Sony PRS-T1 6" Digital E-ink Pearl Wi-Fi Reader, 800 x 600 Screen Resolution, 1.3GB Internal Memory, Black

2012-07-10T20:00:00

I've owned a previous Sony Reader, and I also own a Kindle and frequently use a relative's nook. I have to say, the Sony Reader is probably the most advanced of all three, but I can't say it's as refined. The hardware is great, but a step down from the previous generation's solid aluminum design. That's forgivable due to its new competitive pricing and features. The design is solid yet thin, and the whole unit is incredibly lightweight, but still feels sturdy. The touch screen works as expected, the multitouch is great, and the contrast and screen is a step up from usual. Compared to the nook and Kindle, it doesn't feel as sturdy, but the weight and dimensions compensate. The plastic border around the screen gets very annoying, since although the screen is anti-glare, the plastic shows a lot of glare and fingerprints and scratches. On the software side, the Sony's interface is very straightforward, but not in a bad way. The interface is simple, but experiences a few hiccups here and there, especially on the web browser. Don't get me wrong, the web browser is one of the best on any eReader, and I use it more than I expected. It lets you download books and other media online and you can view them too. However, the whole interface sometimes shows some bugs. The popup dictionary within a book has to flash twice, which is unnecessary, and there is no option for recently read or partial-refresh mode. Those aren't big deals, but it's worth mentioning. Also, the open format of the Sony Reader takes it a step above the Kindle, which is huge purchasing factor. If you want an eReader that can read and download multiple formats, this is the one for you. PDF support was terrific as well. Among the advanced features that this offers that no competitor does is the audio player, picture viewer, and notepad, but I didn't use those much during everyday use. They are fun to have though. This is pretty good for the first Sony Reader to run Android, and I'm glad it does. I just hope some bugs are fixed on the PRS-T2 or in a software update. The Sony Reader desktop software has improved drastically since I first used it. However, it still is not as organized as a regular desktop app is for a competing eReader. Still, it works, and I'm glad that it's a huge improvement. Overall, this is one of the better eReaders on the market, with the most features and supports many file types. Much of the conveniences won't be used everyday, but it comes in very handy. The interface and hardware both have some problems, but it is still a step above the competition. If you're on the fence about this and another reader, go with this one unless you have already bought into another company's book ecosystem.

s0ny

Originally posted at

2012-06-25T20:00:00

I've had my PRS T1 about a week and I like it, but would be a lot happier if the wi-fi was stable. I can get it to connect to both my networks. It's more stable on the WEP network than on the WPA network. I assigned it a dedicated IP on the WEP network and also disable TKIP and that seems to have helped as does turning on Wireless Standby, but it sometimes doesn't see the network and often times won't connect. I have 30+ years in the computer industry so I know my way around this stuff pretty well. Not a very good wi-fi implementation and needs to be fixed. If Sony can fix this I will be happy to write a much more positive review.

billbadger

Originally posted at

2012-06-16T20:00:00

Without a doubt, the most inconsistent unreliable piece of technology I've ever had the misfortune to buy. (Glad it was only Airmiles). Often freezes. Has problems connecting to my wireless network. Can't always "remember" what page I was on. Sometimes simply freezes up, and the only way to clear the problem is to wait till I get home and connect it to a workstation. Next purchase is either a Kindle or an iPad!

Cybercase

Originally posted at

2012-05-25T20:00:00

I purchased this Sony Reader yesterday, after see what a great deal I could get for it. When I opened the packaging, I was shocked that Sony has become so cheap!! Only a USB cable for charging and nothing else!!! Different design than the PRS-600 BC that I lost, but feels too plastic, not sturdy. ONLY a microSD card slot, no proprietary Memory Sitck slot! No place to slide in stylus, therefore it will be easily lost. No neoprene case like the other Sony Readers previously. Had to reset the Reader last night, so this might be troublesome. Comes with WI-FI, but since I do NOT have a router and use my SE mobile as a modem, this is something of a non-issue to me. I like the PRS-600 BC much better, SD and Memory Card slots, hefty, sturdy build, a nook to place the stylus. I like my older model Reader better than this one. And my experience with Sony in general has been very negative, although the support for the Reader is a bit better. I am holding off recomending this Reader until I have it for a little while.

