Sony PRS-600BC ClearTouch Anti-Glare Screen Protector


Ok, where to start? I guess with the title of this review. I do not believe that this is your average Sony product because I was really expecting so much more from a company with their reputation. So with no further adieu, here's my take on the Sony PRS600 eBook reader.

My first impression was that this eBook reader really comes across in its elegance. So in this respect the pictures simply can't do it enough justice. This really does come across as something that you will want to be seen with in business and personal surroundings. I went with the more standard black version as opposed to the other options, but the red might not a bad choice for someone that either wants to push the envelope, or simply make a statement.

One of the features that I really like about this device is the multiple memory card slots. This reader allows you to store your data on SD as well as the more proprietary Sony Memory Stick format. This is a very good feature for someone like me, that has had Sony cameras in the past (that I no longer use), which allow me to utilize those old memory cards that I just happen to have lying around. Also, because there are two separate slots on the top edge of the device, it should allow you to populate both slots with the cards of your choice, which should allow you the added benefit of keeping work and play geographically separated, which is another nice feature that you will not find on many of the other eBook readers.

The menus, I found, are fairly decent, but I found them to also be a bit lacking. For instance, there's no way to adjust contrast on the device. My concern with the ability to adjust contrast comes from one of my more major concerns with the amount of glare that this screen produces. Granted, for some it may not be much, but for me it's been a bit too much. That being said, I've recently come across the "Sony PRS-600BC ClearTouch Anti-Glare Screen Protector", which I've just purchased. Too bad that I didn't know about this when I purchased the reader, as I would definitely recommend this to anyone that is going to, or has purchased this device. Between that and the "Sony Digital Reader Touch Edition Cover with Light - Black (PRSACL6)" this device will be almost completely perfect.

Since this is the "touch edition", no review would be complete without addressing this functionality. The touch functionality really comes into play when you want to either flip pages, or when you're using the zoom feature to move the page around (since when in zoom mode, the zoom slider stays on the screen and the viewed page will need to be moved around in order to view any information that might be obscured from view).

Previously I was fairly undecided about this device. I would have loved the larger screen of say, the Kindle DX. But after having looked around Amazon a bit, I also realize that there are less ways to truly personalize the Kindle, as well as far less accessories available to make the Kindle better or correct any associated short comings. Also, while we're on the topic, even though the Kindle supports more formats it does not support the ePub format, which means that unless you plan to purchase all of your eBooks from Amazon, you probably want have too much available in the terms of other eBooks via anybody else. In all fairness though, while the Sony does support the MS Word format in terms of the .RTF file extension, it does not support the .DOC file extension, which the Kindle does ([...]).


As for the software, a coworker of mine advised me that prior to receiving this device that Sony's been quite lacking on their development of the eBook reader software. His one suggestion to me was to download the free Calibre eBook reader management software (which I found with a simple internet search). So I use the free Calibre eBook reader management software and have had none of the associated problems that I've seen mentioned in some of the other reviews.

Final Verdict:
For what it's worth, this is a really fairly nice eBook reader. Fit and finish are top notch, it works as advertised, is very appealing to the eyes, and fairly easy to navigate. My one recommendation would be to purchase the accessories as mentioned earlier, which should also help to make your eBook reader experience that much more enjoyable.
Realistically, no eBook reader will be 100% of what "you" really want an eBook reader to be. The trick seems to be in finding one that will meet the most of the requirements that you deem are most important to you.
Get more detail about Sony Digital Reader Touch Edition - Red ( PRS600RC).

It's not just for e-books. With Sony's "eBook Library" or, my favorite software, Kovid Goyal's free (open source) "Calibre" on my computer, I've downloaded & converted thousands of free books (public domain), news feeds (rss), blogs, and html articles from hundreds of respected on-line sources.

I use to download material to my laptop. But I grew tired of the bulky, heat and nose producing, contraption on my desk/lap/bed/couch/in my bathroom. The e-reader is so natural to use, I've at times found myself turning it over looking for the next page.

The PRS-505 doesn't have wireless connection (like Kindle) but it doesn't need it! It also doesn't have the Kindle's unnecessary bulk and the 50+ keys/buttons to fumble with. Through your computer, it does everything the Kindle can do, but the 505 is a lot smaller (footprint, not screen) and easier to use.

I've used my PRS-505 (daily) for two years. It's function flawlessly and I've read more books & news articles then every before in my life. I've downloaded books, maps, dictionaries, and even graphic novels, and not once wished I had any of the added functionality advertised by the Kindle - or even the newest reader models (Touch, Pocket, or Daily). The PRS-505 is, in a word, perfect.
Get more detail about Sony PRS-505/LC Blue Digital Book Reader.

