Best Reviewed
eBook Readers
- Best e-book reader Amazon Kindle *Est. $110
- Best touchscreen e-book reader Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch *Est. $100
- Color e-book reader Barnes & Noble Nook Color *Est. $200
- Tablet computer/e-book reader Apple iPad 2 *Est. $500
- Best iPhone e-reader app Stanza *Est. $0
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- Excellent display
- Small and portable
- User-friendly interface
- PDF, ePub file support
- Few extra features
- No touch screen
- No wireless connectivity
While most experts prefer the Amazon Kindle (*Est. $110), a few reviewers recommend the Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 as an inexpensive, entry-level ebook reader. The Pocket Edition is highly portable, with a slim design and 5-inch screen. Reviewers say the display is fantastic and very readable, with clear text and a nice amount of contrast. Users also rave about the portability -- the Pocket Edition is only 6.25 inches wide and 4.25 inches tall, so it fits easily in a handbag or briefcase. The user-friendly interface also gets high marks. However, the Sony PRS-300 lacks some of the features found on pricier e-readers, like a built-in dictionary, MP3 player or touch screen with note-taking abilities. A number of experts, however, say it's easy to forgive these omissions because of the price. Overall, the Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 is a good choice among sub-$250 ebook readers. If you want a touch screen, the Sony Reader Touch Edition PRS-600 (Discontinued) also earns a number of recommendations.
ConsumerReports.org includes the Sony Reader Pocket Edition in its first-ever test of ebook readers, ranking it alongside other major e-readers. CNET, PC World, Pocket-Lint.com, PC Pro and MobileTechReview.com all also test and rate the Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300, along with its rivals. Laptop Magazine provides another nicely detailed review of the Sony Reader Pocket Edition, although it doesn't assign a rating. Other good sources include Which? magazine and TechRadar.com. Amazon.com is a good place to read user reviews.
Kindle, Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display - includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers
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| Sony Reader Pocket Edition Silver PRS-300SC | |
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org tests nine popular ebook readers -- including the Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 -- to find the best models. Each is judged on readability, versatility, responsiveness, page turn, navigation and file support. Battery life and price are also noted.
Review: E-book Readers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
2. CNET
The Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 earns a "very good" rating from David Carnoy at CNET. While he acknowledges that the features are pretty basic, Carnoy thinks it's "an appealing e-reader" thanks to its affordable price and support for numerous file types.
Review: Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 (silver), David Carnoy, Sept. 9, 2009
3. PC Advisor
PC Advisor grants the Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 its Best Buy award. Rosemary Hattersley calls it sturdy and well designed, and she appreciates being able to easily borrow library ebooks.
Review: Sony Reader PRS 300 Pocket Edition Review, Rosemary Hattersley, April 22, 2010
The budget-priced Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 earns a higher rating here than pricier ebook readers, including the Amazon Kindle and Sony Reader Touch Edition. The Pocket Edition omits a few extras like an MP3 player, but reviewer Chris Hall doesn't miss them.
Review: Sony PRS-300 Reader Pocket Edition Ebook Review, Chris Hall, Nov. 17, 2009
5. PC Pro
Small, inexpensive and sturdy, the Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 is one of the best-liked ebook readers reviewed at this British website. Stuart Turton says pages turn slowly and menus can be overly complicated, but he likes the easy-to-read E Ink screen and long battery life.
Review: Sony Reader Pocket Edition, Stuart Turton, Dec. 1, 2009
While she prefers the Sony Reader Touch Edition PRS-600 overall, Lisa Gade at MobileTechReview.com says the Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 is a good entry-level ebook reader for those who read mainly books and not business documents.
Review: Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300, Lisa Gade, Sept. 15, 2009
7. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
This nicely comparative review looks at both the Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 and Sony Reader Touch Edition PRS-600. K.T. Bradford thinks both are good choices, although she finds the Pocket Edition a little slow and wishes it had a memory card slot to expand the available storage.
Review: Hands-On With the Sony Reader Pocket and Touch Editions, K.T. Bradford, Aug. 26, 2009
8. Which? magazineDetails/Subscribe
The Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 is one of several ebook readers tested by Britain's Which? magazine. The e-reader isn't rated, but editors give it an in-depth overview and describe pros and cons.
Review: Ebooks and Ebook Readers: Sony Reader Pocket Edition Ebook, Editors of Which? magazine
The Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 gets very good scores at PC World, where Yardena Arar recommends it for anyone on a budget or those who want a highly portable e-reader. She finds the e-reader very responsive and easy to use.
Review: Sony Reader Pocket Edition (PRS-300), Yardena Arar, Oct. 30, 2009
10. TechRadar.com
Dave Stevenson at TechRadar.com recommends the Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 for those who travel often and need ultimate portability. However, he finds the pages a little slow to turn, and he is frustrated by the navigation menus.
Review: Sony Reader Pocket Edition Review, Dave Stevenson, Oct. 7, 2009
11. Amazon.com
The Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-300 has accumulated more than 50 user reviews at Amazon.com. Most owners are happy with the portable e-reader, but we found a few complaints of slow page refreshes and broken or crooked screens.
Review: Sony Reader Pocket Edition - Silver (PRS300SC), Contributors to Amazon.com
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