Sony eReader FAQ Sheet

Can I use OverDrive?
Yes!

Do I need a separate computer to use OverDrive?
Yes, a PC or a Mac with the Sony Reader software, OverDrive, and Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) installed is required for most Sony Readers. Books are transferred from your computer to the Reader using Adobe Digital Editions, and a copy also stays on your computer. The Daily Edition has built-in WiFi and 3G capablility and can download books directly from the Sony store and from other online vendors.

Where else can I get books besides OverDrive and the Sony store?
Any vendor that sells ebooks in the EPUB and PDF formats.

How many books will it hold?
The Reader Touch Edition and the Reader Daily Edition can be expanded up to 32GB, with an SD card, so the number of books it can hold will vary. For example, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, is 453KB in the EPUB format, so the Sony Reader could hold about 2,207 copies of The Help in 1GB of memory. The Reader Pocket Edition has 2GB of onboard memory (not all of which is available for user content) and is not expandable; it holds approximately 1,200 books.

How long does the battery last?
Up to 14 days on the two models without WiFi; from 11 days to 22 days on the model with WiFi.

Can I read the screen in sunlight?
Yes, the Sony Readers uses the E Ink® Pearl technology.

Screen resolution?
Not stated, but is probably the same as other 6” E-Ink screens such as the Kindle: 600 x 800 pixel resolution at 167 ppi (pixels per inch)

Size? Weight?
Three models: measured diagonally, the screens are 5”, 6”, and 7”; they weigh from 5.47 to 9.6 ounces.

How large / how many sizes can I make the words display?
There is a choice of seven (7) font sizes in the OverDrive app, as well as font styles and color and brightness settings.

How do you turn the page?
Touch Edition: touch or swipe the screen from right to left to turn to the next page, or from left to right to go to the previous page. Pocket Edition and Daily Edition (and older models): buttons on the front of the reader.

Does it remember my place?
Yes, when you reopen a book you were reading, it opens at the last page you were reading. You can also set bookmarks and go to the beginning of any chapter.

How much does it cost?
The Reader Pocket Edition is currently selling for $179 at the Sony website. Also at the Sony website, a refurbished Daily Edition sells for $239, and a refurbished Pocket Edition for $153. The Reader Touch is out of stock on the Sony site, but can be found at other online retailers, both new and refurbished, for between $199 and $300. Older editions of the Sony in the PRS-500 series can be found online both new and used.

Do I have to subscribe to a service?
No. The Daily Edition is both WiFi and 3G-capable, and the 3G access is free.

Are the batteries self-replaceable or does it need to be sent in when they die?
The batteries are not user-replaceable. If the batteries stop holding a charge, you’ll have to get a factory replacement.

Can I use it with multiple formats?
Yes. The Sony readers support two important standards for e-books: Adobe® PDF, and EPUB. They also support Microsoft® Word and other text file formats, as well as ACS4 for audiobooks.

Can it connect to the Internet?
Daily Edition connects to the Internet to get the latest edition of newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals you may subscribe to.

Can I use it to watch video?
No.

What else does it do?
Bookmark + Highlight; Freehand notes with stylus; Intelligent zoom; Periodical navigation options; 10 translation dictionaries

Conclusion?
The Reader Pocket Edition is a good dedicated reader for the passionate reader, constant traveler, or daily commuter. The small controls, and the need for a separate computer, may be issues for some people.

Where can I get more information?
http://ebookstore.sony.com/reader/

Comparison Chart:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentDisplayView?cmsId=reader_kindle_comparison