Device Reviews
The Sony PRS-600 Touch Edition marked a significant step in e-reader technology. Its touchscreen capabilities and sleek design garnered attention from tech enthusiasts and book lovers alike.
Comprehensive Review Of The Sony PRS-600 Touch Edition
The Sony PRS-600 Touch Edition introduced a 6-inch touchscreen display, allowing users to navigate books with ease. It measured 6.9 x 4.8 x 0.4 inches and weighed 0.63 pounds, making it portable yet substantial.
The device offered 512MB of internal storage, with 380MB available for users. This provided space for approximately 350 books. For those needing more capacity, the PRS-600 included slots for Memory Stick and SD cards.
Reviewers praised the solid construction and fast page turns of the Touch Edition. The device’s quick startup times also impressed users, enhancing the overall reading experience.
However, the touchscreen technology had drawbacks. Critics noted that the touch layer reduced contrast and caused glare, even in indoor lighting conditions. This issue affected readability, a crucial factor for e-readers.
Comparison Articles
The Sony PRS-600 Touch Edition marked a significant step in e-reader evolution. Its features and performance can be best understood when compared to other Sony devices and competing models.
Detailed Comparison Between Sony PRS-600 Touch Edition And Other Sony Devices
The PRS-600 Touch Edition built upon Sony’s earlier e-reader models, offering notable improvements. Compared to the PRS-505, the PRS-600 added touchscreen functionality, allowing for easier navigation and note-taking.
The PRS-600 addressed issues found in its predecessor, the PRS-700. Sony removed the built-in LED sidelights, which had caused glare problems in the PRS-700. This change improved contrast and reduced glare in the PRS-600.
In terms of size, the PRS-600 was larger than the PRS-300 Pocket Edition. It featured a 6-inch screen compared to the PRS-300’s 5-inch display. This larger screen provided more reading space while maintaining portability.
Storage capacity was another area of improvement. The PRS-600 offered 512MB of internal memory, with 380MB available for book storage. This allowed users to store around 350 books on the device.
The PRS-600 also included expansion slots for Memory Stick and SD cards, a feature not present in all Sony e-reader models. This addition gave users the flexibility to expand storage as needed.
Technical Guides
The Sony PRS-600 Touch Edition offers a range of innovative features that set it apart from earlier e-readers. Its touch capabilities and user interface provide unique functionalities for readers seeking an interactive experience.
In-Depth Technical Analysis Of Touch Features In Sony Reader Devices
The PRS-600 uses a resistive touchscreen that responds to both finger and stylus input. This technology allows users to interact with the device in multiple ways, enhancing the reading experience.
The e-reader’s interface includes a virtual keyboard for text entry and search functions. Users can easily annotate their books, create bookmarks, and take notes directly on the screen.
Page turns can be executed with a swipe gesture or by tapping designated areas on the screen. The device offers adjustable font sizes, making text customization simple for readers with varying visual needs.
The PRS-600’s hardware includes a USB 2.0 interface for connecting to a computer, allowing users to transfer e-books and manage their digital library. Sony’s eBook Library software facilitates content organization and device synchronization.
For navigation, the home screen provides quick access to the user’s library, settings, and other features. The e-reader supports various file formats, including BMP, GIF, and PNG for images, as well as AAC and MP3 for audiobooks.
Collector Guides
The Sony PRS-600 Touch Edition holds a special place in e-reader history. For collectors, this device offers unique features worth considering.
Key aspects to look for when collecting the PRS-600:
- Condition: Mint condition units are rare and valuable
- Accessories: Original stylus, case, and charger increase value
- Firmware version: Later updates improved functionality
- Color variants: Silver, black, and red options exist
Collectors should be aware of common issues with the PRS-600. Screen glare and contrast problems were reported by some users. These factors can affect a unit’s desirability and price.
Pricing for PRS-600 models varies widely. Factors influencing value include:
- Age
- Condition
- Included accessories
- Rarity of color option
When evaluating a PRS-600, test all functions if possible. The touchscreen and page turn buttons are crucial components to check.
Sony’s removal of built-in lights from this model is an interesting historical note. It demonstrates the evolution of e-reader design in the early touchscreen era.
For serious collectors, finding a working PRS-600 with its original packaging and materials can be a rewarding challenge. These complete sets offer a glimpse into the early days of touch-enabled e-readers.
Data Sources
The Sony PRS-600 Touch Edition relied on various data sources to provide a rich e-reading experience. These sources encompassed device specifications, historical context, technical details, and market information.
Specifications
The PRS-600 boasted a 6-inch e-ink display with touchscreen functionality. It measured 6.9 x 4.8 x 0.4 inches and weighed 0.63 pounds. The device offered 512MB of internal memory, with 380MB available for storage.
Users could expand storage using Memory Stick Duo or SD card slots. This allowed readers to carry hundreds of ebooks, depending on file sizes and formats.
