Friday, September 25, 2009

Another E-Reader

Netherlands-based IREX Technologies recently announced its plans to introduce a new e-reader device into an already-crowded marketplace. The IREX version is a $399 3G wireless stylus-touchscreen e-book reader with a 8.1” screen, placing the device squarely in competition with the Amazon Kindle and Sony’s just announced wireless e-reader, Daily Edition. Future IREX devices will include a true finger-tip touchscreen and a full-color e-ink touchscreen. Happily, the new IREX device will be compatible with most file formats (as contrasted with the Kindle, which only works with a proprietary format). In a detailed article, Publishers Weekly includes a statement by IREX’s CEO in support of open platform devices: “consumers should be able to buy books from any retailing source and use their books on different devices.” I agree.

2 comments:

Zibilee said...

I am still up in the air as to whether or not I will ever get an e-reader, but it does help a bit to compare the functionality and specs between the various models to try to get a better idea of what I would look for if I did decide to go that route. I really like the way this one looks, and I like that it supports open platforms. Very cool post.

Meytal Radzinski said...

I like that this one has wireless internet (as opposed to using cellular networks) but I'm suspicious in regards to the size (that's one giant eReader) and the stylus-only touch screen. Sure, the future editions (color, finger flip) sound good, but wireless alone isn't enough. Not yet, at least...