Plastic Logic debuts QUE proReader, shows off truVue publications
By Paul Miller 
posted January 7th 2010 10:59AM
posted January 7th 2010 10:59AM
One surprise of the presser is the new truVue format for publications that Plastic Logic supports. The standard was developed in conjunction with Adobe, and it preserves some of the style and layout (though certainly not all) of a print publication, with publishers such as Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Huffington Post, Thompson Reuters and more on board.. To get documents onto the device you can print to a "QUE it" printer, as well as drag and drop documents to a "QUE it" droplet on the desktop for automagical document transfers. There's also a QUE application for the BlackBerry, which can bump any email or attachment from the BlackBerry to the QUE over Bluetooth. QUE has partnered with Good for "QUE Mail" and "QUE Calendar," with support for Exchange, Gmail, Windows Live and other email accounts. The device has Bluetooth, WiFi and 3G under the hood, with AT&T providing the wireless data.
The proReader ships in mid-April, with pre-orders starting today. The 4GB model without 3G goes for $649, while the 8GB model retails with the AT&T onboard is $799. Wowsa. Naturally, this is just the start for Plastic Logic, and we should be seeing plenty more devices from the company, and PL also promises to extend the functionality of the proReader on an ongoing basis. There's full PR after the break.
Introducing the QUE™ proReader by Plastic Logic
More than an eReader, QUE is uniquely designed as an essential tool to lighten the workload of mobile professionals
Sleek industrial design, intuitive user interface, powerful applications and QUE Store define a premium business reading experience
2010 International CES
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Plastic Logic today unveiled QUE™ (pronounced "Q"), the world's first proReader. More than an eReader, QUE is designed specifically to provide a premium reading experience and access to content anywhere anytime, while simplifying the multi-faceted lifestyle of business professionals –and to literally lighten their workload.
"The QUE proReader was built from the ground up for people who need to read. Starting today, mobile professionals can look forward to a paperless briefcase, a lighter load, and a better way to work."
With its sleek 8.5 x 11 inch form factor, crisp large touchscreen display, intuitive user interface and powerful tools, QUE stands out in the crowd. QUE is currently on display at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (Central Hall of Las Vegas Convention Center at Booth 11840 anchoring the e-Book Techzone).
"Today we are introducing two major advancements: the birth of a new market category, the proReader, and a milestone in the evolution of plastic electronics," said Richard Archuleta, CEO of Plastic Logic. "The QUE proReader was built from the ground up for people who need to read. Starting today, mobile professionals can look forward to a paperless briefcase, a lighter load, and a better way to work."
Like paper, only better
The inspiration for QUE was an age-old but perfect business tool: a simple sheet of paper. QUE was designed to have the benefits of paper, but without the weight and clutter. Just like paper, QUE is easy to hold and feels good in your hands. But it's easier to search and find exactly what you're looking for.
The size of a pad of paper, about 1/3 inch thick, and weighing less than many periodicals (about a pound), QUE features a 10.7-inch shatterproof plastic display - the largest display in the market.
Exclusive plastic display technology
The patented plastic display technology in QUE has been 10 years in development, since Plastic Logic's founding by researchers from the renowned University of Cambridge (UK) Cavendish Labs. The unique plastic displays are produced in Plastic Logic's world-first commercial scale plastic electronics manufacturing facility in Dresden, Germany. Combined with E Ink Vizplex® technology, this produces an outstanding reading experience that looks and reads just like paper, even in direct sunlight.
QUE design: A celebration of black and white
Designed through a unique collaboration between Plastic Logic and IDEO, the QUE design was inspired by black and white print-a communications standard that is both classic and timeless. In addition to being the easiest to read, black and white is often the most visually striking combination.
"We wanted to highlight the optical qualities of plastic," said IDEO's Caroline Flagiello, who serves as Plastic Logic's acting creative director. "Think of pools of black ink captured in a glass inkwell against a crisp sheet of white linen paper."
