Manage updates with the Download AppSony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-350SC (silver)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: PRS-350SC
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you can overlook the fact that it's missing wireless connectivity, the Sony PRS-350 is a very nice little e-reader that's anchored by an impressive and easy-to-use touch interface.
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CNET editors' review
Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-350SC (silver) price range: $104.89 - $283.39
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 09/26/2010
The good: Very compact and lightweight; responsive touch-screen interface with no glare or contrast issues; high-contrast E Ink Pearl display; zippier performance than that of its predecessor; integration with Sony e-book store; good battery life (up to two weeks); supports ePub e-book standard, which allows for e-book downloads from libraries.
The bad: No Wi-Fi or 3G wireless means you'll need to drag and drop purchased books from a PC or Mac; more expensive than Wi-Fi versions of Kindle and Nook; no protective cover included; Sony Reader Store isn't quite as extensive as Amazon's or Barnes & Noble's.
The bottom line: If you can overlook the fact that it's missing wireless connectivity, the Sony PRS-350 is a very nice little e-reader that's anchored by an impressive and easy-to-use touch interface.
User reviews
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Great e-reader
by oioailksdjflakjdfljadslkj on March 17, 2011
Pros: I chose this e-reader because it supports ePub documents. I can download books from my local library. Kindle cannot do that.
Cons: No wifi but not a deal killer.
Summary: Best reader that there is. Love the touch screen it is the most like turning a page in a book.
Summary: Best reader that there is. Love the touch screen it is the most like turning a page in a book.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fits in jean, free books from library, cost me only 129
by sykesdavid on March 1, 2011
Pros: Small and compact. Excellent battery life. Easy sync with Mac. Comfortable to read for long periods, free books from library with EPub.
Cons: Smaller selection of books to buy. Good for new releases but poor for older books or books from other countries i.e England. Would like some sort of side light for reading at night and more case options would be nice.
Summary: After extensive research and borrowing of readers from friends this was by far my first choice. Its small size means it can fit in a suit jacket or jean pocket. ...
Summary: After extensive research and borrowing of readers from friends this was by far my first choice. Its small size means it can fit in a suit jacket or jean pocket. Its touch screen is quick and responsive. After having an Iphone for 3 years I hate not being able to use my fingers to navigate a screen. Its ability to use free library EPub- I only read books once so why buy when you can borrow. I wasn't concerned about the lack of wifi or 3g as I can easily wait to get home to buy a book if I really want to. The only real downside was the high cost. My final objection was recently removed when buy.com offered a new Sony PRS-350sc for only $129 including free shipping.!!!!!!! I've had the reader for a little over a week now and love love love it. I carry it everywhere and can dip into a book whenever I want. If I want to read a new release I just go onto my library website and either download the book I want for free for a week or so or if its out, place a hold and they email when it's available. Just like borrowing paper versions of the book except I don't have to drive to the library to get it and return it. I just download the EPub, load it onto my reader and it automatically expires at the end of the borrowing period. Oh so civilized. Can't recommend this enough.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A great portable eReader
by TJLeeland on February 22, 2011
Pros: It's small and weighs almost nothing. I've owned the Nook, Kindle, and Sony eReaders and find Sony's interface to be very well implimented; the page turn buttons are perfectly placed for easy page turns; and e-ink screen is clear and easy to read.
Cons: I do wish it had 3G or WiFi, but so far I don't actually miss it. I've notice that it's too easy to turn the page as a touch-screen device when picking it up or handing it to someone.
Summary: I still have my Kindle, and I alway will since Amazon has such a large selection. But I will probably use the PRS-350 whenever I can. I leave my eReaders ...
Summary: I still have my Kindle, and I alway will since Amazon has such a large selection. But I will probably use the PRS-350 whenever I can. I leave my eReaders in the car, so no 3G or WiFi is good since it would just kill the battery faster; at the same time, I have downloaded books away from home more than once. I guess I'll just have to buy a book when I know I'm nearly done with the current one.
I usually dismiss "it doesn't work" reviews. Unless, or course, there are a ton of them -- indicating that there is a problem with the manufacture. All companies are going to have some DOA issues. I'd be more interested in knowing if you were able to get a new one without too much hassle.
Really, it was all about the size on this eReader. There are times I've brought my Kindle with me thinking I might be waiting around -- but often I just end up holding it. This one can be put away in a jacket pocket if I end up not needing it. That makes it more flexible and convenient.
I don't see any real downsides other than the lack of WiFi or 3G.
It's also a bit more expensive than other eReaders, but I was able to find it for less than the WiFi version of the 3rd Kindle edition. At $130, it was a great deal.
Updated on Feb 22, 2011
Updated on Feb 22, 2011I have to agree with the others here. Color and e-ink eReaders are in different classes. That's like reviewing a sports car saying it doesn't make sense to buy it because you can't haul your firewood in it.
The iPad or Cruz may be good color eReaders, but if you read outdoors or want great battery life (my eReader sits in my glove box for weeks at a time), e-ink is a much better option.