frothe3

Originally posted at

2012-05-17T20:00:00

I'm using the Sony prs T1 from a month,soo far it's working smooth and it's actually helping me as a companion on my journey.I'm from India and we don't have an store support , so there is no buying of books,and downloading books from other sources is quite easy.the only thing that's negative about reader desing is plastic bezzel around it which sometimes pumps up the reflection on to the screen,thats only concern about hardware and design. I'm not a fan of partial page refresh because it leaves the shadows of previous pages , for me full page refresh is ok! ,One feature that I wished to have in sony reader is text to speech support ,and home screen can be improved a lot,they can add additional row for recently read books . I never used sony desktop software cuz I'm using linux, so even the sloppy software(most people hate sony desktop software) won't work on my machine.Calibre is doing fantastic work on behalf of sony's.I didn't root my device cuz many of those we rooted are constantly complaining about battery drying and so much flashing . So those who are in plan of buying this one will be delighted after the buy.

lionspeaks

Originally posted at

2012-04-30T20:00:00

I have owned this e reader for about 6 months now, and I like it a lot. I love being able to check out books from the public library wirelessly, its compact, lightweight, and My only gripe is that when you change the font to a larger size it screws with the pictures and sometimes displays the text in awkward ways. But overall I am pleased. I think that it should be priced @ 99 (US) and not more than that, but Im not going to sweat the extra 30 bucks I paid for it. Good buy.

WashakieAlum

Originally posted at

2012-04-22T20:00:00

Helping you decide between this and a Kindle device - 1) The Kindle Touch is heavier than the PRS-T1. 2) The Kindle store has many self-published authors not available on the Sony Reader Store. The Kindle store has daily deals where one particular ebook is often slashed down in price. 3) Kindle Keyboard has worldwide 3G for light, free web browsing on basic websites, but it is not what you may think - browsing without a touch screen is an absolute pain. The back-up 3G can come in handy in a pinch (directions on Google Maps, etc), but it is not for leisure browsing at all. 4) The Kindle e-ink devices cannot be used easily or always, for the direct download of free public library ebooks onto the device, but the PRS-T1 can be used very easily to download free public library ebooks directly onto the device anywhere you can connect to wifi - on the go, on a train, in a public cafe. 5) Within the DRM ePub format supported on the PRS-T1, you have many many ebook stores to choose from. Kindle devices restrict you to buying Kindle DRM books or DRM free ePub books (and you have to first convert the ePub books to the Kindle format). 6) Prices for standard publishers are the same on the Sony Reader Store and Kindle Store, except if the ebook has been chosen for the Kindle daily deal or if it is available in the Kindle prime package (Kindle Prime books are free for Amazon Prime users, however you are restricted to one ebook a month in this plan). Notes - 1) No other e-ink ereader besides PRS-T1 offers this seamless and easy integration with the public library Overdrive system. It is the main reason I bought the PRS-T1 - the ability to download free library ebooks onto the device directly, anywhere and anytime, and the easy return of these ebooks as well (if I want to return the public library ebook early - titles do expire on their own). 2) PRS-T1 is the lightest e-ink ereader on the market, and it has a touch screen and decent ebook store with which its integration is as seamless as any Kindle device's with the Kindle store. The Kindle basic ereader is the same weight as the PRS-T1, but it doesn't have a touch screen. 3) On the other hand, if I ever do want an occasional standard publisher ebook to buy, I am reassured knowing the price will on most days be the same in Sony's store, as in the Kindle store. The only thing one might really miss, free ebook-wise by not buying a Kindle device, are the free Kindle Prime ebooks available to only Kindle devices (technically these ebooks aren't really free because they are part of the annual Prime package - if you are heavily into Prime this point is worth considering). However, I find the public library provides more than enough free ebooks for me on my PRS-T1. A suggestion - buy a lightweight case with stand (I bought the Verso Delta in small size; Tuff-Luv also makes cases with inbuilt stands). It will change your reading experience forever and you will find it hard to going back to reading printed-on-paper books in bed or on the public bus. I stress the inbuilt stand part! It makes holding onto the ereader on a jerky bus or while lying in bed extremely comfortable, and of course it is good for propping up the ereader on a perfectly flat and still table too. Some considerations - Public library physical books have often been used by other people and may be dirty and are almost certainly going to be dusty. With free public library ebooks there is no such problem at all! The touchscreen experience on e-ink is very satisfying. It is easy to search for books, and browse simpler blogs and websites on the PRS-T1. It is easy to make bookmarks in books too, and to take notes. Sony PRS-T1 is helping me with my needs. I sometimes just take this ereader and my iPhone and go read on the PRS-T1 in the Barnes and Noble store! I have bought only one book since purchasing the PRS-T1 in November, but ironically have hardly gotten down to it because of all the free public library ebooks. Suggestions to Sony - Don't leave the e-ink market (as has been rumored you eventually leave this niche) - you satisfy many people's needs. Also, start experimenting with color e-ink - I would love to read free magazines on a color e-ink device.

