Sony PRS-300

Introduction:

For a company that deals with technological wizardry, Sony had opted for a traditional 'Last Century styled MP3 Player' design for their PRS-300. It certainly doesn't emulate the traits of a paper filled oblong that has a spine, and no smells of old must mixed with dying brain-cells are apparent. Perhaps an 'app' could make that a reality, then I'll really be at home, reminiscing about an insular librarian who had no idea how a tight cardigan can highlight the contours of pure genius.

I assure you size does matter when it come to e-readers. Sony; must have gone to a great length of research, when it came to deciphering on the weight (220 g) the feel and the miniscule details that make for an acceptable reading device for the consumer. The concept isn't far away from the more recognizable media device 'the MP3 Player.' - Visually, Sony doesn't break the mould; the device doesn't look dissimilar to the French model MP3 player, the 'Archos Gmini' series; except for the 5" viewer and obvious technological advancements. Working around the digital device, for a tech savvy consumer is as simple as turning on the 'Virgin Media Centre.' The only factor for me was whether the wholesome paper book that could mould with your body position, like a comfort blanket, was going to be missed; and replaced with a clinical 'PR' (Pocket Reader) which resembles popping to bed with a rigid cold kipper. Naturally, I got used to it.

At least the effort of moving a page became simpler as I held a stylus in my mouth and nodded sporadically like an elderly hen playing with unwanted grain, whenever more data was required, leaving my hands to get cramp due to non-activity. The only thing which I did miss was my doodle pen; there is something warming to the cockles of making a physical note in a book, perhaps an underlining or a mark; as if your marking your territory, just as a feline would spray on a clump of toadstools. I should write to Apple and ask whether an 'app' could be introduced to Sony's Pocket Reader, called 'Kinda wanna doodle.'- Also, I feel an 'add-on' 'app' by which you can determine the temperature of the 'Pocket Reader,' for those cold/hot nights, that surely has to be a must.

Pocket full of my books:

The Pocket Reader, (e-reader devices) is still in its embryonic state, and I feel that it could be a lot simpler and more affordable to upload a e-Ink program to a portable media player instead, so you can have the best of both worlds. Also the idea would be more consumer friendly as more people have the media devices than the 'PRS 300;' it would be the logical answer, but not a long-term profitable one, for the corporations involved. However, the big player's do dictate the mode of device present in the market-place. Let me introduce you to 'Amazon,' the figure-head of digital book media. They're turning the everyday conventional book, into a mass of data so it can be uploaded to your Sony Pocket Reader.

Amazon had been toying with an in-house equivalent 'reader software,' called 'Kindle.' The platform according to Amazon critics was delayed several times in its process. It was Amazon's 'King Henry VIII' - 'The raising of the 'Mary Rose.' - Now if it was a Sony, we will be talking of the third generation by now, but the truth of the matter was Amazon's CEO: Jeff Bezes knew of the importance of getting the publishers onside, and within that long mesh of deals, the software 'Kindle' became compatible with the Sony Pocket Reader 300, as a gray coloured, simplistic, concise software package that is not ready for colour yet. Amazon certainly are exploring every monetary valued concept possible, leaving their other play-maker's Apple and Sony itching their heads no doubt.

We've had the full array of e-books since the turn of the Century and Amazon have reaped in the available technology and has made a gradual annual profit since their emergence. Now leaping into the 'digi-device' arena hasn't made a bigger splash as you might of thought. The Pocket Reader, sort of slipped into the crowded digi-device party, like a cat sliding through a cat-flap, hardly un-noticed.

Pocket full of 'no' cash:

One of the areas of expertise that was considered at detail for the Sony Pocket Reader; was the e-Ink application that brings 'Times New Roman,' printed quality to the user; it is suppose to be clearer text, but misses a trick whereby no back-light is introduced on this type of model. Something you forget to think about when looking for a device, as all portable media players always have neon lights, as it is part of their attraction. Well, for the price of 99.99 GBP, surely a back-light could be included, via the Amazon Market-place vender! Hasten a guess more usage thanks to lighter evenings will make the device more user-friendly. Not only is it a rigid cold kipper in bed, you can't even turn it on!

In the literature, the 'PRS 300,' clearly states that the number '300' is the amount of e-books you'll be able to store on the device, before deleting any in your library. The elongated buttons beside the screen on a line per line view, selects lines for highlighting; for those who require a book-marker to read each singular lineage. The main 'navigational' buttons reside at the bottom of the device, in a familiar fashion that is an 'Apple' trademark. A slider is the preferred on-off mode for activating the device; this is set at the summit of the Sony PRS 300. You don't have to be concerned with where you were in the book, for those worried about a lack of a 'conventional book-mark.' The interface directly takes you to where you ended up in the book, when switched on. A kind piece of technology from the platform 'Kindle.'

Pocket full of functions:

The device measures 15.5 x 10.5 x 1 cm. A thin slick piece of design; derived from the portable media player the Apple 'iPod.' You do have several freebie e-book downloadable files available from online bookstores, such as WH Smiths and these are worth looking out for, as a promotion is not far away, especially in the 'digi' book genre/format. Proving the more publishers is subsequently viewing the 'digi-world' in a more enterprising fashion. Equipped with an installation package with the 'Sony Pocket Reader,' the 'e-book library' package enables a elucidate journey as you take grasp of the features. They're logged as follows: "Continue Reading," whereby the program stores the placement of the page you stopped at", "Books by Title" - listings of the 'titles' downloaded. "Books by Author", listings of the books to the Author downloaded. "Books by Date", Log dates of digital download. "Collections" - Favourite genre section of Author/Book, specify by user. "Bookmarks"- Saved sections within script, for either research, or recreation purposes, and'''"Settings."''' - Self explanatory user protocol. The PR 300 is USB enabled (Universal Serial Bus) so downloadable data such as (doc,txt,pdf,ePub) file formats are compatible with (text) readable material, across the spectrum: but colour images are not accessible with the current 'e-Ink' installation on the 'PRS 300.'

Below the main screen is several self-explanatory buttons that allows you to shift from page to page without becoming too dysfunctional with glances to the specific buttons. The option of viewing hyper sized text is available, however it will cause more forward button clicking on the 5" monitor. Navigational control is delicate and works a treat as you find your way through the features. For a tech savvy mind; it will take eight minutes for all the features to be swallowed up and digested. - I suppose the strongest reason to have one of these devices; are for those who research with physical books, carry huge books and who is also an avid reader, who hates being weighted down by the traditional leathered spine door-stoppers.

Due to the lack of slots on this device, no added memory is possible to build-up your very own 'Bodleian Library Archives;' however, by the time you get through the 300 or so books that you can store internally on the PRS 300, a cheaper device will be on the market. - My advise is to wait a couple more months and see what you can get for 75.00 GBP - You'll be surprised as this particular 'digi-device' will be forced to catch-up with the market trend of the crazy world of 'apps' and that means this particular reader will endure a much shorter shelf-life.

Hope you enjoyed reading about the reader.

Summary: Bezes at the counting house counting out his money