Sony upgrades e-reader series to rival Amazon's Kindle

Sony ups its efforts to trump Amazon's Kindle, launches upgraded versions of its three readers.

Rumors suggested that Sony has tweaked its entire range of readers -- Pocket, Touch and Daily edition.  All three models sport E Ink Pearl displays which are used in Amazon Kindle and Kindle DX.

Also the models have trimmed and flaunted slimmer profiles. In the upgrade, the smaller 5-inch Pocket Edition goes from PRS-300 to PRS-350 and the Touch Edition goes from PRS-600 to PRS-650. These models will retail for $179.99 and $229.99 and are available now. While the larger Daily edition which features a 7-inch screen along with built-in WiFi and 3G wireless from AT&T, will list for about $299.99 and will hit stores later.

The primary upgrade is in optical touchscreen that doesn't blur the E Ink panel but improves the responsiveness of turning pages.

However, the caveat is that Pocket edition and touch edition come without a WiFi which is now available on all Kindle and Nook models. Also its pricing is higher than basic WiFi models arrayed by Kindle and Nook, each costing below $150.

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The new Reader Daily Edition which is due to arrive will have built-in memory of 4GB and offers increased battery life up to 27 days with the wireless turned off. That's very close to the new Kindle's rated battery life of 30 days and will have a wider 7-inch screen, weighing around 8.99 ounces.

Here is a comparison of Sony Readers PRS-350 and PRS-650 with Kindle 3 and Nook: