The Sony Reader uses the Sony eBook Library store (only available in the US and Canada). It was one of the first competitors for the Amazon Kindle, even though it was released before the Kindle. Like other e-readers, the Sony Reader has gone through a few iterations but is notable for being the first e-book reader with an electronic paper display back in 2004 (in Japan).
DRM
On the Sony Reader, books are sold DRM-free in ePub format, however, the purchases can be only tied to six devices, one of which has to be a computer running Windows or Mac OS X. eBooks purchased this way also can't be shared to others devices and accounts, but you can register five separate Sony Reader devices to one account. Public libraries do support downloading some of their collections through the Sony-branded e-reader.
The Sony Reader supports reading PDF files, ePub files, RSS feeds, JPEGs, and Sony's own format BBeB. It can also play MP3 and unencrypted AAC audio files. Files in TXT, RTF, or DOC formats can also be read .
The device can also be used to workaround DRM by supporting third-party software like Calibre to convert files from non-compatible formats into ePub. Only recently has Sony developed an app for iPhone and Android users so users can read their Sony Reader purchases on their smartphones.
Marketshare
The most recent survey shows the Sony Reader holding onto 5 percent of the e-reader market, in spite of being the first e-reader. There aren't any hard numbers on actual books sold via the Sony Reader, although a spokesperson from a British bookseller estimates the bookstore has sold its one-millionth title this year.
Conclusion/Review
In the Sony Reader, you have an e-reader where DRM is almost officially not an issue. Sony announced at the end of 2009 they would only sell books in ePub, but the device reads all formats, with a little help from converting tools like Calibre. The odd choice is the registration of devices to one account if you want to lend a book to a friend, especially when Sony brags about its compatibility with library databases (remember those places where you got books for free?).
With the development of the Reader app coming soon, Sony is at least trying to open up its library of titles to other devices and increase its sales.