This is a high quality product. Appears to be well constructed. The light is easily adjustable to avoid glare on the screen.Get more detail about Sony Digital Reader Touch Edition Cover with Light - Black (PRSACL6).

Got my kindle for my birthday (end of Nov) and haven't put it down since. Love it, love it, love it!!! It is so easy to use and I have a nice leather cover and keep it in by purse always!! Setting up my account was the easiest thing to do and I spend alot of time just looking at all the books available. Thank you so much for the free books, I am re-reading Bram Stoker's Dracula and Edgar Allen Poe's poems. Out of all my electronic "gadgets" (cell phone, ipod) this is my favorite. Great job on the design, the screen is just like a page and it is easy to prop up in bed and read. I REALLY Love taking bubble baths and letting my Kindle read to me!!! Got my boss to get one for his wife for Christmas and he said she can't put it down either! Thank you and making my favorite hobby easy and fun!!!
Take care, Shirley HarrisonGet more detail about Kindle: Amazon's Original Wireless Reading Device (1st generation).

FYI. This is actually the same as the PSP charger. The one's with a UMD slot anyway. I don't know if the PSP Go(one's without UMD slots) uses the same charger.Get more detail about Sony AC Charger for PRS505SC and PRS505LC.

I own the PRS-505 (silver). I had a chance to compare it side-by-side with the 700. The clarity of the 505 screen sold it. The 700 is a nice unit, but the foggy display makes it feel like a cheap imitation. I am shocked Sony didn't come up with a better solution.

The 505 is thinner (visually - a little, by touch - a huge difference).
The 505 is easier to use single-handed.
The 505 is easier to read in low-light (at night in bed).

The metal finish on the Sonys is warm to the touch, and slightly textured to be enjoyable to hold.

If you plan on getting PDF documents, there is a free program to convert it to .LRF and cut it up to display properly. As I have thousands of PDF textbooks (thanks, Google!) it was very important that I be able to use the device to read my documents. (Kindle's first version made it almost impossible to convert pdfs).

I also find that (as an engineer) I can create my own technical documents specifically to display on the Sony and I can carry them with me wherever.

Not only a friend in quiet times, but a major addition to my toolbelt as well.

An awesome invention. It looks like the datapad from Star Trek as well. If they ever manage the screen in color I'll be thrilled.
Get more detail about Sony Reader Digital Book with touch screen - PRS700BC.

I absolutely love this reader. I have a Kindle 1 and a Kindle 2 and this one is much better than them by a wide margin. The page turns are faster, the interface is easier to use and most importantly it has *folders* so I can sort my almost 1000 books into meaningful categories instead of having them in one huge sprawling list. This also handles many more formats than the Kindle, including the epub which seems to be heading to be the industry standard. You can borrow library ebooks from your local library if they participate in ebook lending. The only downside compared to the Kindle is that it doesn't have the markers showing how much of a book you've read on the listing screen -- this lets you know which books you indeed have read and haven't read.

The one huge downer for this reader is Sony's useless, buggy and mainly nonfunctional software. It is a waste of time to even install it. It does not handle collections (folders) correctly, frequently crashes and often screws up the reader content. If you buy any Sony reader just google for Calibre ebook management and you will be led to the most wonderful piece of freeware that does the job that Sony's crap software doesn't do. Calibre is almost all you could ask for in a commercial program, and is totally free.Get more detail about Sony PRS-600 Electronic Book Reader in Black w/ Premium Cover and AC Charger Adapter.

Quite honestly, there are much better reviews out there than I can write myself, but I believe that anyone buying this version of the Sony Reader (500) needs more information. As of November 2009, Sony has issued an email to current 500 Reader owners to let them know they are updating the 500's firmware to be able to use a different format of e book and it will no longer work if it is not updated. This is not a simple plug in and download it yourself issue, you need to mail your reader into them to have them install this update. They say it will take 14 days to get your reader back, I know if I was buying my reader at this time, and found out after the fact that I had to immediately ship it back to Sony for an update for two weeks I'd be ticked. This is not to say you shouldn't buy one, only know that if you buy this version, their first generation of readers, you will need to send it in to them. They give you a prepaid shipping label for you to ship it to them, so there is no shipping costs to you and they do the update free and ship it back, you pay nothing extra except for your shipping and packing materials.

