It’s Kindle 2.0 Launch day, and you’ll find all about it, well, practically everywhere. Amazon has not yet sent a device for review (call me!), but I would like to tell you about my new Sony Reader.
Which is awesome.
First off: touch screen, people!
The touch screen leads to quite a bit of trickle-down quality, especially from an aesthetic standpoint because the device is mostly screen. If you want to take notes, it’s very simple: a keyboard pops up on the screen and you simply type on it. It’s also easy to navigate because you just touch which book you want to read, so there’s no scrolling.
The display itself is a wonder: if you haven’t seen e-ink you haven’t seen… uh, e-ink. The best comparison I can make is that it’s like an Etch-a-Sketch. It’s not backlit. It’s not like reading on a PDA or laptop. Repeat: it’s not like reading on a PDA or laptop. It doesn’t strain your eyes any more than paper. Repeat: it doesn’t strain your eyes any more than paper. And the pages turn noticeably faster with this version of the Reader. It’s just a tiny blink.
(And yes, I know that there will still be comments from people worried about eye-strain)
But perhaps my favorite underrated aspect of this device is quite simple: a built-in nightlight.
Because the screen isn’t backlit, you can only read it under light. Thus, having a nightlight is basically indispensable for reading at night.
Other cool features:
– you can easily change the font size and layout if you’d like to read bigger or on widescreen.
– multiple ways to change pages, whether pressing a button or “flicking” the touch-screen with your finger
– an approximation of page numbers, unlike Kindle’s bewildering “locations”
– the leather case snaps shut easily with a nice magnet
– you only need to charge it, at most, once a week
The Reader does have some drawbacks: the e-book store is not yet Mac compatible, and I do miss the lack of wireless. For an average reader I don’t think this would be a problem because you can easily load up a bunch of books on a single plug-in and be good to go for a while. When you’re an agent dealing with a thousand partials, however, I miss the wireless.
You can check out the Reader at your friendly neighborhood Target, Borders, and other stores.
I honestly, honestly never thought when I got a Kindle and Sony Reader that I’d become a raving lunatic of a fan of these devices. But what can I say? I really feel like it’s an improved reading experience. I like reading with one hand so I can hold onto the bus/train with the other hand. I like the lack of clutter. I like getting books instantaneously. I like being able to easily search a book and have access to a ton of them. I like how they always open up to the last place I left off.
We’ll always have paper books, and I’d always want to have some of my favorites. But now that I have e-readers: I can’t imagine going back.
UPDATE: In the comments section people have been weighing on the new commenting system (an embedded window) vs. the old one (separate page with icons). Let’s put it to a vote, and I’ll change it accordingly:
Nathan Bransford says
sandra-
The Sony Reader is excellent in bed.
Ha.
Wanda B. Ontheshelves says
If you like the old comment system (like I do) please vote – it’s getting a little close, 52% to 48%!
Vancouver Dame says
I definitely do not like this new method of posting comments. Posting and searching for others’ comments and yours, Nathan, was easier using the old system. Current example: I just submitted a comment and it showed up on a totally different day. When I asked for preview, that’s when the system screwed it up, and said ‘can’t process your request’, then gave me the verification word, and my comment ended up in the wrong date.
Re – Kindle and Sony readers – sound great; cost too much.
PurpleClover says
I voted Old. For the same reasons above – I like to look for certain posters’ pics. It also helps me keep my place of where I left off reading comments.
Now I’d have to utilize the search button. 🙁
I’m really excited about the new Reader and/or Kindle. But I doubt I’ll be getting one any time soon. Just don’t have the moolah. 🙁
Scott says
In the end I had to choose “Old” comment system because of how the pics made it easier to skate around and not lose your place. Won’t be too bothered either way, Nathan, so don’t sweat it if you have to play Blogtator.
And since I’m on a Mac, I can’t even consider an e-reader. Having it break would really tick me off, though.
Scott says
50-50? I think something’s rotten in the state of Bransford.
Diana says
Nathan – thanks for all you’ve written about the Kindle and the Sony reader. I’ve learned more about these newfangled doo-hickies from your blog than from any other source. They’re a little less scary now.
A little. I almost want to touch one…
Sylvia says
Is there actually a poll here someplace? People are referring to voting in the past tense but – perhaps because of all the scrolling – I missed it.
I don’t mind either way really … but the new system would benefit greatly from being able to stretch across the browser window rather than pushed into a column.
The old system is easy for blogger folks but less so for the rest of the world. Having said that, I notice I’m not auto-logged in so I may as well link directly to my blog. That means even if you WERE showing icons, you wouldn’t be seeing my smurf outfit.
So yeah, I’ll vote new.
P.S. Dear Amazon
Please make Kindle work for the rest of the world. I promise I’ve been good.
Love and Kisses,
* Sylvia *
Anonymous says
Now I’m even more confused on which type of e reader I want to get. Sorry to ask, but did Sony give you this E book device to review for them?
