Manage updates with the Download AppSony Reader Touch Edition PRS-600BC (black)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: PRS-600BC
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While it's an improvement to the company's previous touch-screen model, Sony's Reader Touch Edition PRS-600 is saddled with a screen that's short on contrast and prone to glare--and it lacks the wireless convenience of Amazon's identically priced Kindle.
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CNET editors' review
Sony Reader Touch Edition PRS-600BC (black) price range: $115.60 - $307.72
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 09/11/2009
The good: The PRS-600 is sleeker than the Kindle; touch screen is more responsive than last year's Sony Reader; interface offers better ergonomics and is mostly easy to use; with the addition of an optional memory card (SD or Memory Stick Pro), it's capable of storing thousands of electronic books; five font sizes; decent battery life; displays Word and PDF files (with zoom), shows most image files, and plays MP3 and AAC audio; Sony's eBook Library software is now both Windows and Mac-compatible, with bestsellers costing $9.99 (just like Amazon); EPUB file compatibility lets you access thousands of free classic Google Books and loaner files from many local libraries; built-in dictionary now included.
The bad: Screen is still glare-prone; screen contrast (how dark the letters are) isn't as good as what you'll find on competing models; lack of wireless access means all files must be dragged and dropped from a PC; battery is sealed into unit; notation and markup functions can be cumbersome; USB charging only works from PCs.
The bottom line: While it's an improvement to the company's previous touch-screen model, Sony's Reader Touch Edition PRS-600 is saddled with a screen that's short on contrast and prone to glare--and it lacks the wireless convenience of Amazon's identically priced Kindle.
User reviews
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A great device on its own merits, its not a Kindle -DUH
by paul.bates on October 15, 2009
Pros: Nice package. Easy to use. Flexible. Powerful. Fast. Great for research.. highlighting, book marking plus freehand and/or typed notes. Books can be downloaded from many sites in many formats. Great integration with the desktop.
Cons: Not quite as bright or sharp as other units
Its not a Kindle. If you want a Kindle, stop here. Go buy a KindleSummary: The CNET review goes about telling you how this is not a Kindle. Ok.. guilty! Its not! Whew. Good, we got that over with. Here is what I think is ...
Summary: The CNET review goes about telling you how this is not a Kindle. Ok.. guilty! Its not! Whew. Good, we got that over with. Here is what I think is important for you to know:
Its been just over a week that I got my 600. It is still all good news and a few clarifications that only come from hands on experience.:
All readers provide the ability to read ebooks of various formats re-drawn to fit their various screen sizes. With that as a basis, I can tell you what functionality / requirements that the 600 supports.
* Its 6" screen gives you a page that is about the size of a paperback.
* Despite the comments, its not fuzzy or hard to read.
* Its easy to change the type size. There is a button with + on it. Press it and touch the size character that works for you.
* It supports the majority of ebook formats except Amazon's Store's proprietary format and the mobi format normally used with Palm books. It also can also convert and read MS word documents if you have word on your PC.
* In addition its a non-drm mp3 / aac player and can play audio books, or music while your read.
* It has a touch screen for operating the menus of the unit. I really like that, its easier than lots of buttons for me. It has a few buttons for critical functions like home menu, options, font size and page flips.
* You CAN delete books on the unit.
* You can touch words and instantly look them up in the built in dictionary. Very cool.
* THE MOST IMPORTANT touch screen functions are for those that are doing research or need markup features. You can:
- bookmark pages
- Write on and mark up content in a book like you would a regular book
- Type in notes on a easy to use touch screen keyboard
* Notes and markups are backed up on the PC and can be viewed there too
* The PC is a content management companion. You can use Sony's site buy books, integrate with Google's site of public domain ebooks or download ebooks from your library.
I *like* using the PC's full size screen and browser to shop for books at multiple stores like sony, ebooks.com, etc. I'm not bothered by connecting a cable to my PC to download many books into the unit. I detach the cable, and read a variety of content.
Here is my quick decision guide:
* If you want to read books as well as do research editing your books, get this Sony PRS 600
* If you don't need the markup features, but want the flexibility of multiple formats, get the PRS 50x or look at the Kindle. Other trade offs here for someone else;s review.
* If you want a smaller, simpler cheaper reader.. there is the PRS 300, the BeBook, Elonex, Cool-er, the kindle, others
* If you want to be able to download books over the air only from Amazon Books without a cable and like hard keys and a larger unit, get the kindle
Updated on Oct 25, 2009
Refined good news:
* I have downloaded library books from my library using my library card.