The e-reader supported multiple file formats. These included EPUB, PDF, TXT, RTF, and DOC for text. It also handled various image formats like JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP.
Historical Data
Sony introduced the PRS-600 Touch Edition in 2009 as an improvement over the PRS-700. The company addressed issues from the previous model by removing built-in LED sidelights to reduce glare and enhance readability.
This model represented Sony’s efforts to compete in the growing e-reader market. It aimed to offer a more intuitive user experience through its touchscreen interface.
The PRS-600 launched with a price point under $300, positioning it as a premium device in the e-reader landscape. This pricing strategy reflected Sony’s focus on quality and features.
Technical Details
The e-ink display technology provided a paper-like reading experience with high contrast. Users could adjust text size and orientation for comfortable reading.
The touchscreen allowed for intuitive navigation and note-taking. Readers could use a stylus or their finger to interact with the device, highlighting text or writing notes.
Battery life was a key feature, lasting for approximately 7,500 page turns on a single charge. This longevity was achieved through the power-efficient e-ink technology.
The device included a built-in dictionary for quick word lookups. It also featured an MP3 player, allowing users to listen to audio while reading.
Market Data
At its launch, the PRS-600 competed with other e-readers like Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes & Noble’s Nook. Sony’s device stood out for its touchscreen interface and sleek design.
The e-reader market was rapidly expanding, with growing consumer interest in digital reading. Sony aimed to capture a significant share of this market with the PRS-600’s advanced features.
Sales data for the PRS-600 varied by region. In some markets, it faced stiff competition from more established brands with larger ebook ecosystems.
The device’s compatibility with multiple file formats and support for library ebooks through Adobe Digital Editions helped broaden its appeal to different user groups.
Required Verification
The Sony PRS-600 Touch Edition needed careful testing to ensure its touchscreen worked properly. Users had to verify the screen’s responsiveness and accuracy when turning pages or selecting text.
Calibration was a key step. The e-reader came with a stylus for precise input. Users needed to tap specific points on the screen to align the touch interface correctly.
Battery life claims required verification too. Sony stated the device could last for about 7,500 page turns on a single charge. Real-world testing was necessary to confirm this figure under various usage conditions.
The e-reader’s memory capacity also needed checking. It offered 512MB of internal storage, with about 380MB available for books. Users had to verify how many e-books this translated to in practice.
Glare reduction was another important aspect to verify. Sony had removed the sidelights present in the previous model to address this issue. Users needed to test readability in different lighting conditions to assess the improvement.
Compatibility with various e-book formats was crucial. The PRS-600 supported multiple file types, including PDF and EPUB. Users had to confirm that these formats displayed correctly and maintained proper formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sony PRS-600 Touch Edition marked a significant step in e-reader technology, introducing touch functionality and enhanced features. Users had many questions about its capabilities, performance, and support.
What features distinguish the Sony PRS-600 Touch Edition from other e-readers available at the time of its release?
The PRS-600 stood out with its touchscreen interface. This allowed users to navigate menus and turn pages with simple finger swipes.
The device also featured a built-in dictionary and the ability to make handwritten notes directly on the screen. These functions set it apart from many competitors.
How does the touch functionality of the Sony PRS-600 compare to other touch screen devices?
The PRS-600’s touch screen used resistive technology. This meant users could use either their fingers or a stylus for input.
The screen responsiveness was adequate for its time, though not as fluid as modern capacitive screens. It allowed for handwritten notes and annotations, a feature highly valued by students and researchers.
What options are available for downloading and transferring books to the Sony PRS-600?
Users could transfer e-books to the PRS-600 via USB connection. The device supported multiple file formats, including EPUB and PDF.
Sony also offered its own e-book store, allowing users to purchase and download books directly. However, the PRS-600 did not have Wi-Fi capabilities, limiting wireless options.
Are there common issues with the battery or charging system of the Sony PRS-600, and what are the recommended solutions?
The PRS-600 generally had good battery life, lasting up to two weeks on a single charge. Some users reported issues with battery degradation over time.
To maximize battery life, it was recommended to keep the device’s firmware updated and to avoid complete battery depletion. Regular charging and proper storage also helped maintain battery health.
In what ways has the discontinuation of Sony’s e-reader line impacted the support for the PRS-600 Touch Edition?
Sony’s exit from the e-reader market has affected long-term support for the PRS-600. Software updates and technical support have become limited.
Users may find it challenging to access the Sony e-book store or receive official repairs. However, a dedicated community of users continues to share tips and workarounds online.
What are the specifications and performance metrics that define the Sony PRS-600 Touch Edition’s place in the history of e-readers?
The PRS-600 featured a 6-inch E Ink display with a resolution suitable for comfortable reading. It measured 6.9 x 4.8 x 0.4 inches and weighed 0.63 pounds.
The device had 512 MB of internal memory, expandable via Memory Stick Pro Duo or SD card. Its E Ink screen provided good readability, though some users noted issues with glare and contrast.
