E-bookReader
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Sony PRS-T2 Reader drops by the FCC, teases e-book lovers ahead of launch
We can always count on the good ole Federal Communications Commission for a sneak peek at the latest wireless-communicating gadgets ahead of launch. Sometimes our probes are met with full-on spec sheets and user manuals to peruse, while often we're greeted with a simple model name and number, and perhaps a hint of said wireless capabilities in a test report. That's what we have today -- most of the information available is listed in that product label above, including confirmation that we're looking at a Sony Reader with the model number PRS-T2. Additionally, the report reveals that the device will sport 802.11b/g/n WiFi (but not 3G), along with a microSD slot for external storage. For now, that's all we have to share, but you're welcome to do some digging of your own at the FCC link below.
Ectaco jetBook Color offers your eyes a break for $500, ships in January
Sure all of those newfangled e-reader / tablet hybrids are nice, but what about a matte finish, color screen that's a bit easier on the ol' peepers? Enter the Ectaco jetBook Color equipped with a 9.7-inch, 1600x1200 Triton Color E Ink display and an impenetrable fog of a UI . The slate sports "virtually unlimited format support and endless battery life," as well as microSD storage up to 32 GB and WiFi connectivity. Fair warning though: this isn't a new device, merely the worldwide release of one that has found success in Eastern Europe and the education sector, as you'll notice from all the scholarly extras. If you're already itchin' to get your study on and don't mind waiting until after January 15th to do so, hit that source link snag the "holiday price" of $500.
Sony PRS-T1 Reader wanders into the FCC with WiFi on board
What exactly is a PRS-T1? Well, it's a new Sony Reader and it just so happens to have swung through the FCC with a WiFi n radio in tow. As you can see above, the regulatory label proudly proclaims this to be a "Digital Book Reader," though we could have guessed that from the PRS model number. What else do we know? Not much sadly. We're guess the T1 in the model name indicates that, whatever the panel's size, it'll be of the touchscreen variety. (Either that, or this is the tapenade colored model.) Despite Sony's official denials, looks like that rumored August launch for the company's latest e-ink devices may actually pan out.
AUO Sipix e-paper staggers through video at 6 fps, could go as high as 16
We haven't heard from the folks at IRX Innovations in a while, but if this video is any indication, they haven't given up on their e-reader dreams just yet. A wily internet video shows the outfit squeezing a modest 6 fps out of an AUO Sipix e-paper panel. Playback is noticeably choppy, but IRX engineers say they can eek an additional 10 fps from the unit by running content through a memory buffer. It's a far cry from Mirasol's crazy-smooth 1080p color displays, or even Bookeen's anti-chromatic offering -- but we won't complain if they can keep it cheap. Besides, Chariots of Fire was born to be seen in slow motion.
Entourage shuts down Edge content store, devices reportedly discontinued
It seems natural selection has finally caught up with the Entourage Edge. When we first reviewed the combination touchscreen/E Ink "dualbook," we wondered whether its neither-fish-nor-fowl design would catch on -- especially priced at $500. That price dropped substantially with its successor, the Pocket Edge, but neither device truly found its feet, in part because of a lack of applications and no updates beyond Android 1.6. And now comes word that the Edge store has officially closed, with customers having until May 27 to download any purchased content. It all points to RIP for the Edge family, and Good E-Reader claims to have recent confirmation from the company. In its goodbye message Entourage steers users toward the Amazon app store, where it notes "you will now have access to a lot of Android Apps that Google would never give us access to." Obvious bitterness aside, the team reportedly has a new device in the works, this time in the typical slate model. [Thanks, Roy]
Microsoft Research-backed e-reader prototype can't keep its text to itself (video)
We've seen plenty of dual-screen devices over the past couple of years, and they never fail to make us a little sentimental for Microsoft's stillborn Courier concept. That goes double for this reader device, which made an appearance at this week's CHI conference in Vancouver, seeing as how Microsoft Research apparently played a role in its development. But this gadget, presented by the University of Maryland's Nicholas Chen, is clearly its own beast -- and it's an awesome looking one at that. The reader actually only has one screen, but it can connect wirelessly with other units, letting the users do things like send links between devices. It will also clip magnetically to another unit, so you can look at two pages of the same document at the same time, just like one of those oldfangled book-type things. Fans of awkward intros, check out the video after the break. [Thanks, Winston]
How would you change Barnes & Noble's Nook Color?
Now that you've had ample time to get through a few novellas, we're keenly interested in finding out how you'd change Barnes & Noble's Nook Color if given the opportunity. For an e-reader, it's deliciously hackable, giving you a way to blow off steam after a hard day's night... of soaking up information, that is. We found it to be amongst the top of its class when we reviewed it back in November, but this space is all about you. Would you overhaul the user interface? Ship it with a fancier build of Android? Boost the battery life? Go on and get opinionated in comments below -- we promise we won't judge.
