Name: Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book, with Internal Memory for Storing up to 160 Books, Memory Slot for Memory Stick Media and SD Cards, Dark Blue
Brand: Sony
SKU: SORDBBL
Price: 269.95 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 4.56 (16 reviews)

Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book, with Internal Memory for Storing up to 160 Books, Memory Slot for Memory Stick Media and SD Cards, Dark Blue

Sony PRS-505 160 Books Memory Reader Digital Book, Blue

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Top Rated Gear: Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book, with Internal Memory for Storing up to 160 Books, Memory Slot for Memory Stick Media and SD Cards, Dark Blue

I have had my reader for about a month now and love it. I use it for recreational reading only. For this purpose I love it and will never go back to paper books. It truly is easy on the eyes and the pages turn takes no longer than to turn the page of a real book. When I use my clip on book light it does make a small glare on the page if I don't adjust it right, so the one that comes with the cover might be a better option. But it isn't so much of a annoyance that I am running out to buy the other one.

I did try pdf files on it when I first got it and the text size is too small and the zoom feature doesn't work on them. So if you want to do a lot of work with pdf files then this isn't the reader for you.

The battery lasts forever, I haven't charged it once since the first charge and it's only lost one of the 4 bars. The page turning buttons are nice if you hold the reader with your right hand, but the controls on the left side of the reader are a little awkward with the cover on (which I keep on because my booklight clips to it).

The included cover is rather flimsy in that when I put it in my purse once it got dings all over it. Although, better the cover than the reader. I plan to buy a nice hard case for when I go back to school and put it in my backpack.

Things I would change/improve: I would put page turning buttons at the top of the device because I often read in bed and hold it at the top. Also, I would add a cancel button because sometime I accidentally hit a page number when I'm trying to turn the page and you can't cancel that out (at least I haven't figured out how if there is a way), so I have to go to a new page and then back to the page I was on. A little clock on the bottom would be nice too. However, all of these things are minor and not deal breakers. Overall, I love my reader and wouldn't trade it for all the paper books in the world.

Great for novel reading!

I bought the Sony Reader after considerable research into it and the Kindle 2, and I could not be happier that I chose the Reader. I have it with me at all times, I haven't really had any problem with the lag time other people have mentioned, and I have not once in the month I have had it felt the need to download a book while I was walking through the grocery store or whatever you may be doing when you use the wireless download on the Kindle. I can not stress enough how awesome it is!!

LOVE IT!!!

I love this reader. I have held off buying one for over a year.

I chose the 505 over the 700 because I didn't need the extra features and the screen contrast quality is much better on the 505 since it doesn't need the extra screen layer for the touch screen.

The software included in the package only works with PC's and it's annoying and slow. I own a mac and was able to find a site called Book on Board which sells Adobe EPUB books that work really well on the Reader. It also has instructions for a Mac workaround.

You have to use a PC just once to authorize your reader with Adobe Digital editions, but then afterwards just use it on your mac and drag and drop your files and tada! It works like a charm. Fast and easy and only seconds to upload multiple books. WAY better that the software in the package! I think even people with PC's should use this method!! I tested all this out with a friend's ereader and after finding it so easy to use with my Mac I was completely sold and rushed to get my own right away!

Plus my public library has ebooks for loan on their website which makes it even better!!

I feel this product is better than the kindle by miles. It's a better quality product and so what if it doesn't have wireless? At least I can choose where to buy my books without being forced to get them from one place like Amazon does with their Kindle. Plus, this allows me to loan out those ebooks from my public library which I must say is a major plus.

I definitely recommend both the 505 and 700 models. I think it's a matter of preference and price for which one you choose, but both are great products!

Great product!

I am an avid reader, at least 3-4 books per week and dozens of magazines. I was always against ebooks. I like the feel of a paper book in my hand. However, I was tired of carrying several books with me everywhere I go (I said I read alot). So I thought I would give the Sony Reader a try. I must say, I am impressed. With the leather jacket I feel like I am holding a book. I have 165 books loaded on the external memory card and the internal memory. There is still room for hundreds more. I like that. The print is perfect. It is just like reading a book. It is not difficult to use. I was up and running in 30 minutes or less. Battery life before recharging is very good. It plays MP3's and displays photos.
Now the bad part. Page turning is very slow. There is a lag when turning the pages. Magazines don't seem to convert too well as far as layout. The software is not too hot either. You have to sync rather then just copy and paste as you can with the external memory card. Speaking of memory, the internal memory is not that much. I don't know what it is, but I'm guessing less then a gig. I have some books that are 60 meg each. And magazines are about 20-40 meg each. This is fine for loading up the memory cards, but not for the internal memory. Photos, of any kind, are in black and white. Wish they were in color. All of my books are non fiction, history, science, magazines, etc. These contain lots of photos and they don't look good not in color. Also, to load up with family photos is a waste since there is no color. Unit is expensive, but I think it's worth it for what it can do. It would really be worth it if it had the improvements I mentioned, plus be able to play video files. I'm sure Sony will be improving as time goes. I am happy in the end. Imagine, taking 165 books with you where ever you go? Unbelievable!!

