We were hoping to review the Sony Reader PRS-T2 a few weeks back, but we couldn't get our hands on a review sample. Now that we have one, the new eReader is up against some stiff competition from rivals - namely the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Glo - both of which have backlit displays.
FRONT COVER
The new Reader certainly doesn't suffer in terms of appearance, our review model may be a rather sombre black but it's also available in white and red. The soft finish plastic shell is pleasing to the touch, but we found it picked up and showed greasy fingerprints very easily. It's thin and light though, weighing just 164g (compared to 213g for an Amazon Paperwhite), though both are around the same size.
There are no audio capabilities on the PRS-T2, and we've never found eBook storage to be a problem on eReaders, as we simply use ours to read novels, and don't feel the need to carry every book ever written around with us. If you do like to carry a reference library with you, though, then the new Reader is highly suitable. It has 2GB of built-in memory and the option to expand on that hugely via a micro SD card slot.
As with the current Kindle range the power button is on the bottom beside the micro USB port. It makes it a bit awkward to get to, but then you're unlikely to hit accidentally either. The five silver buttons beneath the screen are icon-shaped and therefore obvious in their functions. The sheer fact they're there is unusual though, as most design have eschewed all but a single button in preference of touch screen controls. We like the buttons though, as you don't have to remember which corner of the screen you need to tap to get up a menu.
Of course, as with the majority of eReaders now, input is largely done through the touchscreen. Swishing your finger across the screen turns the page - or you can use the left and right arrows button below if you prefer, though these are only easy to reach if holding the device left-handed. Swiping for page turns is reliable anyway, so it's not a big deal. Page turns are rapid, but not quite as quick as the newest Kindles.
The screen itself is the same 800x600 E Ink Pearl display we've seen on numerous readers, it's still a great display for reading, but it's no longer the best. The Paperwhite's display is the same size and uses the same technology but has a higher 1,024x768 resolution, in addition the backlight actually improves readability, even in well-lit conditions.
