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Sony Reader
Sony Reader
Sony Reader
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Sony Reader
DeveloperSony
TypeE-reader
Lifespan2006 to 2014
RelatedSony Librie, Sony Digital Paper, Sony Tablet

The Sony Reader (ソニー・リーダー) was a line of e-book readers manufactured by Sony. The first model was the PRS-500 released in September 2006 and was related to the earlier Sony Librie, the first commercial E Ink e-reader in 2004 using an electronic paper display developed by E Ink Corporation.[1] The last model was the PRS-T3, after which Sony announced it would no longer release a new consumer e-reader.[2]

Sony sold e-books for the Reader from the Sony eBook Library in the US, UK, Japan, Germany, Austria, Canada, France, Italy, and Spain. The Reader also could display Adobe PDFs, ePub format, RSS newsfeeds, JPEGs, and Sony's proprietary BBeB ("BroadBand eBook") format. Some Readers could play MP3 and unencrypted AAC audio files. Compatibility with Adobe digital rights management (DRM) protected PDF and ePub files allowed Sony Reader owners to borrow ebooks from lending libraries in many countries.[3] The DRM rules of the Reader allowed any purchased e-book to be read on up to six devices, at least one of which must be a personal computer running Windows or Mac OS X. Although the owner could not share purchased eBooks on others' devices and accounts, the ability to register five Readers to a single account and share books accordingly was a possible workaround.

Models and availability

[edit]

Ten models were produced. The PRS-500 (PRS standing for Portable Reader System) was made available in the United States in September 2006. On 1 November 2006, Readers went on display and for sale at Borders bookstores throughout the US. Borders had an exclusive contract for the Reader until the end of 2006. From April 2007, Sony Reader has been sold in the US by multiple merchants, including Fry's Electronics, Costco, Borders and Best Buy. The eBook Store from Sony is only available to US or Canadian residents or to customers who purchased a US-model reader with bundled eBook Store credit.

On July 24, 2007, Sony announced that the PRS-505 Reader would be available in the UK with a launch date of September 3, 2008. Waterstone's is the official retail partner and the Reader is available at selected stores such as Argos, Sony Centres and Dixons; while a red edition is available exclusively from John Lewis.

On October 2, 2008, the PRS-700, with touch screen and built-in lighting was announced.

On August 5, 2009, Sony announced two new readers, the budget PRS-300 Pocket Edition and the more advanced PRS-600 Touch Edition.[4]

On August 25, 2009, Sony announced the Reader PRS-900 "Daily Edition."[5] This features a 7" diagonal screen to compete with the Amazon Kindle DX. It was also the first to feature free 3G wireless through AT&T to access the Sony eBookstore without the need of a computer, and to increase the grayscale level, from 8 to 16.

On September 1, 2010, Sony introduced the PRS-350 Pocket Edition, PRS-650 Touch Edition, PRS-950 "Daily Edition" as replacements for the PRS-300, PRS-600 and PRS-900, with both new models featuring 16-level grey scale touch screens. The launch of the new models also represented the introduction of the Sony Reader into the Australian and New Zealand markets for the first time.[6]

On August 31, 2011, Sony announced a new reader replacing all of their previous models, the PRS-T1, featuring a 6" screen.[7]

On August 16, 2012, Sony announced the PRS-T1 successor, the PRS-T2.[8]

On September 4, 2013, Sony announced the PRS-T2 successor, the PRS-T3. Unlike previous Sony reader models, the T3 is not sold in the US, and Sony has abandoned the North American market due to competition from Amazon, B&N and Kobo.[9]

On February 6, 2014, Sony announced that it was closing its North American, Europe, and Australia Reader Stores in late March, migrating all its customers to the Kobo Reader Store.[10]

On August 1, 2014, Sony announced that it would not release another ereader but would keep selling its remaining stock.[citation needed] In late 2014, Sony released the Sony Digital Paper DPTS1 - which only views PDFs and has a stylus for making notes - aimed at professional business users.[11]

2013 Model (Discontinued in August 2014)

[edit]

Reader Wi-Fi PRS-T3S

[edit]

The PRS-T3S is the latest 6", Wi-Fi only model. Announced in October 2013 in Japan, it is a PRS-T3 without a cover that costs $99 and was sold in Japan, the UK, Canada and Germany.

Reader Wi-Fi PRS-T3

[edit]
PRS-T3

The PRS-T3 is a 6", Wi-Fi only model with a snap cover.

Specifications

  • Size: 160 × 109 × 11.3 mm
  • Weight: 200 grams including snap cover
  • Display:
    • size: 15.2 cm (6 in) diagonal (approx 1⁄4 area of letter-sized page).
    • resolution: 16-level gray scale
    • 6" Pearl HD E Ink screen 1024 x 758 pixel resolution
  • Memory: 2 GiB of internal storage (1.3 GiB available to use) plus microSD expansion of up to 32 GB
  • Battery Life: 6–8 weeks, assuming 30 minutes reading per day
  • Connectivity: Micro-USB
  • PC interface: USB port
  • Supported e-book formats: EPUB, PDF, FB2, TXT
  • Supported picture formats: BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11 b, g, n, simple Web browser
  • Colors: Black (Matte), Red (Glossy) and White (Glossy)

2012 Model (Discontinued late 2013)

[edit]

Reader Wi-Fi PRS-T2

[edit]
PRS-T2

The PRS-T2 is a 6" Wi-Fi only model. Its touchscreen supports zoom in and out, dictionary and adding notes, including export to Evernote. The device has two English languages and four translation dictionaries built-in.

PRS-T2 specifications.

  • Size: 173 × 110 × 9.1 mm
  • Weight: 164 g
  • Display:
    • size: 15.2 cm (6 in) diagonal (approx 1/4 area of letter-sized page)
    • resolution: 16-level gray scale E Ink Pearl display
    • portrait: 90.6 × 122.4 mm (3.57" × 4.82"), 600 × 800 pixels | effective 115.4 × 88.2 mm (4.54 × 3.47 in), 754 × 584 pixels
    • minimum font size: 6 pt legible, 7 pt recommended
  • Memory: 2 GB of internal storage (1.3 GB available to use) plus microSD expansion of up to 32 GB
  • Battery Life: Up to 2 months with Wi-Fi off
  • Lithium-ion battery: up to two months battery life, with wireless off (on reading 1/2h per day).
  • Connectivity: Micro-USB
  • PC interface: USB port
  • Supported e-book formats: EPUB, PDF, TXT, BBeB*, Rtf*, Doc* (*After conversion with Sony software)
  • Supported picture formats: Jpg, Gif, Png, Bmp.
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi, simple web browser.
  • Colors: Black (Matte), Red (Glossy) and White (Glossy).

2011 Model (Discontinued late 2012)

[edit]

Reader Wi-Fi PRS-T1

[edit]
Sony PRS-T1, black

The PRS-T1 is a 6", Wi-Fi only model. Its touchscreen supports zoom in and out, look up in dictionary and adding notes. Up to 16 different languages are supported.

PRS-T1 specifications

  • Size: 173 x 110 x 8.9 mm
  • Weight: 168 g
  • Display:
    • size: 15.5 cm (6 in) diagonal (approx 1⁄4 area of letter-sized page)
    • resolution: 16-level gray scale E Ink Pearl display
    • portrait: 90.6 x 122.4 mm (3.57" x 4.82"), 600 x 800 pixels | effective 88.2 x 115.4 mm (3.47" x 4.54"), 584 x 754 pixels
    • minimum font size: 6 pt legible, 7 pt recommended
  • Memory: 2 GB of internal storage (1.4 GB available to use) plus microSD expansion of up to 32 GB.
  • Lithium-ion battery, up to one month per charge.
  • PC interface: USB port
  • Supported e-book formats: EPUB, PDF, TXT.
  • Supported audio formats: MP3, AAC.
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi, simple web browser.
  • Colors: Black, Red and White.

