Sony has revealed its latest ebook reader, it is now in the third generation and is codenamed PRS-700. This one is small and light-weight, only 283 grams and the size of a paperback book.

The digital book reader has the usual touchscreen functions that in this case are similar to the iPhone, which means that to flip a page you only need to slide your finger across the screen. The screen size can be considered good, 6-inches with zoom in and zoom out features. In terms of text size there are 5 options you can pick.

Extra features include support for memory cards – SD and Memory Stick Duo, a built-in LED light, and the option to create notes.

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A new brand of ebook reader came out recently — the jetBook e-book reader. Released by ECTACO, this ebook reader has a built-in MP3 player for some audiobook listening if you don’t want to or can’t scroll through the digital pages of an ebook. Equipped with a 5-inch screen, jetBook comes preloaded with translating dictionaries so you can look up foreign words on the go. Moreover, you can also load it with pics. Although jetBook is packed with features, I believe it’s facing tough competition. At US$349.95, I think jetBook will find it a bit hard to convince buyers to purchase one of its product rather than the Amazon Kindle, but then again, it all depends on one’s tastes.

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Sony has unveiled its new PRS-505 reader that features a svelte body design and is available in two colors – silver and dark blue.

A next-generation electronic paper display delivers faster response and a higher contrast ratio for easy reading even in bright sunshine. Eight levels of gray scale provide for crisp and clear text, images, and graphics.

With the capacity to store up to 160 typical eBooks, the Reader can act as a mobile library. Expansion slots for Memory Stick Duo media or SD memory cards make the device’s library potential practically limitless.

More advanced users will appreciate the new USB-based mass storage capability that allows them to use the device as a portable drive for the direct transfer of documents, images and other files to the Reader. A new auto sync feature also lets users set up folders with books and documents that can be automatically synchronized when the device is connected to a PC.

The new Reader will retail for about $300 and come complete with a USB cable; eBook Library PC companion software; and a color-coordinated, protective soft cover.

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