As for the reader sans update, I have no problems with it, I can easily carry multiple books, the battery lasts an amazingly long time, the pages are easy to read and font size is very easily adjusted. I hope if you buy a reader, no matter the version, that you will enjoy it as much as I have.Get more detail about Sony PRS-500 Portable Reader System.

I got it from the manufacturer's website, have been using it for 3 weeks now - and love it. It display books in multiple formats and languages. So far it does not decode secured formats, but according to the support, the upgrade will be available very soon to solve that problem (and I expect it to actually happen, because a newer modification with removable batteries - JetBook Lite Ectaco jetBook Lite Electronic eBook Reader- already supports e-books purchased from B&N).
Meanwhile, I have been taking it everywhere with me and reading books - for hours every day - and it does not make my eyes tired.

Pros: Right size, lightweight, good construction, convenient design and buttons placement, padded sleeve case included, ease of use, multiple formats, foreign languages - including Russian, expandable memory (SD card up to 2GB), adjustable font size, Landscape layout available if needed, easy on eyes, automatically bookmarks the place in each file and allows to place your own bookmarks,...

Cons: Nothing major. Just some suggestions. For example, bookmarks are specific for each file and there is no General bookmark list that would be convenient shortcut way to get back and force between multiple files/books. I can't think of anything else.

I already bought two more as presents for my Mom and a friend.Get more detail about Ectaco jetBook - eBook reader - ROM: 128 MB - monochrome 5" TFT ( 640 x 480 ).

I love this reader, I don't have too much to add that hasn't been said in other reviews. The one important thing I wanted to add is about the SD card. I had an a couple of older SD cards that worked fine in my PRS-505, but were giving me headaches in the 600. The SD card was not recognized, slowed down the reader, and I had to do a hard reset to get it back. Nothing in the documentation states what kind of SD card, well you need a newer SDHC SD card. Now everything is great.Get more detail about Sony Digital Reader Touch Edition - Silver (PRS600SC).

Looks and operates very nice - only drawbacks are there is no backlight for reading in darken areas and it take forever to load data after you do a sync for new books, music or pictures. Once everything is loaded though, very easy to use and very portable. Get more detail about Sony Reader Digital book - Red (PRS505RC).

I just received my Amazon Kindle leather cover....love it. I was skeptical after reading some of the reviews. The cover took less than 3 seconds to put on my Kindle. The instruction sheet included was very helpful for the installation. The quality of the leather is good and the padding, almost feels like a gel insert, which is covered in felt, will protect the Kindle. The cover closes real well...I don't think straps are needed to help close it??? The Kindle is securely put in place by the hinges. Overall great product for protecting your Kindle.Get more detail about Amazon Kindle Leather Cover (Fits 6" Display, Latest Generation Kindle).

The product is being returned since i am returning the eReader. I have not opened this package so more specific review could not be rendered


Pros:

Compact

Cons:

Could have been more colorfulGet more detail about Sony Electronic Book Leather Cover (Black).

I think we need to take a step back and imagine what it means that such a thing as an e-book reader even exists. Samuel Johnson exalted in his hosts' private book collections, however little; to him they were a man's greatest possessions. What we're talking about here is a small miracle. If you're like me and you relish Gutenberg and hoarding all the Chesterton, Johnson, Shaw, Shakespeare, et al this thing is perfect and the price tag is nothing compared with what educated men for most of recorded history would have done to get their hands on one. I still like having my books, of course--these things do take some of the poetry out of reading poetry. But it's great and we should all be thankful, especially now that it's available in places for 149.99.

Again, think of the fortune this would have been worth (considered only in terms of its function) for almost 100% of human history, sans our little self-conscious "partition". Unfortunately the technology that brings us the miracle is also the instrument of the propaganda that deadens us to it.Get more detail about ECTACO jetBook e-Book Reader Graphite Black.

I just got it...took 2 attempts to put it on. The tabs they say to use both say "use this to remove backing"...can't use both at once obviously. Got huge bubbles on my first attempt and on the second got a few more, but little ones.

Only 4 stars because it wasn't not near as easy as my blackberry lcd screen protector was to install (different brand).Get more detail about Premium MyGift Clear LCD Screen Protector for Amazon Kindle 2 E-Book Reader.

