Sony PRS-700 Quick Setup Guide

PRS-700.US.4-120-383-11(1)

Thank you for purchasing this Sony Portable Reader System PRS-700.

Read through this Quick Start Guide to prepare the Reader for use. 

Once initial preparation is complete, you can transfer content from your 

computer to the Reader to take it anywhere you wish.

Customer registration

It is recommended that you perform customer registration by 

registering your contact information, which enables Sony to send you 

information regarding technical support, software updates, etc.



5

©2008 Sony Corporation  Printed in China

4-120-383-

11(1)

Portable Reader System

About the serial number

The serial number provided for this unit is required for customer registration. The 
number is on a label on the back of the unit. Do not remove the label.

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the back of the unit. Record them in the 
space provided below. Refer to these numbers in the spaces whenever you call upon 
your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No.  ___________________________
Serial No.  ___________________________

Note on use

• Replacement or repair of a broken or scratched touch panel is not covered by the 

warranty. 

• Do not drop or submit the Reader to excessive shock.
• Do not poke people using the supplied stylus.
• Do not treat or use the supplied stylus roughly by bending it, or scratching the touch 

panel with it.

• Use the supplied stylus only for the operation on the touch panel.
• Do not use a damaged or deformed stylus.

On Copyrights

The contents of each book pre-installed on this product are copyrighted works, edited 
with the cooperation of the publisher and editor hereto mentioned.
Copyright laws prohibit copying the data of this product or the contents of this manual 
(illustrations, related documents, etc.) in whole or in part without the permission of the 
copyright holder. Additionally, use of the data of this product or the contents of this 
manual is not allowed without Sony’s permission except for personal use.

• SONY and the SONY logo are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.
• BBeB, BBeB Book, and their logos are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
• “Memory Stick”, “Memory Stick Duo”, “Memory Stick PRO”, and their logos are 

trademarks of Sony Corporation.

• Bitstream is a registered trademark, and Dutch, Font Fusion, and Swiss are 

trademarks, of Bitstream Inc.

• Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and Windows Media are trademarks or registered 

trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and / or other countries.

• Adobe, the Adobe logo, Reader and PDF are either registered trademarks or 

trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other 
countries.

• MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology and patents licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and 

Thomson.

All other system names and product names appearing in this document are generally 
the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective manufacturers. Further, the 
trademark ™ and registered trademark ® symbols are not indicated throughout this 
document.

Program ©2008 Sony Corporation
Documentation ©2008 Sony Corporation

Read to learn about advanced features

Included with the Reader is this Quick Start Guide and the User’s 

Guide. Additionally, after installing the supplied eBook Library, you can 

refer to the Help within eBook Library.

User’s Guide

Contains instructions for advanced features of the Reader and 

troubleshooting information.

 Browsing the User’s Guide on your computer

The PDF file of the User’s Guide is 

provided on the supplied CD-ROM.

Click the Start menu at the bottom 

left of the Desktop, then select “All 

Programs” – “Reader” – “PRS-700 

User’s Guide” to start Adobe Reader 

and open the User’s Guide.

For details on how to use Adobe 

Reader, refer to Adobe Reader Help.

• To view the User’s Guide, 

Adobe Reader or Acrobat 

needs to be installed. 

Adobe Reader can be 

downloaded by selecting 

“Get Adobe® Reader®” 

on the launcher.

eBook Library Help

Provides detailed information about using eBook Library and the 

Reader.

Click “Help” − “eBook Library 
Help.”

Support

If you encounter an issue, try the following.

• If you cannot install eBook Library

Refer to “When installation is not successful – Q&A” in this Quick Start 

Guide.

• For other issues

Refer to the “Troubleshooting” section in the User’s Guide.

If the issue persists

Visit the support site.

For customers in the USA: http://www.sony.com/readersupport

For customers in Canada: http://www.sony.ca/ElectronicsSupport/

If the issue still persists

Contact Sony Support.

For customers in the USA: 

Phone number: 1-866-962-7669

For customers in Canada: 

Phone number: 1-877-899-7669

For details, refer to “Troubleshooting” in the User’s Guide.

