Move over Kindle…there’s a new reader in town. Plastic Logic has presented a demonstration of their new eReader product at the DEMOfall 08 technology conference. As yet unpriced, it is expected to debut in the first half of 2009. What’s different about this reader?
It is aimed at the business market, featuring a full-size touch-screen that will more easily adapt to business-type reading. It’s also only several ounces in weight, and made almost completely from plastics that are much more environmentally friendly than the silicon-based readers that are now on the market. It is 8 1/2 by 11 in size, and no thicker than a pad of paper. It can connect wirelessly or through cable, and hold thousands of documents. Battery life is measured in days rather than hours, and durability is increased because there is no glass involved. Cambridge University’s groundbreaking research into high-resolution transistor arrays on flexible plastic substrates is the backbone of how the new reader works.
It can support an array of file types, including business and office documents as well as traditionally-published electronic resources. But here’s the kicker: it is designed specifically for magazine and newspaper reading!
I was not impressed with the Kindle because of its size and weight and tether to Amazon. The Plastic Logic reader is definitely something I could be impressed with, and maybe spend a few dollars on.