The upcoming PRS-700 ($399; sonystyle.com) is a svelte 10-ounce e-book reader with six-inch greyscale screen. Unlike the previous PRS-505, this model offers a touchscreen display to select books and turn pages by swiping a finger horizontally across the screen. If users prefer, buttons at the bottom of the device can also be used to turn pages.
Another new feature is a search button that lets you find words or phrases in a book or other electronic document, and if desired, make notes using a fingertip or the bundled stylus pen and soft keyboard.
Text sizes have now expanded to five options, plus readers can now tap the screen to zoom in on text or an illustration or photo.
As with its predecessors, the Reader Digital Book’s impressive “e-ink” technology resembles real ink on paper (seriously, you need to see it to believe it), resulting in crisp text that’s easy to read in various light conditions. The PRS-700 also includes an optional LED backlight, if necessary.
The device’s built-in memory can store roughly 350 average digital books, says Sony, but you can add thousands more by popping in a Memory Stick Duo or SD memory card. Slots for both memory card types remain at the top of the unit, beside the power button.
When you’re too fatigued to read, load up a few dozen audiobooks or music and pop in a headphone jack at the bottom of the e-book reader.
Sony says it has also redesigned its Sony eBook Store [http://ebookstore.sony.com/] by tweaking the site layout and search options, introducing new book categories and adding more prominent book cover art.
The Sony Reader Digital Book PRS-700 will be available sometime in November online and in select Sony Style stores nationwide.
By Marc Saltzman
Photo: Sony
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