* I downloaded purchased and free books from sony
* I bought books from non-Sony ebook sites
* I downloaded .pdf files on topics I am researching
* I use the heck out of the markup features. As someone with 25 years of work books marked up on bookshelves, I have made the leap and 100% functional with it.
Clarifications:
* Amazon and Barnes & Noble both have proprietary formats for their products. Not compatible. If you prefer either one of those, pick their reader and live with the features. B&N have a new reader coming out that touts markup but there's no manual to see how it really works.
* When using non-Sony ebook stores, check each book to validate that its .EPUB of .PDF. Some stores are one format only. Some are mixed.
These WILL NOT work: .PDB, Mobi.9 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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CNET has it all wrong...AGAIN
by Rod Roddy on September 22, 2009
Pros: Stylish aluminum casing, razor thin, touch screen, free EPUB book downloads, included stylus, very good battery life
Cons: I'll be the first to admit there is a bit of a glare issue, expensive
Summary: I bought the Sony PRS 505 for my girlfriend more than a year ago, good device when compared to the first gen Kindle. Recently she upgraded to the second gen ...
Summary: I bought the Sony PRS 505 for my girlfriend more than a year ago, good device when compared to the first gen Kindle. Recently she upgraded to the second gen Kindle solely because Amazon had better prices on the ebooks.
Enter the new PRS 600, she bought it on Sunday and I have to say after going through the menus and reading a chapter in one of the books--this thing is pretty cool. The reason she went back to Sony is because Sony now offers the same pricing for ebooks as Amazon. PLUS the Sony Reader supports a lot more formats including Adobe's EPUB, which means free books to borrow(for 21 days) from your local libraries website. The touch screen is responsive and when turning pages it's more like having a real book in front of you as you swipe the pages to advance. Although you can use the buttons if you prefer.
The one factor that some may find as a deal breaker is the glare on the screen--which honestly is not as bad as CNET makes it out to be. This is an unbiased review as the Reader isn't mine, and I've had a change to really fiddle with both the 2nd gen Kindle and now the Sony Reader 600.
Do your self a favor if your planning on buying an e reader in the near future, first off don't take what CNET says as the gospel truth, and secondly go out to your nearest Borders books and demo the new Sony readers (there are 2 of them)for yourself, this way you can make the best informed decision.9 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Serious charging issues
by Jo Lynne Lockley on June 18, 2010
Pros: Affordable, accepts multiple formats and expandable
Cons: Awkward software and charging.
Summary: PRS 600 does not, unfortunately, charge from all computers. Netbook USB ports are not strong enough to charge it overnight, nor are USB hubs attached to computers. Not all desktop ...
Summary: PRS 600 does not, unfortunately, charge from all computers. Netbook USB ports are not strong enough to charge it overnight, nor are USB hubs attached to computers. Not all desktop USB ports will provide sufficient power for a charge, either.
The reader cannot be used while charging, either from a computer or from a dedicated charger.
The Sony charger is sold in stores for an outrageous $40 ($39...), but third party chargers can be found on the net for about $10 - $15. Although some have had success charging from an IPod/Iphone charger base (replacing the cable with the Sony USB cable) it has not worked for me.
The software is awkward and only quasi intuitive, while the instructions are insufficient. A new owner will spend some time trying to find the appropriate methods for syncing, transferring files, etc, but will eventually succeed.
The great advantage of Sony over other products is mainly the freedom it offers for those wishing to carry various documents in non proprietary formats and to download content from various sites.
The stylus and annotation functions are positive, although it must be noted that the annotation does not reside in the annotated file but in a distinct file of all annotations on the reader, so those wishing to review papers would be far better off with an IPad or Netbook.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best eReader on the market
by l_bristow on October 24, 2009
Pros: Expandable memory, sleek/lightweight design, large/responsive touch screen, mp3 player, photo viewer, stylus, built-in dictionary, note taking function, easy to navigate menus.
Cons: the lack of managing my books/documents on the device itself.
Summary: I recieved the Sony Reader Touch Edition as a birthday present from my husband. He had noticed that I was in need of a better way to carry around my ...
