The Sony PRS-500 Portable Reader System does get a hesitant thumbs up for it’s performance as an e-book reader as well as reader of other docs. However, at the time of launch the compatibility of available books as well as cost held this back. The newer PRS-505 has ironed out many of the issues and Sony has got its act together with their new bookstore.

The Ups:

The PRS-500 is a well-designed slim and lightweight piece of kit. The Sony Book reader screen can be read in bright light environments so doesn’t need a backlight. It’s quick and easy to adjust the font size with just one push of a single button. Storage capability is very good with an additional memory card allowing you to store thousands of books. The Sony book reader gets credit for viewing of MS Word files, most of the common image files, and PDFs. Plus, the Reader plays audio files such as AAC and MP3. The battery life can’t be grumbled at either compared to other book readers launched around the same time.

The Downs:

With it’s age now in consideration, there are only a few to mention here but worth keeping in mind. There’s an evident sluggishness about the Sony Book Reader, especially when flicking over a page. The interface and controls could be better as they’re not one of the easiest to use. At the time of the PRS-500’s release, the Sony e-bookstore has come along way but still has a fair way to go, especially when it comes to the price of books. Further more, the ‘Connect’ software can’t be used on Apple Mac.

Manufacturer: Sony

Release Date: September 2006

RRP: No longer available to purchase from new

Screen size: 6”

Editors’ rating:

Members’ rating:

Sony Book Reader PRS-500 Specifications:

•    Size: 175.6 x 123.6 x 13.8 mm (6.9″ x 4.9″ x 0.5″)
•    Weight: 250 g (9 oz) without cover
•    Display size: 15.5 cm (6 in) diagonal (approx 1/4 area of letter-sized page), resolution: 170 dpi, 4-level gray scale, portrait: 90.6 x 122.4 mm (3.57″ x 4.82″), 600 x 800 pixels effective 115.4 x 88.2 mm (4.54 x 3.47 in), 754 x 584 pixels
•    Battery Life: (Approx.): Up to 7,500 page turns
•    Minimum font size: 6 pt legible, 7 pt recommended
•    Memory: 64 MB standard, Memory Stick excluding Pro Duo High Speed not supported. Standard memory sticks are only supported up to 4 GB.
•    PC interface: USB port
•    Power: Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion – up to 7500 “page turns” per charge
•    Recharging Time: Approx. 4 Hours with AC wall charger or 6 Hours with USB charging from powered computer.
•    AC Power: AC Charger requires 120 Volts 60Hz2
•    System Requirements: Operating System – Windows XP (Home
•    Edition/Professional, Media Center Edition, Media Center Edition 2004, Media  Center Edition 2005)& Windows Vista™  (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business,  Ultimate).
•    Processor: 800MHz Celeron® class processor or better
•    RAM: 128MB Minimum
•    Hard Drive: 20MB Minimum available Hard Drive space
•    Optical Drive: Optical Drive capable of reading CD-ROM
•    USB Port: USB 1.1 or faster port

Other info:

In 2003 Sony launched its first e-book reader called the Sony Librie. It was the first E-Ink reading device of it’s kind. However, it was only available in Japan and did not take off as planned, mainly due to the small number of e-books available at the time. Since then Sony have launched the PRS-500 (as reviewed here) and more lately the PRS-550 (October 2007) and PRS-700, a touch screen launched in October 2008.