Spring Design's Alex e-reader hits the FCC
By Donald Melanson 
posted March 5th 2010 4:53PM
posted March 5th 2010 4:53PM
Spring Design's Alex e-reader has certainly had one of the more interesting product launches in recent years and, with an actual release now seemingly imminent, it's finally turned up in the FCC's hands. There's not many surprises left at this point, but the agency has at least treated us to a peek inside the device, and offered us our first look at the device's user manual. Head on past the break for a few more exciting images, and hit up the link below for the complete rundown, FCC style.
I'm sorry this is off topic but have we confirmed what type of screen the Courier from MS will have?
Everyone keeps bashing the Apple iPad for having an LCD screen (even though we've been reading on computers and laptops for years on years).
And everyone keeps talking about the Pixel Q screen and e-Ink but I've yet to hear any reviews that show it truly makes reading better.
To me it doesn't matter either way. But I'd like to see an e-Ink device with color so I can compare and get experience....
So they have just hours before they have to change their site to say "The second week of March"... good luck for them, I really hope it is worth it because I want one.
@TristWolf this thing isnt really that great. it most likely will sell similar to the msi latops, all fizz no sparks
@TristWolf
I was thinking the same thing...I've checked the site throughout the week and was waiting to see it to go from 1st week in March, then 2nd week in March, then Spring 2010......
Sucks cuz I really want to see some hands on reviews!!
I swear, we are all getting swarmed with e book readers. I honestly used one but I rather have the physical book. I like concept of having a e reader for college...online if it was cheaper and less annoying to make a choice between a kindle and a Nook
@albinomexi the kindle is overrated. anyone who buys it doesnt buy it for the specs, buys it for the amazon name
So has Spring Designs made any deals with ebook sellers? I think I head that Borders maybe?
@GadgetQueen
From what I've read on, they're suppose to be partnering up with Border's.
It;s very nice post.
Is it just me, or does the FCC testing room look extremely sad and depressing?
But seriously, VERY excited for the Alex reader.
@Zac89
The FCC doesn't have testing rooms (anymore). Instead, the FCC grants authority to privately-funded an run TCBs (Test Certification Bodies) all across the country (and abroad) to perform 99% of the tests to necessary to comply with FCC regulations.
In any event, I agree with you this is the shittiest test area I've seen in any FCC report. The FCC Grant of Certification lists the TCB involved, but I'm too lazy to check.
I wish I could work on FCC lab testing out all the cool gadgets.
@manoz116
I spend half of my work time at FCC-approved TCBs (where the testing is conducted) testing my company's products, and have peaked into countless products (although I'm sure the high-profile ones the labs are told to keep out of sight at all times). The coolest one I've seen was the Tesla Roadster, it was being tested for EMI in a semi-anechoic chamber and was propped on four jacks and going at full blast - coolest shit ever. This was waaaay before it was announced.
FUN FACT
In case anyone was wondering, the test equipment in the picture is a spectrum analyzer (bottom) and a power meter (top).
Please make it $259 (and not stubbornly insisting on $399), then you'll have my money. Or just become non-factor like Sony's Daily Edition...
@bigvinny They are not stubbornly insisting on $399. If you had been keeping track, the last update stated $359. For all we know, it could be lower, or it could be worth every cent.
Guys, I have just finished reading the manual for the Alex (available from fcc). The unit is only going to have Wifi no wireless. I think 359 is to much I am opting out...