Seven years ago I walked into the local computer store and on a whim bought the Franklin Rocket eReader to keep me company. Over the next three years I used that e-reader almost every day until the thing crapped out while charging during a thunderstorm. When Sony introduced the Sony PRS-500 in 2006, I was immediately intrigued by this e-reader that was smaller in size, could hold more text, and display high-quality images, among other things. Sony (finally!) sent me a unit for review, and I've been playing with it for the last couple of weeks. Take the jump to see if my tech lust was fulfilled, or if I got a cold shower.

Like e-readers before it, the PRS-500 is roughly the size of a paperback book, but unlike other contenders, it's really light. Weighing a mere 9 ounces, this half-inch-thick device isn't going to weigh down your backpack or briefcase as you travel. Even though my old eReader doesn't work, for some reason I still have it around, and holding it side by side with Sony's makes the Franklin Rocket seem like a brick compared to the featherlight PRS-500.

With 64 MB of onboard memory, there's enough space to hold about 80 traditional e-books, but if you need more, Sony thought ahead by including a slot for Memory Sticks or SD cards. Think about that — when was the last time you were able to carry 80 books in your backpack without collapsing under the weight? This is what makes e-readers so valuable: lots of content in a small form factor.

I was really interested in checking out the various Manga titles available from companies like TokyoPop and Harlequin Enterprises. Unfortunately, because these books are image-heavy, the file size for a single tome can balloon to well over 40 MB, making the internal memory tight for other titles. Regardless, I was very impressed with the end result.

Using E Ink technology, the Sony Reader is able to produce crisp black-and-white images and lines (along with four scales of gray), which make e-books as easy to read as printed material. For those of us getting a bit long in the tooth, there are even controls to change the size of the text to accommodate poor eyesight.

Turning pages is as easy as pushing one of three buttons that are located in places where your thumb comes to rest naturally when holding a paperback. Because E Ink requires a little time to discharge and recharge the particles, there's a slight pause when going from one page to the next. At first I thought this was going to be a huge disadvantage, but the delay is only about a second — about as long as turning a regular page in a book.

The thing that makes E Ink technology worthwhile is the low power consumption. The Sony Reader's lithium-ion rechargeable battery can last for 7,500 continuous page turns without needing a charge. That's enough to read all the Harry Potter books in a row and still have power left over for several more.

There are a few problems with the Reader that are going to plague it until version 2.0. First, everything is still black-and-white. With Sony's claim of being able to transfer PDFs, e-magazines, websites, and more to the PRS-500, a color display is needed to fully use them. National Geographic in black-and-white just doesn't cut it. When E Ink releases a color display, I'm sure Sony will add this feature.

The final drawback is getting accustomed to the technology. Reading an e-book is not the same as reading a paperback. While you can return to the last page you were reading, you can't highlight passages for quick reference later. Printed pages generally don't glare (unless printed on glossy paper), but even with the high-contrast display, any bright light (sun, office, table lamp) behind the user will make the screen unreadable.

As far as e-readers go, the Sony PRS-500 ranks among the best. The ability to increase storage with memory cards, long battery life and E Ink technology make running out and buying one tempting. However, the lack of color and the sticker price of $300 give me pause. A price drop of $100 would convince me, but in its current form I have to pass. As soon as Sony adds color and a highlighting option, the Reader will be a must-have device. — Stephen Schleicher