This was posted 14 years 1 month 8 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Sony eReader (PRS-650) for $230.25 Including $6 Delivery from A&R [Code N/A to eReader anymore]

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Sony eReader (PRS-650) for $230.25 Including $6 Delivery from A&R [Code N/A to eReader anymore]Affiliate
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Ultraman on 14/10/2010 - 00:42 angusrobertson.com.au (6447 clicks)
Last edited 15/10/2010 - 11:30
AR-25OFF-111010
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Credit to Whirlpoollian Derrick Crane for this find
http://whrl.pl/RctX2Z

I paid full price of $299 a few weeks ago, but thought more Ozbargainers might be interested.. unsure of coupon expiry though I assume it is valid until end of October since I think it is for the "Great October Sale" or something like that (from memory when I did a dummy cart for the cover, and yes %25 off that makes the cover about $40 instead of $59).

IMO Sony touch screen E-INK e-readers crap all over other e-ink readers even the Nook, Kobo, and even dare I say the Kindle lol, which is why I was happy to pay full price. Now with this 25% discount, I'd say it is a bargain!

And Apple fanboys, please don't just jump in and say the iPad is a better e-reader cos it is not, unless you truly think reading a novel from a glossy reflective LCD screen for extended periods of time is a good thing, and not to mention the cost if all you want is an ereader, lol

Sony Touch Edition Reader

6.0" (15.2cm) reader with paper-like touch screen, audio playback and expandable memory.

  • Larger 6" screen allows more text on the screen, therefore turn pages less.
  • Slim & light (aluminium).
  • Clear touch screen.
  • 6 adjustable font sizes.
  • eInk technology - crystal clear paper-like display reads just like a real book, even in direct sunlight. The screen has no backlight or flicker so does not fatigue the eyes.
  • 12 built in dictionaries.
  • 2GB = holds up to 1,200 eBooks.
  • Memory stick & SD slots – can hold over 10,000 eBooks.
  • Audio Playback lets you plug in your headphones and listen to music as you read
  • 10,000 page turns – a 2 week battery life.
  • Wide file formats support including; ePub, pdf, txt, doc, jpeg, bmp, png
Electrical & Electronics eBook Reader Sony

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closed Comments

  • exe on 14/10/2010 - 00:49

    Thanks, didn't really need a e-reader but this is too good to miss. =D.

  • grips on 14/10/2010 - 01:07

    Be careful to select the version 6 and then enter the code and apply -> AUD 225.—

  • GreenGuava on 14/10/2010 - 01:24

    The code above also works for the 5-inch Sony Pocket Edition Reader (PRS350SC) for $176.75 shipped.

    Incidently, the thought of buying an ebook reader did not even occur to me before seeing this deal, but after looking up some info on the two models, I'm seriously tempted.

  • johnn on 14/10/2010 - 01:24
    +1

    Saw this at the shops and could swear it wasn't on! The e-ink really is extraordinary. Definitely better than reading off a glaring LCD screen. The Sony touch reader has a really nice design too.

    Would be a great gift to give someone (I'd buy it for myself but unfortunately that would detract from my time on OzBargain!)

    • Ultraman on 14/10/2010 - 11:16

      Lol @ (I’d buy it for myself but unfortunately that would detract from my time on OzBargain!)

      Yeah the e-ink + touchscreen combo is the best for reading. And the touchscreen keypad is as good as the iPhone or iPod Touch's.

  • GreenLego on 14/10/2010 - 01:34
    +8

    Why would you choose this over the Kindle when the Kindle is cheaper (~A$213 inc post) and the Kindle comes with free 3G internet access for life and more memory? I don't have neither the Sony nor the Kindle, so this is a genuine question.

    • bob19 on 14/10/2010 - 01:47

      Valid question. Anyone has any comments on this?
      EDIT: Found out that 6-inch Sony has a touch screen and audio playback when Kindle seems not to have these features.

    • Free Fall on 14/10/2010 - 01:49

      If you want touch screen, Epub support and an aluminum body then go for the Sony. But in terms of image quality, the Kindle is a far superior product.

