An Amazon Tablet?

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, eReader News & Updates

The net is buzzing with rumors about a touchscreen tablet computer from Amazon with a full color LCD screen, set to take on Apple’s iPad in 2011 (just in time for the Christmas season, no doubt!).

We’ve learned that Amazon recently placed orders with Quanta Computer, and reportedly plans to partner with E-Ink Holdings for the upcoming touchscreen tablet, as reported Tuesday by Taiwanese industry publication DigiTimes. This new Amazon device is expected to have an LCD touch panel display with fringe field switching technology.

Forecasted to begin shipping in the second half of 2011, with the initial order pegged at between 700,000 and 800,000, the device would be a huge departure from the current Amazon Kindle, which offers a month-long battery life, but displays in black and white.

While the Kindle still has strong sales, it is reported that Amazon has had trouble finding success in markets outside of North America and Europe.

According to our sources, Amazon will reduce the Kindle’s price to increase demand within the education and consumer market, while the new tablet PC will leverage its software and content to take on the Motorola Xoom, the Microcruz, and the iPad 2.

Amazon recently reduced the price of the basic Kindle with a new ad-supported model that sells for $114. The device comes with a $25 discount in exchange for unobtrusive ads being displayed on the bottom of the home screen and screensaver.

Tags: , , , , ,

What’s the Difference Between an E Ink Screen and an LCD Screen?

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble nook, eReader News & Updates, eReader Questions

Amazon KindleE Ink screens, like those used on the Amazon Kindle/KindleDX provide a clear, sharp image with no backlighting, unlike the LCD screen, which works similar to your LCD television or your laptop screen.  LCD screens use backlighting, which can result in glare, the inability to see in bright sunlight, and that annoying sideways blindness that you find with your laptop.  The result can be a distraction from the true function of your eReader…enjoying a good read!   So, if you’re a true book-lover, the E Ink screen found on the Kindle DX is probably your best bet in an eReader.

Of course, for those of you who prefer the digital LCD screen, the Nookcolor uses the most state of the art LCD imaging, and is about as good as you’ll get for this type of digital reader. 

Really, it’s a matter of preference!  And, you do have some great choices.

Tags: , , ,

The Pocket Edge

by: admin - Filed under: eReader News & Updates

Pocket eDGeAs is expected, dozens of eReaders will be launching over the next few weeks, in advance of the busy Christmas shopping season.  Today, we learned that Entourage is preparing to release a pocket-sized version of its eDGe eReader/tablet. 

Like the original eDGe, the Pocked eDGe will be a combination dual screen e-Ink reader/ LCD touchscreen netbook.  However, the size, 6″ e-Ink screen on the left and a 7″ color LCD on the right, will make the pocket eDGe far more manageable than the original. 

It will still run the Android OS, and there’ll even be a 3G edition of the Pocket eDGe for Verizon, as well as a separate, WI-FI only edition.  Other features mentioned include a USB port, camera, micro SD card slot, and non-removable battery. 

For more details, visit http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/09/entourage-pocket-edge/#ixzz10TMrZcbD

Tags: , , ,

New eReaders Flooding the Market this Fall!

by: admin - Filed under: eReader News & Updates, eReaders, Other eReaders

Expect to have your choice of eReaders this fall, just in time for the Christmas shopping season! 

Here’s just a little of what’s coming soon:

Sony Reader

  • Sony is expected to introduce two new Sony Reader models in the near future.
  •   
  • The Sony PRS-350, a 5″ device, will replace the Reader Pocket edition.
  • The Sony PRS-650, a 6″ device, will replace the Reader Touch edition

Copia

DMC Worldwide has announced that its $99 Copia e-reader will go on sale this fall.  The device features a color LCD display, 5″ screen, 2GB internal storage, and will integrate with social networking sites, such as Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads, where you’ll be able to show off what you’re reading, and discuss your favorite books with your friends.

New Pocketbook eReaders

Pocketbook, an eReader manufacturer headquartered in Kiev, Ukraine and Overland Park, Kansas, will launch five new devices that will be available in the U.S. market in October (pricing will be announced September 3 at IFA in Berlin).  The units will be available online, and the company is working to distribute its products via Ingram Micro.  On-board bookstore access will be provided via Bookland.net.

  • The Pocketbooknew ereaders 602 Pro features a 6″ screen, WiFi & Bluetooth connectivity, 2 GB of storage, and is powered by Linux.
  • The Pocketbook 902 Pro features a 9.7″ screen, WiFi & Bluetooth connectivity, 2 GB of storage, and is powered by Linux.
  • The Pocketbook 603 Pro features a 6″ screen, WiFi, Bluetooth, and 3G connectivity, 2 GB of storage, is powered by Linux, and has an e-ink Pearl display, and touchscreen overlay (with a stylus).
  • The Pocketbook 903 Pro features a 9.7″ screen, WiFi, Bluetooth, and 3G connectivity, 2 GB of storage, is powered by Linux, and has an e-ink Pearl display, and touchscreen overlay (with a stylus).
  • Finally, the Pocketbook IQ model will be Android 2.0 based, feature a 7″ color TFT touchscreen, 2GB of internal storage, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

According to early reports, the Pocketbook IQ can be used as a multifunction device, for activities like e-mail. 

Literati

The Next Wave of E-Readers: Flood of New Models Coming SoonLiterati by The Sharper Image actually fits more into the tablet category, and features a 7″ full color LCD display, WiFi connectivity, and access to the Kobo bookstore.

The unit comes in black and white, sells for $159 and is due out in October.

Tags: , , ,

Libre – The $120 eReader

by: admin - Filed under: eReader News & Updates

LibreBorders is now taking orders for the Libre eReader, a new five inch monochrome LCD eReader.  Originally announced back in late summer 2009, the Libre comes in black only at the $119.99 price, and lacks some of the features of Amazon’s Kindle or Barnes & Noble’s nook, but will be a competitor nonetheless.  The Libre will ship on July 2.

The device measures 6″ x 4″ x 0.35″ and weighs 7.6 ounces. Internal memory is 256MB and the device supports microSD cards up to 32GB. Other features include an integrated battery good for 24 hours per charge.

Note:  The Libre eReader is also available from Amazon.com!

Tags: , , , , , ,