Well the competition is hotting up with the bespoke e-readers all issuing new models and dropping prices to catch the public’s attention.
Sony
They have launched new models :-
1.The PRS 350-Pocket edition with it’s 5 inch screen and no wi fi
2. The PRS 650- Touch edition with a touch screen but again no wifi
3. The PRS 950-Daily edition with a 7 inch display, wifi and 3 g
These are all thinner lighter and offering increased memory. Sony are claiming faster refresh rates and better e-ink.
The PRS950 was clearly launched as a response to the latest Kindle devices with the ability to download books directly to the device.
Amazon’s Kindle
The Kindle has been given a makeover with the removal of the numeric keys and a thinner lighter form factor. Price has been dropped significantly as I suspect manufacturers are realising that they may miss out on the market as many people will simply run reading software on their phones and not carry a separate device.Are e- reader’s under threat as an item is an interesting question.
Kobo
Borders are reducing the pricing of the Kobo
New competition- readers
Benq
A solar e-reader in 2010 now that could be interesting….so watch this space for more details as they emerge.
Acer
Proposing to launch an e-reader called Lumi reader in Germany. A smart device with wifi, 3 g and a 6 inch screen.
Tablets
Archos
Launching tablets that run on android and can be used to run reading software…convergence here we come.
Toshiba Folio
Running on android and with connectivity. Multitouch screen and does a lot more than just display books.
Samsung tab
Their new tablet offering that is currently getting impressive views as it is launched in Germany. It is designed to compete with the ipad and again running on android. 3g and wifi enabled with 16GB of onboard storage. However the screen size is bigger and you may look a little daft making a call on this one.
Viewsonic
A 10 inch screen and a dual boot option between Android and Windows 7.
So what are you tempted by most?
A dedicated e- reader with the easy on the eye e- ink or a tablet that you can use reading software on?
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