Sony Reader Daily Edition (PRS-950SC) now shipping for $299
Just a couple of months after Sony refreshed its longstanding Reader Daily Edition, that very product is now shipping to the masses. 'Course, you're probably laser-focused on Hanvon's new color E Ink device on tap for next March, but if you just can't wait for that bad boy -- and you're not interested in any of the LCD-based alternatives -- the PRS-950SC is now available in stores and through SonyStyle. As a refresher, this guy's got a 7-inch touchscreen, WiFi and 3G, a spartan web browser and 2GB of integrated storage space. All yours for a buck under $300.
Pandigital Novel PRD09TW e-reader hits the FCC
Pandigital may have not exactly hit a home run with its first Novel e-reader, but it looks like it might already be coming back for another try with a new model. That device recently hit the FCC with the model name PRD09TW, and it seems to be mostly identical in appearance to the current Pandigital Novel, with the notable exception of four buttons along the bottom. Unfortunately, there's no specs to be found, but it does appear to boast a 7-inch 9-inch screen (here's hoping for capacitive this time around), and the test reports do at least reveal the presence of WiFi. What's more, as the folks at Wireless Goodness have noted, a 6-inch E Ink-based reader from Pandigital has also hit the FCC alongside this new Novel, although it's not clear if it's actually a new model or just an early version of the company's Novel Personal reader (the only different is a slight change in button placement). In fact, the same could be said of the PRD09TW, but the current Novel did already hit the FCC back in May.
ASUS DR-900 e-reader escapes into the wild, gets a video overview
Ah, ha! So there it is! After waiting for months and months (and months), it seems as if ASUS has quietly started shipping its ginormous DR-900 e-reader. At least in some sectors of the world, albeit in "non-final" form. Hispazone managed to get their paws around one recently, and they did the world a solid by writing up a lengthy list of impressions and filming a hands-on video (embedded after the break). Critics seemed to admire the build quality, and they felt that the inbuilt web browser certainly has potential. But most of all, they seem concerned about the estimated price; it's bruited that the DR-900 will start shipping to consumers in Q1 2011, but the €300 ($426) asking price probably won't sit well with most. Hit the source for more of the translated goodness.
Energy Sistem debuts colorful Color Book Series color e-reader
You may have more e-reader choices than ever these days, but if you primary concern is a device with a color screen that's also available in a number of different colors, you might just want to consider Energy Sistem's new Color Book Series e-reader. Of course, you won't actually get a touchscreen (just a regular 5-inch, 800 x 480 LCD), but there are plenty of buttons to make up for that shortcoming, and you will get a few decent features like audio and video playback, support for comics, a microSD card for expansion, and a case that doubles as a stand -- nothing crazy like a web browser or WiFi, though. Look for the 2GB model (available in red or blue) to set you back €129, or about $180, while 4GB white model and 8GB black model will run you €145 and €159, respectively.
Amazon announces 14-day lending feature for Kindle books, newspapers and magazines for Kindle apps
Nook users can already lend ebooks they've purchased to others, and it looks like Kindle users will soon be able to do the same. Amazon has just announced that it will be offering a similar feature "later this year" that will let folks lend books they've purchased to other Kindle users for a 14-day period, during which the person that actually purchased the book won't be able to read it themselves. That feature won't be available for all ebooks, however, as it will be up to individual publishers and rights holders to enable it for a particular book. What's more, Amazon has also announced that Kindle newspapers and magazines will soon be readable on the various free Kindle apps available for other devices -- look for that feature to launch in the "coming weeks."
Barnes & Noble Nook goes on sale at Walmart next week (update: Kobo, too)
We still don't know what Barnes & Noble is announcing at its "very special event" next week, but the company has just made another fairly big announcement: the Nook will be hitting the shelves at some 2,500 Walmart stores beginning "as soon as" October 24th (in addition to Walmart's online store). That includes both the 3G and WiFi-only Nook models, and some Walmart stores will even have a "Nook-branded eReading area" where customers can try out the device. Head on past the break for the complete press release. Update: Not to be outdone, Borders will release the Kobo e-reader at Walmart next week as well. Competing devices on the very same shelf -- imagine that!
Amazon Kindle demo unit arrives in Best Buy, should populate shelves soon
Last week, Amazon decided to expand the B&M presence of its famed e-reader by throwing Best Buy the same bone already thrown to Staples and Target, and it looks as if "this fall" is about to get going. We've received word that demo units are already popping up in Best Buy locations (for running advertorial loops to entice you and yours, we're surmising), and mere mortals should be able to procure them starting next week. We suspect the $139 Wi-Fi and $189 3G model will both be making their yellow-tag debut, and we fully expect this ad right here to be looped ad naseum in whatever aisle BB decides to slot these in.
