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Sony Reader - Help and Advice with eBooks
Information on the Sony Reader PRS-505, the eBook reader. Help and advice on using the UK Sony Reader, document formats and accessories.
What is the Sony Reader?
Sony launched the Sony Reader, model number PRS-505, in September 2008. It's been out in the US for a little while, and is an update to the original Sony Reader PRS-500.
Although ebook readers have been around for a while (back in the Psion days), they've only recently become 'mainstream' after Amazon.com started making online books accessible with the Kindle ebook reader. The Kindle is not available in the UK, so Waterstones partnered with Sony to release the PRS-505 to the UK bookreading market.
Sony Reader PRS-505 Specifications
- Dimensions: 174 x 123 x 8mm (without soft cover)
- Weight: 260g
- Battery: Built-in rechargeable 3.7V battery (6,800 page turns per charge)
- Memory: 192MB onboard. Expandable via SD card or Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo
- Connectors: USB-Mini, 5.2V DC in, 3.5mm stereo headphone
- Screen: 6inch, SVGA, 8 levels of grey, e-Ink, non-touchscreen
- DPI: 166 dots per inch
  PODCAST FEATURE:
Sony Reader reviewed in a special audio Unofficial Guide! Listen to our podcast team's review online, or download it to your MP3 player. Listen to Sony Reader Review | What is FrequencyCast? | Add us to iTunes |
Sony Reader formats
Here are the formats supported by the Sony Reader
| EPUB / Adobe Digital Editions / Protected PDF | Install the free reader at adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/ When you connect the Sony Reader to your PC, Adobe Digital Editions detects the Reader and prompts you to authorise the device with your free Adobe ID and your PC. You then need to open the file from the eBook Library application. |
| BBeB | Proprietary format from Sony, BBeB books have the file extension .lrf |
| PDF files | Adobe's Portable Document Format - handy for carrying manuals around with you |
| Microsoft Word | Will be converted automatically to RTF when transferred (Word must be on your PC) |
| TXT / RTF | Plain text and Rich Text Format supported |
| Audio | MP3 and AAC |
| Images | The following image formats are supported: JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP. (Displayed in greyscale only) |
The following formats are not supported by Sony's Reader:
- Mobipocket eBooks (.mobi and .prc)
- Microsoft Reader (.lit)
- eReader (.pdb)
Buy the Sony Reader
| You can get the UK Sony Reader from the following online stores:
Know another online supplier? Let us know |
Where to get eBooks for the Sony Reader
- Waterstones
- WH Smiths eBooks
- Freebooks
- Fictionwise
- Audiobooks are available from www.audible.co.uk (although not all formats are supported on the Reader)
Sony Reader PRS-505 Connectors: USB, DC power, 3.5mm headphones, plus the volume control
Sony Reader FAQ
Answers to your questions on the UK Sony Reader PRS-505:
| Software version | You can check what version of firmware your Sony Reader PRS-505 supports from Settings > About. The latest version we know of is:
|
| Customising the Sony Reader | We've found a great program that can be used to customise some of the features of the Sony Reader. Here's what the application allows you to change:
The software, called PRS Customizer, is free, although the author requests a donation to say thanks. It runs on Windows, Mac or Linux, and can be used to update a US or UK Sony Reader PRS-505. It can be downloaded from www.prscustomizer.com The process involves creating a new ROM image onto an SD card, and re-flashing the Reader. There's a very detailed guide on how to do this on the Mobileread.com site |
| Windows 98 | The software supplied with the Sony Reader runs on Windows XP and Windows Vista. What if you have Windows 98? Can you still use Windows 98? You can still use the Sony Reader, but not with books that use DRM (copyright protection) - as this requires the Sony software. To use Windows 98 with the Sony Reader to read non-copy protected books, you can use the Reader's memory card slot (by inserting an SD card), or connect your Windows 98 PC via USB. You may need to install the Windows 98 USB.1.1 drivers. |
| Sony Reader accessories | Looking for a screen protector, case, or a night-light for your Sony Reader? Go to Waterstones.co.uk |
Got a question about the Sony Reader? Ask us
Useful links
- eBooks explored - The FrequencyCast podcast team take a look at eBooks
- Waterstones and WH Smiths - for UK eBooks
- Livescribe Smart Pen - Now you've got a Smart Book - get yourself a Smart Pen
- Audible - For a huge collection of audio books
Is this page correct? Something out-of-date or broken? Report a page error. If you're looking for help, please don't use this option - instead use our forum |
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