    • Dbuiz on 14/10/2010 - 01:50
      +2

      Have been looking at e-Readers as well, Kindle does seem like a good deal especially with the strong currency. From comparing the two quickly, it seems the Sony e-reader has a touch-screen, is lighter and though it has less on-board memory, is expandable (SD cards are pretty cheap nowadays). You're also getting it locally rather than buying from overseas which is a plus.

      Am I missing anything major?

      But as you've mentioned, you could be getting free 3G for a similar price on a Kindle, I haven't played with their browser though, can anyone share on how useable it is on the Kindle?

      • jay9 on 14/10/2010 - 07:36

        I think a point that your missing is that the WiFi only Kindle is approx $170 all up shipped to Australia, and without a touch screen layer the screen is a tiny bit less glary.
        Thats why i chose to get a Kindle, because the price was too good to refuse
        And the longer battery life

        • covert on 14/10/2010 - 08:23

          I just ordered a 3G kindle a few days ago. Would still get the kindle even with this good offer.

          • jims009 on 14/10/2010 - 12:05
            +1

            @covert: I do reckon the kindle price is hard to go past. Both use the same screen so image quality is identical.
            There's no overlay for touch on the 650, it's got sensors around the edge instead, so the glare problem on the old 600 has been resolved.
            Build quality feels better in the hand but whether that's worth the extra money and loss of connectivity is subjective.

        • Ultraman on 14/10/2010 - 11:30
          +1

          Sony is ePub compatible and epub file format is kind of the industry standard for ebooks, so in this way Sony is better than Kindle.

          Not to mention the touch screen is just too sexy lol. You flick the pages to turn the page back and forth. Tap on a word to activate the dictionary. Use your finger or the stylus to highlight text and turn them into notes.

          If you use the iPod Touch like me (or iPhone lol) then I guess you know what I mean =)

          • shermozle on 14/10/2010 - 11:41
            -1

            @Ultraman: epub works fine on Kindle. Just email it to your Kindle.

            • mawinmawin on 14/10/2010 - 12:08

              @shermozle: It should be DRM free, so you cant use any purchased ones.

            • shermozle on 14/10/2010 - 12:45

              @shermozle: Actually I'm wrong on this. .mobi files just work. epub you'd need to convert.

            • sien on 14/10/2010 - 19:16

              @shermozle: You can just convert them with the open source multi-platform program Calibre.

              • sien on 14/10/2010 - 19:17

                @sien: With the Kindle 3 you can just copy the .mobi files onto your Kindle. It works very well.

        • Ultraman on 14/10/2010 - 11:35

          Battery life, how long does your Kindle last for?

          I find my sony is as advertised pretty much - 2 weeks or even more on standby if I happen not to read for a couple of days.

          • shermozle on 14/10/2010 - 11:42

            @Ultraman: Yeah you'll get 2 weeks on the Kindle 3 with the wireless on, more with the wireless off.

    • mrblu on 14/10/2010 - 01:51
      +1

      Not 100% sure but from what I've read is that this ebook reader has a touch screen where as the kindle does not.

    • ironworthy on 14/10/2010 - 02:07
      +2

      epub compatible!

    • ironworthy on 14/10/2010 - 02:08

      any diff between 5" and 6" other than size?

    • Livert on 14/10/2010 - 14:00

      I've had the Kindle 3 for a month now. Got it delivered from the US for approx. AU$180. Great device but wish it had the touchscreen like the Sony. Would probably have waited a bit longer if I had known of this deal earlier.

  • chuckie20 on 14/10/2010 - 02:55
    +6

    Great Find! I just bought the same Ereader the other day for the full price from the Sony World Center. They tried to talk me into buying a whole bunch of other stuff with it. After doing a whole load of research on Ereaders I was actually half half on whether to get the Kindle or the Sony. However, I ended up with the sony. The only department in which the Sony reader actually failed against the Kindle for me was the lack of Wifi. However, since I virtually am on the laptop daily I don't mind too much. If you get this I'd recommend using "Calibre" as a synchronisation software after you initially install and use Sony Reader. That way you can grab news feeds and sync them straight to your Reader. However, I'd recommend if you are really pumped and ecstatic to grab an Ereader RIGHT NOW, then this reader is pretty good. Otherwise I'd recommend waiting around a little longer till the Ebook market begins to become more competitive in Australia and we get even better ebook readers. I'd definitely recommend this over the Nook (Bookstore is USA only and has a critical flaw in design which results in a crack occuring near one of the buttons after a couple weeks use), Bebook Neo (Too expensive), Kobo (No wifi and also has a couple of issues to be worked out) & possibly the Kindle 3 (Although it does have wifi, it simply lacks a touch screen and is exclusive to the Amazon store).