Importing eBooks from “The eBook

Store from Sony” to eBook Library

You can purchase (download) eBooks from the online eBook 

Store from Sony to your computer.

• The following explains how to import/transfer/read eBooks. For 

details on other content formats supported by the Reader, refer to 

the User’s Guide included on the CD-ROM.

• To purchase (download) eBooks, you need to prepare an Internet-

accessible environment on your computer.



Slide POWER switch.

USB cable

To USB Connector

• When you connect the Reader to your computer with eBook 

Library started, the date and time of the Reader is automatically 

synchronized with your computer clock.





The eBook Store page appears.



Reader and your computer.
Authorization is required only on the first visit to the eBooks 

Store from Sony.



(download) eBooks.
Downloaded eBooks are automatically imported to “Library” 

in the Source view of eBook Library.

Library

Downloaded  
content

Source view

• eBooks can be read in eBook Library using your computer. For 

more information about using eBook Library, refer to the eBook 

Library Help.

6

Transferring eBooks from your

computer to the Reader



“Reader” appears in the Source view of eBook Library.



The View area is switched to the List view and all the content 

in Library is listed.

List view

Library

• When you click “Books,” “Audio” or “Pictures” in the Source 

view, only their respective content types are displayed.

• When you click   (Thumbnail view), content can be displayed 

as thumbnails.



To select multiple content, click the content while holding 

down the Ctrl key.



The content is transferred to the Reader.

Reader

• Do not disconnect the USB cable from the Reader while data is 

being transferred.

• Safely disconnects the Reader from your computer once all 

transfer activity has been completed. Before you disconnect the 

Reader, click   (Eject) button, and then disconnect from the 

computer.

• Do not leave the Reader connected for extended periods to a 

notebook computer that is not connected to AC power, because 

the Reader may drain the computer’s battery.

• If the computer enters a power saving mode, such as the system 

suspend, sleep or hibernation while the Reader is connected to the 

computer directly, the Reader battery will not be charged. Instead, 

the Reader will continue to draw power from its battery, discharging it.

• To transfer eBooks to a memory card on the Reader, insert the 

memory card in the Reader, then follow the above steps (except 

drag and drop the content on “Memory Stick on Reader/SD Card 

on Reader” in step 4). For details, refer to “Transferring content via 

a memory card” in the User’s Guide.

• With a memory card slot on your computer or a memory card 

reader, you can also transfer content directly to the memory card 

and then insert it in the Reader.

  If a memory card is inserted in your computer or a memory card 

reader, the memory card icon appears in the Source view. Follow 

the above steps (except drag and drop the content on “Memory 

Stick on PC/SD Card on PC” in step 4) to transfer to a memory card.

• When inserting the memory card into the Reader, it may take time 

for the Reader to recognize the content files in the memory card if 

the capacity of the content files stored on the memory card is large.

• You can also purchase and transfer Adobe DRM protected content 

using Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 or later.

  For details about usage or support, refer to the Adobe information 

page at the following web site: 

  http://www.adobe.com/go/digitaleditions_us 

7

Operating the Touch Panel

On the touch panel, you can perform various functions by using 

your finger or the supplied stylus.

Tapping

By tapping on the touch panel, you can select an item on the 

menu or list, etc.

Double-tapping

By tapping twice (double-tap) on the touch panel, you can create 

bookmarks, select a word on a Book page to search in the 

Search menu, etc.

Dragging

By dragging on the touch panel, you can turn a page, drag a 

magnified page in Zoom mode or select a word to highlight.

• You can reverse the direction of dragging in the Settings menu. For 

details, refer  to “Changing Settings” in the User’s Guide.

Dragging and Holding

By holding on the touch panel after dragging, you can turn 

pages repeatedly.

8

Charging

First, charge the Reader battery, as battery power may not be 

sufficient immediately after purchase.



When you turn on the Reader for the first time after purchase, 

the touch panel calibration screen appears. Follow the on-

screen instructions and complete the calibration process.