Plastic Logic created QUE to feel as natural in your hand as a pad of paper, while conveying the level of premium quality craftsmanship of a fine pen. Its proprietary user interface is as intuitive and easy as paper and ink.
The simple, but powerful QUE user interface is uniquely designed for functionality in the day-to-day world of the business professional. Its signature home view provides your appointments for the day and all of the information you need, including a customized view of your content – your daily newspaper, magazines, and other essential materials – as well as immediate access to the QUE Store to get what you need, whenever you need it.
All your content, all the time
Designed for more than good looks, QUE provides instant access to the content busy professionals need at their fingertips all day long – all their content anywhere any time: Read a newspaper over morning coffee. Review your appointments imported from Outlook. Have every document you need when you need it. And at the end of the day, relax with a good book.
In addition to highly valued business and professional newspapers, periodicals and eBooks, QUE supports reading and annotating document formats business users need (including PDF files, Microsoft Office, ePub documents and more). With the QUE software, it's easy to quickly transfer content from your PC, Mac® computer or BlackBerry® smartphone to your QUE. The standard 4GB QUE model can hold up to 35,000 documents or the equivalent of up to 35 filing cabinets worth of documents. If your paper-laden briefcase and file cabinets are bulging at the seams, the 8GB model holds up to 75,000 documents or the equivalent of the contents of up to 75 filing cabinetsi.
Powerful tools for interacting with your content
Storage means nothing if you can't easily access your documents. Thanks to its proprietary touchscreen interface, QUE makes it simple to find reports, spreadsheets and presentations with just a few taps of a finger. And QUE is always on when you need it: its battery can last days, instead of hours.
QUE has integrated reviewing tools and features that maximize efficiency. Add a note and use the virtual keyboard to include your comments, highlight text, scribble free form, and even add a stamp to emphasize a point. No stylus needed. And if that massive spreadsheet with the tiny font is too small, just zoom in for a close-up view. With QUE, it's easy to instantly go back and forth between documents.
Wireless access to leading publications, professional content on the QUE Store
The QUE Store offers a rich collection of reading material especially geared to the business professional. QUE users will be able to connect to fresh content on-the-go, on the QUE Store: to search, purchase and download wirelessly via Wi-Fi and AT&T's 3G networkii.
Powered by Barnes & Noble, the QUE Store offers instant access to the world's largest eBookstore in addition to many business and professional newspapers, books and periodicals. Additionally, Plastic Logic is partnering with Olive Software and premier publishers to give QUE users a richer content and reading experience that is optimized for QUE.
Today, Plastic Logic is announcing new content partnerships with some of the leading business, news and sports publishers and publications, including news publications from the Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, the San Jose Mercury News, the Contra Costa Times, the Oakland Tribune, the Huffington Post and The Sporting News Today, along with magazines from Barron's, Fast Company and Forbes.
These publications join previously announced strategic partnerships with USA TODAY, the Financial Times, the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News, MIT's Technology Review, Popular Science, and IDG publication titles, including Macworld, PC World, CIO, Network World, and Computerworld. Rounding out the QUE Store are major web publications and scores of other magazines and newspapers available on http://www.QUE.com.
Publications on the QUE Store are available ranging from one-time use to ongoing subscriptions.
EXCLUSIVE: QUE truVue - Setting the standard for eNewspapers
The QUE proReader enables newspapers, magazines, and other types of content to have a richer reading experience that is symbolic of their print editions, complete with photos and formatting. The QUE truVue standard, enabled by the Adobe® Reader® Mobile SDK, provides the familiar look and feel of print publications, and makes eReading easier and more enjoyable.
"Since our inception 27 years ago, USA TODAY has offered a reading experience that millions of people rely on and enjoy, so it's really exciting that there is an eReader platform that delivers our content the way it's supposed to look and feel," said Dave Hunke, president and publisher of USA TODAY.
"Forbes has always been at the forefront of embracing and adopting new media and new platforms; eReaders represent that next generation platform to deliver our content," said Nina La France, vice president consumer marketing for Forbes. "The QUE proReader caters to our audience: people who are busy, active, mobile, time-starved, and consume content at a great clip. The proReader gives them the full content experience and new capabilities to stay ahead."
