SonyReaderTouchEdition
Latest
Sony slims down, speeds up, and adds touch to its entire Reader family
With Amazon and Barnes & Noble both unleashing new e-readers under $150 it pretty much goes without saying that Sony's got to step it up, and its refreshed Reader family is what we've been expecting. Just like we'd heard and heard again, Sony's tweaked its entire Reader line up -- the Pocket, Touch, and Daily editions -- by adding improved optical touchscreens, speeding up page turns with E Ink Pearl displays and slimming down the brushed aluminum hardware. Beyond that, it's also updated its Daily Edition with WiFi -- there's still no connectivity options for the other two. We got to see all three a few days ago, so hit the break for our hands-on impressions and details on pricing and availability. %Gallery-100817%
Sony's new e-readers pictured, last one-third longer on a charge?
We'd heard Sony was wrangling up a bunch of new Readers, and it looks like here they are -- a pair of familiar-looking e-readers with a distinctly different UI. If these legit-looking images are the real deal, you'll be getting a good bit more for your buck -- especially with the Reader Pocket Edition, which apparently finally managed to ditch the directional pad for a lovely E Ink touchscreen. We won't list all the improvements here, as you can obviously read them for yourself in the image immediately above, but our tipster confirms the new Pocket Edition will have a 5-inch display and the Touch Edition a six-incher, though he reportedly hasn't heard a word about 3G connectivity for either model. 2,500 extra page turns and a thinner, faster screen ain't nothing to sneeze at, but when Sony said it would compete on quality, we have to admit we began hoping for a wee bit more. Spot another picture after the break.
Sony says the Reader is selling 'very well,' thank you very much, isn't planning color versions
With all this talk of iPads and Kindles shaking up the print world, few people are sparing a thought for Sony's noble Reader series, so the company would like to take this opportunity to remind you that it is "selling very well." Fujio Noguchi, Deputy President of Sony's e-book division, indicated that the gadget is its most popular item in the Sony Style store, with the Touch Edition selling the most units. He says that his focus is on "readability" and that the company will continue to use e-paper, good news for those with sensitive eyes, but that Sony has no plans for a color Reader until color e-ink screens are of sufficient quality. So, for now, you'll just have to buy yourself the one on the left above if you're looking to tickle your cones.
Sony Reader follows Kindle to the Great White North, conquers entire high school (video)
Why, it was just yesterday that Amazon finally acknowledged the existence of our friendly neighbors to the north, saying "Why not?" before shipping a few Kindles northward. Now Sony is announcing its Reader is also set to take off, but in a very different way. The Reader has always been available in Canada (no pesky wireless contracts to negotiate), but ownership will now be compulsory for students at Toronto's Blyth Academy, who will each be provided with a Touch Edition and who must surely be a little nervous after what happened at Princeton. All textbooks will be replaced by digital equivalents, meaning smaller book bags, fewer strained backs, and no more quality time with parents making covers out of brown paper bags. Slightly uncomfortable promotional video is included below.
Video: Sony Reader Touch Edition gets touched, desktop software upped to 3.0
Sony's Daily Edition may be taking a front row seat in everyone's hearts and minds right now, but let's not forget just three weeks prior the company revamped its other two, decidedly network connectivity-free e-book reader models. MobileTechReview got its hands on the PRS-600 "Touch Edition," which scores points for an easy-to-use dictionary and enhanced note-taking abilities that are purported to sync to the desktop, at least eventually. Turns out the screen isn't as sharp as the PRS-505 and there's a bit of glare, but there's certainly more contrast with the new device. Last we heard both readers were due for check out by the end of this month, although as of this writing only Pocket Edition seems to be available on Sony Style -- and if you're already enjoying a Sony reader, you'll be happy to know that 3.0 desktop software is now making the rounds for PC and Mac. Video after the break. [Thanks, Tom] Read - PRS-600 review Read - SonyStyle store Read - eBook Library Software 3.0
