Sony Reader Touch Edition PRS-650

snazbaz 24 March 2012

Good: Can borrow FREE books from county library

Bad: Not much

Comment: I bought this after reading rave reviews and have to say I'm not disappointed. The battery lasts for weeks without needing a recharge (which is very quick to recharge in any case). It's relatively light, the screen is easy to read (just like a paper page) and most of all, it's compatible with my local lending library so I can connect and download free library books within minutes.

Rich Thompson 3 October 2010

Good: Supports EPUB, good screen definition, excellent touch screen, good menus

Bad: Needs more books to become available

Comment: I was originally going to get the Samsung E60 reader, however changed my mind at the last minute when the Sony reader was announced. I was drawn to it by its improved touch screen that you could use both fingers and stylus on and its more well known brand and marketing.

I would never consider a kindle due to the proprietary DRM format that can't be used on other devices meaning that if I ever wanted to change reader from a Kindle, my library would be lost.

mitchelln 28 September 2010

Good: Screen is absolutely fantastic

Bad: Not even a slip case this time - Sony cheapskates

Comment: I've just upgraded from a PRS-600. The difference between the screens is phenomenal. I was very unhappy with the 600's touch screen glare issue. This has been totally sorted with the 650. It is even better than the 505's. Contrast is very much improved and with 16 levels of grey pictures look as good as you can expect for a non colour display. Overall, the display is good, if not better, than printed paper.

The screen transitions are noticeably quicker as well. There is occasionally some slight ghosting after an image has been displayed. Not especially bothersome IMHO, I guess it's a slight trade off for faster transitions. Not problem with text pages either.

One great thing is that 50 borough libraries, including all London ones, now have eBook lending. This is a great development (well, for non Kindle owners!). The choice is not expansive at the moment, but I'm sure it will improve. I found 3 books straight away.

My only gripes:
Sony don't even supply a slip case this time, which for £199 is just mean. They clearly expect you have to shell out £29 for a case.
I was hoping that the case I bought for my 600 would fit, but the 650 is about 5mm shorter, so I'm going to have to buy a new case or risk a damaged device. Not very happy about this.

Secondly, it now comes with a micro USB port. So yet another cable to have around. There is plenty of room for a mini USB socket. Why why why Sony!

alison oneill 14 September 2010

Good: easy to use liked that the font can be enlarged

Bad: screen has lines so can't use it anymore have been told it has had a fall when it has not

Comment: Only had the machine for 2 weeks when it developed a fault Can't do anything about it have been told the only way the fault developed was because it was dropped I know it was not dropped. It is now useless Total waste of money

mancunian2009 7 September 2010

Comment: Looks like it has everything we want in a e-Reader...The main thing which will make me choose this is the fact that i can borrow library books on this unlike so many others. A full review coming up when i get it..let's see what the prices do !!!