Sony fired three shots across Amazon's bow this summer with the announcement of a new line of devices for the e-reading masses. Is Sony's triple threat enough to douse Kindle's fire? Here's a quick look at the company's three latest eBook offerings:
Sony Reader Daily Edition, $399
Photo provided by Sony
With its 7-inch screen, the Daily Edition stands tall against its two recently announced siblings. If you value Web access, you will be happy to know that this reader features wireless connectivity. You can start holding the device in public while walking around searching for a connection starting this December.
Key Features
- Wireless access to Sony's eBook store via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband network
- No monthly fees or transaction charges for basic wireless connectivity
- Ability to side load personal documents or content from compatible sites via USB
- Mimics look of printed paperback page with 30 to 35 visible lines of text in portrait mode
- High contrast ratio with 16 levels of grayscale
- Memory expansion slots
- Aluminum body
Sony Reader Touch Edition, $299
Photo provided by Sony
If touching is more your thing, then you're exactly the person Sony's marketing mavens had in mind with the Touch Edition. Satisfy your touchy-feely tendencies by using your fingers to touch or flick the device's 6-inch screen. Folks worried about fingerprints can opt to use the accompanying stylus pen as well. The Touch comes in several colors, including red, black and silver. Like the Daily Edition, the Touch Edition also comes equipped with memory card expansion slots.
Key Features
- Menu-driven, touch interface
- Option to take handwritten notes with stylus or type via a virtual keyboard
- Oxford American English Dictionary included
Sony Reader Pocket Edition, $199
Photo provided by Sony
The Pocket Edition features a 5-inch display housed in colors like navy blue and rose. At just $199, Sony claims its little pocket fighter is the most affordable dedicated eBook reader in the market. The device can also fit about 350 eBooks and last two weeks on a single charge, the company says. For more details, check out our Sony Reader Pocket review.
Key Features
- Compact size
- Low cost
Closing Thoughts
Although the Daily Edition won't be out until December, both the Touch and Pocket Editions are now available at SonyStyle stores and authorized merchants.
It's interesting how Sony, which has been notorious for forcing its proprietary formats (e.g. ATRAC, Memory Stick, etc.) on consumers, is supporting open formats for its readers. It would also be interesting to see how Amazon, which uses a proprietary format for its Kindle readers, reacts to Sony's eBook onslaught.
