iRex’s new $399 E Ink reader
So what do you think of the latest iRex reader, the DR 800SG—which will work with Barnes & Noble’s e-book store? See Google and Techmeme roundups and CNET and Engadget pieces.
From Engadget—repeating many details already given here: “The 8.1-inch unit has wireless connectivity courtesy of Verizon in the US and Qualcomm’s Gobi multi-mode 3G for switching it up in the rest of the world. There’s also 2GB of built-in storage, memory card expansion and stylus input (‘true finger touch’ is coming in Q2 2010 to a future product, right now you can only use the stylus, and a color reader is in the works as well for 2011), and IREX claims to have the fastest page refreshes in the biz.”
Supported formats, according to Engadget, are PDF, EPUB, Newspaper Direct, Fictionwise, eReader and TXT.
iRex has long been committed to a far more open approach than Amazon, and it will be interesting to see how the marketplace responds to that—although, as I’ve noted, there are other variables such as the size of B&N’s investory vs. Amazon.com’s.
Earlier TeleRead item: here. (Thanks to LC.)
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:03 pm
This announcement excites me (and that I will be able to test it at my local Best Buy). But, sadly, Newspaper Direct doesn’t offer the New York Times (except the website version) or The Economist. I really want my morning Times (i.e., the duplicate of the p version, not the website version) delivered electronically. All I want is access to B&N and my daily Times (The Economist would be a great bonus).
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Wanna bet it won’t be available in Canada?
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
It’s not available at the irex shop – but all three of their other readers (DR1000S, iLiad 2nd Edition, iLiad Book Edition) are listed as ‘Currently Out of Stock’.
I will be very interested to see video of someone taking notes on this new device. I’ve grown pretty enamored of the keyboard-supported search and notes functions on my Kindle; will the pen input be as useful for such things?
September 24th, 2009 at 12:27 am
I would like to know when it will be available…. anything to kill the kindle garbage would be appreciated… (death to kindle like death to ONTV circa 1980’s)
September 24th, 2009 at 10:34 am
“This announcement excites me (and that I will be able to test it at my local Best Buy).”
The press announcements I have read say “select” Best buy stores. I wonder which ones will be included and if it will be available at Best Buys online shop.