Sony Reader Touch Edition (PRS-600)
Even though the second generation Amazon Kindle is a much improved piece of hardware over the first generation, IMHO these Sony Reader devices still are even better, rock solid devices.
At $300 (as of October 5, 2009), it's pricier than many other e-book readers, but it's also one of the best designed and most full-featured. Unless having to connect to a PC to acquire content is a major concern for you, the Sony Reader Touch Edition is well worth considering.
Sony has done a very good job this time and the Sony Reader Touch Edition is a pleasure to use in terms of touch interface and screen readability.
The PRS-600 doesn't quite reach eBook reader perfection, mainly because the screen is more reflective than we would have liked, but we do think it comes awfully close.
Touch interaction is certainly a current trend and for some, the ability to take notes will be a real bonus. But for casual readers, who want to use the ebook for reading in bed or on the plane, then the addition of touch is not worth the extra expense or the changes to the screen.
While it's an improvement to the company's previous touch-screen model, Sony's Reader Touch Edition PRS-600 is saddled with a screen that's short on contrast and prone to glare--and it lacks the wireless convenience of Amazon's identically priced Kindle.
While the touchscreen offers much, in its current incarnation it so completely undermines the reading experience that it's difficult to recommend - especially at this price.
The Sony Reader Touch Edition is a solidly constructed, stylish device, with a well-executed touch screen, but when you consider the problems that plague its screen, its lack of wireless connectivity, and the fact it costs $40 more than the Kindle 2, it becomes a tough sell—regardless of that touch screen.
The Touch, which I've been using primarily, has a lot of flaws…
