Sony Offers Reader Trade-In, Adds ePub to PRS-500
Sony’s old PRS-500 eBook reader gains a new trick with the addition of ePub format support, says MobileRead. Oh, but it’s quite a trick to get the support. While one would expect this to be a simple firmware update, it isn’t. Well, it’s either that or it’s a way for you to get a new model — you be the judge. To get ePub support, you’ll need to send in your PRS-500 to a Sony Service Center. Sony will “update the firmware” — so it is just a firmware update, yes? — and return your reader to you within 14 days. Plan B is to trade up. Sony will give you $50 off of the $199 Reader Pocket Edition or $75 off the $299 Reader Touch Edition if you trade in your older device. Both of the newer models already support ePub, so you gain the new format as well as a newer device if you go the trade-in route. Don’t wait too long to decide — Sony is migrating its eBook platform and store to ePub before the end of the year.
Early adopters of the PRS-500 might be on the fence here, but if it were me and I had the money, I’d probably take advantage of the upgrade for a little cost savings. The newer devices have a faster refresh rate, 8-level grey scale and, in the case of the Touch Edition, offers a touchscreen display. Nice to see Sony give a little something to the first Reader customers.
What happens if I don’t update my PRS-500?
Without this firmware update, starting in mid-December 2009, PRS-500 owners will not be able to transfer new content from The eBook Store from Sony to their device
What are my options?
- Sony’s first option is to provide PRS-500 owners with a no-cost opportunity to update their Reader. See details below.
- Sony also realizes that you may be considering one of our new Reader Pocket Edition™ or Reader Touch Edition™ devices (both models are compatible with the new eBook Store format). Therefore, we are giving PRS-500 owners the option to trade in their device when purchasing one of these new models to receive a discount. See details below.