Summary: I recieved the Sony Reader Touch Edition as a birthday present from my husband. He had noticed that I was in need of a better way to carry around my heavy books to and from work. Lugging around heavy hardcover books on a commute that was 2 hours long was starting to become a huge problem. Out shopping one day, hubby decided to pick up this little beauty. I was planning on buying the PRS 505 but he saw how I was eyeing the Touch Edition. The only issue that made us both stop to think about purchasing the Touch Edition was the PRICE! But I left the store with the Touch and a huge smile on my face.
What I like:
The expandable memory - I can carry 100s of books and documents on the huge collection of SD cards I have laying around the house. The design - lightweight, sleek. Large, clear display with a responsive touch screen. Extras: the mp3 player, photo option and a stylus come in very handy. MP3: for when I'm in a crowded area and need to listen to something other than chatter while reading. Photos: just view at a whim. And the stylus for writing on pages, highlighting and double tapping small text. Features: the built in dictionary - I have used it more than once on one book alone! The note taking function - either on the pages or as a seperate document. The ability to dog ear pages. The internal memory is wonderful. A fast responding touch screen. The easy to navigate menus. I can go on and on.
What I don't like: other than the price, I do have an issue with the lack of managing my books on the device itself. If I want to create a new collection and/or more a book, I have to plug in the USB cord and manage everything in the eBook Library Program. It's not too much of a hassle but would have been nice to be able to make such adjustments.
Bottom Line: Love it!: I have a much easier (and greener!) way to enjoy my books!2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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i only had one issue with the device
by OOSH81 on June 9, 2010
Pros: Metal case, slick look, battery life, external memory, touch screen, multiple formats, Sony quality, basically everything
Cons: when using the external memory for storage the device takes on average 12 minutes to load before you can use the device.
Summary: I have had the ebookwise ereader for over 5 years and love the idea of having 100s of books in once book size device. With all the new devices out ...
Summary: I have had the ebookwise ereader for over 5 years and love the idea of having 100s of books in once book size device. With all the new devices out i thought it was time to upgrade. I spent about 4 hours reviewing all the different ereaders on the market and thought the Sony touch was the one, until i tried to add my personal library onto the device and actually use it. I first started with my entire 2G library but after an hour of waiting i gave up and started smaller. One book (15mb) takes about 45 seconds to load every time you turn on the device. 250 books (170mb) takes on average 10 minutes for the device to load from the off status. With just the internal memory the device loads in about 20 seconds. Whats the point of offering external memory if when it makes the device useless? To me this is a deal breaker, i need a ereader that can carry 100's of books yet not take half an hour+ to load. if sony fixes this problem i would switch back to this device until then i guess i will go with the nook. Not sure why no other review has mentioned this, maybe people just stopped at the 350mb internal memory?
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Piece of Garbage
by success75 on May 29, 2010
Pros: Ability to take notes,long battery life, can listen to music when reading which is quite handy when trying to concentrate when in noisy public place
I had it since Aug 09 and barely used it with ++ glare (I am a post grad student and read a lot)Cons: Very fragile
++glare
difficulty reading in dim lightSummary: Bought it hoping I could read my pdf books on it(vs Kindle) Was in my laptop case and got defective monitor (lines) on it, which I think it was ...
Summary: Bought it hoping I could read my pdf books on it(vs Kindle) Was in my laptop case and got defective monitor (lines) on it, which I think it was because of going through airport security scan (lots of info on the net with similar problem). I am sure I did not drop it or press it any harder that usual, and Sony refused to repair or replace it while still under warranty (said my fault). If that?s the case they should have told me it is vulnerable to being sneezed on! Will never buy again, and am going to cross over to ipad
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I hate this thing
by arlenemiller53 on March 7, 2010
Pros: When it works it works great.
Cons: I am on my fourth one. Now, Sony finally tells me they are aware there is a problem with the battery on this model. I have returned three and now the fourth doesn't work and they want to give me a reufrbished on.
Summary: I find the Sony support terrbile. I have had a variety of problems. Not being able to change font size is one. Sony support c ouln't help or tell ...
Summary: I find the Sony support terrbile. I have had a variety of problems. Not being able to change font size is one. Sony support c ouln't help or tell me why. They claimed a problem with the books from the e-store. It really bugs me when a company is aware of a problem but won't admit it. I wish I bought a Kindle.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Just what I needed.
by Taddea on December 17, 2009
Pros: The file type options was the main selling factor. Fairly easy to use. For someone with hand problems it is perfect. Expandable with both SD and Sony Memory Stick was important to me.