Anonymous says
I prefer the old way.
I miss seeing everybody’s picture.
The new format looks and feels sterile.
BarbS–who doesn’t have time to go through the sign-in process.
Anonymous says
ALSO: I miss seeing the word verification. We-who-enjoy-making-up-definitions miss the oft-hilarious specimens that cropped up!
BarbS.
Anonymous says
I’ve been reading e-books for about seven years now, first on my PDA and later on my phone. The two main reasons are convenience – I always have a book with me – and convenience – I always have my entire library with me. I originally used MS Reader, but several years ago switched to Mobipocket which I love. I would love a Kindle, but that would kill one benefit – convenience. I would be carrying an additional device (I currently use Mobipocket on the BlackBerry, which is nice because I can have my library, e-mail, phone, music, everything on one device).
One thing I don’t quite buy in your otherwise great post is this whole “eye strain” issue. Eye strain? Like I said, I’ve been reading e-books for years. I don’t think I’m suffering from eye strain. Heck, I’m reading from the computer all day at work. So what is the problem? Maybe I just have superhuman eyes? 🙂
Anonymous says
What about flipping around in the e-book? I like to re-read passages only it isn’t like I re-read in an organized fashion. It’s not like I’m all, “Oh! That was beautiful, I must mark it with a sticky note!” Rather, I read and then I flashback on something I want to read again, or I need clarity and so I’ll flip through the pages to figure out where I saw it, what chapter it was in, etc. Sometimes I can only find the passage because I remember the shape of the paragraph (sometimes only in relation to the paragraphs around it and on the other page). This is beginning to sound like lunacy, so I guess the question is, how easy is it to jump around and re-read bits when you don’t quite remember where they were?
ryan field says
I didn’t know much about the sony until now. Very educational!!
Anonymous says
Been reading up on readers because of the new Kindle 2. If anyone out there is considering a Sony Reader, it looks like the previous version (PRS-505) is better than the newest version (700) because the newest one has touch-screen. And because of this, the readability suffers apparently. Anyway. For me, grabbing a Kindle 2. Love the thought of Mr. Roboto reading to me.
Alexa says
We have our Kindle on order! Very exciting.
Yat-Yee says
It’s interesting. I just read a review on WSJ Smart Money magazine, and they favor Sony a little over Kindle.
Lynne says
Go to it, Nathan! Night light great. Are the Kindle people paying you? Kidding!
Alps says
I never thought I’d say this (because I love the smell of books), but I think I know what’s going to be on my list for Santa this year.
Lisa - Mother of Nine says
“and I do miss the lack of wireless.”
That was a confusing sentence. I stopped. Re-read it. Decided my first assumption of what you were saying was wrong. (After all, being in the field you are, you couldn’t possibly have written the opposite of what you had meant.) Thought it was a strange and wordy way to say that you miss having a cord, though. Didn’t understand why you missed it.
Then I realized a sentence or two later that you had, indeed, erred. Tsk Tsk.
Janis says
Nathan,
Have you tried this out in the California sunshine? I’ve never yet found a laptop screen I can read out in the Ohio sunshine, not to mention at the beach. This would get me to drool too and even think about parting with my money.
Janis
Nathan Bransford says
It’s not like a laptop, it’s really like paper. The more sun the better.
lisa-
I am chagrined that the Sony Reader doesn’t have wireless. Also, I is eloquent.
Anonymous says
ANON 4:45,
The last couple of years my eyes will hurt and turn red for days if I look at a computer screen too long. (I use one at work and then spend hours working on it home.) Maybe it is an over forty thing. Otherwise I still have perfect vision. LOL
Anita says
I felt more connected to commentors with the old version…even if they had flowers for their pictures or whatever, I recognized them.
Just_Me says
It’s still expensive and I still won’t take it in the tub or near a toddler. You’re not selling this to my demographic, Nathan.
L.C.McCabe says
Nathan,
I thought you and your readers might like to read Sarah’s thoughts on the incredibly sassy blog “Smart Bitches, Trashy Books” who wrote on the same issue of Kindle vs. Sony Reader.
https://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/weblog/comments/the-honeymoon-is-over/
Anonymous says
Let me start by saying that I don’t have an e-reader and am fairly sure that it will take me a long time to get there. I love my books. This love was born when I was very little and I have been watching my niece develop the same love. Even as a one year old she would walk around with her books like other kids walk around with a dolly. She would bring them and make you read to her. I guess it will take a while for illustrated books to go electronic, but I worry that kids growing up in homes without books will not develop the great love of the printed word that we have and that reading will be just another electronic activity vying with the Wii and the computer and the iPod.
Anonymous says
What’s going to happen in 2012 when the end of civilized timekeeping comes? A lot of people are going to wish they had their good old paper books in the cave with them, that’s what!
Mary says
I love the Sony. If it were Mac compatible, I would buy one in a heartbeat.