The QUE starts here
Beginning today, preorders for the QUE proReader may be placed at the QUE Store (http://www.QUE.com). Beginning in mid-April 2010, QUE will be available for shipping. Later in 2010, QUE will be available through the Barnes & Noble stores nationwide and online at Barnes & Noble.com (http://www.bn.com).
The price for QUE will range from $649.00 for the 4GB QUE model with WiFi that holds up to 35,000 documents, to $799.00 for the 8GB QUE model with WiFi and 3G that holds up to 75,000 documents.
To complement its iconic look and profile, Plastic Logic has also designed an entire line of QUE premium accessories, including three carrying cases to match any busy lifestyle. In addition to their classic elegance, the cases protect your QUE from dust, scratches and everyday wear and tear. QUE accessories are available on the QUE Store at http://www.QUE.com.
Additional information, including high-resolution product images, is available at http://www.plasticlogic.com/news/QUE/presskit.html
More than an eReader, QUE is uniquely designed as an essential tool to lighten the workload of mobile professionals
Sleek industrial design, intuitive user interface, powerful applications and QUE Store define a premium business reading experience
2010 International CES
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Plastic Logic today unveiled QUE™ (pronounced "Q"), the world's first proReader. More than an eReader, QUE is designed specifically to provide a premium reading experience and access to content anywhere anytime, while simplifying the multi-faceted lifestyle of business professionals –and to literally lighten their workload.
"The QUE proReader was built from the ground up for people who need to read. Starting today, mobile professionals can look forward to a paperless briefcase, a lighter load, and a better way to work."
With its sleek 8.5 x 11 inch form factor, crisp large touchscreen display, intuitive user interface and powerful tools, QUE stands out in the crowd. QUE is currently on display at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (Central Hall of Las Vegas Convention Center at Booth 11840 anchoring the e-Book Techzone).
"Today we are introducing two major advancements: the birth of a new market category, the proReader, and a milestone in the evolution of plastic electronics," said Richard Archuleta, CEO of Plastic Logic. "The QUE proReader was built from the ground up for people who need to read. Starting today, mobile professionals can look forward to a paperless briefcase, a lighter load, and a better way to work."
Like paper, only better
The inspiration for QUE was an age-old but perfect business tool: a simple sheet of paper. QUE was designed to have the benefits of paper, but without the weight and clutter. Just like paper, QUE is easy to hold and feels good in your hands. But it's easier to search and find exactly what you're looking for.
The size of a pad of paper, about 1/3 inch thick, and weighing less than many periodicals (about a pound), QUE features a 10.7-inch shatterproof plastic display - the largest display in the market.
Exclusive plastic display technology
The patented plastic display technology in QUE has been 10 years in development, since Plastic Logic's founding by researchers from the renowned University of Cambridge (UK) Cavendish Labs. The unique plastic displays are produced in Plastic Logic's world-first commercial scale plastic electronics manufacturing facility in Dresden, Germany. Combined with E Ink Vizplex® technology, this produces an outstanding reading experience that looks and reads just like paper, even in direct sunlight.
QUE design: A celebration of black and white
Designed through a unique collaboration between Plastic Logic and IDEO, the QUE design was inspired by black and white print-a communications standard that is both classic and timeless. In addition to being the easiest to read, black and white is often the most visually striking combination.
"We wanted to highlight the optical qualities of plastic," said IDEO's Caroline Flagiello, who serves as Plastic Logic's acting creative director. "Think of pools of black ink captured in a glass inkwell against a crisp sheet of white linen paper."
Plastic Logic created QUE to feel as natural in your hand as a pad of paper, while conveying the level of premium quality craftsmanship of a fine pen. Its proprietary user interface is as intuitive and easy as paper and ink.
