Sony Announces New E-Book Reader

On October 2, Sony announced its new E-Book rear, the PRS-700. From the wording it looks like it will complement, not displace, the PRS-505.

The new reader is about 10 ounces with a six inch display, similar to Kindle. The new Sony Reader will also have a touchscreen (which Kindle does not) and has a stylus with virtual keyboard for virtual notetaking.

Sony Reader, like Kindle, has e-ink display, which means no backlight, which means no night reading. Except the new reader has a built-in LED reading light (wonder what that does to battery life.)

The Kindle has built-in wireless for buying books from Amazon. Sony Reader doesn’t have that but it does have SD and Memory Stick card slots, and the Sony Reader is making major inroads at retailers, being stocked at both Borders and Target.

The PRS-700 will be available next month for about $400. You can get pix and more details at Sony.com.

Target to Start Carrying Sony Reader

Sony has announced that Target is going to carry the Sony Reader starting September 14th. That’s today, boys and girls. The model in question is the Reader Digital Book PRS-505. If you buy the reader at Target, you’ll also get a coupon for a free e-book. The store will also carry a selection of accessories and accouterments; the Reader will retail for about $300. You can get a few more details at this PC Magazine article.

The New PSP Is Hitting the Market in October

Sony put out a press release on August 20 covering the new PSP.
The new PSP will have a screen with anti-reflection technology, built-in microphone (Skype on your PSP!) and a couple new colors. You can get Sony’s press release at Marketwatch, and a little more data at Gizmodo.