Einkreader6

Originally posted at

2012-04-01T20:00:00

i had the sony pocket edition ereader. i "upgraded" to the nook 1st edition, because I am a B&N member, and thought i needed one. I gave the nook to my mom, and got this one. hated the nook, love this.

rbahpierce

Originally posted at

2012-03-30T20:00:00

Love my Reader! Can't imagine needing anything more than it already provides. No issues at all (have owned for several months now). Definitely get the cover with the light.

Katrinka

Originally posted at

2012-03-20T20:00:00

I bought this ereader as a replacement for my original Sony ereader PRS-505 that I bought 4 years ago after I damaged the screen of my old ereader, I was impressed at how much lighter this ereader was than my old one. My other favourite feature is that I can use my cell phone charger to charge it when I'm not at home. I love the extra font sizing that gives me more versatility than my old ereader. The main reason I stayed with Sony versus other ereaders is the open format that Sony uses. I can get books from the library as well as anyone that uses the ePub format. With Kindle, you have to convert the ePub format into their own format, which is a pain if you're not technically savvy. Overall, I'm very happy with my decision to stay with Sony.

BookGurl

Originally posted at

2012-03-20T20:00:00

My Mother gave me the ereader for my birthday. I check out tons of book from library because I can't afford other entertainment nor have ability to walk or go places. With reader I find it convient, low cost entertainment I use every day. Light weight and easily packable. The Sony Reader store is a joy as well as some books are free or low cost. I would recommend this item for those who enjoy to read.

mamadork

Originally posted at

2012-03-15T20:00:00

I dropped mine down a flight of stairs onto cement and the only damage it got was a tiny scuff on the corner! It's not even noticeable unless you're looking for it! Don't worry about it being plastic instead of metal; it's very sturdy. My friend's Kindle cracked from a smaller fall than that. The screen is dependable as well, and hasn't been scratched at all being up against keys and stuff in a purse, unlike my iPhone which seems like it would get scratched if I just look at it the wrong way. Also, there's almost no ghosting on the display, which is a big problem on cheaper eReaders. I don't use the WiFi to download books, though, because it's really slow.