Very good, but needs improvement

I purchased this reader last summer. It has definitely been one the best decisions I have ever made. I am a book worm and read a book a day or more sometimes. I found myself leaving the tv off and just reading in my off time. I love it!!
My sister is also a book lover like me and just moved to Hawaii from California. She was unable to take all her books with her so I gave her my reader to take with her. I will never get it back. She is addicted. And her daughter loves it too.
I just ordered the 700 as a replacement and can hardly wait for it to get here!
The only con I can really think of is that sometimes I can not find the books that I am wanting to read in ebook form.
The battery lasts forever! and the screen is easy to read and does not strain my eyes. I can even read without my glasses sometimes.
Thank you for this great product.

This is awesome!

The Sony PRS-505 is a good deal for Mac users even though Sony has ignored us. It's a very good product and what it lacks in speed it makes up for in optimum legibility, and not being tied to any ONE vendor (like [...]). It's so well designed that holding it in your right hand the forward/backward grooved page controls fall directly under your thumb. It's perfect in the left hand too with another set of controls. It's also light weight, easy to bookmark, with three font sizes, and comes with a great leatherette cover that won't fall off. The SONY 505 does not have an index or dictionary but provides an outstanding reading experience. The drawback for Mac users has been that Sony has geared all its software for PC users; enter Calibre, by brilliant programmer Kovid Goyal. This easy-to-use freeware ebook management software (NOT included) is a marvelous companion to the Sony Reader allowing you to use RTF's, PDF's, DOC., and other formats. The PRS-505 is a bit slow, but not extremely so. For ebook lovers it opens up the world of books through pay sites like Fictionwise (multiformat option) or FREE manybooks.net, or the Gutenberg Project. With a more reasonable price than the PRS-700 or the Kindle2, the 505 is a bargain.

A Bargain for Mac Users

If you have a Mac and not a PC your experience with the Sony Reader is not so great. While the Sony PRS-505 is a pleasure to use, very sharp legible type, and a simple interface. The downside is that the Reader is TOO simple, without search tools, slow, no indexing, and only a handful of formats (on the Mac side). If you enjoy the classics there is virtually no end to the free ebooks available from [@]However, if you enjoy popular or contemporary fiction forget it. [@] has a warning at checkout that clearly states "eReader books DO NOT work on the Sony Rearer or Kindle." [@] make finding titles for the Sony 505 impossible. They have formats that either require you have MS Internet Explorer (not supported on the Mac) installed, or have formats that are incompatible (.pdb for PALM OS; Gemstar; Adobe, not PDF but Adobe Digital Editions, which requires installation of its own proprietary software and DRM book format). I use Calibre [@] to convert .lit from the Microsoft unencrypted files to Sony's .lrf format. Calibre is excellent book-management software.[@]DOES have a multiformat option (NOT e-secure) that includes several formats for download including Sony's (.lrf) and Microsoft's (.lit).

THE MAC DOWNSIDE

I had, and returned a Kindle. Great idea but terrible design and...ugly and...horrible case and...cheap looking plastic. Maybe they will get it right down the road.

In the meantime there is the Sony Reader. I just upgraded to the 505. This is Apple like in it's build quality; even better. Just stunningly thin and beautiful! What few 'flaws' there were on the 500 have been 'corrected' here with a better screen, more thoughtful layout of buttons, bigger memory and much better case design. I was going to buy the leather case but the standard issue is quite nice and I might save my money.

Downloading books from the Sony E-Store is effortless and fun. Transferring them to the Reader is equally uneventful. The process takes only seconds.

The only Kindle function I miss is the wireless download feature. Undeniably cool but not THAT big of a deal...and...it was a major drain on the battery. The Reader battery goes for days and days and days....

You know how comforting it is to have your entire music library with you on your iPod? You have the similar luxury of having hundreds of books available at any moment, wherever you go when you have this great device.

I know that the Sony Reader isn't cheap but when you love something it seems like a bargain. That's the case here. Some may love this more than others but I can't imagine anyone being disappointed.

Better Than Kindle!

I have had my reader for 8 months now and love it. I can't see going back to traditional books after using this. It is a very well made product and I carry it with me whenever I travel. I never have to worry about carrying a lot of books with me. Not only is it great for travel but I love it just around the house. I would recommend this book to anyone and I have. Everyone that has seen it wants one. The only drawback for them is the price.

Excellent Buy

My favorite thing about this product is the easy to read screen. Glare is very minimal and you forget that you aren't reading from a paper page! The page turning buttons are perfectly placed so that you can use your thumb in the corner or a finger on the edge. The software is fairly easy to learn as it reminds me of iTunes, but I would prefer easier access to your e-books on your computer screen. Overall, a wonderful product. I would buy another and recommend one to anyone who loves to read.