The simple, but powerful QUE user interface is uniquely designed for functionality in the day-to-day world of the business professional. Its signature home view provides your appointments for the day and all of the information you need, including a customized view of your content – your daily newspaper, magazines, and other essential materials – as well as immediate access to the QUE Store to get what you need, whenever you need it.
All your content, all the time
Designed for more than good looks, QUE provides instant access to the content busy professionals need at their fingertips all day long – all their content anywhere any time: Read a newspaper over morning coffee. Review your appointments imported from Outlook. Have every document you need when you need it. And at the end of the day, relax with a good book.
In addition to highly valued business and professional newspapers, periodicals and eBooks, QUE supports reading and annotating document formats business users need (including PDF files, Microsoft Office, ePub documents and more). With the QUE software, it's easy to quickly transfer content from your PC, Mac® computer or BlackBerry® smartphone to your QUE. The standard 4GB QUE model can hold up to 35,000 documents or the equivalent of up to 35 filing cabinets worth of documents. If your paper-laden briefcase and file cabinets are bulging at the seams, the 8GB model holds up to 75,000 documents or the equivalent of the contents of up to 75 filing cabinetsi.
Powerful tools for interacting with your content
Storage means nothing if you can't easily access your documents. Thanks to its proprietary touchscreen interface, QUE makes it simple to find reports, spreadsheets and presentations with just a few taps of a finger. And QUE is always on when you need it: its battery can last days, instead of hours.
QUE has integrated reviewing tools and features that maximize efficiency. Add a note and use the virtual keyboard to include your comments, highlight text, scribble free form, and even add a stamp to emphasize a point. No stylus needed. And if that massive spreadsheet with the tiny font is too small, just zoom in for a close-up view. With QUE, it's easy to instantly go back and forth between documents.
Wireless access to leading publications, professional content on the QUE Store
The QUE Store offers a rich collection of reading material especially geared to the business professional. QUE users will be able to connect to fresh content on-the-go, on the QUE Store: to search, purchase and download wirelessly via Wi-Fi and AT&T's 3G networkii.
Powered by Barnes & Noble, the QUE Store offers instant access to the world's largest eBookstore in addition to many business and professional newspapers, books and periodicals. Additionally, Plastic Logic is partnering with Olive Software and premier publishers to give QUE users a richer content and reading experience that is optimized for QUE.
Today, Plastic Logic is announcing new content partnerships with some of the leading business, news and sports publishers and publications, including news publications from the Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, the San Jose Mercury News, the Contra Costa Times, the Oakland Tribune, the Huffington Post and The Sporting News Today, along with magazines from Barron's, Fast Company and Forbes.
These publications join previously announced strategic partnerships with USA TODAY, the Financial Times, the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News, MIT's Technology Review, Popular Science, and IDG publication titles, including Macworld, PC World, CIO, Network World, and Computerworld. Rounding out the QUE Store are major web publications and scores of other magazines and newspapers available on http://www.QUE.com.
Publications on the QUE Store are available ranging from one-time use to ongoing subscriptions.
EXCLUSIVE: QUE truVue - Setting the standard for eNewspapers
The QUE proReader enables newspapers, magazines, and other types of content to have a richer reading experience that is symbolic of their print editions, complete with photos and formatting. The QUE truVue standard, enabled by the Adobe® Reader® Mobile SDK, provides the familiar look and feel of print publications, and makes eReading easier and more enjoyable.
"Since our inception 27 years ago, USA TODAY has offered a reading experience that millions of people rely on and enjoy, so it's really exciting that there is an eReader platform that delivers our content the way it's supposed to look and feel," said Dave Hunke, president and publisher of USA TODAY.
"Forbes has always been at the forefront of embracing and adopting new media and new platforms; eReaders represent that next generation platform to deliver our content," said Nina La France, vice president consumer marketing for Forbes. "The QUE proReader caters to our audience: people who are busy, active, mobile, time-starved, and consume content at a great clip. The proReader gives them the full content experience and new capabilities to stay ahead."
