Digital Book Readers: e-readers guide and review

Sony introduced the first e-reader — the short-lived PRS 500 — in 2006, before Amazon’s 2007 Kindle made its debut, but the Kindle quickly left the PRS 500 in its dust. In August 2009, after going back to the drawing board, Sony announced three new e-readers: the very basic Reader Pocket Edition, the more sophisticated Reader Touch Edition, and its most recent creation, the Reader Daily Edition, which was unveiled in December 2009.

The Daily Edition is Sony’s first wireless e-reader, connecting users via AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband network to Sony’s ebookstore where they can readily access books, periodicals, and, so far, the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, New York Post, Boston Globe, International Herald Tribune, and New York Times.

Reviewers give the Daily Edition high marks because of its 7-inch screen that displays up to 35 lines of text in portrait mode, similar to a paperback book. The larger screen is possible because of the elimination of most physical controls, offering instead navigation with a touch screen, a first in the e-reader category. The user can make notes in the margins, turn pages, and highlight text using either his fingertips or the included stylus pen.

Another new feature is Sony’s Library Finder application, enabling users to access their local library’s e-book collection simply by entering their ZIP code. They can “check out” e-books with their library card, download them to their PC, then transfer them to their Reader. When the borrowing period ends, the e-book expires. No late fees!

Another plus for the Daily Edition is expandable storage. Like the Kindle, the device comes with 2 GB, but it includes slots for two additional memory cards.

The Daily Edition weighs just under 13 ounces and is about a half-inch thick. It retails
for $399 to $489 depending on model.