Pandigital takes a second shot at digital reading with the Novel Personal eReader

Second time's got to be the charm, eh Pandigital? No, we weren't exactly the biggest fans of the company's Android-running, LCD e-reader, but its new e-ink based Novel Personal eReader definitely follows a simpler approach. Aimed at those that wish to read in any and all environments (see Amazon's latest commercial for that real life example), the 9.1-ounce device has a 6-inch Sipex/AUO ePaper touch display, integrated WiFi, access to Barnes & Noble's eBookstore, an accelerometer and 2GB of onboard storage / a built-in card reader that accepts up to 32GB cards. Not too shabby in terms of raw specs, that's for sure, but its functionality better be damn impressive for its $200 MSRP -- considering, you know, that Barnes & Noble's own WiFi-equipped Nook starts at $149 these days. Of course, we fully expect that price to drop once it hits those familiar big-box retailers, but until you see it in that colorful weekend circular we leave you with the full press release and press shots below to look over. %Gallery-105243%

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Pandigital Novel eReader Line Expands with Company's First ePaper Model; Features Full Touch-Screen Display

New 6-inch ePaper model gives more choices to customers – especially those who want to read outside and on vacation; Easy to use and enjoy with full touch-screen display

Dublin, Calif., Oct 18, 2010 – Pandigital Inc. today expanded its Pandigital Novel line of eReaders featuring the integrated Barnes & Noble eBookstore with its first model using ePaper technology. Featuring a touch-screen for easy navigation, the new Pandigital Novel Personal eReader has a crisp 6-inch electrophoretic ePaper display for easy enjoyment in bright sunlight and a battery life that lasts thousands of page-turns.

The new Pandigital Novel Personal eReader utilizes a 6-inch ePaper display that provides a crisp 600x800 resolution. Its touch-screen interface is something not normally found with ePaper eReaders. Made by Sipex/AUO for Pandigital, the display takes ePaper technology to a new level of functionality and ensures that customers get a first-rate reading experience.
This innovative display, combined with the intuitive software interface, lets customers easily navigate through the various functions and capabilities of the Pandigital Novel while reading books and magazines. In addition to being fun and easy to use, the ePaper display used on the Pandigital Novel is non-reflective, so the device is incredibly easy to read in bright light and sunlight.

Like the other models in the Pandigital Novel eReader line, the new eReader comes integrated with the Barnes & Noble eBookstore, so customers can easily download and enjoy books, magazines, and periodicals.

"We're extending our Pandigital Novel eReader line to include an ePaper model that will encourage even more readers to embrace the ease, comfort and enjoyment of electronic book readers," said John Clough, President of Pandigital. "Our new Pandigital Novel 6-inch eReader is perfect for the many readers who love to catch up on their books outdoors, on vacation or just when they have a moment to relax and unwind."

Weighing 9.1 ounces, the eReader is incredibly portable and easy to take anywhere. In addition, it delivers a long battery life of up to 6,000 page turns. The Pandigital Novel Personal eReader comes with convenient features that make reading easier and more enjoyable, including adjustable font size, a built-in dictionary, word/character search, highlighting, and creation of multiple bookmarks.

This new eReader has 2GB of internal memory for customers to store hundreds of books and periodicals, music, photos, and more. Plus, it has a built-in memory card reader that accepts up to 32GB memory cards for access to a virtually unlimited number of files.

The new Pandigital Novel Personal eReader (PRD06E20WWH8) will be available this month at national retailers. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $199.99 and is expected to sell at even lower everyday retail pricing and promotional pricing.

In addition to being a first-rate eReader, the Pandigital Novel is a multifunction device, allowing users to browse the web, check email, view photos, or listen to music. The built-in Wi-Fi and web browser lets users easily go online to check out the latest news or their favorite website while the integrated email application allows customers to stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues. Customers can enjoy their favorite music via the built-in speaker or use the stereo-mini headphone jack for private enjoyment and also view photos on the 16-level grayscale display. The Pandigital Novel Personal eReader also has additional convenience features including a built-in appointment calendar and alarm clock.

The Pandigital Novel 6-inch Personal eReader provides excellent reading for electronic books and has the following features:
- A 6" ePaper electrophoretic display with 800x600 resolution and 16-level grayscale
- Responsive touch-screen and intuitive user interface for navigation
- Built in speaker and stereo-mini headphone jack
- A virtual keyboard for making notes, emails, and other entries
- Orientation sensor for automatically adjusting between portrait and landscape mode when the device is tilted
- Supports popular eBook formats PDF & EPUB
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and web browser
- Expandable storage through its microSD memory card slot (supporting up to 32GB cards)
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (via AC adapter or USB)
- Built-in mini-USB port provides an option for easy transfer of files between the device and a
computer (Mac and PC compatible)
- Compact and sleek design – it measures 4.88"(w) x 6.75"(h) x 0.38"(d) and weighs 9.1 ounces

eBook Access Easy & Quick Through Barnes & Noble eBookstore
The integration of Barnes & Noble's eBookstore ensures that Pandigital Novel customers have quick and convenient access to more than one million eBooks, newspapers and magazines, most available for $9.99 or less, and more than half a million free classics. Customers will find it simple to browse, sample, buy, and download published content in seconds from the Barnes & Noble eBookstore. Also, customers can use Barnes & Noble's LendMeTM technology to share many eBooks with friends and family for 14 days.

About Pandigital
Privately held, Pandigital® develops and markets digital entertainment products. The company recognizes the growing digital lifestyle market as well as the convergence of digital media such as photos, video, published content, and audio, and is delivering high quality products to utilize and share that content by combining innovative technology with contemporary style and simplified user interfaces. Pandigital sells its award-winning line of Pandigital® and PanTouch® digital photo frames and PhotoLink® scanners through more than 33,000 well-known national retail storefronts in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and Central America. The company has received numerous accolades and industry awards for its outstanding products that are renowned for their easy-to-use features, high-quality, and elegant design, and for providing exceptional value to consumers. Pandigital is headquartered in Dublin, Calif. For more information, please visit http://www.pandigital.net.