New eBook Readers from Sony
Andy Chan | Aug 25, 2009 | Comments 3
Sony just announced 3 new models of ebook readers to replace the existing model. The 5-inch Pocket Edition costs US$199. The 6-inch Touch Edition costs US$299. The 7-inch Daily Edition comes with AT&T 3G service for free and it only costs US$399. All the models come with digital library card so the user can borrow ebooks from providers. The ebooks will automatic delete from the reader after 29 days.
So what’s new here?
- Sony finally officially supports Mac. However, by saying supporting Mac, I guess it’s just about the user can transfer file from Mac to the reader using USB cable. However, it’s a good enough feature comparing to the existing popular eBook readers (i.e. Kindle and iPhone/iPod Touch).
- The reader comes in 3 different favorites with 3 different prices. Personally, I think the 5-inch Pocket Edition is very attractive. Not many people wants to buy/download books via 3G and paying the premium price that they rarely use. Also, 5-inch screen should be good enough for casual ebook readers (just think about iPhone’s screen size).
- Users can transfer files from Mac/PC to the ebook reader using USB cable. This is a very attractive feature. May be Sony is different than Amazon, who doesn’t sell books as it’s primary business.
- The Daily edition uses AT&T 3G service and user doesn’t need to pay monthly charge. Sony is copying Amazon Kindle’s model. Good luck with AT&T’s coverage in US. However, Sony can easily selling this device around the globe because the readers are using HSPA.
Filed Under: Technology
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As someone who has bought hardcovers for most of his life and treasured them, Ive suddenly had an epiphany.
I live in Australia but Ive been buying my books from Amazon (and its other overseas counterparts) since the year dot. Ive paid little notice of the Kindle since it was first released, convinced that it could never match the experience of reading a real book. However, I didnt think it was right of me to dismiss the Kindle entirely without first having tried it. So when Amazon announced an International version I ordered one straight away. I received it today and I cannot believe how much I have enjoyed using it.
Ive already downloaded a few books that Ive been wanting to read for quite some time now – I was amazed at how many books are already available to Australian customers after running a few searches. I love how you can browse through the Kindle Store on the device with ease. The books downloaded in less than a minute. Ive also downloaded samples of other books as well – this is such a great feature. How often have I bought an expensive hardcover only to find that I hated it. Now I can avoid the risk simply by reading a sample before committing myself to buying it.
And now to the Kindle itself. It took me less than my first chapter to forget that I was using a Kindle – I was immersed in the words. The E-Ink screen is so much better than I thought and yes, Ive read about the concerns people have raised about the Kindle screen and its fonts. For me, it was no problem at all, no eye strain after reading for a few hours. Others have also suggested that the Kindle is not sexy looking – for me, I think its quite a modern looking device. Much better looking than the pics and videos on the website would have you believe. The buttons and the controller work smoothly. I bought a leather cover with the Kindle and together, they feel right, natural even. I dont care that it doesnt have a touch screen (who wants fingerprints?), I dont care that it doesnt have a colour screen (would colour be a distraction anyway?). And the weight of the Kindle feels perfect – please Amazon, dont ever release a Kindle that weighs more than 10.2 ounces.
Sure, there are a few things that it should have but it doesnt, like folders for managing your collection and the Kindle for Australia doesnt come with a USB power adaptor. But that hasnt stopped me from enjoying the Kindle so far. Yes, I will still buy the occasional hardcover but at least I know that book storage wont be a problem for me now with the availability of e-books.
It has been quite a revelation to suddenly find out that I dont actually have to be reading a real book to escape into an imaginary world – I can do it on a device called the Kindle. Ive been converted.
One effective tactic is to write down a series of books, and label them as volumes, and promote as Volume One, Volume 2, etc. . Produce a buzz about your next volume in the present volume you are writing. Provide incentives to the readers for example; a discount, or special bonuses for purchasing the following volume of your book.
Indeed a great topic to read and learn about too. Thanks bud