    Moral of this extremely long comment: Great Find!

    • melmac77 on 14/10/2010 - 12:47

      I agree great find, I have ordered. For those that are going to wait a little longer or want something cheaper there is a new Kobo coming I believe it adds wifi and fixes some of its previous problems, I think it starts shipping in November.

  • bob19 on 14/10/2010 - 03:17

    After some research and reading the reviews (9.5 on CNET) I bought one! Touch screen, expandable storage, multiple formats and audio as well as Australian Warranty make Sony superior to Kindle. As about wi-fi or 3G - I use phones and computers for that. A$230 is a very good price (cheaper then in US) for this great product.

    jbk, Thank you for sharing this deal.

    You can read product reviews here:
    http://www.cnet.com.au/sony-reader-touch-edition-339305741.h…

    • Ultraman on 14/10/2010 - 11:37

      You're welcome! =)

  • Teddo on 14/10/2010 - 07:35

    this looks a great deal and reader. Suggested it for my lady. My iPad as an ereader doesn't really cut it and mainly due to it's weight.

  • Jitesh on 14/10/2010 - 08:19

    Bought one last night after catching the coupon on whirlpool. Hopefully it arrives by monday. Cant wait.

  • Black Hole on 14/10/2010 - 08:23

    Can we pick this up at the store? Does it only come in black?

    • Looch on 14/10/2010 - 08:32

      Yes you can. I saw it on display at the Melbourne CBD store last week. I queried the price and the salesperson told me it was $229.

      • Ultraman on 14/10/2010 - 11:40

        That's even better lol.

        Edit: Was that for the PRS-650 though? Thinking you may have gotten the PRS-550.

        • Looch on 15/10/2010 - 21:54

          Yes it was the PRS-650. I turned the unit over and noted the serial number. Also the unit was the same size as the old PRS-600 but without the screen glare.

    • blurn on 14/10/2010 - 12:04
      +1

      I just rang up 3 stores in my local area (i'm in nsw) and asked whether they sell these units and all 3 said they only have the kobo.

      Looks like you can only order online.

      Update: tried a 4th store and 4th times a charm. they had stock but they told me the price was 299. When I told them of the 25% off coupon, they said it was probably an online promotion as they weren't aware of it.

  • cuteseal on 14/10/2010 - 08:52
    +1

    I've got the new Wifi Kindle about a month back, and I must say that it's great although if this deal had been around I would be really tossing and turning between it and this one.

    The main differences with the Sony come down to touch screen, expandable storage and the ability to read epubs natively, shop from the B&N book store as well as the Sony book store. Also, it also supports lending of books from digital libraries.

    The Kindle has free 3G internet access (3g version), nice keyboard, really useable webkit based browser, and the biggest ebook range with better pricing as well compared to all the other ebook stores. Downsides are no touchscreen and you are locked into the Amazon store, although you can still load and convert your own books via Calibre.

    Amazon's support is really second to none. Since having it a month, I've contacted support for refunds, questions etc. multiple times and have had really quick and satisfactory responses. Also, my first Kindle had a slight creak at the top bit, and they sent out a replacement Kindle to Australia, all free of charge. The shipping from the US is really quick and takes 3-4 days.

    • GreenGuava on 14/10/2010 - 12:33
      +1

      The Kindle has free 3G internet access (3g version), nice keyboard, really useable webkit based browser

      So apart from accessing the Amazon Kindle store, the 3G access can also be used to browse the internet? If so that's a pretty nice feature given that the 3G is free!

      • henz on 14/10/2010 - 13:11

        I'm interested to know the answer for this too..

        • shawn_low on 14/10/2010 - 15:07

          YES, it can. But

          a) it's 'experimental' meaning that Amazon can yank it at anytime
          b) it's against the Terms and Conditions of Use but you can do it anyway.
          c) The 3G actually WORKS overseas. My mates has got access in places such as Bolivia and Brazil. Amazing.
          d) You can surf the net. Use mobile version of websites to make the browsing easier and faster. Bookmark those.