Bethany

Originally posted at

2012-02-22T19:00:00

This tablet nearly outstrips the competitors in nearly all aspects and is great to use, but it falls short of what Sony has delivered thus far. The ability to write notes on PDFs was key for me, particularly in freehand, as a student who needs to read them often. However, the plastic is cheep, and cannot stand up to the same abuses as previous models. Hopefully next the model gives back what everyone loved from before, and keeps the positives of the new.

readingrainbow

Originally posted at

2012-01-31T19:00:00

This model Sony eReader is a replacement for my first one, a four year old, model PRS-505, that was damaged and not worth repairing. This model is a significant improvement to my older one in that page changes are almost instantaneous, you can adjust the style of font and its size from several different ones offered and everything is accessible via the touch screen. The older model required multiple button actions to access everything and font sizes were only small, medium or large. The reason I stayed with Sony versus other makes is that you can access eBooks from many different Web sites since it uses the standard ePub format for books. The Kindle uses a proprietary format that only allows the ebook owner to purchase books from the Amazon Web site.

CruisingJake

Originally posted at

2012-01-28T19:00:00

I must say that I'm a bit disappointed with the PRST1BC. Although it has many of the favourable features that attracted me to the PRS 650, it is not as good. First of all, why put the stylus seperate from the machine? I have to attach it to the bookcover which in turn bends the Sony cover that I bought seperately (I like to use the stylus as I don't like to leave smudges on the screen). Secondly, the ereader sometimes skips a page when I change pages (in contrast to the PRS 650). Thirdly, why only provide a micro SDHC as an option for memory (in contrast to the PRS 650 which had 2 formats of memory). Fourth of all, why sell such an ugly book cover for the ereader? It looks cheap and shiny (I bought the red one). The design for the red cover for the PRS 650 was much more stylish. The fifth point is one I had with my previous ereader and the reason why I had to return it in the first place and buy this new one: downloading from public library. I borrow ebooks from my public library and for some reason, your ereaders do not like this. Although I might actually have 78 books on my Reader for PC, my ereader says that I have 85 books. The extra books on my ereader are not actual books, but remnants of what used to be ebooks I borrowed from my library but have been returned. It is impossible to erase those images. It is not so much of a problem in this ereader as it does not refuse me access to my ebooks (as the PRS 650 did). I could reformat the ereader, but I had to reformat 5 times in 1 month the PRS 650 and I'm not doing it again. The fact that I don't have Wi-fi does not seem to impede my use of the ereader. I have to say that although there are more minuses in this ereader, at least I can read my ebooks with this one (which at the end, I couldn't do with my PRS 650). I just wish you had not omitted some great features in the PRS 650. I hope that next year, you take some of our reviews into account when designing your next ereader.

Chocolat

Originally posted at

2012-01-27T19:00:00

I love my Sony readers. This is my third, and I am keeping my 650 because it seems so much more solid than the plastic T1. I like the new interface except that I cannot see the battery indicator unless I go to the home page. Since I put the reader to sleep where I left off, it would take going back a screen just to check on the battery. I did have some software problems, but upgrading it seemed to do the trick. I bought a KOBO for my mom for Christmas because it was cheaper....and I didn't really like it when I played with it. Wish Sony had dropped their prices before I bought the KOBO..... I love my Sony!

capjap

Originally posted at

2012-01-21T19:00:00

I originally had the PRS-600, which I had no complaints about, but upgraded for the WiFi and longer battery life. I believe this is the most user-friendly device out there. I've look at them all. It has a clean look and all the options you could want in an eReader. I don't want/need a color screen, because I just want this to be a BOOK, so that was not a drawback for me. I don't like the new software that we have to use with this upgraded model. The old software was easier to use and had more capabilities. I have gotten past that though. Sony's Customer Service is awesome, too. They've been great about helping when I had questions. The chat service is quick and easy to use. I can't imagine someone choosing any other eReader, once they've looked at this one.

gingerannb

Originally posted at

2012-01-08T19:00:00

Beware - once you buy a book from the Reader Store the software will want it to stay on your reader. It will put it back on your device EACH time you sync with the computer. There is no way to delete a purchased book (even if it is free). If you dislike the book it still shows up. If you are given a book by your future ex it shows up even when you hate them. If you don't want to be reminded of them don't sync the reader and your computer. You are stuck with your mistakes. Books from other sites do not have this problem. The included software is clumsy to use. I have not found a way to include books on the SD card in the collection. Pros: It does not have adds like some of the other readers. It is easy on the eyes. When using an EPUB format it refreshes very fast. It refreshes a bit slower if you are using PDF and have re-sized the text.

