How to Buy eBooks on Sony PRS-T2: A Step-by-Step Guide

The latest articles about the Sony PRS-T2 here on CME.AT have almost exclusively focused on rooting the device. This topic is more for tinkerers and advanced users. However, basic questions often arise, such as how to actually buy eBooks on the PRS-T2. After a year-long delay, the Sony Reader Store is still not online. Nevertheless, Sony has made arrangements in partnership with bookstores so that you can comfortably purchase eBooks directly on the PRS-T2 despite the missing store.

The most important partner has now emerged to be Libri or eBook.de, where the Sony PRS-T2 is currently available for only 99 euros. On the reader’s home screen, there is a link called “More Shops” which includes a link to a mobile version of eBook.de. It may sound a bit complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. The following instructions show you step-by-step how to buy eBooks on the Sony PRS-T2. Steps 1-7 are only necessary for the initial setup. Once that is done, you can purchase and download eBooks with a simple click.

1) Before working with the eBook Reader, set up a customer account at eBook.de on your PC—unless you have already done so when ordering the device.

2) Once this is done, set up a payment method for instant purchasing. This can be managed under “My eBook.de -> Personal Settings -> Instant Purchase Settings.” Here you can choose between credit card billing and direct debit (only within Germany).

3) Before proceeding, you need the Adobe Digital Editions software. You can download it here.

4) After installing the software on your PC, set up an account. Use the same email address as in your eBook.de account.

5) Now, the Sony PRS-T2 needs to be authorized for Adobe DRM. There are two ways to do this:

a) Install the Sony software on your PC and connect the eBook Reader via USB. On the PRS-T2, select “Yes” for connecting to the PC, and it will be automatically authorized. It’s best to check to ensure it worked. Under “Edit -> Settings” there is an option called “Deauthorize.” If you see the option “Deauthorize the connected device,” then it’s all set.

b) The second method of authorization happens directly on the device. For this, connect to your home Wi-Fi. Tap “More Shops” on the PRS-T2 home screen (Fig. 4), which opens a window (Fig. 5). Through the “Enter” button, enter the login details of the Adobe account you set up earlier (Fig. 6).

6) Now all the preparations for purchasing eBooks are complete. All that’s left is finding the eBooks. By tapping “More Shops” (Fig. 4), the internet browser opens and a page with three different links appears (requires home network Wi-Fi connection). Click on “eBook.de – previously Libri.de” (Fig. 7).

7) You’ll land on the homepage of the eBook.de shop (Fig. 8). In the upper right corner, there is a “Login” option. In the input mask that opens, enter the login details you used during registration (Fig. 9).

8) Once logged in, search for the desired eBook. You can do this by browsing the various categories or using the search function. When you find the right eBook, click on the title to see a short excerpt and some additional information like DRM, format, price, author, etc. (Fig. 10) Pro tip: When browsing, you can use the page buttons to jump by one screen at a time.

9) If you want to buy the eBook, click “Buy Now.” A black box will appear displaying the eBook price and the chosen payment method (see point 2). Tapping “Buy” completes the transaction and you purchase the eBook (Fig. 11).

10) A new window will open with a message saying “Your download is being requested…”. Wait briefly until you’re back on the eBook detail page. A new window (“Your download is ready”) allows you to start the download. Click “Download Now” to proceed (Fig. 12).

11) That’s it. The book will be downloaded and automatically appear in the book list on the Sony PRS-T2. For your next purchase at eBook.de, simply open the “More Shops” link and then the link to “eBook.de”.

The eBook store isn’t directly integrated, but purchasing eBooks is not much more complicated than with the competition. Plus, you also have the option of using other eBook stores. At 99 euros, the Sony PRS-T2 is certainly one of the best and most affordable all-rounders you can currently buy.