Sony Reader review | Display & Software
Sony Reader Pocket Edition monitor
E-Ink screen
The Sony Reader Pocket Edition uses a screen with an electronic ink technique (short for E-Ink). Unlike a flickering unclear image on a TFT screen, which is often unpleasant to read, the E-Ink screen of the Sony Reader displays the text exactly like the page of a book. And as it is; paper becomes yellow after a while, which will certainly never happen to the Sony E-reader. If I can be completely honest, I have to admit I don't like reading at all. A book should really grab a hold of me, and this only happens very rarely. Besides, I generally find reading in bed inconvenient, while I never seem to find a comfy position. But lo and behold; the Sony Reader has really changed things for me!
Sony E-Reader monitor
Reading experience with the Sony Reader
Books are becoming more accessible, and the E-ink screen is in my opinion a lot more pleasant to read from than the slowly yellowing books gathering dust in my bookcase. The screen offers exactly the same sharpness and read experience as a book. The plus button on the bottom of the screen allows you to adjust the font size of the entire book in one go. Additionally, the e-ink screen has the same viewing angle as a paper book. The screen of the Sony Reader is easy to read from any angle; the text remains sharp. I don't think anyone would want to read a book from a 60 degree angle, however, if you would like to do so, the Sony Reader Pocket will let you without a problem.
Reading Sony E-Book
Full reflow capable text
Even in the dark, the reading experience of the E-ink screen equals that of a book; in both cases, you need a light. The only disadvantage of the Pocket Edition's screen is its size; it would be more comfortable if the screen was just a tad bigger, while you would have to click less often on 'next page'. If you opt for a smaller font size, you have to click less often, however, this is only reserved for people with good eyesight. Unless of course you wear glasses, then you would be able to do so. On the other hand, the screen only uses power when it has to load new information (scrolling through a book or the menu). This is perfect; it means you can watch thousands of pages without having to charge the device. I used the Sony Reader Pocket Edition semi-intensively, and the battery was still at the full 100% afterwards.
Sony Reader software
Uploading ebooks to the Sony Reader
If you connect the Sony Reader to a PC using a USB cable, and providing everything works well, you will receive an invitation to install a small application enabling you to purchase ebooks. I like the application, while it's a small and fast program and not at all heavy on a PC. Nor does it use up a lot of memory. The program does exactly what it is supposed to do. Ebooks are easy to purchase on the Internet, through online ebook shops such as Amazon. Uploading e-books is easy and fast, with the ebooks being displayed well in one go on the device. Not only does the ePub format upload in a trouble-free manner, also .doc files and .JPEG images can be uploaded and watched on the Sony Reader Pocket Edition without any problems.
Sony Reader demo setting
Demo setting at Schiphol airport
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