I'm glad this reader is well reviewed by those that like a small e-ink eReader. The only complaints I'm seeing are from people who want something completely different. I don't get why they don't just go and review those products instead of one they don't actually own, but then it wouldn't be the interent if they did that, would it?1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Light, good-quality reader--love it!
by rmhannah on February 12, 2011
Pros: Very light weight. Responsive touch screen. Nice Pearl eInk. Can download library books, and read a variety of formats and from various sources. Good build quality.
Cons: None so far.
Summary: I love the light weight--less than 6 ounces. (The Kindle weighs a ton in comparison.) So, it's very easy to read for long stretches. At first I was a ...
Summary: I love the light weight--less than 6 ounces. (The Kindle weighs a ton in comparison.) So, it's very easy to read for long stretches. At first I was a little concerned that the small screen size would be annoying, but it's not. It's plenty big enough. The overall small size (almost all screen!) makes it very portable. Battery life is very good.
Screen quality is great. The touch screen works very nicely. I often swipe to turn pages, but it's very convenient to use the page-turn buttons too. The buttons have a good feel--not too soft or too hard. I haven't explored all the functionality (making notes, using the stylus) yet, but everything so far is convenient and works well. Overall, it has a quality feel and look.
I'm a big library user, and this reader is perfect for that! Software setup took a small amount of effort, but after that, using it is very easy. I purchased one book from the Sony Reader store (it was a free one), and that was super easy. The Reader Store books seem to cost more, on average, than Amazon's but they have specials and quite a few books for no cost. Besides, you're not confined to buying only from Sony! There's no wi-fi or 3G, but I don't see that as a problem at all (and those are useless for checking out library books anyway). Connecting to my iMac and moving books to the reader is quick and easy.
If you don't buy a lot of books, want to read library books, don't mind the lack of color, and want a light, good-quality reader, this is it. And if you're a student or work for a school, you can get an additional 15% off if you buy your reader through the Sony site (I paid only $116).1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Love the size, weight & touch screen
by romansoldier on January 14, 2011
Pros: The touch screen interface makes this reader easier to use than the Kindle or the Nook. I love the small size and light weight and the fact you can download library books. I find the e-ink page easy to read and probably clearer than my Nook.
Cons: Lack of wireless connection makes it slightly less accessible but since I mostly use mine for library books, it's not a big deal to download them my computer.
Summary: A pocket sized book reader with clear print, an intuitive interface, small size and epub book compatible -- if Sony adds a wireless connection it would be perfect. Prefer it ...
Summary: A pocket sized book reader with clear print, an intuitive interface, small size and epub book compatible -- if Sony adds a wireless connection it would be perfect. Prefer it to my nook.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Sleek and tuitive
by Saint04 on October 9, 2010
Pros: Battery life, touch screen, expanded to 2GB of memory, portability, design quality
Cons: Lack of wireless options, Sony eBookstore pricing and software, and competitveness with new releases in ebookstore
Summary: Overall my experience with the Sony Line of eReaders has been wonderful. I have tried nearly every eReader on the market since Sony?s PRS505 and have found myself the ...
Summary: Overall my experience with the Sony Line of eReaders has been wonderful. I have tried nearly every eReader on the market since Sony?s PRS505 and have found myself the most satisfied with Sony's new PRS350. Why? Well it's the most practical in terms of taking notes, navigating books (page numbering), looking up words and portability (user interface). My second favored device to the Sony lineup would be the Kindle3; it seems to be the closest in comparison for such a cut throat market. The Kindle3 has wonderful customer support, screen quality, wireless options, pricing (books and eReaders) and whispernet. However I have to knock the Kindle3 for all the key pressing for any need to navigate or markup text and look up words. It's also difficult to keep track of where you are reading if you are looking up entries and words due to Amazon's page numbering scheme. The Nook, well it doesn?t seem to be competing too well and I don't care for the interface, battery life or the contrast of the screen in comparison to the newer devices that just hit the market. These main pitfalls to the Kindle3 and Nook are why I choose the Sony over its distinguished competition.
I'd have to say the only pitfalls to the PRS350 is Sony's higher pricing in regards to their competition, the bookstore software has lackluster performance and can definitely be given more of a Sony focus/touch on aesthetic quality and design (user interface), and the lack of wireless on the device. I?m an active duty Soldier in the Army and would at least like to have wifi on the move when given the opportunity so it can stand alone from a computer. However, I just make sure to stock up my library with books I know I?ll read, particularly series to offset the lack of wireless. One other note on this device is that the screen is fairly small for my preference, but that comes with the cost of portability. However the higher contrast screen does a pretty good job of offsetting the smaller font sizes. If you are ok with the premium pricing and lack of wireless, I think Sony has finally distinguished themselves with their beautiful new line of readers.