Avoidreaderstore

Originally posted at

2012-01-06T19:00:00

I loved my PRS650 and still think it is the better reader, alas with travel wifi was a necessity. It is unfathomable that a company like Sony could not do a better job of providing a software program to support their reader? It is necessary to use an outside software package (Calibre) to provide adequate library support for the product. I bought two, and gave one to my wife for Christmas. She has been very frustrated trying to get books from the local library, the reader setup is not very intuitive. The wifi interface is poorly developed, I expected much more from Sony. I live in hope that Sony with attend to these shortfalls with firmware updates and a proper library program like Calibre. I suspect Sony will just replace the reader and discontinue support as they have done with all previous models.

Reboot

Originally posted at

2012-01-05T19:00:00

There was a recent software update that fixed a lot of the bugs including the page flip bug. Now my reader works great. I love the look of it. I love being about to buy books and borrow books from the library directly to the reader. I would definitely recommend this reader.

LittleRock

Originally posted at

2012-01-03T19:00:00

This product is a Sony. That sums it up. Sony products are simply the best.

DamianF

Originally posted at

2011-12-25T19:00:00

I had a Sony Pocket Reader that is 2-3 years old. I had some issues with it at first, but those have resolved with the wonderful help of customer support. For Christmas this year, my husband upgraded me to the wi-fi. It is slimmer and lighter than my previous e-reader. I had some trouble getting it set up until I uninstalled Sony Reader from my computer and reinstalled it from the new reader. The new Reader software on the computer is not as easy to use as the previous software, but I'll figure it out soon enough. The only reason it is not getting 5 stars is that there is no place to store the stylus. It doesn't even look like the covers available have a place for the stylus. I just know I'll lose it. I'm going out today to by a cover with a night light and a screen protector so I don't scratch it. So far I'm very happy with it.

loopycare

Originally posted at

2011-12-23T19:00:00

I hope everyone has a great holiday this year. This year, I am feeling great because I have the Sony reader with me!!! Yeah I would say the PRST1 is one of the best ereader in the market right now. The cost was excellent at the time I bought ($119 and $25 off!!!), I think Sony should discount more product to stay competitive compare with other players out there. I really like the design; it differentiate Sony from others ereader which have sort of the same design (ie: Kobo and Kindle). Even though I would recommend Sony to improve the design on the edge so that it will not leave readers' fingerprints. This product is very light compare to others ereaders in the market too. That makes me feel enjoyable while reading. So I do not have much to complain about the ereader itself but I would suggest Sony to make their Ebook store more competitive. So far as I search, most of books from Kobo are cheaper than in Sony ebookstore and some of them can be purchased way cheaper by using a discount coupon. The amount is not much, just $2-$3 in most cases, but it does make Kobo ebook store looks more attractive than Sony ebook store. In term of wide variety of books, Sony ebook store still need to update more ebook so that they can compete with Kobo and Amazon in the future. Despite of higher price than other ebook stores, I did purchased some books from Sony ebook store as my appreciation to their discount. However, I would be more happy if I can enjoy Kobo price at Sony ebook store. TN

KamiTn

Originally posted at

2011-12-22T19:00:00

I was looking for a christmas present for my dad and when I saw the pros i listed and the price I had to buy one for myself as well. The only thing that really bothers me about this is the transitioin animation for switching programs looks the the screen is broke as it the image is scrambeled while the new page is loaded. I'm not sure if that is by design or if I actually have a faulty product but everything else works so I assume it's by design. The transition should be something more simple like when you change pages in a book. For reading books and listening to music color is not needed but since it can also display pictures it would be nice if it could show them in color. I don't plan on using this feature much anyway. The internal memory is plenty large for most people but I could easily fill that with just music.