2010 Models (Discontinued late 2011)

[edit]

Pocket Edition PRS-350

[edit]
PRS-350

The PRS-350 was launched in August 2010 and it is also known as the "Pocket Edition". The PRS-350 was announced at the same time as the touch-screen PRS-650. It is Sony's smallest ereader as well as its entry-level device replacing the PRS-300 and it is priced at US$179. It has a touch screen, and two GB of Memory but lacks an SD Card Slot and does not support MP3 playback.

PRS-350 specifications

  • Size: 145 × 104.3 × 8.5mm
  • Weight: 155 g
  • Display: 5 inch. E Ink Pearl, touch-screen, grey scale 16-levels
  • Resolution 600 × 800 pixels
  • Document Search Capability
  • Built in flash memory: 2 GB
  • Font Size: 6 sizes (XS - XXL)
  • Supported e-book formats: EPUB, PDF, Microsoft Word, TXT, RTF, BBeB
  • Hi-speed micro USB
  • Color: Pink, Silver, Blue, Red, Black

Touch Edition PRS-650

[edit]
Sony Reader PRS-650

The PRS-650 was launched in August 2010 and it is also known as the "Touch Edition". The PRS-650 was announced at the same time as the touch-screen PRS-350. It is Sony's mid-range device, priced at US$229. As the replacement for the PRS-600 model, it is Sony's higher-scale, touch-screen edition of the reader. It has a similar interface to the PRS-350.

PRS-650 specifications

  • Size: 168 × 118.8 × 9.6mm
  • Weight: 215 g
  • Display: 6 inch. E Ink Pearl, touch-screen, grey scale 16-levels
  • Resolution 600 × 800 pixels
  • Document Search Capability
  • Built in flash memory: 2 GB
  • SD card slot
  • Memory Stick PRO Duo slot
  • Font Size: 6 sizes (XS - XXL)
  • Supported e-book formats: EPUB, PDF, Microsoft Word, TXT, RTF, BBeB
  • Supported audio formats: MP3, AAC
  • Available case colors:
    • PRS-650BC: Black
    • PRS-650SC: Silver
    • PRS-650RC: Red

Daily Edition PRS-950

[edit]

The PRS-950 was launched in August 2010 replacing the PRS-900 and it is also known as the "Daily Edition". It was introduced as Sony's top-of-the-line device, priced at US$299. The device has a larger display (7"), 16-levels of grayscale, touch screen Wi-Fi and 3G wireless access (through AT&T Mobility in a manner similar to the Kindle's whispernet) which enables computer-free access to the Sony eBookstore in the United States. Like earlier Sony Readers the display can be oriented horizontally, enabling a landscape style mode, and adds a new mode displaying two portrait-mode pages side-by-side (in a similar fashion to viewing a book).

PRS-950 specifications

  • Size: 199.9 × 128 × 9.6mm
  • Weight: 272 g
  • Display: 7 inch. E Ink Pearl, touch-screen, grey scale 16-levels
  • Resolution 600 × 1024 pixels
  • Document Search Capability
  • Built in flash memory: 2 GB
  • SD card slot
  • Memory Stick PRO Duo slot
  • Font Size: 6 sizes (XS - XXL)
  • Supported e-book formats: EPUB, PDF, Microsoft Word, TXT, RTF, BBeB
  • Supported audio formats: MP3, AAC
  • Color: Silver only
  • Wireless: 3G, Wi-Fi, Web Browser

2009 Models (Discontinued late 2010)

[edit]

Pocket Edition PRS-300

[edit]

The PRS-300 was launched in August 2009 and it is also known as the "Pocket Edition". The PRS-300 was announced at the same time as the touch-screen PRS-600. It is Sony's smallest ever ereader as well as its entry-level device, priced at US$199. It has a smaller screen than the PRS-600, no touch interface, no MP3 audio or expandable memory. It has a similar interface to the PRS-500 and PRS-505.

Specifications

  • Display: 5 inch.
  • Resolution: 600 × 800 pixels
  • Dimensions LxWxD (approx.): 61⁄4 × 41⁄4 × 13/32 inches (approx. 159×108×10 mm)
  • Weight (approx.): 220 g (7.76 oz)
  • Gray scale: 8-levels gray scale
  • Internal Memory: 512MiB, 440MiB accessible
  • Font Size: 3 adjustable font sizes
  • Battery: Sealed internal, up to two weeks of reading on a single charge
  • MSRP: US$150
  • Available case colors:
    • PRS-300BC: Navy Blue
    • PRS-300RC: Rose Pink
    • PRS-300SC: Silver
    • PRS-300JPPI.YG: Midnight Blue (James Patterson Limited Edition, with Alex Cross embossed flip case, preloaded with the novel Cross Country, and a limited time voucher to download Worst Case) [12]

Touch Edition PRS-600

[edit]
Reader Touch Edition
Reader Touch Edition
Reader Touch Edition showing Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

The PRS-600 was launched in August 2009 and it is also known as the "Touch Edition". The PRS-600 was announced at the same time as the non-touch-screen PRS-300. It is Sony's middle-Range device and it priced at US$299. It is the replacement for the PRS-700 model (although it is missing the front-light feature). It is Sony's higher-scale, touch-screen edition of the ereader. It has a similar interface to the PRS-700. Unlike the PRS-700 which was only available in black, the PRS-600 is available in three colors. Note if the device is locked, using the optional 4 digit pin it will not mount via USB, the lock option needs to be disabled in order to mount the device.

This edition has been criticized for having a very reflective screen, making it hard to read unless it is angled just right in relation to the light sources.[13]

This edition offers the possibility to highlight, quote or underline the text you are reading. Moreover, it comes with features such as Music player via a jack.

Specifications

  • Size: 175.3 × 121.9 × 10.2mm (6.9" × 4.8" × 0.4")
  • Weight: 286 g (10.1 oz)
  • Display: 6 inch. touch-screen
  • Resolution: 600 × 800 pixels
  • Document Search Capability
  • Built-in Dictionary: American Oxford and English Oxford
  • eBook support extension
  • DRM Text : ePub (Adobe DRM protected), PDF (Adobe DRM protected), BBeB Book (PRS DRM protected)
  • Unsecured Text : ePub, BBeB Book, PDF5, TXT, RTF, Microsoft Word (Conversion to the Reader requires Word installed on your PC)
  • Gray scale: 8-levels gray scale
  • Internal Memory: 512MB, 380MB accessible
  • Expanded Memory: Support for Sony Memory Stick Pro DUO and SDHC up to @16 Gb
  • Font Size: 5 adjustable font sizes
  • Battery: Sealed internal, up to two weeks of reading on a single charge
  • MSRP: US$170
  • Available case colors:
    • PRS-600BC: Black
    • PRS-600SC: Silver
    • PRS-600RC: Red

Daily Edition PRS-900

[edit]

The PRS-900 was launched in December 2009 and it is also known as the "Daily Edition". The PRS-900 was announced at the same time as the touch-screen PRS-300. It is Sony's Top of the Range device and it priced at US$399. The device has a larger display (7"), 16-levels of grayscale, touch screen and 3G wireless access (through AT&T Mobility in a manner similar to the Kindle's whispernet) which enables computer-free access to the Sony eBookstore in the United States. Like earlier Sony Readers the display can be oriented horizontally, enabling a landscape style mode, and adds a new mode displaying two portrait-mode pages side-by-side (in a similar fashion to viewing a book).