Connect the Reader to your computer using the supplied USB 

cable. The indicator lights up red while charging, and goes off 

when charging is complete.

USB cable

To USB connector

Charge indicator

Slide POWER switch

• When you connect the Reader to your computer, 

• If the remaining battery power of a connected notebook computer 

is low, charging via USB connection may not be possible.

• If you connect the Reader to a notebook computer which is not 

connected to an AC outlet, the battery of the notebook computer will be 

drained. Do not leave the Reader connected to a notebook computer 

which is not connected to an AC outlet for an extended period.

• The Reader can also be charged by connecting to an AC outlet 

using the AC Adaptor for Reader (AC-S5220E) (optional).

For longer battery life

• After 60 minutes of inactivity, the Reader enters sleep mode 

• After 5 days of inactivity, the Reader automatically 

To shutdown the Reader manually

• Slide the POWER switch and hold it for more than 3 

• Use “Device Shutdown” in the Settings menu. For details, 

Checking the package contents

The Reader comes installed with a built-in rechargeable battery.
• Reader (with Soft cover and 

Stylus) (1)

• USB cable (1)

• CD-ROM (1)

- eBook Library software

- User’s Guide

• Quick Start Guide (this 

manual) (1)

• Flyers

• Memory slot protective 

inserts (2)

1

• This CD-ROM will not play in an audio CD player.

3

Installing eBook Library



Log on using an account with administrator privileges and 

connect to the Internet with your computer.



The launcher appears and prompts you to configure your 

settings.



The Install Wizard screen appears. Follow the on-screen 

instructions to install.

Subsequently, install the User’s Guide as well by selecting 

“Install PRS-700 User’s Guide” on the launcher.

If the installation is not successful, refer to “When installation is 

not successful – Q&A” on this Quick Start Guide.
To start eBook Library



Double-click the eBook Library icon (

• You can also start eBook Library by clicking the Start menu and 

then selecting “All Programs” – “Reader” – “eBook Library.”

4

Downloaded eBooks

Content (book/audio/
picture files, etc.)

*

1

 Online eBook store

*

2

 Content that you already have can also be transferred.

  For details on content type compatible with the Reader, 

refer to the User’s Guide.

Import eBooks from an online eBook store, or 

from your computer.

Read this manual for initial preparation.

• Charge the Reader.
• Install eBook Library on your computer.

Getting Started

Importing

Reading/Playing/Viewing

Transfer content from your computer to the 

Reader using eBook Library.

Enjoy content on the Reader.

Transferring

*1

*2

Reading eBooks on the Reader

 (Back)

OPTION

< 

/

 > (Page Turn)

HOME

 (Size)

SEARCH

Index bar



The Book list appears.

There is an index bar on the right side of 

the list, in which books are sorted 

alphabetically. If your desired book is 

not displayed in the list, tap the initial 

letter of the book.

• If you want to continue reading from the 

last displayed page, tap   (Continue 

Reading) in the Home menu.



The cover page of the book appears.

If you have read the book before, the 

last displayed page of the book 

appears.



To return to the previous page, drag the 

opposite direction or press the <   

(Page Turn) button.

To close the book

Press the   (Back) button.

To return to the Home menu

Press the HOME button.

9

System requirements

The following are requirements to use eBook Library.

OS
Microsoft 

Windows Vista

Windows Vista Home Basic

Windows Vista Home Premium

Windows Vista Business

Windows Vista Ultimate

Microsoft 

Windows XP

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

Windows XP Professional

Windows XP Media Center Edition

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

CPU

800 MHz Celeron class processor or better

RAM

128 MB or more (minimum 512 MB for Windows Vista)

Free space on 

hard disc

20 MB or more

Depending on the content amount, more space may 

be required.

Monitor

High Color or more, 1024 × 768 pixels or more (True 

Color, 1280 × 1024 pixels, or more recommended)

Other devices CD-ROM drive, USB port, pointing device such as 

mouse or track pad

• Internet connection (broadband recommended, some fees may apply) is 

also required on your computer.