Cons: Battery doesn't seem to last as long as I expected. Doesn't come with a charger. Cannot read while charging. The Sony eBook store will not sort by Author nor is there an advanced search function.
Summary: With Project Gutenberg and other vendors offering EPub files there seems to be an almost endless number of books available. I downloaded over 500 from Project Gutenberg in less than ...
Summary: With Project Gutenberg and other vendors offering EPub files there seems to be an almost endless number of books available. I downloaded over 500 from Project Gutenberg in less than 2 weeks. If you are a SF/F lover check out www.Baen.com for alot of free and low cost ebooks offered in EPub format. I personally don't have an issue with the screen reflection. I wanted the touchscreen and screen reflection and contrast were slightly affected to make it a touchscreen. My main issue is with the Sony bookstore's clumsy search and sort functions. All in all, I am very happy. I bought a Rocket eBook in the 1990's and then used a PDA with Microsoft Reader. When I switched to a Windows Mobile Smart phone and found my library of purchased books unusable I nearly gave up on ebooks, but I believe that the EPub file system will be around for a long time. I love this ebook reader!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Look elsewhere for Quality or Customer Support
by davetrevor on October 22, 2009
Pros: Cool, trendy, yada ... yes, but when you have two other products on the market, you may want to consider long-term quality and customer service and support, both of which Sony seriously lacks. See below and see how Sony "Thanks [YOU] for waiting"
Cons: The screen goes out and Sony's solution is to charge you a $99 fee to replace it with a refurbish unit of the same model you own. So, if improvements are made to your current unit, you'll get stuck paying a hundred bucks for the same subpar e-reader
Summary: A conversation w/Sony Support: "Thanks for Waiting"
Email sent at: 7:19:42 PM, 10/22/2009
S> Hi David. Welcome to Sony Online Support. I'm George. ...Summary: A conversation w/Sony Support: "Thanks for Waiting"
Email sent at: 7:19:42 PM, 10/22/2009
S> Hi David. Welcome to Sony Online Support. I'm George. Please allow me a moment to review your concern. Thanks for waiting, David. I'm sorry that the display window of the Reader is not being able to display. I?ll be glad to assist you with this.
When did it last work normally?
ME > last week when it was last used
S> Please let me know if you are using a fully charged battery.
M> yes it has been charged overnight but currently there are no lights coming on either on the side or the front. The unit is currently hooked to a computer via USB
S> Is there any error message displayed?
Me> no the screen is blank except there is a black rectangular display ion the upper left had corner and several verticle lines on the screen
S> Did you press the RESET button when the Reader is connected to the Computer?
Me> yet, I have unplugged it from the computer now
S> Please disconnect the Reader, then press the RESET button and check if it helps.
M> I did and reset again==nothing happens
S> To reset the Reader, please press the RESET button using the tip of a ball point pen or any sharp pointed object. The RESET button is located at the rear of the Reader.
Me> yes I have used a paper clip several times and hear the reset button click but the unit does nothing
S> I'm really sorry to hear that the issue still persists after performing the troubleshooting steps.
Me> I have plugged the unit to the electrical outlet and an amber light is flashing on the side
S> David, unfortunately the Reader requires service.
S> Shall I forward a link where you can initiate a repair?
Me> I would be willing to perhaps buy a new Sony eReader if I had a credit for the broken unit. are you still there George?
S> Please give me a moment while I get this information for you. Thanks for waiting, David.
Me> David, there is an exchange program available.
S> Please initiate a repair for the Reader to avail the exchange options.
M> Ok George, please tell me all about it--It sounds exciting!
George_ > I would like to forward a link to a page where you can initiate a repair.
S> When you receive the link, please click on it to open the page and let me know if you are able to view it. http://eservice.sony.com Are you able to view the page?
Me> it just says I can pay $99 and get a refurbished unit--I actually want to buy a new unit but at least get some credit for the broken one
S> David, the Reader can be exchanged and only a refurbished unit will be provided to you. I'm sorry, David. There are no options to exchange the unit for a new model. You too! I'm sorry for the typo. You're welcome. Bye and take care.
Me> Well, is there any way to talk to a manager
ME> I want to continue to buy Sony products but if they just break well there are other options
S> Sure, David. I'd like to transfer this chat to our next level of support. They can review what we've discussed and will assist you from here.
