Sony Debuts Less Expensive, More Portable Ebook Readers
Sony knew it couldn’t compete with the Amazon Kindle’s $299 list price with a $399 eBook Reader, so it’s no surprise that the company has slashed prices. Sony is launching two new Readers: a Pocket Edition with 5-inch electronic paper display and compact design will sell for $199 when it hits stores later this month, and the Reader Touch Edition will cost $299, and include a 6-inch touch-enabled display and expansion ports for both Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD card media. Both Readers will offer 512MB of onboard storage, enough for about 350 eBooks.
The Readers offer a few major advantages over the Kindle. Purchase price is obviously a factor, but the devices are also compatible with Sony’s library of free content, including over one million public domain books from Google. The Readers also support local library eBook loan programs, so readers can download books for free using their library card. eBook loans expire just as they do with paper-based media, so libraries can purchase a limited amount of content to share amongst their members. The Kindle bests the Sony Readers with connectivity options, however—the Amazon Whispernet enables realtime synchronization using Sprint’s wireless network, while the Reader requires a computer with an Internet connection to add content.
Read more about the new Sony Readers at PCMag.com.