Overall I'm a pleased customer and have been satisfied with both the product and customer support I have received from Sony and the Sony Style store.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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a focused e-reader without distractions
by astridw7 on April 18, 2012
Pros: -lightweight & portable
-ePub format so you could get ebooks from various sources
-no glare screenCons: -sometimes fonts feel smalls ,so it's maybe not for you if you're farsighted
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I like it, but it's too flimsy
by dazlin42 on August 7, 2011
Pros: Maximum ebook format compatability, fits in a pocket, easy to read screen, pretty good PDF performance, good battery life, easy to hold in one hand while reading
Cons: flimsy case, touch screen sensitivity varies, horrible support software on the PC, hard to manage libraries, impossible to save any notes created on reader, touch screen can be damaged by xray equipment (mine was destroyed!), stylus broke within 1st month
Summary: I researched all of the ebook readers in Dec 2010 to find the one with best ebook format compatability. The PRS-350SC was the winner. I found the UI to be ...
Summary: I researched all of the ebook readers in Dec 2010 to find the one with best ebook format compatability. The PRS-350SC was the winner. I found the UI to be primitive, but functional. It handled almost all of the ebook formats I tried on it. For six months I was reasonable happy with my choice.
Early on I was disillusioned with the library synch when it deleted several books from my reader. The PC support software is poorly executed and difficult to use. 3rd party managers were no improvement. But I learned to work around its many limitations, so it was "good enough." However, as I added more books (about 700) to my reader it began to slow down for all major navigation and system functions. Getting to the home page from the end of a book took so long I got in the habit of just laying the reader down and doing something else while it worked.
The convenient size and the screen quality made it a constant companion, despite its small annoyances. However, on a recent trip I ran it through an airport xray machine in standby more. When I got seated on the plane I took out my reader and used the switch to bring it out of standby. There was a flash on the screen and the upper right quadrant turned black. The rest of the screen looked like the contrast had been turned way down and the power on animated icon appeared. Then the icon became scrambled. When the dust settled, my screen was toast. I can plug the unit into my PC and the library is still there, but my reader is now useless. -
Very good reader
by jaktaylorduke on June 16, 2011
Pros: Stylish, very light weight and compact.
Cons: Costs just a bit more than it's competition. Wall charger and cover is not in included. No Wi-Fi.
Summary: If a compact and stylish reader is what you are looking for, than look no further. While it's missing wi-fi and cost a bit more than the competition, I ...
Summary: If a compact and stylish reader is what you are looking for, than look no further. While it's missing wi-fi and cost a bit more than the competition, I am very please with this reader!
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Small, light and fast
by rrenard on June 1, 2011
Pros: A real pocket reader which you can actually carry in your pocket.
Does not have WiFi or 3G. Avoids inpulse buying
Epub format books.Cons: A generic USB charger won't charge the device, only a computer or Sony's battery charger will work.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: PRS-350SC
- Description: Take your favorite books to go with the Reader Pocket Edition by Sony. Its smart, lightweight design makes it perfect for on-the-go reading. Choose more content from more places like Reader Store from Sony, where you can access new releases or choose from over two million titles and find links to borrow eBooks from public libraries.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type eBook reader
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 4.11 in x 0.33 nm x 5.71 in
- Weight 5.64 oz
- Color Silver
Display
- Type 5 in,
Monochrome E Ink - Display Resolution 800 x 600
- Touchscreen Yes
- Display type 5 in,
E Ink - Color Depth 4-bit (16 gray levels)
- Max resolution 800 x 600
Memory
- Flash Memory 2 GB
- Flash memory installed 2 GB
Operating System / Software
- OS Required Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition SP2 or later,
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition SP2 or later,
Microsoft Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition SP2 or later,
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition SP2 or later,
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic SP2 or later,
Apple MacOS X 10.5.8 or later,
Microsoft Windows 7 Starter,
Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP2 or later,
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP2 or later,
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP2 or later,
Apple MacOS X 10.6.3 or later,
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate (32/64 bits),
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32/64 bits),
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 SP3 or later,
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP3 or later,
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3 or later,
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3 or later,
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic (32/64 bits),
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (32/64 bits),
Apple MacOS X 10.4.11 or later EBook Reader
- Supported Text Formats EPUB ,
PDF ,
RTF ,
TXT ,
BBeB DRM - Supported Still Image Formats PNG,
JPEG,
BMP,
GIF - Features Touch screen
Location
- GPS Navigation None
Input Device
- Type Touch-screen
Power
- Recharge Time 3 hour(s)
Expansion and Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x USB 2.0
System Requirements for PC Connection
- System Requirements Details Windows XP - Celeron - 800 MHz - RAM 128 MB - HDD 100 MB,
Windows 7/Vista - Celeron - 800 MHz - RAM 512 MB - HDD 100 MB,
MacOS X 10.4.11 or later - PowerPC G3 - RAM 128 MB - HDD 60 MB Battery
- Capacity 940 mAh
- Run Time 14 day(s)
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable
Dimensions & Weight
- Width 4.11 in
- Depth 0.33 nm
- Height 5.71 in
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts - 1 year,
Limited warranty - Labor - 90 days Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 41 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
Product series
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Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-350SC (silver)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: 5 in,
Monochrome E Ink,
4.11 in x 0.33 nm x 5.71 in,
5.64 oz -
Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-350PC (pink)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: 5 in,
Monochrome E Ink,
4.11 in x 0.33 in x 5.71 in,
5.64 mg
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Sony
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
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