Specifications

  • Size: 206.4 × 127 × 15.1 mm (8.1" × 5" × 0.6")
  • Weight: 360 g (12.75 oz)
  • Display: 7.1 inch touch-screen
  • Resolution: 600 × 1024 pixels
  • Gray scale: 16-levels gray scale
  • Internal Memory: 2 GiB, 1.6 GiB accessible
  • Expanded Memory: support for Sony Memory Stick Pro DUO and SDHC up to 32 GiB.[14] According to Sony, it can take up to a 32 GiB Memory Stick. But, according to its manual, 32 GiB memory sticks are not guaranteed to work. Therefore, it is recommended to use 16 GiB memory sticks.
  • Font Size: 6 adjustable font sizes
  • Battery: user replaceable, up to two weeks of reading on a single charge
  • Wireless: AT&T 3G wireless (free), access to eBook store only, no Web browser
  • MSRP: US$250
  • Available case colors: PRS-900: black

2008 Model (Discontinued late 2009)

[edit]

PRS-700

[edit]
The PRS-700 without a cover.

The PRS-700 was launched in October 2008, it has a touchscreen that can be used as a virtual keyboard. It became available in the U.S. in November 2008 at a MSRP of $399; in April 2009 it was selling for $349.99. Unlike Sony's LIBRIé, a close cousin of the Sony Reader, the PRS-500 and PRS-505 offered no way for the user to annotate a digital book since those lack a keyboard. This was addressed by the release of the PRS-700. Improvements of PRS-700 vs. the PRS-505 include the following:

  • The 6-inch E Ink display (same resolution as before) is now a touch screen, removing the need for the 10 side buttons.
  • Note taking and virtual keyboard, made possible by the touch screen.
  • Page turning buttons remain but can also be accomplished by touch screen gestures.
  • LED lighting for use in poor lighting conditions.
  • Internal storage is doubled to 512 MB.[15]

PRS-700 specifications

  • Size: Approx. 174.3 × 127.6 × 9.7 mm (67⁄9" × 51⁄9" × 0.4")
  • Weight: 283.5 g (10 oz)
  • Display:
    • size: 15.5 cm (6 in) diagonal (approx 1/4 area of letter-sized page)
    • resolution: 170 dpi, 8-level gray scale
    • integrated touchscreen
  • Memory: 512 MB standard (350 eBooks at 1.2 MB each average, 420 MB available), Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo 8 GB, SDHC card expansion up to 32 GB
  • Lithium-ion battery, up to 7500 "page turns" per charge
  • PC Interface: USB port 2.0
  • Built-in LED reading light

2007 Model (Discontinued late 2009)

[edit]

PRS-505

[edit]
PRS-505 silver (without cover)
PRS-505 in its leather cover
Underside of the device, showing the USB and charging ports, headphone output, and volume rocker switch

The PRS-505 was launched on 2 October 2007, a software and hardware updated version of the PRS-500 Reader, which it replaced. The 505 keeps the 6" E Ink display of the original Reader, but uses an improved version of E Ink Vizplex imaging film with faster refresh time, brighter white state, and 8-level grayscale.

The PRS-505 is thinner than its predecessor (8 mm vs. 13 mm) and comes with more internal memory (256 MiB vs. 64 MiB).

Other new product features included auto-synchronization to a folder on a host PC, support for the USB Mass Storage Device profile, and full USB charging capability (the PRS-500 could only be recharged via USB if the battery was not fully drained, and if the Sony Connect Reader software was installed on the host PC). Also, adding books to "Collections" (a feature to organize and group book titles) is now possible on the storage card, unlike the PRS-500 model.

Version 1.1 firmware, available as a free download since July 24, 2008 adds support for the EPUB format, Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 and Adobe DRM protected PDF files, automatic reflow of PDF files formatted for larger pages enlarges the text to improve readability, and support for high capacity SDHC memory cards.[16]

Specifications

  • Size: 175 × 122 × 8 mm (6.9" × 4.8" × 0.3")
  • Weight: 250 g (9 oz)
  • Display:
    • size: 15.5 cm (6 in) diagonal (approx 1/4 area of letter-sized page)
    • resolution: 170 dpi, 8-level gray scale
    • portrait: 90.6 × 122.4 mm (3.57" × 4.82"), 600 × 800 pixels | effective 88.2 × 115.4 mm (3.47 × 4.54 in), 584 × 754 pixels | for the Pictures application effective resolution is 600 × 766 pixels
    • minimum font size: 6 pt legible, 7 pt recommended
  • Memory: 256 MiB standard (200 MiB accessible), Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo 8 GiB, SD card up to 2 GiB (some non-SDHC 4 GiB cards may work), or up to 32 GiB with SDHC cards and version 1.1 firmware
  • Lithium-ion battery, up to 6800 "page turns" per charge
  • PC interface: USB port 2.0
  • Available case colors:
    • PRS505/LC: Dark Blue
    • PRS505/SC: Silver
    • PRS505SC/JP: Custom Skin (James Patterson Special Edition)
    • PRS505/RC: Sangria Red (introduced in August 2008)

2006 Model (Discontinued late 2007)

[edit]

PRS-500

[edit]

Launched in September 2006, it has a six-inch E Ink display from and is 13 mm thick. There is an internal memory of 64 MiB. This model was superseded by the PRS-505 in 2007.

On November 16, 2009, Sony announced that a firmware update is available to owners of the original PRS-500. This update "will allow your PRS-500 to support the ePub and Adobe DRM format and add the ability to re-flow PDF documents". Owners must send the ereader in to the Sony Service Centers for the updated firmware.[17]

Specifications

  • Size: 175.6 × 123.6 × 13.8 mm (6.9" × 4.9" × 0.5")
  • Weight: 250 g (9 oz)
  • Display:
    • size: 15.5 cm (6 in) diagonal (approx 1/4 area of letter-sized page)
    • resolution: 170 dpi, 4-level gray scale
    • portrait: 90.6 × 122.4 mm (3.57" × 4.82"), 600 × 800 px | effective 115.4 × 88.2 mm (4.54 × 3.47 in), 754 × 584 px
    • minimum font size: 6 pt legible, 7 pt recommended
  • Memory: 64 MiB standard, Memory Stick (Pro Duo High Speed not supported. Normal memory sticks are only supported up to 4 GiB, despite Sony compatibility claims[18]) or SD card expansion up to 2 GiB (some non-SDHC 4 GiB cards may work)
  • Lithium-ion battery, up to 7500 "page turns" per charge
  • PC interface: USB port

2004 Model

[edit]

Sony Librie EBR-1000EP

[edit]

Launched in April 2004, it has a six-inch E Ink display and a Qwerty keyboard that was released in Japan.[19]

Specifications

  • Display: 6-inch screen with a resolution of 600x800 dots at 170dpi
  • 10 MB, Memory Stick support
  • Size 126mm x 190mm x 13mm
  • Weight: 300 g

Formats supported

[edit]

DRM-free Text: BBeB Book (LRF), TXT, RTF, EPUB (PRS-T1: EPUB, PDF, TXT only). Typefaces in PDF files formatted for 216 × 280 mm (8.5 × 11 inch) pages may be too small to read comfortably. Such files can be reformatted for the Reader screen size with Adobe Acrobat Professional, but not by Adobe Reader software. The Reader does support Microsoft Word DOC format. The 'CONNECT Reader' application uses Word to convert the .DOC files to RTF before sending them to the Reader.

DRM-protected Text: BBeB Book (LRX); ePub.

Audio: MP3 and DRM-free AAC (except on the PRS-T2, PRS-300 & PRS-350)

Image: JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP (Loading an animated GIF will freeze the Reader)

RSS: Limited to 20 featured blogs such as Engadget and Wired, no ability to add others and no auto-update (as of 2006-12-01)

The Reader supported TXT and RTF documents with Latin character set only. Other character sets (such as Cyrillic, for example) are not displayed correctly, but Cyrillic patches are available for Russian (and Bulgarian) users.[citation needed] Sony Customer Support have confirmed that units sold in the US only work with Latin characters (as of 2007-03-02).

