Sony Portable Reader
Model Number: PRS-500, PRS-500U2 for refurbished models

The Sony Portable Reader (PRS-500) is slim, sleek and very readable. Sony has gotten a lot of things right with the PRS-500 Portable Reader System, which most people know as the Sony Reader. The Reader is somewhere between the size of a standard 5 X 7 picture frame and a short trade paperback novel (6.9 inches tall by 4.9 inches wide by 0.5 inch deep) making it a cinch to travel with and to throw into your briefcase or backpack. Most are bound in a leather protective cover with varying colors available. The reader is however heavier than the traditional paperback (8.8oz) due largely to its thin display screen.

The way text is displayed on the screen is quite enjoyable in its high-contrast monochromatic style and readers generally won't suffer any more eye-fatigue than what would be caused by reading a normal book over a long period of time. The Sony PRS-500 Reader uses "E Ink" technology meaning the letters and words on the screen look more “print-like” in their appearance. Its' screen is of decent size 4.9 X 3.6 inches (600 X 800 pixel) and requires no backlight (although you can not use this device in the dark). It is easy to read with single button font size adjustment. Fonts can be increased by up to 200% making this an excellent tool for the visually impaired. Depending on the selected font size, most books will be longer on the reader than the actual printed versions. You can also switch between landscape and portrait mode, depending on which way feels most comfortable and natural for you when holding the device.

The device's navigation is fairly straightforward, although it does leave room for improvement. The top menu allows readers to select books, audio, pictures, and to make setting adjustments. Additonal menus also allow users to jump quickly between areas of the book. You can change pages by using small arrows or by using the small circular pad that is conveniently positioned under your left thumb when you hold the device in the more natural portrait position. Books can be selected by author or date, and can also be organized into collections. The Reader is capable of storing thousands of electronic books with the addition of a memory card and users never have to worry about losing their place as you can bookmark your page for an easy return. The unit also displays PDF and Word files, as well as most image files. It also plays MP3 and AAC audio.

Sony's online Connect bookstore is still very much a work in progress. Most Connect book files are not compatible with other devices and can sometimes be as expensive as paper books. There is also no support for current audio books.

In the end, the Sony PRS-500 Reader is both slim and relatively lightweight. The battery life was even respectable and is said to hold a charge for 7500 page turns, the only time the unit uses energy is during a page change. Overall, the unit may feel a tad sluggish to some, especially on start up and there is a noticeable delay when turning a page. The Sony PRS-500 Portable Reader System is an impressive platform for reading e-books and other documents, but the availability of compatible books makes it slightly less desirable.