E Book Readers (Sony versus Amazon)

[930LDR]

So in my search for what I want from my inlaws / parents for Christmas I stumbled upon e-book readers. Specifically the Sony PRS-505 and Amazon Kindle. Do any of you guys have nay direct experience with either? The upside to the Sony is its size and sleek design (I am a sucker for sexy electronics) while the Kindle packages a free self-contained wireless cell network and the ability to download daily newspapers and magazines. The wireless cell network and ability to automatically have the journal and times downloaded really has me leaning towards the Kindle but I much prefer the look and size of the Sony.

Thanks!

[Paco Anton]

I bought a Sony Reader this summer after comparing it to the Kindle. The problem with the Kindle is that you need to go through Amazon to get anything. Even converting PDFs needs to go through them (and pay a small fee). I am not a fan of proprietary models to defend copyright issues, so I went with the open format.

Afeter getting the reader I downloaded some software off the internet and can convert almost anything from word and pdf formats into the Sony format. There are quite a lot of classic books with no copyrights and some online shops for getting the latest books.

The only problem is that after a couple of weeks the on switch broke and could not turn on the reader. I had to send it back to Sony to get it repaired/replaced.

[alf]

Why not just get a laptop? Netbooks are <$500, decent used laptops are about $300. You could download ebooks to your laptop or pda phone from my local library.

Then again, your in laws might not be a sucker for electronics as you and might actually prefer paper like most people...

[930LDR]

I already have a laptop. My issue is that I travel full time for work and would really like to have newspapers and business magazines at my fingertips without loading up my already huge brief case. The ability to have the papers, other periodicals and books all accessable in one small device that doesn't involve breaking out my laptop is very asttractive to me. If it wasn't for the free cell network on the Kindle I think I'd swing towards the Sony.

[gassy]

If you get the Kindle, you'll wish you got the Sony if you like the looks better...which I agree with. The Sony is nicer looking

[930LDR]

Looks WAY better. Absolutely. If I could get the magazines and newspapers on it I'd be sold.

[Pazuzu]

I have a friend with the Kindle, I got him on the kick to check both out, he absolutely LOVES the Kindle. He reads the newspapers and magazines on there while traveling (2 weeks a month, at least). He loves being able to download, on the fly, a new magazine or book at the last minute at the airport, vs. having to plan ahead with the Sony.

[LeeH]

My wife just got a Kindle and loves it. The ability to load new books from anywhere that there's cell service was the big selling point for her. Her main complaint is that she accidentally hits the buttons and turns the page when holding it.

[alf]

I know a guy on the Kindle team, played with a few prototypes at the cub scout meeting last year. It was easy to use and quite readable in different lights.

[930LDR]

For those with Kindles in the household, what are you thoughts on quality of construction? The reviews from that perspective seem iffy. Not being able to put my hands on one in a store makes me weary, I suppose I can always return it.