Sony PRS-950SC Daily Edition Reader (Silver)

I've owned a kindle and a Sony PRS900 before owning this machine, and I can very honestly say that this is the best e-reader I've ever had in my hands. It really does everything I want it to do, and as a graduate student who reads both for work and fun, I need it to do alot!First, let me comment on the screen. It is not only much aesthetically improved over the Sony PRS900 (which had a glare and not a great contrast between background and type), but it is better than the kindle in terms of contrast as well. And, of course, the kindle does not have a touch screen, which for a student is a drawback (but I'll get to that).Next, not that it REALLY matters, but this is the lightest ereader I think I've ever had the pleasure of holding. I didn't think that would be a big deal, but when you read for extended periods, it is nicer to hold something light (but substantive). Much lighter, in fact, than the other 7-inch-screened PRS900 and nook color (not to mention the heavy and awkward ipad).But the real thing that separates this machine from the others, at least to this graduate student, is the fact that the pdf reading experience is a good as can be expected on a 7 inch screen. Yes, the kindle and nook can read pdfs, but this allows me to TAKE NOTES on my pdfs - actually write on them with the stylus! And I can zoom in on my pdfs (locking the zoom so that subsequent pages are zoomed also), and move the pdf with a drag of the finger. (For those interested, the 'search' and 'dictionary' features also work on many pdfs).Now, for the few negatives. Sony still hasn't really improved their bookstore experience, and I have to imagine that a kindle can purchase a book via 3G in about half the time it would take this Sony. The wi-fi is okay, but is a bit slower than I'd like to see, and anyone who really wants to browse the net may want to get the nook color. Lastly, the machine takes a while to 'load up' between turning the device on and entering the 'menu' screen, unlike the PRS900, which took you to the menu screen almost directly after pressing the 'on' button. (The kindle has the same problem, though.)So, if you can muster up the comparatively lofty sum for this device, I would highly recommend it. Sony puts out a high quality e-reader, one that this reviewer thinks is qualitatively better than both the kindle and the nook. The design is simpler and more intuitive, and I think this machine is more versatile, especially if you are a student who values the ability to read and "interact" with pdf and other files.

Sony PRS-950 Daily Edition Reader SilverThis e reader was bought by me as a present for a friend. It had to be returned because it was faulty and the screen kept flickering. Not the best of things to happen with a present.

Not bad but it stopped working after a few months.

If you need a PDF e-reader more so than e-book reader, this is certainly NOT the device to buy. Despite what SONY claims it does not do a good job with PDFs. I know it because I tried it. I copied several PDF files to my SD card and went to the nearest Best Buy store. I was surprised to see that the PRS-950 was unable to open 4 of these PDF files. It gave "invalid page" error. Of the other 4 PDF files that the PRS-950 opened, two of them did not reflow. Since the screen size is only 7" diagonally you cannot read the text without zooming or increasing the font size. Contrary to what SONY claims these PDF files got neither zoomed nor its font size got bigger. There were also problems with the last two PDF files that were opened and reflowed by the PRS-950. When I increased the font size I saw that sentences were broken. One part of the sentence was in one line, the other part of the sentence fell from that line to somewhere else. It was not unreadable. But that is it. Not unreadable rather than readable. I used margin cuts, two columns etc..nope. It wasn't good enough to purchase.I know people want to buy a product because of emotional reasons. People are optimistic hoping that the product will be very useful. They disregard conflicting information for that reason. But do not. Do what I do. Copy a dozen of PDF files and go to a Best Buy, try and see it with your own eyes. You will see what I saw: IT DOES NOT WORK WELL ENOUGH. My best advice to myself and to you: Wait when a regular paper size (for PDF paper size) e-reader is released. If you want to read PDF files that you can store read annotate take notes, it has to be an electronic ink technology and large enough to not require zooming, panning. My friend, wait, be patient. The PDF reader you want has not been released yet (I'm waiting for the one ASUS will release)

I bought this reader because of its advanced functionalities for reading pdf documents (multi-columns, etc) other readers seldom have.But :- The cut borders functionalities miss some tuning capabilities.- When you use the zoom functionality, you cannot turn pages !- The browser is to bad : it does not benefit from ebooks reading functionalities : zoom, font size, columns (especially to skip ads side columns).Globally, I am satisfied, but the product needs firmware updates. Unfortunatly, the last one was on December 2010. It seems that Sony is more concerned by selling new models than satisfying old (1 year ?!) customers. What is not acceptable for the price. Other brands seems to have better support.Hey Sony, you cannot expect your customers to buy your new models every year ! So please respect us and provide support and upgrades at least for the life time of your products. Otherwise, next time, you won't be in the race for our choice.

One of my favorite purchases.

Item was as advertised and arrived when expected.