          The 3G kindle hammers this in terms of functionality, page load speeds and visibility. The Sony has a glossy screen that creates glare. The Kindle doesn't.

          Also, if you use the Kindle, download Calibre. It allows you to load books into the Kindle (not just Kindle DRM books).

          • melmac77 on 14/10/2010 - 15:11

            @shawn_low: The old model sony had glare problems this one does not

          • viviena on 14/10/2010 - 17:30

            @shawn_low:

            1. The Sonys lack wifi but have touchscreens. For some people, touchscreen functionality is better than the keyboards, especially when it comes to annotations and dictionary use.

            2. Page load speeds are about the same.

            3. Both have the new Pearl screens. As Melmac said, only the old models have the glare issues.

            The K3 is an awesome device in many ways, but lacking in a few others. Depending on what you want to do with your ereader, it doesn't 'hammer' the new Sonys at all.

  • mawinmawin on 14/10/2010 - 09:37
    +3

    Sony vs Kindle - Dont forget one more local advantage - libraries in australia offers e-books for free reading. You can use only Sony for that.

    • surm on 14/10/2010 - 10:01

      Do you mean to say every book in Australian libraries as free ebooks?
      Or, do they have limited number of eBooks and do we have to borrow an 'eBook' and return within the allocated period?

      • mawinmawin on 14/10/2010 - 10:23
        +5

        Most libraries (internationally) got DRM protected e-books (epub format). If you become member, you can borrow them like real books with some weeks expiry - download and transfer to sony (or other readers that supports epub - not kindle). Sony reader will stop when the dates expires (assume books are returned automatically) - the same title is available on library for other users.

        Check http://thehills.lib.overdrive.com for some idea. I dont have e-reader but i read this on my netbook with adobe digital editions (Sony's reader software is kind of overlay of Adobe Digital) but got links for free google books and purchase options.

        • surm on 14/10/2010 - 10:55

          Thanks mawin

        • henz on 14/10/2010 - 13:43

          How do I become a member of the library? There doesnt seem to be any registration form. Do I have to be physically in Sydney and register in the physical library?
          If so, any option for melbourne area? Can't find any from google.
          What about international libraries? Do we aussies have acccess to them?
          I'm trying to decide between kindle and sony, and wanting to gauge how significant DRM-EPUB-support is in practice.

          • mawinmawin on 14/10/2010 - 14:15

            @henz: This is for regular library members, so need to visit and signup at local library (most libraries accepts local residents only, but some accepts any australian address).

            Check first with your library website for info and also for digital books.

            • shawn_low on 14/10/2010 - 15:12

              @mawinmawin: I believe that Calibre (free software) can convert epub into Kindle formats and upload it to your Kindle.

              • henz on 14/10/2010 - 16:30

                @shawn_low: Only the non-DRM ones tho. Which is pretty much only books from 1923 or older.

  • warcom on 14/10/2010 - 09:43
    +1

    Woo! Was waiting for something like this to pop up. I've wanted an ebook reader for a while but have been waiting on a good deal. I'm pretty big on spending my money in Australia so I'm locking this in.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/10/2010 - 10:22

    Nice spotting, Silly question but does this read CHM (compiled help files) which some Technical manuals get published in?

  • Black Hole on 14/10/2010 - 11:25

    Can't resist.
    There is no discount at the store.

  • retiredfeline on 14/10/2010 - 11:53

    Thanks champ, ordered one. I like it that these things are very light compared to netbooks.

  • henz on 14/10/2010 - 13:09

    Can we actually browse the net using Kindle's free 3G? I heard outside US we can only use its free 3G to access Amazon-store only.

    • melmac77 on 14/10/2010 - 13:53
      +1

      Yes apparently we can, dont forget it's only basic and black and white http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1521671

      • wildstone on 14/10/2010 - 16:02

        How does the 3G works internationally? It roams to a carrier provider in the US?

        • CyberMurning on 14/10/2010 - 16:39

          your kindle will pickup any 3g network in countries that amazon has signed agreement with.
          for example, in australia it will pickup telstra and someone said optus, etc depending what is the strongest one available.
          no roaming. when u go to US it will pick one of the local.