On August 13, 2009, Sony announced that by the end of 2009, it would only sell EPUB books from the Sony Reader Store, and would have dropped its proprietary DRM entirely in favor of Adobe's CS4 server side copy protection.[20]

Official software

[edit]

MS Windows

[edit]

Sony Reader came bundled with Sony's proprietary software called Sony Reader Library (or formerly eBook Library and Sony Connect). It requires MS Windows XP or higher (MS Windows Vista or 7), an 800 MHz processor, 128 MB of RAM, and 20 MB of hard disk space. This software does not work on the 64-bit versions of MS Windows XP. 64-bit MS Windows Vista and 7 is supported since Sony eBook Library version 2.5 for all but the 500 models.[21]

In February 2014 Sony Reader announced that they were transferring content to the Kobo Store. In March 2014 the Sony Reader store was closed and account holders received an email with a link that enabled them to transfer their library to Kobo. Most titles transferred; however, some were not able to be transferred even though the titles were sold on Kobo; the transfer period ended in May.[22]

Apple Mac OS X

[edit]

Sony released an official Apple Mac OS X client for the Reader with the release of the PRS-300 and PRS-600. It is reported to work with the PRS-505, PRS-700, Reader Pocket Edition and Reader Touch Edition. The software now works under 10.7 Lion.[23]

Linux and other OS

[edit]

Sony eBook Library was not officially supported on Linux-based systems or other operating systems, although when the device is connected it grants access to its internal flash memory and any memory card slots as though they were USB Mass Storage devices (on all models except PRS-500s that have not received the free EPUB upgrade from Sony), allowing the user to transfer files directly. See the Third party tools section below for a third-party software utility that provides comprehensive support for MS Windows, Apple Mac OS X, and Linux. Note if the device is locked, using the optional 4 digit pin it will not mount via USB, the lock option needs to be disabled in order to mount the device.

Third party tools

[edit]

Several third-party tools exist for the Sony Reader. For example, the PRS Browser for Apple Mac OS X from Docudesk allows Apple Macintosh users to manage content on the Sony Reader. Users can also use the free software library and utility called Calibre to communicate with the Reader and manage their digital library. Calibre can convert many ebook formats as well as collate multiple HTML pages into a single ebook file with an automatically generated table of contents. Calibre can also manage RSS subscriptions, including scheduled pushes of newsfeeds to the reader. It has both a command line and graphical interface, and is available for MS Windows, Apple Mac OS X and Linux. Calibre notably does not offer MS Windows 64-bit support for the PRS-500 model either.

Specialized on notes, annotations, bookmarks and other input by the user, noteworks allows for listing, exporting and other handling of this data, extracted from the device.[24]

In addition, Adobe Digital Editions can deliver DRM-locked PDF and ePub documents to the PRS-350, PRS-505 and PRS-700. The software is officially available for Windows and Mac OS. It can be run on Linux using Wine. After activating the reader on an officially supported platform, DRM-locked media can be downloaded and transferred to the reader on Linux as well.[25]

Alternative firmware

[edit]

PRS+

[edit]

PRS+ project seamlessly integrates into Sony UI and adds support for folder browsing, dictionary, key binding, book history, custom epub styles, games (Sudoku, Chess, Mahjong, etc.), localization (Catalan, German, Czech, English, French, Georgian, Russian, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese) and has built in fb2 to EPUB converter.[26]

Ebook applications

[edit]

Runs as an independent application. Adds support for FB2 / CBR / CBZ formats, drops support for LRF. Currently in beta state.[27]

Internal OS

[edit]
License text

The PRS-T1, PRS-T2 and PRS-T3 run a heavily modified version of the Android operating system, which Sony mentions in the Legal Notices installed on the device. Its predecessors run the MontaVista Linux Professional Edition operating system with Kinoma FSK, a JavaScript virtual machine, optimized for devices with limited resources.[28]

Sales

[edit]

In December 2008, Sony disclosed that it had sold 300,000 units of its Reader Digital Book globally since the device launched in October 2006.[29] According to an IDC study from March 2011, sales for all e-book readers worldwide grew to 12.8 million in 2010; 800,000 of those were Sony Readers.[30]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sony Reader

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The Sony Reader is a line of discontinued portable e-book reader devices manufactured by Corporation, designed primarily for displaying digital books using technology to simulate paper reading. Introduced in the United States with the PRS-500 model in September 2006, it featured a 6-inch grayscale display, support for formats like PDF, with later updates adding , and connectivity via USB for content management from PCs, marking 's entry into the consumer market following its earlier Librie e-reader in . Over its lifespan from 2006 to 2014, the Sony Reader series evolved through multiple iterations, including the PRS-505 (2007) with improved battery life of up to 7,500 page turns, the touch-enabled PRS-700 (2008), the pocket-sized PRS-300 (2009), and later Wi-Fi-capable models like the PRS-T1 (2011), PRS-T2 (2012), and PRS-T3 (2013), which offered 6-inch screens, public library e-book borrowing via OverDrive integration, and access to Sony's Reader Store for purchasing titles. These devices emphasized lightweight design, adjustable text sizing, and collections functionality for organizing libraries, contributing to the early popularization of e-reading before competitors like Amazon's Kindle dominated the market. Sony discontinued production of new consumer Reader models in 2014 amid declining , closing the Reader Store in the and on March 20, 2014, and partnering with Kobo to migrate user libraries and provided support for existing devices until the software was discontinued in 2023. The company later shifted focus to digital devices like the DPT series for , but these were also phased out by 2020, effectively ending 's involvement in the e-reader hardware space. Despite the discontinuation, the Sony Reader garnered a loyal following for its durable build and ad-free experience, influencing the development of modern s.

History

Origins and Initial Launch

Sony's entry into the e-reading market was motivated by the growing trends in digital publishing during the early 2000s, as well as the shortcomings of earlier devices like the Rocket eBook, which suffered from low-resolution LCD screens, limited battery life, and insufficient content availability. The company sought to address these issues by developing a device that offered a more natural, paper-like reading experience, leveraging advancements in electronic paper technology to make prolonged reading comfortable and eye-friendly. This initiative began as early as 2001 through a strategic collaboration among Sony, E Ink Corporation, Philips Components, and Toppan Printing to create a high-resolution electronic ink display suitable for consumer applications. The culmination of this effort was the announcement of the Librie EBR-1000EP on March 24, 2004, as the world's first consumer featuring an display. It was released in on April 24, 2004, exclusively through Sony Style stores and online, marking 's debut in dedicated e-reading hardware. Priced at ¥41,790 (approximately $380 USD at the time), the device faced initial challenges including its high cost relative to traditional books and limited availability solely in the Japanese market, with no immediate plans for international expansion. To support content delivery, Sony formed partnerships with 15 major Japanese publishers and newspapers, including , Asahi Shimbun, and , through the Publishing Link, which operated the Timebook Town online store for downloading e-books in Sony's proprietary BBeB (BroadBand eBook) format—co-developed with Canon. This store launched alongside the device in 2004, providing access to thousands of titles optimized for the Librie's capabilities. Key technical decisions included adopting E Ink's microcapsule-based display technology, integrated with a display module for enhanced resolution of about 170 pixels per inch, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions without backlighting.