S> Please wait, while the problem is escalated to another analyst
S> Hi David. Welcome to Sony Online Support. I'm Lindsey. Please allow me a moment to review your concern. Thanks for waiting, David. I'm sorry that the display window of the Reader is not being able to display. I?ll be glad to assist you with this. I checked for the information and the Reader can be exchanged and only a refurbished unit will be provided to you. I'm really sorry for the difficulties you're experiencing with the Portable Reader as it is not working.
David > When I bought this unit it was over $400 and it is just not right that now I have to accept an out of date unit--I mean I am offering to purchase a new unit if there can be some price reduction on the new one--I can't see buying a new unit
David > from Sony if it is just going to break and then what I get in replacement is not even a new unit
Me> Help me continue to buy Sony.
S> May I know the date of purchase of the Portable Reader?
ME> It was last year but I don't have the exact date at hand right this minute. Don't get me wrong--I don't want to think ah my unit is broken i want the newest one available without paying anything--I am willing to pay for a new unit--I just think it is fair to have a credit from Sony toward that unit due to the broken unit. I mean I paid twice for this unit of what the new ones cost.
Me> So even a credit of $100 toward a new unit would make me purchase it
S> The original Sony limited warranty covers your Portable Reader for a period of twelve months from the original date of purchase for both parts and labor.
Me> Well, I can't see paying $99 to exchange the broken unit for a refurbished one
S> I'm really keen to help you. However, this is the only available option at this moment.
Me> I am sorry to hear it and my friends in the industry will be sorry to hear about it.
S> I really tried to help you.
Me> You do get points for that but I will need to include this in my review for Cnet2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Convenient for reading library books and magazines.
by dealer 17 on March 26, 2011
Pros: Attractive unit, has a solid metal feel. Versatile for getting various print formats. Great for library books and magazines. Easy charging with a ac/dc charger bought for under $10 via Amazon. I download magazines via Calibre and really enjoy reading them
Cons: High glare outside was somewhat reduced with a protective screen. Wi fi charging may have been nice. I find turning pages not too easy but haven't tried all its features yet (audio, extra memory, etc). I noticed that Sony stores don't have it anymore (Ma
Summary: Pretty good and versatile e-reader. It seems to be now out of production, so let's hope it will last for a couple of years. It looks and feels like ...
Summary: Pretty good and versatile e-reader. It seems to be now out of production, so let's hope it will last for a couple of years. It looks and feels like a solid device and I am quite pleased with it.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: PRS-600BC
- Description: Take your favorite books to go with the Reader Touch Edition by Sony. Touch navigation allows you to turn pages, take notes and highlight text. Tap a word and the built-in dictionary will instantly reveal the meaning. Build your library today at the Reader Store, where you can access new releases or choose from over one million free public domain titles from Google Books , or you can visit public libraries to borrow eBooks.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type eBook reader
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 4.8 in x 0.4 in x 6.9 in
- Weight 10.1 oz
- Color Black
Display
- Type 6 in Monochrome E Ink
- Display Resolution 800 x 600
- Touchscreen Yes
- Display type 6 in E Ink
- Color Depth 3-bit (8 gray levels)
- Max resolution 800 x 600
Processor
- Processor Freescale i.MX31L
EBook Reader
- Supported Text Formats EPUB ,
PDF ,
BBeB,
DOC ,
RTF ,
TXT ,
BBeB DRM - Supported Still Image Formats PNG,
JPEG,
BMP,
GIF - Features Touch screen
Location
- GPS Navigation None
Multimedia
- Supported Digital Audio Formats AAC ,
MP3 Input Device
- Type Touch-screen
Power
- Battery installed (max) Lithium ion
Expansion and Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x USB
Battery
- Technology / Form Factor Lithium ion
- Run Time 14
- Battery Life (pages) 7500 pages
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable
Dimensions & Weight
- Width 4.8 in
- Depth 0.4 in
- Height 6.9 in
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 41 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
Product series
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Sony Reader Touch Edition PRS-600BC (black)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Freescale i.MX31L,
6 in Monochrome E Ink,
4.8 in x 0.4 in x 6.9 in,
10.1 oz -
Sony Reader Touch Edition PRS-600RC (red)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: i.MX31L,
6 in Monochrome E Ink,
4.8 in x 0.4 in x 6.9 in,
10.1 oz -
Sony Reader Touch Edition PRS-600SC (silver)
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: 6 in Monochrome E Ink,
4.8 in x 0.4 in x 6.9 in,
10.1 oz
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
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- 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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