Sony eBook Library User Reviews
-
"Awsome help."
Version: Sony eBook Library 3.0
Pros
Awsome help.
Cons
Awsome help.
-
"older version of this software"
Version: Sony eBook Library 3.0
Pros
older version works better (2.5)
Cons
new version doesn't allow automatic formatting of ebook making the reader do it when opening the book.
Summary
http://hotfile.com/dl/130285962/6db4bac/Sony_Reader_Library_2.5.01.10170.exe.html
or
http://www.fileserve.com/file/ZRXyWbh/Sony_Reader_Library_2.5.01.10170.exe -
"Do not recommend. In fact: I recommend near any other."
Version: Sony eBook Library 3.0
Pros
Allows access to Sony Store, which has free ebooks.
Cons
Does not allow editing of ebooks or their metadata, requires authorization of the Reader, horrendous tech support, insists on starting when Reader is connected and syncing... generally useless and annoying.
Summary
The program is very limiting. In fact, it seems more meant to make you move as Sony wants you to than anything else.
The program can only be used for viewing files, adding/removing them from the Reader and using the Sony Store. It does not allow any type of editing, so if it's swapped the author and title on a file there's nothing you can do. It opens automatically when you connect the Reader. I couldn't get it _not_ to, in fact. It is very sync-happy, which can cause untold grief in keeping track of just what it's doing.
The Sony Store is the only draw of this program, but it's just not worth it.
1: The Sony Store requires an account and the 'authorization' of your Reader. Doing this means it will work _only_ with that account. Connecting the reader to another account causes any books you bought with the first to lock up, rendering them useless. This is true even of the free downloads.
2: Downloads are notoriously unreliable. I only bought one book and attempted to download some others that were free. Not a single one worked. The download wouldn't even start. Rather, it downloaded a link that was meant to lead to a download of the actual file (presumably) but got stuck and couldn't advance.
If you use it only for access to the considerable free ebook library, it may be worth a shot. But I wouldn't recommend spending any money on it: I couldn't get a download or refund on the book I paid for. Tech support was extremely unhelpful. They were either determined that all fault lay with me, or seemingly inept. I was transfered more times than I can count and wasted the better part of a day trying to get them to give me my download.
The Sony Reader works just as well (or better!) with other programs like Calibre. I recommend staying the HELL away from the Sony Library; it's more trouble than it's worth. (Not that that's a high bar to reach.) -
"Horrible program!!! Would not recommend."
Version: Sony eBook Library 3.0
Pros
It looks nice?
Cons
Everything
Starts syncing, but is doing nothing
Will not transfer files
Only have had it for one day and it's already not workingSummary
This is ridiculous. Do not download it!! To many problems!!
-
"It would not launch."
Version: Sony eBook Library 3.0
Pros
nothing at all
Cons
It does not launch. Downloaded and installed several times w/o its opening up.
-
"A skilled HS student could design better software"
Version: Sony eBook Library 3.0
Pros
The Sony reader is an excellent piece of hardware.
Cons
The library software is useless.
Support is nonexistent.Summary
Reader software provides very few options, is not intuitive, and runs at a snail's pace. Content is hidden (perhaps this is to protect it from me.)
I have books that had downloaded in the past. where are the files? who knows? I can't get access, and can only find two of them.
Try to download a new book. wait....wait....check status..."failed" WHY? HOW? WHAT NEXT?
Support is only available from the bookstore, and that's not really support - just a predetermined FAQ. "How was this response?" It cannot be a response without my having asked a question!
So I have a very nice piece of hardware that is a nice paperweight.
...Bought my mother a kindle for Mother's Day. -
"Worst Software EVER"
Version: Sony eBook Library 3.0
Pros
NONE - the software is a disaster
Cons
Locks up, doesn't provide logical interface, slow, user unfriendly, need I say more???