Evolution and Discontinuation

Following the initial Japan-only Librie, Sony shifted its e-reader strategy toward global expansion with the launch of the PRS-500 in the United States in September 2006, priced at $350 and available for pre-order through Sony's online store, with subsequent availability in Europe marking the product's international debut. Over the subsequent years, the product line evolved through several key technological milestones to enhance usability and competitiveness. In 2008, Sony introduced touchscreen functionality with the PRS-700, enabling swipe-based page turning, stylus-based note-taking, and an on-screen keyboard, which streamlined navigation compared to button-based predecessors. Wi-Fi integration arrived in 2011 with the PRS-T1, allowing direct access to the Sony Reader Store and web browsing without a computer connection. Additionally, upgrades to E Ink Pearl technology, starting with 2010 models like the PRS-650, improved contrast and readability by offering higher resolution and reduced glare over earlier Vizplex screens. Sony also conducted limited experiments with color E Ink displays around 2010, though these did not result in widespread commercial models. Strategically, Sony emphasized openness in content ecosystems to broaden appeal. By , the company committed to the ePub format as an industry standard, converting its Reader Store to 100% ePub compatibility by December and updating firmware to support Adobe Digital Editions DRM, aligning with publishers like and . In a related move, Sony partnered with in to integrate over 500,000 public-domain titles from the Library Project directly into the Reader devices, providing free access to digitized classics and enhancing the platform's library without proprietary restrictions. The evolution culminated in the PRS-T3, released in 2013 as the final model, primarily in markets like , the , , and , featuring refined and five-point touch. Production and sales of Readers ended in 2014, with software support and the Reader Store closing on March 20, 2014, after which pivoted by licensing its e-book catalog to Kobo, transferring customer accounts and content access to the rival platform to maintain service continuity. Several factors contributed to the discontinuation, including intensifying competition from Amazon's Kindle, which captured dominant through aggressive pricing and integration, leading to Sony's declining position. High development and operational costs further strained the division, as Sony sought to stem financial losses amid a broader industry shift toward multifunctional tablets like the that combined e-reading with other capabilities.

Models

Librie EBR-1000EP (2004)

The Librie EBR-1000EP, released in April 2004, was the company's first and the inaugural consumer device to feature an display. It utilized a 6-inch Vizplex screen with an 800x600 resolution and 170 dpi, rendering text in 4 levels of for a paper-like appearance without backlighting. The device measured 126 mm × 190 mm × 13 mm and weighed 190 g without batteries or case, designed to approximate the heft of a standard . Powered by four AAA alkaline batteries, it offered up to 10,000 page turns per charge, equivalent to reading approximately 40 novels. Internal storage was limited to 10 MB, sufficient for about 20 books, with expandability via a slot that could accommodate up to 500 titles on larger cards. Connectivity was provided through a USB 2.0 port for transferring content from a Windows PC, alongside a headphone jack and mono speaker for limited audio support. A distinctive hardware element was the built-in miniature keyboard positioned below the screen, enabling users to add notes or bookmarks—up to 40 per book—directly on passages. The Librie focused on Sony's proprietary BBeB ( eBook) format, which supported basic multimedia but emphasized text with Open MG , often limiting access to rented content for 60 days. Launched exclusively in at ¥41,790 (about $380 USD), it integrated with Sony's Connect online store (formerly TimeBook Town) for purchasing or renting titles, including three preloaded Japanese dictionaries and an encyclopedia. Absent were wireless capabilities, backlighting for low-light reading, or support for reflowing PDFs, reflecting its early-stage technology. User interaction relied on intuitive physical controls, including dedicated page-turn buttons on the left side and a jog dial for navigation, menu access, and font size adjustments across multiple levels. The reflective display ensured readability in direct sunlight or ambient light, mimicking printed pages, while text search and simple via the keyboard enhanced engagement for enthusiasts. However, the lack of global availability, proprietary ecosystem, and dependence on PC-based constrained broader adoption. The Librie was discontinued in after roughly a year on the market, primarily due to low sales stemming from its high price, sparse BBeB content library, restrictive DRM policies, and an unready consumer market for e-readers. These limitations, including slow page refreshes and no over-the-air downloads, hindered widespread appeal despite its innovative display. It served as a precursor to the PRS series, influencing subsequent designs with button-based navigation and expandable storage.

PRS-500 and PRS-505 (2006–2007)

The Sony PRS-500, released in September 2006 as the company's first for the global market, featured a 6-inch display with an 800 x 600 pixel resolution and 170 dpi, supporting 4 levels of grayscale for text and basic images. It included 64 MB of internal storage, sufficient for approximately 80 e-books, along with a slot for Duo or SD cards to expand capacity, physical navigation buttons including a and dedicated page-turn controls, and USB 1.1 connectivity for transferring content via the CONNECT Reader software. The device launched at a price of $349, emphasizing portability with dimensions of 6.9 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches and a weight of 8.8 ounces. In 2007, Sony introduced the PRS-505 as an upgraded model, available initially in and later in , addressing several shortcomings of the PRS-500 while maintaining the core button-based interface without touchscreen or built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. Key enhancements included a refined 6-inch display with the same 800 x 600 resolution and 170 dpi but upgraded to 8 levels of grayscale for improved image quality and contrast, 192 MB of internal storage for around 160 e-books, and slightly faster page-turn speeds due to Vizplex imaging film. The battery life reached up to 7,500 page turns per charge, similar to the PRS-500, with quicker charging options via USB or an optional AC adapter. Both models adopted a slimmer, more portable design compared to predecessors, with the PRS-505 measuring 6.9 x 4.8 x 0.3 inches and weighing 9.2 ounces, prioritizing ease of one-handed use through ergonomic placement and a focus on lightweight construction without integrated wireless beyond the Connect feature. Priced at $299 upon release, the PRS-505 saw broader availability in throughout 2007, but production of both devices was discontinued by late 2007 as Sony shifted toward models with enhanced features like touchscreens. Despite these advances, the PRS-500 and PRS-505 faced limitations that impacted adoption, including no native support for the format on the PRS-500—requiring conversion tools for broader compatibility—and clunky handling of PDFs due to the lack of zoom or reflow options, making larger documents difficult to read on the small screen. These issues became more pronounced amid competition from Amazon's Kindle 1, launched in November 2007, which offered downloading for a wider range of formats and quickly gained market share. This early button-centric era laid groundwork for Sony's later evolution toward touchscreen interfaces in subsequent models.

PRS-700 (2008)

The Sony Reader PRS-700, released in 2008, marked a significant advancement as the first model in the series to incorporate a interface, enhancing user interaction with digital books. It featured a 6-inch display with a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels, equivalent to 170 dpi, supporting 16 shades of gray for improved readability and contrast over previous models. An touchscreen overlay allowed for direct input without obstructing the e-ink surface, while retaining physical buttons for core functions like page turning. The device included 256 MB of internal storage, sufficient for approximately 350 average-sized e-books, and supported expansion via SD and Duo cards. Navigation on the PRS-700 combined touch-based controls with traditional hardware, enabling users to swipe fingers or use the included for annotations, highlighting text, zooming in or out on content, and accessing menus via an on-screen keyboard. This intuitive setup allowed for quick searches within books and directly on pages, reducing reliance on button-only from earlier models like the PRS-505. Physical buttons on the sides provided alternative page-turning options, ensuring accessibility in various reading conditions, and the device connected via USB 2.0 for charging and content transfer. Battery life was rated for up to 7,500 continuous page turns on a single charge, with dimensions measuring 6.9 x 4.8 x 0.5 inches and a weight of 10.6 ounces, making it portable and comparable to a slim . Launched on October 2, 2008, with availability starting in November, the PRS-700 debuted at a retail price of $399 and was distributed , , and through Sony stores and retailers. It coincided with the introduction of the Sony Reader Store, an integrated digital bookstore offering e-books in formats like and PDF, allowing seamless purchases and downloads directly to the device. Despite these innovations, the model faced drawbacks including a relatively slow touch response time compared to capacitive screens, which could lag during swipes or annotations, and the technology—while advanced—was not yet the faster Pearl variant that became standard in subsequent releases. The PRS-700 was discontinued in late 2009 after less than a year on the market, serving as a precursor to Sony's diversified 2009 lineup of budget and larger-screen variants.

