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New e-reader from Sony, PRS-950SC model is a unique solution for reading electronic texts. It features rare 7 inches widescreen display with 600×1024 px resolution that features high-end Optical touch screen technology. This new touch method doesn’t affect the image display, making it clear and sharp regardless of touch control layer. Compared with PRS-650 model, PRS-950SC was added with Wi-Fi and 3G support. The screen was increased in length, but not in width, especially for two-column mode. New generation of E-Ink Pearl is used for the screen, providing whiter background and sharper texts compared with previous E-Ink generation. Let’s turn to more detailed overview of design and functionality.

Design

The front side panel is made of silver aluminion, the top, bottom and right sides are finished with dark metal stripe. The back panel is made of silver mate plastic. Body parts are joined tightly, they do not ‘play’. The quality of assembly is impressive, that is typical for Sony gadgets.

Bottom edge features Wi-Fi switch, Reset button, micro USB slot, audio jack for earphones and volume controls. Switch slider, SIM-card and memory cards slots together with microphone are located on the top edge. Top and bottom corners of the right side feature special openings for fixing the cover that should be purchased additionally, as there is no cover in default package. Stylus is fixed at the top right corner of the body. It is used for painting and making handwritten notes. The hardware control keys are the same as in PRS-350 and PRS-650 models: turn pages button, power, font and options.

The look of PRS-950 Daily Edition Reader is very elegant. The device is comfortable for one-hand use, due to its elongated shape. The designers did their best to make this device look expensive and ergonomic.

Performance

When the reader is attached to a PC by USB, the system recognizes it as two logic disks: one is for the internal memory where user can upload books and the second one is for software for installing Sony eBook Library that helps to organize the reader’s book collection and buy books at online store.

The home screen contains the link to the book that is currently read, library with the last three books used icons. Below them there are links to periodicals, collections and notebook. In collections there are three default items – unread books, unread periodicals and purchased books. At the bottom of the screen you will find three other inlays – store, applications and settings.

When entering the library, user will see the covers of twelve books. At the top right corner there is a sorting menu. You can sort books by date, title, author, file name and last read. If to press settings button, a settings menu will pop up, offering different options like sort books, add to collection, delete books, etc. Everything looks clear and comfortable in use. The only shortcoming is that the type of book files is not displayed, so user doesn’t know what format he deals with.

Reading

In the native Sony book format, LRF, users are able to change the file size choosing one of six available variants. There is no ability to change the file type. The available sizes are enough for all needs. Text looks clear and it is very comfortable to read it. If the screen displays only a part of the page, special scrolling icons appear, a user can move the page in all directions.

What differs PRS-950 model from two previous is two-page reading mode. It makes reading very similar to pocketbook, displaying texts in double-page spread. In LRF format there are very small borders between two pages, while in EPUB format everything seems fine. Small borders make reading little uncomfortable. When user makes a bookmark, an icon appears at the top right corner. It has a form of bent page angle. At any time user can turn back to the place where he left a bookmark by pressing this icon.

User is able to make notes with the help of virtual keyboard or in a handwriting mode. Page orientation is changed manually, as there is no G-sensor in the device. This is an advantage, as sometimes G-sensor cause discomfort, automatically turning the screen when reading on the move or in a transport. Here you can change screen orientation only by your wish.

Turning pages is made by hardware buttons or with the help of finger touch. Just slide with your finger in any direction of the screen to turn pages back or forward. The touchscreen has good sensitivity and perfectly responses on touches. It is comfortable to hold a reader in the right hand and turn the pages with the help of the thumb.

Applications

The applications include image viewer, painter and dictionaries. In painter user can create freehand notes. Usually it is used as a game for fun. The screen reacts at stylus moves with about a second delay that is not convenient.

The dictionary by default is New Oxford American Dictionary. There are other eleven dictionaries in the pack, including French, German, Italian, Spanish and others. You can set required dictionary in settings menu. User is able to install new dictionaries if needed. When reading text you can look for a word translation directly in the book by pressing on this word with your finger. The dictionary will automatically display its meaning or translation.

Store

Sony PRS-950SC Daily Edition Reader features Wi-Fi and 3G support and has access to Sony Reader Store that sells books and periodicals. You can register in the Store right from the reader. The Store itself is optimized for the reader, so it is very convenient to surf through its catalogue.

General Impressions

The elongated screen of Sony PRS-950SC Daily Edition Reader will be definitely appraised by readers who like reading books with big font size or in double-page mode. 7 in screen is ideally comfortable for reading PDF files. The access to store and big choice of books can satisfy any demand. Access to Internet via Wi-Fi or 3G connection makes this reader suitable for web browsing that is also a big advantage now.