are more thoughtful from start to finish. It is just a better piece of hardware.
Amazon Kindle Pros:
- Large, 6 inch E-ink screen.
- EVDO Wireless Cell connection (nearly) anywhere in the US (WhisperNet).
- Free wireless delivery of eBooks.
- Hundreds of thousands of eBook in library.
- Instant delivery of dozens of magazines and newspapers.
- Easy conversion of all PDF, JPEG, and Word Documents.
- Storage expandable via SD Card.
- Host system independent (no Apple or Windows PC Required).
- Basic web-browsing over EVDO WhisperNet .
Amazon Kindle Cons:
- DRM Protected books
- Unique (some call ugly) form factor
- First Generation Device
Sony PRS-505 Pros:
- Large, 6 inch E-ink screen.
- Sleek and slim form factor with metallic casing.
- Second generation device
- Storage expandable via SD Card.
- $60 cheaper than Amazon Kindle ($299 vs. $359).
Sony PRS-505 Cons:
- No wireless technology.
- Windows PC required - very limited support for Apple or Linux systems.
- Limited Content Library.
- DRM Protected books.
The similarities are striking between these two units with the price, form factor, and hardware revision being the only standouts in favor of the Sony PRS-505. I own the Kindle and cannot stress how amazing the wireless connection is. Because it is free, it more than makes up for the difference in cost.
If you have already taken the plunge and decided that an eBook reader is for you - buy the Kindle. Yes the form factor is unique and will take some getting used to, but the expansive library, wireless connection, and the fact I don't need Microsoft Windows to load data on it make it a clear winner.
Trackback: http://publish.creative-weblogging.com/publish/mt-tb.pl/126442
Mr Wong
Vote for Buy This Not That - Amazon Kindle vs. Sony PRS-505:
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Rating: 8.20 out of 5 vote(s) cast.
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Response from:
Jerry
(06/19/08 7:50am)
I guess I was expecting more of a hands on review, There are numerous resources out there showing the pro's and con's of both units. Each to their own I wish I could have both devices or even the uber priced Iliad by iRex. But what I think it will boil down to for most is price of device and content available. I have spent alot of time on both the Amazon and Sony sites looking at books. Amazon has been for the most part consistently cheaper. Also there have been very few titles that I have found on the Sony site that were not available on the Amazon site. The same can not be said for the reverse. This new genre for reading really should look at a universal format to ensure everyone can enjoy Reading for what it is not what may or may not be available for a specific Device.
Response from:
ProKindle
(06/27/08 8:59pm)
This is a great review. In the end, it's all about readability. Portable devices are great, but who wants to stare at a mini screen when we stare at screens all day long in this digital age! Kindle may need some improvements, but it is an outstanding product, and wins hands down against the Sony PRS-505 and other ebooks and devices like the iPhone if you want a great reading experience!
Please visit http://www.prokindle.com
for more info on the Kindle!
Please visit http://www.prokindle.com
for more info on the Kindle!
Response from:
Andrew
(02/24/09 9:23am)
I'm looking to buy an ebook reader (for my wife), but I'm leaning towards the Sony PRS505. She has a collection of pdf ebooks on a laptop, but doesn't lik reading them on the laptop. I believe the Sony Reader offers much better pdf support than the Kindle. So far, in purchasing ebooks, what's she's been buying has been available in pdf format, but not in either proprietary format. It also seems that our library system offers ebook checkout, again in pdf format.
So, for us, I can't agree that the Kindle is the better product.
So, for us, I can't agree that the Kindle is the better product.
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