      • henz on 14/10/2010 - 17:41
        +1

        It's looking like kindle definitely has the edge here. I mean… free 3G for life..!? Heck who cares about the ebook.. I have endless supply of reading on the net

  • Pigey on 14/10/2010 - 13:51

    Sorry, my comment has been unpublished because I referenced a ePub P2P site.

    Let me rephrase. Are ePub files generally protected?

    I would have thought they would have been, so why are there files of copyrighted works available online to download for free?

    • shawn_low on 14/10/2010 - 15:13

      There's alot of ePub files of books OUT of copyright. These are generally stuff you'll find on Google Books and in the iBook store.

      There are pirate sites distributing copyrighted material. Which is criminal of course.

      • Pigey on 14/10/2010 - 16:04

        Thanks for clearing that up.

        Ok, I'll stay away from those pirated sites then. It'd be no different to downloading music for free I guess.

  • surm on 14/10/2010 - 17:53

    Is 6" screen is enough to read PDF books (mostly text books on IT etc)?

  • undercut on 14/10/2010 - 17:59

    Hmmm…sent an email to A&R website asking whether the 25% off applies in store, n got this reply:

    The 25% off code is only available online unfortunately. It does not cover ebooks or ereading devices, either.

    Kind Regards
    Tristan

    Has anyone's order been shipped yet?

    • retiredfeline on 14/10/2010 - 18:11

      How can we tell at this point? I got an acknowledgement email saying it will ship. Ask me again next week and I'll tell you if I received it.

      AFAICT the code was accepted by their e-commerce site and I have paid the money, so the sale has gone through. If they dishonour the code then I will be complaining.

      • undercut on 14/10/2010 - 18:17

        they send another email once your order has been shipped

        • retiredfeline on 14/10/2010 - 18:18

          Ask me again in a day or two then.

  • kimmik on 14/10/2010 - 18:43

    i've followed ereaders loosely since the beginning, i dont think they're very mature yet and seeing a video of this one operate confirms that.

    they've become a lot faster, but still not at a point i'd consider very useful for things other than reading fiction.

    1. small screen size and relatively big bezel. i presume epaper is still expensive right now, so they couldn't use a larger display for a given sized chassis containing all the functional components at a comfortable size. the chassis have been shrinking each generation, along with the price.

    2. i'm more interested in an affordable 7-8" display with a much thinner bezel. i want it closer to a sheet of paper before considering it.

    3. atm the amount of text displayable per page is pretty poor. the kindle DX is good, but the size and price are barriers. 1024 or more resolution like the kindle dx,

    4. wireless connection in a portable device has been almost standard for years now…. why doesn't this sony have wifi??

    the price is great for what it is right now. but its still niche.

    • retiredfeline on 14/10/2010 - 18:49

      Of course they are still developing. But they suit some people right now. For you, just wait.

      For me I relish the idea of carrying travel guides and other reading material in a 200+g package. They make it possible to carry your whole holiday reading without weighing down your backpack.

      • kimmik on 14/10/2010 - 18:53

        yeah. its portable for sure, especially compared to paper books lol.

        i was going to edit to say:

        "most paperbacks are 8inch diagonal. thats about the comfortable size for extended reading. so i wouldn't be surprised is 8inch ereader with a higher res becomes the mainstream product in a year or two"

    • sien on 14/10/2010 - 19:48

      I have a Kindle 3 imported from the US.

      It's outstanding.

      The display at 6" is fine. I have read 100+ page pdfs on it. It works reasonably well. A little larger would allow pdfs to be read well. A 7-8" with a slightly higher res screen would be brilliant.

      The wifi is fine, even superfluous to be honest. Copying files over via USB works well enough.

      Price is more important, at $150 or less if you read a lot it's well worth having. If you read and travel it's perfect.

  • Ecstatic on 14/10/2010 - 19:51

    This is a great deal. I paid about $280 for one a month or so ago.