Ask Engadget: Best e-reader for school use / PDF viewing?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Noah, who needs a bit of assistance in making the transition from textbook to e-book. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I have a class that has gone paperless. All of our readings are posted online as PDF scans of books. I have become quite annoyed with having to read these on my computer. So I have thought about purchasing an e-reader. The best choice seems to be a Kindle, but would you recommend a Sony, Nook, or something else instead? My primary interest is great PDF support / viewing. Thanks." We know, you're "too busy" with "classes" to really answer here, but everyone deserves a study break or three. Take a breather and help your fellow student out -- it's just the right thing to do.
The Sharper Image announces Literati color e-reader
The Sharper Image may not be quite the retail presence it once was, but it looks like it's still in good enough shape to hop on the latest trend -- it's just announced "The Literati by The Sharper Image," a $159 e-reader with a 7-inch color screen. That device actually comes courtesy of MerchSource, and relies on Kobo's ebook service to get books on the device (which can be downloaded via WiFi). Otherwise, things look to be fairly basic -- the screen is 800 x 480 (and not a touchscreen), and there's apparently no web browser or other types of apps on the device to be found. You will get 150 free public domain books with the device though, along with a free case, and your choice of a white or black / brushed metallic model (which actually look to be slightly different in design). It also looks like you'll be seeing a lot of it -- The Sharper Image says that it will have the "broadest retail footprint of any eReader," with it set to be available at more than 7,000 retail stores this October, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, JC Penney, Kohl's and Macy's. Full press release is after the break.
EC Media launches Wink e-reader in India
While the world holds its collective breath for India to actually mass produce that $35 tablet it's been trumpeting here lately, the country's own EC Media International is taking the wraps off of a sparkling new e-reader: the Wink. This cutely titled device doesn't look much different than older generation Kindles, but it'll reportedly support 15 languages and will offer 200,000+ book titles right out of the gate. The company has managed to garner the support of publishers like Penguin, Roli, Oxford University, Harper Collins and Permanent Black, and as expected, it'll also be pushed as a substitute for traditional newspapers and magazines. As for pricing? Mum's the word on that, but we are told that the EC Media has landed Croma as a retail partner and Redington as its primary distribution partner. Oh, and we guess you'd probably be interested in the specs -- there's a 6-inch (800 x 600) e-paper display, 2GB of inbuilt storage, 802.11b/g WiFi, GPRS wireless connectivity, a battery good for 10,000 page turns (or 10 hours of music playback), 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB 2.0 socket and support for a wide variety of text and audio formats. If that's not tickling your fancy, it looks as if the outfit has three more options listed as "upcoming," so hang tight. Short hands-on video after the break. Update: Digit TV has a hands-on video! [Thanks, Anish and Siddarth]
Velocity Micro Cruz Reader and Tablet up for pre-order at Borders
We don't need to explain in any great detail just how badly the world needs another e-reader and tablet option, but you're wasting your time wishing for fewer selections. Case in point: Velocity Micro has just placed its Cruz Reader and Cruz Tablet up for pre-order at Borders, with both units boasting 7-inch displays and seductive price points. The Reader is going for $199.99 and should ship out by the end of next month, while the Tablet is $100 more and could be at your doorstep a fortnight before Halloween. Hit the source link if you're in desperate need of a specifications reminder, but be sure and hide that credit card if you're looking to avoid any and all impulse buys. Press release after the break. [Thanks, Charles]
Entourage Edge gets rooted with ease, may get a bit more exciting
It's probably in large part due to the design, but the Entourage Edge never has taken off the way Barnes & Noble's Nook or Amazon's Kindle has. But now, that all has a chance to change. The dual-screen e-reader has finally had its very own root canal, and it's probably the easiest root process we've ever seen. The crafty folks over at Android Police were able to tap into the Edge's inner workings by entering a simple code into the Debug menu, and from there, it's a few short steps to installing Superuser. The purpose? To restart the imagination of owners, and to snag Android 2.2, the Android Market and a couple of overclocking opportunities if they're lucky. Head on past the break for a quick video, and then dart to the source link if you're itching to replicate this on your own device.
Kobo e-reader sashays into ten Fairmont hotel properties, adds to your poolside experience
Oh sure, you've been able to get your hands on iPads, iPhones and Kindles when checking in before, but a Kobo? Nah. Well, until now. Announced today, the a-okay e-reader company has landed a deal with Fairmont that'll put e-book readers into the hands of select guests at select properties. Specifically, Fairmont Gold-level guests that are members of the (free to join) President's Club will be able to trial a Kobo during their stay free of charge, and they'll find each one brimming with a variety of fiction, non-fiction and high drama titles. Upon returning the device (as if there's another alternative, right?), patrons will be gifted with a $2 off coupon for Random House titles, and if you're curious as to which ten properties will be involved in the offer, head on past the break and have a look.