PRS-300, PRS-600, and PRS-900 (2009)

In 2009, expanded its Reader lineup with three models targeting different user needs: the ultra-portable PRS-300 Pocket Edition, the mid-range PRS-600 Touch Edition, and the premium PRS-900 Daily Edition. Launched in August for the PRS-300 and PRS-600, and December for the PRS-900, these devices marked a diversification strategy by offering varied screen sizes, features, and price points while sharing enhancements in PDF support and display technology. All models were discontinued in late 2010 as shifted focus to newer iterations. The PRS-300 Pocket Edition prioritized portability with a 5-inch Vizplex display at 800 x 600 resolution (approximately 173 dpi) and 8 levels of grayscale, lacking touchscreen functionality for a simpler button-based navigation. It featured 512 MB of internal (about 440 MB available), sufficient for roughly 350 average-sized e-books, and measured 6.25 x 4.25 x 0.3 inches while weighing 7.76 ounces, making it lighter and more compact than prior 6-inch models. Priced at $199, the device offered up to 7,500 page turns per battery charge and supported formats like , PDF, and TXT without wireless connectivity or expandable storage. The PRS-600 Touch Edition introduced touchscreen interaction on a 6-inch display with 800 x 600 resolution (170 dpi) and 8 levels of grayscale, including support for annotations and navigation. Equipped with 512 MB internal storage (approximately 256 MB available after system use) and slots for Duo or SD cards, it allowed expansion for additional content like audiobooks via its audio output. Battery life reached up to 7,200 page turns, and its dimensions of 6.85 x 4.76 x 0.39 inches contributed to a weight of about 10 ounces; it retailed for $299 and emphasized improved PDF reflow and zooming over earlier models. The PRS-900 Daily Edition catered to users seeking larger screens for PDFs and periodicals, featuring a 7.1-inch Pearl touchscreen at 1,024 x 600 resolution (120 dpi) with 16 levels of for enhanced contrast over Vizplex predecessors. It included 2 GB internal storage (1.6 GB available) with slots for Duo and SD cards, 3G wireless via for direct downloads, and landscape mode optimized for two-page PDF views without an . Measuring 8.1 x 5.0 x 0.6 inches and weighing 12.75 ounces, the thicker design accommodated its features; priced at $499, it supported stylus-based highlighting and notes, with battery life comparable to the PRS-600. Across the lineup, Sony improved PDF handling with better reflow, resizing, and annotation tools compared to 2008 models, alongside the adoption of Pearl technology in higher-end variants for superior contrast and readability. These advancements laid groundwork for subsequent experiments with color-like displays in the 2010 series.

PRS-350, PRS-650, and PRS-950 (2010)

In 2010, Sony released a refreshed lineup of e-readers featuring improved display technology, slimmer designs, and enhanced performance, positioning them as direct successors to the 2009 models. The PRS-350 Pocket Edition, PRS-650 Touch Edition, and PRS-950 Daily Edition incorporated Pearl screens for higher contrast and faster refresh rates compared to previous Vizplex displays, along with interfaces on all models for intuitive and annotations. These devices emphasized portability and reading comfort, with tiered options catering to different user needs, from compact daily carry to larger-screen browsing with connectivity. The entry-level PRS-350 Pocket Edition featured a 5-inch Pearl touchscreen display with 800 x 600 resolution (approximately 173 dpi), offering sharp text rendering in 16 shades of gray. It included 2 GB of internal storage (about 1.4 GB available for user content), expandable via microSD card slot, and measured 5.7 x 4.1 x 0.3 inches while weighing 5.6 ounces for enhanced portability. Lacking built-in or , it relied on USB connectivity for content transfer and supported stylus-based annotations for highlighting and directly on pages. Priced at $179, it was available in silver and pink finishes, targeting budget-conscious readers seeking a lightweight device for on-the-go use. The mid-range PRS-650 Touch Edition upgraded to a 6-inch Pearl touchscreen with 800 x 600 resolution (170 dpi), providing a balance of screen size and readability. It also offered 2 GB internal storage with microSD and PRO Duo expansion options, and shared the PRS-350's slim profile at roughly 6 x 4.4 x 0.4 inches and 6.7 ounces. Early models omitted wireless connectivity, but later variants (such as the PRS-650SC) added optional for direct e-book downloads from the Sony Reader Store. tools allowed for handwriting notes and underlining via the infrared touchscreen, and it supported audio playback for and AAC files through a headphone jack. Launched at $229 in black or red, it appealed to users desiring touch interaction without the bulk of larger screens. At the premium end, the PRS-950 Daily Edition boasted a 7-inch Pearl touchscreen with 1024 x 600 resolution (120 dpi), optimized for landscape viewing and extended reading sessions. Equipped with 2 GB internal storage and dual expansion slots for microSD and PRO Duo, it measured 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches and weighed 9.6 ounces, supported by a larger battery offering up to two weeks of use. It integrated via for free connectivity to the Sony Reader Store and for broader access, including a basic and dictionary lookup during reading. Annotation capabilities extended to stylus-based markup, and its design facilitated seamless integration with public domain content. Priced at $299 in silver, it launched later in the year for users prioritizing connectivity and screen real estate.
ModelDisplay Size & ResolutionStorageConnectivityDimensions & WeightPrice (USD)
PRS-350 Pocket5-inch Pearl, 800x600 (173 dpi)2 GB internal + microSDUSB only5.7 x 4.1 x 0.3 in, 5.6 oz$179
PRS-650 Touch6-inch Pearl, 800x600 (170 dpi)2 GB internal + microSD/Memory StickUSB (Wi-Fi optional in later models)6.0 x 4.4 x 0.4 in, 6.7 oz$229
PRS-950 Daily7-inch Pearl, 1024x600 (120 dpi)2 GB internal + microSD/Memory StickWi-Fi + 3G7.8 x 5.1 x 0.4 in, 9.6 oz$299
Announced on September 1, 2010, with the PRS-350 and PRS-650 available immediately and the PRS-950 following in November, these models were discontinued in late 2011 as Sony prepared for a shift toward slimmer, Wi-Fi-focused designs in the subsequent series. A key highlight was the deepened partnership with , enabling access to over one million free titles directly through the Sony Reader Store interface on all three devices. This integration expanded content options beyond proprietary purchases, emphasizing open compatibility. Performance upgrades included faster processors for quicker page turns and menu navigation, reducing lag noticeable in prior generations. PDF handling saw significant improvements with better reflow capabilities, allowing adjustable text resizing and column adjustments for scanned documents without external conversion tools. Additionally, 2010 marked the discontinuation of Sony's BBeB for new e-book sales, with the lineup fully transitioning to the open standard alongside PDF, TXT, RTF, and Word support to align with industry trends.