When I choose the Kindle Dx I was confronted with several buyer and reviewer complaints. When I had one in my hands I realized
that most of these complaints were either exaggerated or made up.
First of all-the Kindle Dx is a light-weight, easy to hold, very functional reader's tablet.
The print is sharp and clear. The controls are well placed.
Accessibility to books is simple.
Storage of books is mind-boggling. Something like 1 million pages.
Ability to transfer almost every personal document created on your computer directly through the USB port is amazing.
As for the quirky landscape from portrait mode, the organization of texts, the fragility of the screen,
these are problematical, but improvable.
They are workable enough to be used or protected by simple steps.
Don't sweat these minor flaws-when the Dx breaks new ground as an e-reader.
As for the price: it could be lower, and it may drop-but given what you get it is still worth it.
Read on ! -and imagine a better future !Get more detail about Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device (9.7" Display, U.S. Wireless, Latest Generation).

This light is little bulky but for a non-traveling, lap reader like myself, it works just fine. Bright, no differences in intensity across the 'page'. Just perfect- clips onto my cover and lights the way! The switch is a little sensitive but not a big deal.Get more detail about Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Clip-On Light (Kindle Version) Black [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging].

i was moderately happy with this, hence 3 stars. the cons are: it is VERY slow. clicking and expecting a fast response just will not be the case. you need adapt to that. at first when i clicked and had no response, i clicked again; and by the time the device caught up i had overshot what was sought.

i enjoy using my asus netbook for in bed reading as a light is not needed and i do not disturb my wife. there is no way to read this jetbook in bed without having some lightsource; which then didturbs the other person's sleep. and the glare on the screen from that light source is hard to ignore.

the dictionary is but a very poor one, and again very slow to access a word. when the word does come up, to me, the definitons are inadequate, and sometimes wrong.

the alpha-numerics at the side are in both english and RUSSIAN..why russian??? the languages supported are also to me bizzare; russian, polish??? i can understand spanish, german...but why not french, itaian...rather than polish or russian.

there is every possibility of the screen becoming damaged. it has no protection to scratches or worse; when carried in a purse, pocket etc. my wife will sew a case for me.

the weight is up there when the batteries are in, without batteries it would meet their standards, not so when in. when reading in bed it is fair to middling to access the controls using one hand; i.e. reading with the device in one hand while with that same hand using the thumb to click controls is awkward, and i can see how the device could slip from the grasp when doing that...possible screen damage.

putting the device on a table could also result in screen damage as the screen is flat on the table,,,so one need always mind setting it down with the screen facing up...minimizing but not eliminating damage issues.

i am not all that happy witht he screen tones; the flat grey background to me makes it more difficult reading; i'd perfer more contrast with a lighter background. when they say it is like papaer, they must mean a very old book with paper-aging.

and lastly there is no ability to control brigtness; so in dim light it is VERY hard to read. once again you NEED another light source. with my laptop or netbook, this is no issue as the brightness can be controlled. i also like the screen lighting from the netbook..better contrast. i find reading the netbook does not cause my eyes to get tired but on this ectaco jetbook the eyes do get tired. more so with a room that is dim. i also found it hard to read in direct sunlight, if not impossible without turning the screen to some shadow...which is not always possible, say on the beach.

i do like the replaceable batteries, the size is fine, the weight is ok-ish, it seems well made and on sale it is a fair deal...but only under a hundred-fifty; more than that and i would not buy.

addendum: this is the LITE version not the better version, and i just saw it on sale elsewhere for a hundred-twenty! so this is way way overpriced. i should have googled.Get more detail about Ectaco jetBook Lite Electronic eBook Reader.

My almost 6 y.o. daughter is really curious about this loose-tooth-falling-out business and so this book makes a good purchase (especially at these prices-lol).

In this book a little girl is waiting for her tooth to fall out. It covers all the usual lore about baby teeth, and then the end actually discusses the fact that children generally have 20 baby teeth and that they fall out when their roots shrink, making room for the adult teeth. So there is a little `science' at the end.

As for being a Level 1 reader, I have to say what I usually say, which is that Level 1's are in the eyes of the publishers. From my perspective, as a mom of a kindergarten aged child, I wouldn't suggest this book as a primer for newbie readers. For one thing there are words like: swimming, meatball, spaghetti, tongue, slides, nothing, through, behind, something, twenty, underneath, and dissolve. With contractions such as: she'll, I'm, brand-new, nothing's and there's.

That said, the pictures (which we liked btw) give such good clues that newer readers with a little experience under their belts should do alright.

Four Stars. Good story that is interesting for children. Good practice for newer readers - though not just-beginners. The pictures give lots of clues to help. Get more detail about My Tooth Is About To Fall Out (level 1) (Hello Reader).