Better Than Expected!

Never would have bought it if it hadn't been 40% off in Tweeter's final closing sale, but I love it.
Kindle gets the nod for its wireless downloads, but it's too chunky. I would rather have the slim shape of the Sony than the wireless capacity of the Kindle.
What the heck, I connect my iPod to download songs -- why not connect to load it up with books?
Great on the road -- takes much less space that even one book, and I often take two. But I use it everywhere -- on the couch, in bed, etc.
Would be nice if you could load personal documents on it. And while the Sony inventory of titles is pretty good, more would always be better.

Love it

I made the decision to puchase the PRS-505 after months of waffling. My decision was ultimately based on the fact that although the Kindle does more - a LOT more - the Sony is a better designed unit. I haven't regretted my decision for a moment. I'm also pleased that I didn't wait for the 700, as I don't think the upgrades it features are worth the dramatic increase in price.

Love my eBook Reader!!

This Digital Reader does a great job at what it was made to do. It stores a large number of e-books and related files, and does a pretty fine job at a user-friendly reading experience. It doesn't take notes, (Sony has another model that will do that), but it does well at what it was meant to do.

Another reviewer took issue that you cannot highlight text or take notes in this model - but it was never advertised to do so. The e-ink technology is very easy on the eyes, the three font-sizes are nice, and it doesn't do a bad job with re-flowing PDF files. If you like to read, this is a good purchase. If you need more bells and whistles than this one, Sony has another model for you!

Great value!

After having this product for about 3 months now, I have to say that I am finding it harder and harder to live without it.
Whereas I first purchased it to read books, I am finding that I am using it for so much more. Before, I would find myself printing out recipes, or workout schedules, or other miscellaneous notes on scratch paper, and then throwing it away within a day or two. Now, I take those same notes and put it on my ereader and take it with me. I have even put Sunday readings for mass and have taken that with me to church.
I also like skimming news readers to gather tidbits of news on the go; however, I had to do this while at a computer. Nowadays, I log into Feedbooks.com and get epub of my rss feeds to take with me. Very convenient.

All these miscellaneous things have made my Sony digital reader a good buy. Amazingly enough, where I have been disappointed has been with the availability of ebooks compatible with the reader. Although Sony has its own store, I much prefer a choice of locations to peruse before making a buy. While I am very much appreciative of the recent firmware upgrade that makes PDF and ePub usable on the Sony ereader, I am still finding difficulty locating books to purchase from a variety of locations.
Now, I know that this last issue of availability is really a "their problem" and not a Sony digital reader or Sony Store, I am hopefully that Sony understands that it is really a benefit to them if they can convince the general market to increase ebook availability across the board.

As for the usuability of the product itself, I enjoy the miminal number of buttons. I find turning pages very simple (although I do sometimes forget that I am reading a digital book and catch myself trying to "turn the page" like I would with a physical book). The refresh of a page is sometimes distractingly slow, but overall acceptable. In the menu presented I still do not know how to put items in the directory of collections -so this function has been useless to me, but overall, the menu allows me to view my ebooks by date downloaded, by author or by alphabetical listing. The bookmark feature is also very convenient for those of us who like to read two or three different ebooks at a time. Therefore, I have been impressed with the functionality of the menu and find it very usuable.
As for the battery life, I usually download something every couple weeks. This has been sufficient to keep the battery charged. In the 3 months that I have had the ereader, I have had to connect the Sony ereader to the computer for the sole purpose of charging it ONLY ONCE! Therefore, I have found the battery life adequate for my purposes.

Overall, I am pleased with the reader as a product, and enjoy using it to replace a majority of my everday needs for scratch paper. However, I look forward to the future, where I can shop almost anywhere, either online or in a store, and pick up a ebook to read on my Sony ereader.

A nice product that will only get better

I love everything about my Reader! I bought this as a Christmas present to myself in 2007 and haven't looked back. I was able to put all of my notes from law school and PDF files on it, in addition to my other ebooks. The latest software allows me to adjust the size of the PDF files, too, which helps for some of my small notes (or when I'm just tired and need a bigger font). Another firmware upgrade would be great to add additional font sizes, but I've been perfectly fine with the ones I have. I've been considering getting one for my mom-she loves the font adjustability! It fits perfectly in my purse and had taken abuse fairly well (I'm not always gentle with my gadgets)! Sometimes the response time between menus is a little slow, but not so bad that it's a problem. Overall, I love the new space I have in my home achieved by getting all of my books electronically and having them at my fingertips whenever I want to enjoy a book.

Love this book!!

The ability to 'carry many of your favorite books digitally is simply marvelous! Though this device allows you the ability to bookmark, functions like highlighting and/or inserting your own comments for reference would have been great. For the quoted price it would be great to have a pre-installed software to read the book to you! Well, me being a Malaysian who loves books - this device which was a gift from my brother is almost useless - I can't buy any books from Sony's website because I'm NOT living in the US or Canada.