It should work with Macs that run Windows alongside Mac OS. But I’m not prepared to install Windows to use a device.
Get with it, Sony! 😉
CB says
When the e-readers drop in price and enough young people are introduced to the technology, books will begin to vanish. I can remember older people during my childhood that didn’t even own TVs because they didn’t grow up with the technology. So it will take time, but eventually technology overtakes convention. People will be selling books, not for content, but for their value as antiques. Just like record albums.
Anonymous says
I like the old commenting because it gave you a chance to read your post and make changes — this new one doesn’t allow for that. You’d have to rewrite the entire post just to fix a spelling error.
Joseph L. Selby says
Thank you! As every agent I follow raved about the Kindle, I kept saying the same thing. Don’t get overwhelmed by the hype. There’s a competitor worth looking into. I can’t afford either eReader at the moment, but having done extensive research, I really felt the Sony was the better model for the casual reader and Kindle something appropriate for a professional in your line of work. I’m glad to see that opinion born out here.
Anonymous says
I’m curious, when you buy an E-book do you see the cover art. A lot of times, people pick a book partially based on the cover (especialy young people). And CB what about childrens books? picture books? the occasional reader who won’t invest a couple of hundred? old people who won’t adjust? I really don’t think books as we know them will completely die for a very long time, at least not before I do.
Anonymous says
I hate it when I see errors in my post! Darn it!
Joseph L. Selby says
Anonymous:
If you’re wanting something small and portable that’s still big enough for you to type on, look into an Epecee. They’re stripped down laptops with 7-9 inch screens. They cost $300+ and can easily be kept in a briefcase or backpack.
Anonymous says
ANON 4:54
What about a good old fashioned power outage for a couple of weeks like we had in my area. A lot of people had to huddle around candle light. Technology wasn’t so great then. I was certainly happy to have my paper books. That is two years in a row the ice got us, and knocked the power down. Some people are still not on.
Anonymous says
Wait, last night, the old way was winning with like, 52%. Now its losing with 49%.
This game is rigged. The new way is like Benjamin flavored ice cream.
Beth says
I have such a case of Sony Reader lust. Nathan, you may have just pushed me over the edge. I think I need to start saving for one now.
CB says
Anon 6:27
Like I said in my post, it will take time, but technology always seems to win. Pretty soon, you won’t be able to watch TV without cable. The prices of the e-readers will come down, like all gadgets do and then they’ll be in most people’s hands. They’ll probably come up with a hybrid blackberry or i-phone, that incorporates an e-reader. This way you can read a bedtime story over the phone to your grandchildren that live on the moon. It’s coming.
Scott says
I like the old way. I recognized people by the pictures. And now that are at least two Scotts here, it makes it easier to remember which Scott posts I didn’t write. But I’d hardly say it a huge preference. But it actually seems to take a couple more clicks to post a comment in the new format
Oh, and the Sony sounds cool. As my eyes continue to be ravaged by age, I suppose I can see myself getting there someday, but not yet. Plus, I’d be surprised if a lot of what I read is available for e-readers. I don’t want another situation where I can’t find my old LPs in CD format.
MzMannerz says
I voted old, but I tend to be an Eeyore about change, and then when I’ve tried something new long enough, am just fine with it.
MzMannerz says
Oh – and posting that just reminded me that I’m not just being an Eeyore… this method is choppier if I’m not already signed in.
Anonymous says
I can’t even see the score anymore.
Anonymous says
This is a dumb question, but do illustrations/photos in e-books (like might be in a paper book) show up on the screen too?
Dara says
Old or new commenting system, it doesn’t matter. I voted for the new, but sticking with the old is fine too 🙂
Marilyn Peake says
Anon February 10,6:27 A.M.,
Yes, the cover art appears in eBooks. All my books are published in eBook as well as paperback formats, and I was very relieved to see the cover art in the eBook formats. I believe there’s been talk about future graphic novels for the Kindle. Does anyone else know if that’s true?
– Marilyn Peake
https://www.marilynpeake.com
spyscribbler says
I think the new is prettier, but the new one doesn’t work on several of my devices. I like to read blogs on my Palm and sometimes on my Kindle, and the new commenting system doesn’t work with it.
Not that I comment that much anyway. Just something to consider. 🙂
Marilyn Peake says
I looked it up. Already, there are some graphic novels available for the Kindle. Pretty cool!
Anonymous says
Thanks, Marilyn! Now if they come out with Children’s picture books, I’ll be all set!
SB says
Can you elaborate on the night light? This sort of information is hard to come by. The main reason I don’t have a Kindle is the lack of light (no light on Kindle 2 either!!). I read ebooks on my Palm Treo or iPhone, partly because I like reading in the dark. How is the night light integrated? Does it add bulk? If it’s that easy to add a night light to an e-ink device, why doesn’t Kindle have one?
(That last question was rhetorical, unless you happen to have the top-secret answer.)
Thanks for your informative review!!