Summary
I have never used a more horrible piece of software. I bought the Sony Reader 600 for my elderly mother who was sick and in the hospital. I purchased the Sony Reader because it was available at a local store, and I set up the library on my laptop. I wish I had waited one day for a Kindle to arrive instead. The Reader is a wonderful device, but the library is a nightmare. I've already logged about 5 hours on the phone with their foreign tech support trying to troubleshoot issues. In one case, the library software allowed me to purchase books without having first "logged in". The concept of logging in is strange because the software greeted me with a welcome using my first name and didn't object when I purchased 5 books. The act of loading them onto the device caused the account to be locked out and my mom was left stranded in the hospital with no reading material! How hard is it to require that the user log in before purchasing a book? It allowed me to purchase 5 books without logging in and then locked the account so that I couldn't use it after the 6th purchase. It even put a lock on the books already in the Reader!!! What kind of security is that?
So now that mom is home from the hospital, I tried to load the library software on her desktop so that she can manage her own book purchases. Should be simple, right? Just download the software, install it, connect the existing account and authorize the new computer. Yeah . . . it still isn't working on her desktop. We have to use the laptop. Tech support had me do a soft reset of the device which caused the battery to completely discharge and the device was not usable until doing another soft after charging it overnight. Then while I was buying books and loading them onto the Reader, apparently the user isn't supposed to connect the device while purchasing the books. The download stalled, and now I'm unable to find a button or link that would allow me to download the books that I've purchased.
I would NEVER buy a Sony Reader again until they get the software right. It's a shame because the device is easy to use, and my mom loves it. She would never be able to figure out the issues that I've dealt with so far. I'm sure she would have returned the Reader to the store if she had to mess with the library herself.
Shame on you, Sony!!! -
"new software does not work with snow leapard!"
Version: Sony eBook Library 3.0
Pros
works on other platforms. chat is available and trys to be helpful.
Cons
4th call was to tecj support who tried hard but eventually said softwaare not consistently workable with 10.6.1 wait for update!???
Summary
good product but software should warn purchasers about 10.6.1 incompatibility
-
"doesn't work well, too expensive"
Version: Sony eBook Library 3.0
Pros
Ummm...cant think of any. Seems like Amazon and Barnes and Noble are way ahead in the tech game here.
Cons
runs slowly, books too expensive, slow to connect to Reader, doesn't allow download
Summary
I really don't like the Sony eBook Library and regret my Sony Touch Reader purchase because of it. The library is slow to recognize connection to my Reader. I find the books overpriced. Why pay $10.50 for one "book" when I can have a physical copy in my hand purchased used for 1 cent (plus shipping) on Amazon.com. Tonight I tried purchasing a book on Sony eBook Library only to be told I had no internet connection (obviously I do). I gave up after three or four attempts. I sure wish I had waited a bit longer. The new Barnes and Noble Nook sure looks more appealing.
-
"Terrible Software"
Version: Sony eBook Library 3.0
Pros
There are no pros about this software as far as I can tell.
Cons
Released too early without adequate testing. Crashes when Sony Reader connected, does not allow new Sony Reader Touch PRS-600 to be authorised so preventing eBooks purchased from eBook store being transferred to reader.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
You must be 13 years of age or older to submit personal information to CNET Networks. In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, CNET Networks does not accept name and e-mail address information from users who are under 13 years of age.
All submitted ratings and written comments become the sole property of CNET Networks, Inc. (CNET) and may be used at CNET Networks' sole discretion. Ratings and written comments are generally posted within two to four business days in batch groups, not in real time. However, CNET Networks reserves the right to remove or refuse to post any submission for any reason. You acknowledge that you, not CNET Networks, are responsible for the contents of your submission.
CNET Networks is not responsible for the content of the publisher's descriptions or user reviews on this site. We encourage you to determine whether this product or your intended use is legal. We do not encourage or condone the use of any software in violation of applicable laws. CNET Download.com does not sell, resell, or license any of the products listed on the site. We cannot be held liable for issues that arise from the download or use of these products.