• This software is not supported by the following environments:

-  An operating system other than those included above
-  Personally built computer or operating system
-  Upgraded manufacturer-installed operating system
-  Multi-boot environment
-  Multi-monitor environment
-  Macintosh

When installation is not successful - Q&A

Q1 Does your computer meet system requirements?

A1 Check that your computer meets the system requirements listed above.

Q2 Were you logged on as an “Administrator,” did you close all running 

software programs before beginning the installation?
A2 Log on as “Administrator.”
 

Close all running software programs, including background programs such as 
virus-protection software.

Q3 The set-up program does not start automatically.

A3 If the set-up program does not start automatically when you insert the CD-ROM, 

click “Start” on the Windows taskbar, click “My Computer,” and then double-click 
the optical disc drive icon to start the program.

Q4 Is the progress bar in the installation window moving, and the access 

lamp of the CD drive flashing?
A4 When the bar is moving and the lamp is flashing, the installation is still in 

progress. Please wait for the installation to finish.

If the solutions listed here do not resolve the issue, refer to “Support” in 

this Quick Start Guide.

• For the latest information on eBook Library and to download any software 

updates, visit the Web site:

  For customers in the USA: http://www.sony.com/readersupport

  For customers in Canada: http://www.sony.ca/ElectronicsSupport/
About sample data

The Reader is pre-installed with sample data.

If you delete the sample data, you cannot restore it, and nor will be 

supplied with any replacement data.

Guide to Parts and Controls

Rear

Front

  OPTION button

Displays the Option menu.

   (Size) button

Displays the Size menu.

  SEARCH button

Displays the Search menu.

  HOME button

Displays the Home menu.

  Touch panel

The touch panel gives you simple access to the various 

functions on the Reader.

  Stylus

The supplied stylus enables you to perform precise 

operations such as highlighting, on the touch panel.

Removing the supplied stylus

The supplied stylus is stored on the right side of the Reader. Pull 

it out from the top when you use it.

 When you put the supplied stylus back into the holder, make sure 

to insert it fully to the bottom of the holder.

  SD Memory Card slot

Used to insert a SD Memory Card (optional).

  “Memory Stick Duo” slot

Used to insert a “Memory Stick Duo” Memory Card (optional).

  POWER switch

Switches on/off the Reader.

  Indicator

Lights up in red while charging, and goes off when charging 

is complete.

Flashes orange while the Reader is accessing your computer 

via USB.

Also flashes in orange while switching the Reader on or off.

  Holes for soft cover attachment
  <   /   > (Page Turn) buttons

You can also turn pages using the touch panel.

 

Returns to the previous menu.

  Hole for hand strap

Used to attach the hand strap (optional).

 

Switches on/off the built-in light.

  DC IN jack

Used to connect the AC Adaptor for Reader (AC-S5220E) 

(optional).

  USB connector

Used to connect the USB cable (supplied).

   (Headphones) jack

Used to connect headphones (optional).

  VOL –/+ button
  RESET button

Resets the Reader if no operation is possible.

2

Using the Advanced Features

The Reader has various advanced features to enhance its 

usability. You can use them from the menus displayed by pressing 

the SEARCH button, the   (Size) button or the OPTION button.

• Search menu: The Search menu enables you to find a book or a 

keyword.

• Size menu: The Size menu enables you to adjust text size, and 

zoom in/out a Book page.

• Option menu: The Option menu enables you to create Notes, jump 

to a page, etc.

Adjusting the text size

You can adjust the text size to enhance the readability from the 

Size menu. In the Size menu, tap the desired size icon.

Book page in “S” size

Size icons

                     

Book page in “L” size

Size indicator

Annotating a book

You can annotate a book by creating a bookmark, a highlight or 

a comment.

To create a bookmark or a highlight, use the tool bar, which can 

be displayed by tapping “Create/Edit Notes” in the Option menu.

To create a comment, use the Comment editor, which can be 

displayed by tapping a bookmark or a highlighted word.

Tool bar

Comment editor

Input screen

On-screen 
keyboard

 (Highlight)

Highlighted 
word

For more details about the advanced features, refer to the User’s 

Guide.

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