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| | | Sony offers a range of three eBook readers, each compatible with both Macs and PCs. The Sony Readers support text formats such as Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word and BBeB Book, and offer access to Sony's expansive Reader Store. They are also compatible with libraries offering the ability to borrow eBooks. For comparison to other eBook readers, see How Much Does an eBook Reader Cost. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Sony's entry level eBook reader, the Sony Reader Pocket Edition, costs $159. It offers a 5-inch black and white screen, weighs 7.8 ounces and its 512 MB memory is enough to store up to 350 books. The battery life is sufficient for up to two weeks of reading. Books are downloaded via USB connection. There is no expansion slot available and no audio output, so audio books and MP3 music files are not supported.
- For audio output and expandable memory, Sony's midrange eBook reader, the Reader Touch Edition costs $259. It offers a slightly larger 6-inch black and white screen and a touchscreen display for easier navigation. In addition to text formats including EPUB, Word and PDF, it also supports unsecured MP3 and AAC audio files. The 512 MB internal memory is augmented by dual memory card expansion slots for up to 16GB of extra storage, enough to carry around an entire library of about 12,000 books.
- The largest Sony eBook reader is the Reader Daily Edition which also uses a touchscreen navigation system. Costing $359, it weighs 12.7 ounces, features a 7-inch black and white screen and 2GB of onboard memory as well as dual memory card expansion slots for up to 16GB of extra storage, enough for up to about 14,000 ebooks. Ideal for frequent travelers, the Daily Edition uses AT&T's 3G mobile broadband network to wirelessly download books and newspapers. With the wireless feature turned off, it offers enough battery life for up to 18 days of reading. It supports text formats including EPUB, Word and PDF as well as MP3 and AAC audio files and a variety of picture files.
What should be included: | - USB cable, rechargeable battery, Mac and PC-compatible software.
- The Pocket and Touch Editions include a protective sleeve; the Daily Edition includes a soft cover zipper case and a stylus for touchscreen applications.
- The Daily Edition also includes an AC adapter.
- The Daily Edition's wireless connectivity is included in the cost, so no monthly data charges or wireless commitments.
- Sony has partnered with Google to offer more than one million public-domain books for free download from the Reader Store.
Additional costs: | - Sony's Reader Store boasts a selection of about one million books, magazines and newspapers. The cost of downloading books ranges from free to $100 with most Best Sellers and new releases costing $7.50 to $10. For example, recent popular titles such as Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol," "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold and "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell each cost $9.99. Monthly subscriptions to US or international newspapers or periodicals cost about $5 to $14 per month. A monthly subscription to The New York Times, for example, costs $13.99.
- Protective cases for the Sony Reader range from $20 to $60.
- An AC in-car adapter costs about $15 to $25.
- A clip-on reading light costs about $20; a bookstand costs about $25.
- Ear buds cost about $5 while noise-canceling headphones cost $20 to $500.
- Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD cards for use with the Touch and Daily Editions cost $30 to $90.
Discounts: | - Sites such as B&H Photo Video offer discounts for Federal, educator and student buyers while Sony offers students and faculty a 10% discount.
- Sony Outlet offers discounted and refurbished Sony Readers and accessories.
- Online retailers such as Amazon.com sell Sony Readers in discounted kits that include the Reader, a protective cover and accessories such as an AC adapter or reading light. The price represents a discount over buying the items separately but make sure every piece in the kit is required.
Shopping for a sony reader: | - Wired offers a buying guide to eBook readers, including the Sony Readers.
- eBook Reader offers a buyer's guide to the Sony Readers.
- Find competitive prices online at sites such as Amazon then look for comparable or discounted prices at local electronics retailers such as Best Buy.
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Article updated June 2010 |
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