The QUE starts here
Beginning today, preorders for the QUE proReader may be placed at the QUE Store (http://www.QUE.com). Beginning in mid-April 2010, QUE will be available for shipping. Later in 2010, QUE will be available through the Barnes & Noble stores nationwide and online at Barnes & Noble.com (http://www.bn.com).
The price for QUE will range from $649.00 for the 4GB QUE model with WiFi that holds up to 35,000 documents, to $799.00 for the 8GB QUE model with WiFi and 3G that holds up to 75,000 documents.
To complement its iconic look and profile, Plastic Logic has also designed an entire line of QUE premium accessories, including three carrying cases to match any busy lifestyle. In addition to their classic elegance, the cases protect your QUE from dust, scratches and everyday wear and tear. QUE accessories are available on the QUE Store at http://www.QUE.com.
Additional information, including high-resolution product images, is available at http://www.plasticlogic.com/news/QUE/presskit.html
"There's a fullscreen touchscreen interface, with no touchscreen"
uh...
@Stu L Tissimus
You beat me to it.
@Stu L Tissimus
Everything's different in the world of him.
@gp peach hat!
Die a slow death e-reader thing...
The touch layer is BELOW the e-ink layer instead of over it and its NOT WACOM
Clear as mud
@philbury The Sony reader witha touch screen has a very visible touch screen overlay that makes the e-ink screen "less clear". So, if they managed to put the touchscreen behind the e-ink screen, then this is a good thing.
They should have said something like: a full touchscreen interface without the touch screen blurring the e-ink screen.
It looks like a photo frame.
When is colored e-Paper coming?
@TareG It's true! Don't like the encasing. And what's the issue in bringing non-color e-readers? This doesn't appeal to me.
@TareG
When they can make color e-ink not expensive, not slow, and not low contrast. The closest think shown so far is the Flepia with 8 second page changes, faded color, and a $1000 price tag. Woo hoo!
"and wanted to avoid metal in materials to drive home the "plastic" element."
Since when was that something to be proud of?
@NewL
Price? Weight?
@NewL
"Since when was that something to be proud of?"
Maybe since your company is called Plastic Logic?
@Badison - let's not kid ourselves here. Something that focuses on the "business professionals" isn't going to be cheap. And eg. the Kindle's aren't that heavy either, despite their metal backsides.
@NewL When plastic is flexible and doesn't shatter like other e-ink screens
What is it using to read "outlook" data? What OS is it running and what API are they using to connect to Exchange? Meh...
@gmcboot WinCE :-\
Looks awesome though.
@gmcboot I'm half expecting them to add a bullet point saying that this thing is upgradable to Windows Mobile 7.
just like the MP3 Craze.........apple will win in the end.
@divechronicles Just like the computer Craze...Apple will win in the end... oh, wait!
I really hope (for all of our sakes) that there is no ONE superior device.
@jaxim
Dont bother talking to the cultist.
Their site is detail sparse. Webmaster must be still be asleep.
@dblevins
See que.com. You can even pre-order.
@Timmmmmm An hour makes a big difference -- webmaster must have been caught in commute traffic.
Too bad it'll still probably be slow as every other electrophoretic display marketed as an "e-reader".
And I gotta say, the lighting there makes that guy look twice as creepy.
@BubbaJ
as...?
@oneleggedchewbacca
As he normally looks.
I have been looking forward to this day for such a long time. Holding off buying an ereader because of the buzz about Plastic Logic. Now engadget has deflated me with their initial impression.
With the null event of the Microsoft-HP announcement not being about MS Courier, al-in-all it's been rather a poor day.
All I wanna here about e-reader's is Pixel Chi. Nothing else is really interesting.
@cavemailman Whoops. I spelled it the American way again. Damn my eyes, and my consistently American thinking. I meant Pixel Qi
I'm waiting for more info on pixel IQ too. Engadget you going to get more info? here's where they are at CES:
We will open our suite in the Venetian to the press from 7-9AM on Friday January 8th to show you our latest screens. If you are a member of the press and would like to see these screens please rsvp with Courtney Wang (courtneywang@pixelqi.com).