PRS-T1, PRS-T2, and PRS-T3 Series (2011–2013)

The PRS-T1, released in October 2011, featured a 6-inch Pearl display with a resolution of 600 by 800 pixels, providing approximately 167 pixels per inch for clear text rendering. It included 2 GB of internal storage for holding thousands of e-books, expandable via microSD card up to 32 GB, built-in connectivity for downloading content from the Sony Reader Store, and a redesigned navigation bar with physical buttons below the screen for easier one-handed use. The device launched at a price of $279, emphasizing a slim, build measuring about 6.8 by 4.4 by 0.4 inches and weighing 5.7 ounces. The PRS-T2, introduced in September 2012 as an update to the T1, retained the 6-inch Pearl touchscreen but incorporated a faster processor for improved page-turn speeds and responsiveness. It offered 2 GB of internal storage (approximately 1.3 GB available), expandable via microSD card, and an enhanced battery life of up to one month on a single charge with disabled. Available in black, white, and red, the PRS-T2 measured 6.8 by 4.3 by 0.35 inches, weighed 5.9 ounces, and was priced between $129 and $149 at launch, making it more accessible. Production of the model ended in late 2013. The PRS-T3, launched in September 2013 primarily in markets outside the , featured a thinner profile at 0.4 inches and weighed 7.1 ounces, with an upgraded Pearl display offering higher contrast for better readability in various lighting conditions. It introduced search functionality, allowing users to locate or annotations by recognizing handwritten text. Priced at $199, the PRS-T3 included a variant called the PRS-T3S without bundled , and both models were discontinued in 2014. Across the PRS-T1, T2, and T3 series, the devices prioritized support for and PDF formats as core e-book standards, enabling seamless reading of reflowable text and fixed-layout documents without conversion. They all incorporated for direct content access and were compatible with styluses for on the touchscreen, enhancing for users. The series was available globally through Sony's retail channels and partners, broadening access beyond . Key innovations in the PRS-T series included being among the first e-readers from a major manufacturer to offer an entirely ad-free experience without subsidized pricing models, distinguishing it from competitors like Amazon's Kindle. Additionally, built-in integration with OverDrive allowed direct borrowing of e-books from public libraries, supporting Digital Editions-protected loans for a frictionless digital lending process. These models represented the culmination of Sony's e-reader lineup, refining portability and openness before the company's exit from the consumer market.

Supported Formats

Core E-book Formats

The Sony Reader series supported a core set of e-book formats that evolved over time to balance proprietary control with industry standards, prioritizing reflowable text and (DRM) for secure content delivery. The Broadband eBook (BBeB) format, a proprietary standard co-developed by and Canon, was the primary e-book format for early Reader models from 2004 to 2008. BBeB files, identified by .lrf (unprotected) or .lrx (protected) extensions, accommodated reflowable text, embedded images, and interactive features like hyperlinks and page jumps, making it suitable for digital publications. DRM protection in BBeB was integrated via Sony's Connect online store, enabling authorized access to purchased titles across compatible devices. By 2010, Sony discontinued new BBeB content sales, phasing it out in favor of open alternatives. Starting in 2008 with the PRS-700 model, Sony adopted the format as an open, reflowable e-book standard to broaden content compatibility beyond its ecosystem. files (.epub) supported dynamic text layout and CSS-based styling for fonts and layouts, with 2.0 implementation including metadata and navigation aids; 3.0 support was added in 2013 models like the PRS-T3. This shift allowed Readers to access titles from diverse publishers, secured by Adobe DRM when authorized through software version 1.5 or later. PDF support was native across most models but saw significant enhancements from 2009 onward, including zoom, reflow for text-heavy documents, and basic annotations in devices like the PRS-600. Early Readers handled PDF versions 1.4 or earlier, with features like bookmarks and links, but faced limitations such as rendering errors for complex layouts. DRM extended to protected PDFs, facilitating secure transfers via authorized software. Post-2009, Sony emphasized over BBeB, converting its e-book store exclusively to the format by mid-2010 to align with open standards and reduce user friction in sourcing content. Official Sony software, such as CONNECT Reader, supported format conversions to ensure compatibility during this transition.

Additional Media and Document Formats

The Sony Reader series provided support for various non-e-book file types, enabling users to view images and basic documents directly on the device, though capabilities varied by model and emphasized static content over multimedia playback. Image formats were a key additional feature, with early models like the PRS-500 (2006) and PRS-505 (2007) supporting JPEG and GIF files for picture viewing. Later models expanded this to include PNG and BMP, as seen in the PRS-600 (2009) and PRS-T series (2011–2013), allowing display of common raster images stored on the device or memory card. GIF animations showed only the first frame, and large files might not generate thumbnails or appear in the picture list. No video formats were supported in any model, maintaining the focus on e-ink readability for static visuals. Text document support began with plain TXT files across all models, offering simple, unformatted reading. From the PRS-500 onward, RTF files were natively viewable, and (DOC) documents could be imported after conversion via Sony's software, which rendered basic layouts starting in 2007. These features allowed ancillary document handling without dedicated apps. Comic book formats like CBZ (ZIP-based) and CBR (RAR-based) were not natively supported but could be viewed from 2010 models such as the PRS-650 after conversion to PDF or using Sony software or third-party tools. Support improved in the PRS-T series through better PDF reflow and image sequencing, though always as a secondary function to e-books. Audio playback (/AAC) was available in models up to the PRS-T1 but omitted in the PRS-T2 and PRS-T3 to prioritize battery life and reading focus, with no video capabilities throughout the lineup. Integration with third-party tools like Calibre enhanced viewing of these formats by enabling batch conversions.

Software and Tools

Official Software for Windows and Mac

Sony's official desktop software for managing the Reader devices evolved over time to support content organization, transfers, and device maintenance on both Windows and Mac platforms. Initially launched as eBook Library in 2006 alongside the PRS-500 model, the software was designed primarily for Windows users to handle library management, format conversions, (DRM), and updates. It allowed users to organize e-book collections, search within books, and convert documents to compatible formats like RTF or Sony's proprietary BBeB for transfer to the device via USB connection. DRM handling included support for Sony's proprietary protections on purchased content from the CONNECT eBook Store, ensuring secure transfers without wireless library synchronization. Mac support for eBook Library was limited until 2009, when version 3.0 introduced compatibility with OS X 10.5 and later, unifying the experience across platforms for the first time and enabling easier content management on Apple computers. By 2010–2011, with the release of the PRS-T1 series, the software transitioned to Reader for PC (Windows) and Reader for Mac, rebranded from eBook Library (also known as Reader Library) to emphasize EPUB format support as Sony shifted away from BBeB. This successor version focused on drag-and-drop transfers, book collection organization with annotation synchronization, and integration with the Sony Reader Store for cloud-based purchases and limited syncing of annotations and highlights, though full library synchronization remained USB-dependent. Key features across both iterations included intuitive library organization by , , or ; in-software previews with adjustable text and two-page views; and firmware update checks via the Help menu, requiring an internet connection but performed through the desktop application. Supported platforms for Reader for PC included Windows Vista SP2 and later (up to ) with a minimum of 512 MB RAM, while Reader for Mac required OS X 10.5.8 or higher, with a minimum of 128 MB RAM and 250 MB disk space. The software handled transfers of core formats like , PDF, TXT, and images (, ), alongside DRM authorization for loans and third-party e-books. Following the closure of the Sony Reader Store in March 2014, software updates ceased, with a final update released around that time to enable Kobo Store integration and maintain basic compatibility. Sony discontinued official downloads of Reader for PC and Reader for Mac on March 31, 2023, though archived installers remain available through third-party sources for legacy users. All operations relied on USB connectivity for content transfers and device recognition, without native wireless library syncing options.

Third-Party Tools and Compatibility

Calibre, an open-source e-book library management application, offers robust support for Sony Readers through format conversion, metadata handling, and device connectivity. Initially developed to fill the gap in tools for converting content to the LRF format used by early Sony models, Calibre enables users to transform , PDF, and other formats into LRF or compatible for seamless transfer via USB. It also provides built-in drivers for Sony devices, facilitating library organization, collection creation, and ethical DRM removal for personal backups, making it a staple for managing e-book workflows post-Sony's software discontinuation. Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) is another essential tool for authorizing and transferring DRM-protected and PDF files from libraries and retailers to Readers via USB. , a cross-platform e-book reader application, enhances compatibility by allowing users to preview and organize files on desktops before USB transfer to Readers. Supporting formats like and FB2—both natively readable on later models—it serves as an adaptable utility for testing content rendering and metadata accuracy outside the device. Additional community-developed tools further expand functionality, such as for editing files to ensure optimal display on screens, and libusb-based USB drivers for environments to enable direct file access without native software. These utilities, including Calibre's metadata search features akin to eBook Search, promote broader operating system support through wrappers like Wine for non-native environments, allowing hybrid workflows that integrate with official transfers for enhanced post-discontinuation usability.

