How to get a Sony Reader for $149.99 shipped

My two cents on e-book readers like the Sony Reader: awesome technology, overpriced hardware. I just can't see paying $299 for one. But $149? Now we're in the ballpark.

If you don't mind applying for a Sony Visa card, that's exactly the deal you can get. Here's how:

First, apply online for the credit card, which promises instant approval (assuming you have decent credit, natch). Sony's offering a $150 credit when you purchase something priced at $299 or higher--like, oh, the Sony Reader. Add one to your shopping cart at SonyStyle (in your choice of spiffy colors), then pay for it with your new "card" (you're allowed to make one purchase before the actual card arrives in the mail).

Obviously, a $150 credit isn't the same thing as a discount (you're still $299 out-of-pocket). But you can easily use that credit for gas, groceries, or whatever. The bigger question is whether the Sony Reader is the right e-book gizmo for you. (Reading CNET's review may help you decide.)

Much as I'm a huge fan of e-books, I prefer to read them on my iPod touch--a pocket-size device I'm already carrying anyway. What do you think? Is $149 a low enough price to get you to pull the trigger on a Sony Reader? Personally, I'd like to see it hit $99.

[karpenterskids]

Niiiiiiice. :)

[Zoobie]

I bought one about 3 months ago when there was a $60 deal. Oh well, I love the reader.

[rickbroida]

$60?!? Why didn't you clue us in?? ;)

[SonyRO]

You could do that... or get a PS3 for $249.99...hmm...

[carpathia16]

I agree. The Ipod Touch is the way to go. I have it with me all the time anyway so why add another gadget?

[rlgardner]

I like to copy & paste articles to my HTML composer (Seamonkey in Windows and Kompozer in Linux) and to then read them in my browser (especially at times I don't have internet access). Do any of these readers allow one to read HTML files or do they all just read company-produced files?

[karen184902]

Thanks for posting this! The deal is not quite as sweet now ($100 back instead of $150), but it was still enough to get me over the hump and order a 505. I've been trolling eBay for a few days, and this is a better deal than I've seen there. Thanks!