Sony Reads the Future?

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Mobile Learning is, as already mentioned in my earlier entry, fast becoming the talking point everywhere I turn. Whilst I talked about the iPod and N800 Intenet Tablet being key to mLearning, these tools/gadgets are best (in fact only) of use for browsing the Internet. What if you want to do your research and reading with you? What if you want to store your own papers, as well as other digital books, eBooks, eJournals, etc, etc? what then?

The iPod is not good enough for this (the screen is too small and compatability between file formats is an issue). Nokia’s Internet Tablet range (N800 & N810, as well as more recent N-series phones) are good but lack the screen size or compatibility to be really useful. Enter Sony’s new Reader.

Whilst trying to find any information that would be useful for an academic or a student is nigh-on impossible, there are plenty of reviews available on whether it’s better to a standard paper novel (yes, it does come preloaded with a Mills & Boon classic). On the whole, it is quite good.

Looking at it as a tool for mobile learning, it is far better offering. Being able to take reports, research, eBooks, eJournals, papers, etc with you in one handy package (instead of the ubiqitous piles of papers that flutter everywhere). A simple USB connection to the PC and your PC manages your Library. You can

  • Organise your Library with ‘collections’ so it is easy to locate (I based mine on subject areas) the books.
  • Bookmark pages in books for future reference.
  • Load podcasts for easy listening on the train whilst reading a report?
  • Load PDF as well as RTF & text files (PDF of PowerPoint as well).
  • Images (JPG & BMP) supported.
  • Amazingly good quality paper-like appearance to the screen (not backlit, but very usable in both dim and very bright conditions).
  • Expandable memory slots (SD card x 2).
  • Clear & intuitive design.

The Sony is a good example of the future of mLearning, but it is up against some stiff competition, notably the Amazon Kindle, iRex iLiad and the ‘new’ Sony PRS700 Reader (touch screen).

PS. Just don’t leave it on the train.