Is There Any Hope For E-Reading?
With the introduction of the Amazon Kindle, everyone’s talking about e-reading.
After handling a good friend’s new Kindle and then bugging the CompUSA guy about the Sony Reader, I’m leaning toward the second generation Sony Reader.
My reasoning is a tad bit less “techie” than most reviews about this online, but comes almost exclusively from the perspective of an avid reader. Here goes:
The Sony is significantly less bulky and easier to carry than the Kindle. A lot of this comes from the fact that the Kindle has a keyboard that is (IMHO) pretty darned useless (keeping in mind that I played with it for only a couple minutes).
I feel that the screens are pretty much on the same level. My understanding is that the Kindle has a bit more options as far as font and size, but I was quite happy with the default settings of the Sony.
The Sony has speakers, so you can use it while driving (seems dangerous to drive around with headphones on!).
As far as convenience goes, I would like to point out that I’ve ran into the Sony at multiple stores, including the local grocery-store-with-an-electronics-section. My understanding as far as the Amazon goes is that you have to get it online. However, I did notice 2 day shipping was free.
Lastly, the Kindle costs 1$100 more than the Sony.
My money’s on the Sony, and the Sony is on my Christmas list 
Happy e-reading to you. Be sure to download some of these classic books!
December 14th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Sounds great! But, riddle me this: What is small and can be held in your hand, usually costs less than $25, can be used just about anywhere and is available for free at some institutions? IT’S A BOOK! I love you to pieces, Allena, but please explain to me the need for a gadget to read a book when the book itself will serve quite nicely? Ok, I’m old. I’ll get over it…
December 20th, 2007 at 11:48 am
Hmmm…that’s a tough one. I think it’s the fact that I can put two or three books on this (well, more actually), along with magazines, newspapers, etc. Have you ever seen me on an airplane? I’m the personan with two books, three magazines and a newspaper stuffed into my purse
And stop saying you’re old Sharon! You’re so NOT. My 87 year old neighbor is “old” (and sweet I might add…although she tried to give me 20 bucks for shovelling her sidewalk. I thought that was weird.
Ok I’m rambling.