  • jk on 14/10/2010 - 21:55

    i love my kindle 3! for all of the reasons stated earlier.

    the free 3G is a fantastic bonus. I don't have a phone with web access, so this has been great if i want to check email, google maps, news, etc. its only $30 extra for this version, so well worth it.

    the service from amazon's been great, and it arrived so quickly!

    i'd love it if the music function (part of the experimental tools), allowed you to choose what tracks to play, rather than just play randomly from your music folder. But a small thing given i bought this for the fantastic e-reader capability.

    • CyberMurning on 14/10/2010 - 23:06

      google map works with kindle ??

  • billbro on 14/10/2010 - 23:43

    Argh can't decide between the Kindle 3 and this.

    • blurn on 14/10/2010 - 23:59
      +2

      For me, I decided the touch in the Sony was more important than the wifi in the Kindle. It's so much more convenient to tap the word then use a key to point to the word to find it's meaning. Also, co-worker showed me his Sony and the build quality is solid. I guess my view is a little one sided but I've never gone wrong with Sony products in the past.

      • covert on 15/10/2010 - 23:47

        If it had wifi you could look up the word on wikipedia too.

  • punk on 15/10/2010 - 07:28

    thanks for this!

  • ofey on 15/10/2010 - 09:49

    No question this is a great deal.

    But the lack of wifi compromises it. An ebook reader needs to have wifi no question.
    3G is probably going to be withdrawn by Amazon and is but a bonus. So enjoy it while it lasts.
    Surely the next kindle and Sony will be better. So unless you need to read now, don't buy… .

    • markis10 on 15/10/2010 - 10:02

      Readers and long battery life dont coexist with WiFi, which is why you are not going to see them anytime soon. People are still waiting for a decent WIFI voip handset that does not need charging every day!

      • warcom on 15/10/2010 - 10:08

        Agreed. Check out the Kindle 3 video of people trying to navigate the web on it. Looks like a pain.

        • CyberMurning on 15/10/2010 - 10:16

          its like accesssing the net on old nokia handset (no touchscr, for example the E72), or blackberry, minus colour

      • kimmik on 15/10/2010 - 12:44

        Didnt the kindle hace wifi right from the beginning? And still get a couple of weeks…

        • henz on 15/10/2010 - 13:16

          When they started introducing 3G, they stripped out the wifi. They reintroduced it again later on

    • henz on 15/10/2010 - 12:12

      I dunno about the free 3G being withdrawn. It has been around for over 3 years since the old-gen Kindle, and it's still there until today. In fact, they have spent quite an effort to improve their browser. Why would they do that if there are going to kill the browsing capability soon.

  • fault on 15/10/2010 - 10:08

    How do you get it at "$230.25 Including $6 Delivery"? The coupon doesn't seem to apply a discount for me… Has it expired already!? :(

  • CyberMurning on 15/10/2010 - 10:16
    +1

    someone at whirpool forum said the code now DOES NOT WORK with reader, still ok for cases…
    too bad.
    but hey, means you save $225 for your next buying.
    for me, i will go for ipad hehehe

    • henz on 15/10/2010 - 17:04

      Crap I debated in my head too much between this and kindle3.
      Finally I decided that size does matter to me. EBook reader is useless unless it can fit easily to your pocket. Even though kindle is probably just marginally bigger, no matter how good it is, if it's a hassle to carry in the pocket, you probably won't even use it. At least not for your day-to-day tram trip.
      Ah well it's too late now to get this bargain :(

  • newguy on 15/10/2010 - 12:33

    I'm keen to buy a kindle 3 wifi, which currently only priced at $168. What more do you want with such a price?

  • retiredfeline on 15/10/2010 - 12:42

    Ok, I see from comments that the code's no longer valid. Anybody know what happened? Did somebody discover a mistake in their ordering system? I hope that they honour the purchases that went through and that we got a bargain while it lasted, fingers crossed.

    • melmac77 on 15/10/2010 - 12:55

      I've got my shipping note so I reckon they are going to honour it, but I do beleive it was a mistake in there system as they do not usually allow the discount on ereaders.

  • billbro on 15/10/2010 - 13:57

    Damn, regret not ordering one yesterday.

  • imagine1437 on 15/10/2010 - 14:18

    Bought it yesterday morning and just received it. Super fast delivery! Thanks.

    • warcom on 15/10/2010 - 14:21

      Who did they ship with?

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