Www.Que.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt1ryHWsPiU
bad angle, but at least you can see the refresh rate. There is another vid popping up with what looks like a better view from the thumbnail, but when I pull it up "an error" occurs..
Ouch. I had a feeling it was going to be expensive…
Wowsa is right. at that price you'll be hard-pressed to find someone who isn't willing to just wait till we've got a solid color e-reader. Who's going to drop over five hundred to almost a grand on this when color e-ink is being demoed around the corner at CES with Kindle rumors in the air. Not to mention, this thing's edge on the competition is what again, exactly? Refresh rate? It's not screen size, not with that price putting it well beyond DX's.
@dlac I think the edge is screen size, along with thinness. From what I know of the Kindle DX’s PDF display, it would be a big pain in the ass for reading Letter/A4 sized PDFs, whereas this thing would feel about right. The question is whether that’ll be worth the price difference to enough people. Certainly some people will be attracted to it, but is it sustainable?
@dlac
"Not to mention, this thing's edge on the competition is what again, exactly? Refresh rate? It's not screen size, not with that price putting it well beyond DX's.
"
Some people just want a basic e-reader with a large e-ink screen. Those are the people Kindle DX is aimed at.
Business professionals and academics need additional functionality, such as the ability to make notes quickly, decent folder structure, good compatibility with various formats, etc, etc. Those people are the target market for the Que. It's not in direct competition with the DX. Actually, the only direct competition currently out there is the Irex 1000 series which is considerably more expensive (although it's likely there'll be a slew of new products in the area coming to market this year)
@dlac Here are the features this thing has that the competitors don't
Full touchcreen without the glare (all others that don't have glare use Wacom and thus fingers won't work)
Ability to open and annotate all standard workplace documents. (Competition are lucky if they can open a TXT file let alone properly rendering a PDF, excel file, or powerpoint)
Large screen (not exactly unique to the QUE, but not as common as the 6 inch screen like the kindle)
And most obvious, a Plastic substrate, thus the name. (All othe e-ink screens are made on a fragile glass substrate and are very prone to damage without being careful, especially in the larger screen sizes)
So ultimately this thing isn't about reading novels. It is about being able to replace the notebook you carry around to all the meetings at the office. It is about being able to replace the 80 lbs of text books college kids are carrying around all day. Ultimately color is really the only thing holding it back from being a superb device in that arena.
It looks like a digital picture frame, and costs like a real laptop.
Specs from the website:
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), USB, Bluetooth ® 2.0
* Memory: 4 - 8 GB
* Display (viewable area): 10.5-inch diagonal, 944 x 1264 pixels at 150ppi, 8 gray levels
* User Interface: Full Touchscreen, Virtual Keyboard
* Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, charging via computer or wall charger
* Dimensions: 8.5" x 11" x .3"
* Weight: Approximately 17 ounces
I'm guessing it's like the iphone: no expandable storage and no user-replaceable battery. Similar resolution to kindle but half the number of shades. Screen refresh seems fast and looks comparable to irex's dr800sg.
I was waiting on a good, sizable device that you could print to and make notes on. don't care much about calendars or emails (already got a phone that does that) so for $649 or $799, tohellwithya- I'll wait for a copycat without the redundant features
@Robin Goodfellow Amen
Oh freaking hell. the SCREEN is only a 10 inch display:
From the web site:
It’s large 8-1/2" x 11" shatterproof display looks and reads like paper
AND
Display (viewable area): 10.5-inch diagonal, 944 x 1264 pixels at 150ppi, 8 gray levels
All this time they have been saying a 8 1/2 by 11 display but that is pure BS!
Sons of bitches!
The Skiff will put this out of business. The Skiff is larger, much better resolution, and supports EPub, the new e-book standard. Plastic Logic waited just too long...
Oh, c'mon Plastic Logic! Why no love for us Canadians? I understand having the 3G model US-only, but there's little excuse for geographically restricting the Wifi model. Such a tease...