I was looking for something to keep scratches, smudges and dirt from my Kindle. I downloaded a few textbooks in addition to my reading materials so I'm expecting to get some heavy useage. I also purchased a cover as well as a screen protection but I was concerned about finger prints, dirt and wear and tear.

I was concerned that this would be a product that wrapped totally around and therefore would cover the holes for brackets. It's two main pieces, one for the front and one for the back.

Also I was unclear about the keypad, I thought it might be individual rows punched, but there was a hole for every seperate button.

There were also seperate stickers for each of the main buttons-next page, prev page etc.

To put mine on, I carefully wiped the Kindle down with eye glass cleaning cloth lightly (very lightly moistened) with eye glass cleaner. I wanted something to get the finger prints off-but that would dry quickly and streak/droplet free. I wiped one side, let it dry for a few moments, then applied the skin. Repeating the process.

The skin itself removed very easily from the paper it was attached to, and was thick enough to not wrinkle but thin enough to easily manipulate. I was pleased that I could attempt a few times to position it properly.

Since I was looking for something to keep scratches, smudges and dirt at bay without costing an arm and a leg and without making it hard to attach it to my cover or to the charger. This product is perfect!

$15 is the perfect price in my opinion, it's a good quality product that will protect my high priced device while still cheap enough that I can easily replace it if I need or want to.Get more detail about Pink Tranquility Design Protective Decal Skin Sticker for Amazon Kindle 2 E-Book Reader (Version 2.0).

I bought these to replace my Ipod earphones that broke. These were at least as good as those, and much cheaper than buying replacements from apple. My only quibble is that the L and R on the earphones fades off quickly - you can tell by feel though which ones go in which ear.Get more detail about 3.5 mm White Earbud Headphones for Amazon Kindle 2 E-Book Reader.

I have no one to blame but myself. I read all the reviews, and bought it anyway...figuring "it's only 12.50, it must be worth at least that"...well maybe, maybe not. The fit is atrocious. Both sides gape open (see photo), which not only makes it less effective, it's distracting as all heck when I'm holding the book. I'm constantly trying to "push" the sides down and hoping they will finally stick. But they don't. I need to be able to hold my Kindle and operate it with one hand held away from my body (I usually have a child in my lap who would like very much to push the next page button for me) and I was concerned that the other covers would be too bulky or heavy. This one does meet that requirement, and for that reason alone, I will probably keep it, at least for awhile.

It would be nice if they had made it a little bit easier to tell where the various buttons start and stop, but I haven't had too much trouble using it. The silicone is a dust and dog hair magnet, so you don't want to use this if you have a black lab ;-).

The screen protector is so so. It was no better and no worse than any of the ones I've had for my iPhone. It went on reasonably easy, and I only have 3 or 4 specks of dust which I know better than to try and remove.

Overall, I'm rather disappointed in this case. It's somewhat flimsy, and doesn't fit, but it does offer some minimal protection for my Kindle, and allows me to hold it single handed.Get more detail about Blue Color Amazon Kindle 2 E-Book Reader Silicone Rubber Skin Case + Kindle2 Anti Scratch LCD Screen Protector.

I have not liked this cover since I got it. I had it one day, and one of the zippers broke (thankfully, there are two). I wanted to send it back, but the hassle isn't worth it. I should have ordered the amazon kindle cover.

The zipper that remains is very hard to maneuver, and the "stays" that are supposed to hold the kindle are awful.

The only thing I like about the cover is the fact that it zips shut.

My recommendation to new kindle buyers is to skip this cover....not worth the money!Get more detail about Patagonia Kindle Case (Fits 6" Display, Latest Generation Kindle).

Amazon Kindle Book light: I am very happy with my Kandle Led light for my Kindle. This is the best bang for the buck, also a plus feature which is the wide angle light. The led light is even, giving readers perfect lighting to read. A 5 star product for: value, price and design. Get more detail about Kandle LED Book Light with new WideLip grip designed for the Amazon Kindle, Sony Reader and other eBook readers.

Barely any pages for $3.99. Very few words per page. A book a child would read once, and not read, again. Maybe, should have borrowed from the library instead of buying would have been better. Therefore, would not recommend to purchase but to borrow from the library.Get more detail about Big Pig and Little Pig (Green Light Readers Level 1).

The cover fits perfectly on the Sony PRS-600 and it is very robust with a very good aspect and touch feeling. It gives the sensation of being reading a good hardcover book while improving the protection to the reader at the same time.Get more detail about Sony Digital Reader Standard Cover Touch - Black (PRSASC6/BC).