Fun Rumor Department—nothing more: Wireless e-reader from Sony in August?
OK, gang, do your Sonyology act, and try to guess what Sony may actually be doing in the e-book area—a timely topic, even without an enticing rumor wafting around.
The following has just appeared in MobileRead from Kindle 2 owner named forkyfork—who insists his source was “very confident”:
Pardon me if this is known information, but I thought I would pass it along.
While talking with the manager at Books-a-Million, he told me that Sony is coming out with a new ereader in August. He mentioned that it’s going to have wifi, bigger screen, and more memory. When I asked him if it would have a touchscreen, he said "no". When asked what the price point would be, he said "most likely $300", which might explain why they are trying to clear out the PRS-505’s now.
Does anyone know any more about this? I thought these were all rumors at this point. If that’s the case, I may wait on buying the older sony reader.
All kinds of issues arise here. As some have pointed out, would a bookstore manager be privy to such insidery information? Still, Amazon has such momentum in the content area—in the sheer number of modern, copyrighted titles—that Sony badly needs a catch-up strategy. Could this be it—to match the Kindle’s price and offer a bigger screen in the bargain? And is there any connection between this and the current lack of availability of the Sony PRS-700 in some places?
Meanwhile, just as a formality—I’ll keep my expectations down—I’ll contact Sony PR.
Update, 5:41 p.m.: From a Sony spokesperson: “Sorry, David. Nothing to report. I’ll keep you posted, though.” Hmm. Nothing existing to report, or nothing that she’s allowed to report? Whatever the case, we’ll report it if/when it happens.
July 29th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Wi-Fi connectivity sounds like a no-brainer. I just hope they don’t try to emulate the Kindle too closely. I rely on my main PC to keep my PRS-505 fed, not some kind of lame U.S.-only wireless mumbo-jumbo. (I’m in Canada)
July 29th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I linked to you guys today. I really, really hope this comes true.
http://gredunza.ning.com/forum/topics/news-links-discussions-for-11
July 29th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
David,
Yup, I do the Kreminology thing. And I began suspecting a new Sony model when:
1. My local BJ’s Wholesale Warehouse didn’t restock the 505 after my son bought the last one there.
2. Borders put the 505 on sale for members for $199.00 this summer. I upgraded from the 500 through that offer (and said to family, “wanna bet there’s a new model soon?” Prior experience: The 505 came out three weeks after I found the 500 on sale in late ‘08.)
3. Borders has had the 700 on sale for months now.
3. And reports of the 700 disappearing.
I’m convinced Sony tries to flush out old product through sales and resists restocking when they’re readying for a new model.
Will I buy a new model? Not quickly. But I will stay with Sony because I’ve had such a good experience so far. They’re earned my loyalty.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Sony PR person–just now: “Sorry David, nothing to report…” See item for full comment and my follow-up observation.
I’ve added her remarks to the above item and subtracted a few typos–mine
Thanks, everyone! Keep guessing. It’s a fun and harmless game in this case.
David