ASUS to launch 3G, WiMAX-equipped e-book readers by March, 2010?
By Donald Melanson 
posted Oct 29th 2009 2:02PM
posted Oct 29th 2009 2:02PM
We've already heard some talk that ASUS might possibly be launching an e-book reader before the end of the year that may or may not be the world's cheapest, and it looks like some unnamed execs at the company have now dropped a few more details on the matter. While it's all still far from official, CENS reports that ASUS' e-book reader could hit both American and European carriers by March, 2010, and that it'll include both 3G and WiMAX versions (plus WiFi, naturally), but presumably not a version with both 3G and WiMAX. As previously rumored, the e-book reader is also said to have a larger than usual 9-inch screen, and those same unnamed execs reportedly say its price will be "competitive" with the Kindle and Sony's e-readers.
[Via SlashGear]
[Via SlashGear]
The EeeBook Reader 3G Surf!
looks good and all but what about a physical keyboard??? i want this with keys!!! physical keys!!!
might I ask why?
because pressing keys is awesome. what do you prefer a virtual nipple or a real one? :P (sorry it was the first analogy that came into my mind)
Downrank me if you will, but I dislike the type of "journalism" where the title is always followed by a question mark.
I did satisfy your request. I do like that kind of rhetoric journalism.
Good point. It's the trademark of the unimaginative.
It's not unimaginative... it's just another way to say "Rumors are circulating that ASUS will launch a 3G, WiMAX-equipped e-book reader by March of 2010." Personally, I enjoy the fact that things are changed up a bit once in a while.
You imply with your comment that Engadget=journalism?
Why 'presumably not a version with both 3G and WiMAX'? I can see not both _LTE_ and WiMax, but 3G and WiMax are not mutually exclusive, and you'd _want_ 3G if there's no WiMax around.
The eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeReader invasion has begun. I wonder how many mutant variations will spawn from this single engadget post?
Honestly, in terms of ebook, i don't care if it has WiMin or G3.
As long is has a big screen, supports tons of format and it is easy to make marks, I am good to go. Wifi will be sweet, but 3g? I have paid enough on my phone bill.
Why do they keep coming out with these wireless enabled, $250+ ebook readers. It's a freaking BOOK, people! It doesn't have to connect to the internet, or download books automatically, or access email, or any of that crap. It just needs to display TEXT. Whoever comes out with the first 3 button (forward, back, menu) ereader for $99 that displays all ebook formats is going to own this market, leaving Sony, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Asus, iRex, and everyone else in the dust....
A dedicated device is unlikely to support every ebook format. For one thing Amazon will only allow device makers to support SecureMobi if they agree NOT to support any other DRMed formats. If and when they begin licensing SecureMobi's identical twin, the "Kindle Format", to device manufacturers I suspect there will be a similar agreement.
Also right now probably the only way to get below the hundred dollar mark is to use an LCD... as eInk is still much too expensive.
To heck with supporting all formats. If it will just display text, html and rich text I will be happy. I agree the 3G and all the expensive crud can go. Just give me a SD slot and allow me to put my own content on it. BETTER if its not eink. Eink doesn't support back lighting. I LIKE to be able to lay in bed with lights off and read my ebook reader.