Sony Releases New Version of Ebook Reader

Posted on October 2, 2007

Sony has unveiled version 2.0 of its ebook reader. The new Reader (model PRS-505) comes in two colors: silver and dark blue. The new version has revamped controls and the page turning feature is faster. Advances in electronic paper have been incorporated into the design, so that the contrast ratio is higher. That makes the text easier to read.

"For people on the go, this device is compelling because it allows them to carry a wide variety of reading materials whether they are on a cross-country flight, in a doctor's office waiting room, or at a beach resort," said Steve Haber, senior vice president of Sony's Digital Imaging and Audio Division. "The Reader can handle a stack of books and other documents that people would rather not carry, yet offers a 'book-like' reading experience unavailable with other electronic devices."

The new version has a lot more capacity than the old one: this one holds up to 160 typical eBooks. Expansion slots for Memory Stick Duo media or SD memory cards is another nice touch. Another nice feature is the USB-based mass storage capability, so you can use the readers as a portable drive.

The reader retails $299 and is available at Borders stores, SonyStyle stores nationwide and at sonystyle.com. When the price on this reader goes below $100 -- and it will in a few of years -- ebook sales are going to take off. On the other hand, if Steve Jobs gets into the game and releases an ebook Reader that looks really cool and sychs up with iTunes -- Sony is in big trouble. We're just saying.