Sony Pocket PRS 300
Sony Pocket Reader PRS 300
It will come as no surprise from the name of the Sony Reader Pocket PRS-300 that it is the Sony ebook reader which is specifically designed to be carried in your pocket or handbag.
It is the ultimate in portable ebooks being significantly lighter than the average paperback at just 220g and being only 157mm by 107mm. This size still allows room for a respectable 5-inch display, so you won’t be straining to see the words on the PRS-300’s screen.
The screen is made using E Ink® VizplexT paper-like technology, which has no backlight or flicker so it is very easy on the eyes and means that prolonged use of the PRS 300 doesn’t become uncomfortable.
Sony Pocket Reader – Good for 350 Novels
Despite being pocket-sized, the PRS 300 still has a good amount of on-board memory (512MB), which can store up to 350 books. However, if you do have a particularly large collection, then you may find the lack of expandability a problem, as it does not feature any memory card slots.
The battery life is good, with an estimated lifespan of 6800 page turns, which is surely enough for most people’s use between charges. Charging time is 4 hours using the supplied USB cable to charge through a laptop or PC and just 2 hours if plugged into the mains (although the mains adaptor and car adapter are both optional extras).
The USB cable is also used to transfer ebook files from your computer to your PRS300. Ebook library software is included with the PRS-300, which makes both downloading ebook files and transferring them to the reader easy.
The file compatibility of the PRS 300 is excellent, as it can read many types of ebook files, such as EPUB (industry standard), PDF, Text, RTF, Word and BBeB.
Compare Prices – PRS300
| Store | Delivery | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | WH Smith PRS300R IN STOCK PRS300S IN STOCK | Free | £139.00 |  |
 | Waterstone's PRS300R IN STOCK PRS300S IN STOCK | £4.95 Courier | £149.00 | |
 | Dixons PRS300R IN STOCK PRS300S IN STOCK | Free | £149.99 £154.99 | |
 | Advanced mp3 Players | Free | £169.00 | |
 | Comet PRS300R IN STOCK PRS300S IN STOCK | Free | £159.99 £179.99 | |
 | John Lewis PRS300R OUT OF STOCK PRS300S IN STOCK | Free | £179.00 | |
Easy to Use Controls on the PRS 300 Reader
Although it lacks the touchscreen interface of the larger Sony Reader Touch PRS-600, this does not mean that navigation is difficult, as the button controls are intuitive and have clearly been devised with some forethought. Scrolling and turning the page are both easy, with fast-forwarding through the text also an option.
There are three adjustable font sizes, so you are likely to find one that makes reading comfortable for you. The device itself is stylish and has a front aluminium panel that you are able to choose the colour of, so you should be able to find one that matches your particular taste.
Supported File Types
The Sony PRS 300 is both PC and MAC compatible and connection to both platforms is via the supplied USB cable. Before downloading Ebooks to the Pocket Reader you will have to install the eBook Library Software set up an account with Ebook Store of your choice.
You can also upload to the PRS 300 from your computer the following files:
- Adobe PDF
- Microsoft Word
- TXT
- RTF
- BBeB Book
- EPUB eBook
Conclusion
Overall the main appeal of the PRS-300 will be its diminutive size, which makes it ideal for use on the move, as it can be easily slipped into a pocket or handbag. Fortunately, the specification of the device does not suffer too much due to its size, with a good amount of onboard memory and respectable battery life.
However, it does lack the additional memory capacity provided on some ebook readers through memory card slots, as well as the ability to play audio files. Many people will not find this a problem, but if you are looking for a device that has a wider array of functions the PRS-300 may not be for you. It is, simply put, an excellent, pocket-sized, ebook reader. It may not have a vast array of features, but it is very good value for money if you want a simple ebook reader.
The Sony PRS 300 Reader Pocket Edition is now in the stores and is available in either a silver or pink finish.
Product Codes
PRS300
PRS300S – Silver Case
PRS300R – Pink Case
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I am looking for a readily portable device which I can use as a reference tool. Such a device would display my own pdf files on a readable but compact screen directly from its own SD card slot. It would be light weight and robust enough not to get smashed if I use it in a crowded tube train. A foot pedal page turner would be useful too, (for my piano music).
SD cards have enormous storage capacity these days, they are readily available, inexpensive and compatible with PC’s, MAC’s PDA’s, cameras, printers etc etc etc…..Please don’t reinvent the wheel!
Unfortunately, I don’t see an SD card reader on the PRS 300, although otherwise it seems to be almost but not quite what I am looking for. I won’t be getting a PRS 300.
When they make a proper reference device, please let me know!