A new Sony eBook reader was announced in New York City yesterdayand some of the improvements over its predecessor include a touch screen display for a more intuitive reading experience. A book lover could easily flip pages as if it was a real book and also utilize its virtual keyboard to search for terms as well as highlight areas of interest. No larger than a paperback book, the PRS-700 tips the scales at just 10 ounces and would make for a great classroom tool in order to relieve our young from carrying tons of tomes around school and campus.
According to the press release “The device still features high-resolution, high contrast electronic paper display technology which provides a reading experience very much akin to ink-on-paper. The result is crisp text and graphics that are highly readable, even in bright sunlight. For times when ambient light is not available, Sony is the first to offer a built-in LED reading light. Expanded memory offers enough capacity to store about 350 average digital books. Using optional removable Memory Stick Duo media or SD memory cards, this Reader can hold literally thousands of books and documents”.
The PRS-700 is very similar to the PRS-505. It can store around 350 eBooks, and is compatible with SD and MS-Duo cards. And the LED reading light (not a backlight, but an actual light to allow you to read in the dark) is much appreciated. What these devices are missing is wireless access to the internet to download books. The PRS-700 comes with five pre-set text sizes for you to peruse your e-book. Extremely readable even under direct sunlight. The PRS-700 will be able to last for up to 7,500 page flips before requiring a recharge.Pricing on the new Sony model is expected to be $400 when it hits store shelves in November 2008.
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