Firmware and Operating System

Internal Operating System

The internal operating system of the Sony Reader series evolved over time to balance e-book functionality with the constraints of e-ink hardware. Early models, such as the PRS-500 (2006) and PRS-505 (2007), ran a customized kernel-based system, featuring a layer tailored for low-power e-ink displays and basic reading tasks. This architecture prioritized simplicity, supporting file operations and content rendering without advanced features like multitasking. Starting with the PRS-T1 in 2011, subsequent models (PRS-T1, PRS-T2, and PRS-T3) shifted to a heavily modified version of Android 2.2 (Froyo), which Sony adapted for e-ink optimization, including custom drivers for touch input and reduced refresh rates to minimize ghosting. Key components of the OS included a FAT32 for internal storage and memory cards, enabling straightforward USB-based content transfer. was optimized for extended battery life, achieving up to 7,500 continuous page turns on a full charge across models, through features like automatic sleep after inactivity and efficient e-ink waveform control. The system lacked multitasking capabilities or support for third-party applications beyond core reading functions, focusing exclusively on e-book navigation, annotations, and basic media playback where applicable. Firmware updates, which encompassed OS enhancements, were delivered exclusively via USB connection to a Windows or Mac computer using Sony's official updater software. For instance, the PRS-650 received version 1.0.00.14080 in 2010, addressing issues like failure to open protected books and improving overall stability, including PDF handling. The final update for the PRS-T3 series was version 1.1.00.11250, released in December 2013, which refined web browser compatibility and dictionary integration. These updates required a fully charged device and stable connection to avoid interruptions. The OS remained closed-source throughout the product line, with no native or extensibility for user-installed software, limiting customization to stock features. Failed firmware updates posed a of bricking , rendering it unresponsive until recovery via reset or reflashing, as reported in user cases. This stock OS architecture served as the foundation for community-developed alternative modifications.

Alternative Firmware and Modifications

The community-developed PRS+ firmware enhances the capabilities of several Sony Reader models, including the PRS-300, PRS-600, PRS-900, PRS-T1, PRS-T2, and PRS-T3, without replacing the original operating system. Launched in 2010, it integrates seamlessly into the and adds functionalities such as PDF reflow for improved of fixed-layout documents, expanded font options for customization, USB charging support to utilize standard cables, and compatibility with the Kobo e-book store for broader content access. Additional modifications include ported e-book applications that address limitations in rendering and format support. For instance, CoolReader provides superior text and layout rendering on hacked devices like the PRS-T1, enabling smoother partial refresh modes for displays. Similarly, FBReader J offers Java-based enhancements tailored to the Linux-based system, improving cross-format compatibility and user controls for older models. These alternatives are typically installed by entering the device's USB recovery mode, often by holding specific buttons while connecting to a computer, similar to official updates; however, such modifications risk bricking the device or voiding the manufacturer's , as they involve unauthorized changes to the software. Recovery tools, including reflashing utilities, have been shared within the to address bricked units. The active around these enhancements, particularly on dedicated forums, has sustained development and support since 2014 and as of 2025, offering and updates that extend the readers' usability long after official discontinuation, with users continuing to install PRS+ on models like the PRS-505. Benefits include prolonged device lifespan through added features like lightweight browsing or calendar views, though no official support is provided, leaving users reliant on peer resources.

Market Performance

Sales Figures and Availability

The Sony Reader line recorded cumulative global sales of approximately 300,000 units by late 2008, following the launch of the PRS-500 in 2006. This figure grew to 400,000 units by early 2009. Sales peaked in 2010, with 800,000 units shipped worldwide according to an IDC analysis, amid a broader e-book reader market of 12.8 million units that year. Overall, the series achieved in the low millions from 2004 to 2014, with the strongest performance in 2009–2010 exceeding 500,000 units annually, though exact totals remain estimates due to limited public disclosures. Early sales were dominated by , where the Librie model (EBR-1000EP) launched in 2004 and sold modestly primarily through domestic retailers before discontinuation in 2007. Post-2006, emerged as the primary market for PRS models, with best-sellers like the PRS-600 and PRS-650. followed, capturing significant volume; for instance, the PRS-T1 alone sold 500,000 units across the UK, , , , and other key regions by mid-2012. Pricing began at $350–$400 for initial PRS models in 2006–2007, reflecting premium positioning with features like displays. Trends shifted toward affordability, dropping to $199 for the PRS-300 in 2009 and further to $129 for the PRS-T1 by late 2011, with promotional bundles available via the Store. Entry-level options reached $99 in 2012 sales. Availability expanded regionally in phases, starting with for the Librie and extending to the U.S., , and Europe for PRS series from 2006 onward. Later models like the PRS-T3 launched in 20 countries—including , , and European markets—in 2013, excluding the U.S. due to shifting priorities. By 2013, distribution became online-exclusive through Sony's eBook Store, with physical retail phasing out; post-2014 discontinuation, remaining inventory depleted via clearance channels. Sony captured approximately 35% of the global market in 2008 as a leading vendor alongside Amazon, but share eroded amid Kindle dominance, reaching around 12% in early 2013 before further decline. It maintained a significant presence in during this period. This decline contributed to the 2014 decision to exit dedicated e-reader hardware.

Critical Reception and Impact

The Sony Reader series received praise for its build quality and the readability of its displays, which provided a paper-like experience that reduced during extended reading sessions. Early models like the PRS-500 were lauded for their elegant design and ability to render text with , making them stand out as premium devices in the nascent market. Later iterations, such as the PRS-T2, earned positive marks for their lightweight construction, responsive performance, and crisp screen resolution, with reviewers noting the device's ease of handling and integration with systems for borrowing e-books. Sony's early adoption of the format in 2009 further bolstered its reputation among users seeking compatibility with open standards, allowing seamless access to content from multiple sources without restrictions. Critics, however, frequently highlighted the high cost of Sony Readers compared to emerging competitors, positioning them as luxury options that deterred budget-conscious consumers. Pre-2011 models suffered from sluggish interfaces, with navigation delays of several seconds after tapping icons and occasional unresponsiveness, which frustrated users accustomed to faster digital devices. Initial PDF support was also limited, as the small screen size and lack of advanced reflow capabilities made handling complex documents cumbersome, often requiring external tools for optimization. Comparisons to Amazon's Kindle often underscored Sony's shortcomings, particularly the absence of built-in wireless connectivity in early models, which forced reliance on USB transfers and limited on-the-go access to new content. The Sony Reader played a pivotal role in popularizing consumer-grade technology, with the Librie EBR-1000EP marking the first commercial e-ink device in 2004 and the PRS-500 becoming the inaugural mainstream U.S. model in 2006, thereby establishing the viability of dedicated e-readers for everyday use. By championing the standard through its 2009 store conversion, Sony influenced broader industry adoption of open formats, reducing fragmentation and encouraging publishers to distribute content more widely. This competitive pressure inspired rivals, including Barnes & Noble's launch of the Nook in 2009, which adopted similar displays and touch interfaces while integrating retailer-specific features to challenge Sony's market position. Sony's contributions helped propel the e-book sector from negligible in 2007 to approximately 23% of U.S. unit sales by mid-2014, fostering innovation in digital reading and expanding consumer options beyond print. However, the company's 2014 decision to discontinue the line and integrate its with Kobo accelerated Amazon's dominance, as fewer alternatives remained to counter Kindle's proprietary and wireless features. Post-discontinuation, a dedicated community has sustained interest through modifications and software tweaks, preserving functionality for older models via open-source tools shared on enthusiast platforms. This legacy underscores Sony's role in democratizing e-reading, even as its exit shifted the landscape toward consolidated players.

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