Aulus

Originally posted at

2011-12-20T19:00:00

I have owned 2 ebook readers from Sony. The first one PR-505 was stolen from where I work. The 2nd was chewed up by my German Shepard and left in the rain in mud in my back yard. It still works - even though the entire case is scratched like crazy. After 5 years of experience with the Sony ebooks, and after purchasing a tablet computer just recently - I have to give the utmost kudos for Sony for building a great product for hard-core readers. It's too bad they kept the price so high for so long; now that they are even cheaper than what I purchased my first two for I will have to buy another one just so I can have a hot pink one to read!

Didip

Originally posted at

2011-12-15T19:00:00

suggestion: 1) wifi surfing is sluggish (my router is wireless G, signal is strong), no response for most of websites. 2) no custom font support, should allow user to install custom fonts to read books in language other than english. 3) need heading bar while reading book, so that users are able to know current time, battery level etc (currently, even in home page, no time shown on heading bar) 4) when tap on word at bottom of page to lookup dictionary, the dictionary shouldn't display at bottom (display at top instead), user are not able to select sentence to highlight etc 5) epub page number displayed at bottom should display the page number calculated in current font setting, do not use page number assigned by epub file (it confused me with "page 8-9 of 80", or sometime display the same page info like"page 20 of 80" after turned to next page, and made me think no page was turned)

jianping

Originally posted at

2011-12-14T19:00:00

I had looked and researched about ereaders for over a period of 3 months and finally settled for Sony. What a disappointment! I received it fast enough but that is the only good thing I can say about it. The reader kept restarting and recycling itself, it could not turn off but it would not stay on. At the end of 2 hours I was ready to throw it out the window in frustration. Tech support could not help because all the options suggested did not work. Sony sales were not much help either because they wanted to bill my credit card again if I wanted an immediate exchange. In the meantime when I return this one, I have to wait 1 or 2 billing cycles to see my card credited. Never again!

Kim61

Originally posted at

2011-12-11T19:00:00

Having been pleased with my previous Sony eReaders I was highly anticipating this one but was devastatingly disappointed. It would accept none of the previous memory stick or SD cards and was cheap and flimsy. The worst part was the sync'ing software. It was so difficult and cumbersome that I finally threw the new reader away and went back to my old one.

cweaver87

Originally posted at

2011-12-10T19:00:00

This is an excellent product, especially now that the price has dropped. I checked out the Kobo Wifi beforehand, and I find the Sony Reader to be much better designed. The dictionary function leaves you on the page, so you can see your word in context. It also gives you links to look up online at Google or Wikipedia. Very handy! And the Library function is great! So easy to find and download library books, and also to "return" them when you are done. Much better that the Kobo system (we bought one for a friend and helped her set it up, so I have used both and Sony wins hands down). The software runs well and is easy to use. And it auto updates which makes things easy as well. Liked this so much we bought another one for my mum!

RB1234

Originally posted at

2011-12-07T19:00:00

This is the very first Sony product I've been disappointed in. I have gone through 3 of these and have had issues with everyone of them. The first one, worked fine until the second day and then would randomly starting flipping pages and then lock up. Only a reset would bring it back to life. Had this happened only once I wouldn't of cared much but it became a daily occurrence. After speaking with Sony it was recommended that I return it for another unit. The second unit I got, looked good until I turned it on. Then the ghosting appeared after every page swipe. It looked very much like burn in from the previous page. I was under the impression that having full refreshes with every page change would eliminate this. Now to be fair, the first unit did not ghost at all, and none of the demos I've seen in stores had this issue. They all had perfect screens. So thinking that I had another defective unit I once again returned it for exchange. The 3rd unit was exactly the same as the second, again with very noticeable ghosting. I returned it for a refund at this point. I'm not sure if the 2nd and 3rd were a newer or older batch of these readers but they were packaged inside somewhat different than the first one with a good screen. I can only assume that perhaps there is a bad run of these screens as it's not a problem with all of them. It's a shame the quality of these doesn't live up to what I had come to expect from Sony

antmod

Originally posted at