The Asus eBook Reader is on it’s way and could see a shelf price of just $164. This dual screen e-reader could turn into the world’s cheapest digital reader and take off just like the original Eee PC.
The feature that really stands out with the Eee Reader, as it is expected to be called, is that it comes with a hinged spine that separates the two screens, so it opens just like a book. This is currently unlike other e-book readers on the market which are usually in the form of a single flat screen.
Furthermore, you will also be able to browse the web while viewing your e-book and one of the screens can behave like a virtual keypad so the e-book could almost be used like a laptop. Also, while other e-book readers currently offer monochrome screens, the Asus Eee Reader will actually be in full colour. There is a chance it could also include a webcam, speakers and microphone for Skype.
There is no information yet as to what format of e-book the Asus Eee Reader will support.
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At that price, and with those capabilities, I’m guessing it has a normal LCD display, and not an e-ink display? I’ve had that for years now — I turn my 701 sideways. Someone needs to make a cheaper e-ink reader (not Kindle, and cheaper than Kindle). You can’t read for extended periods of time off an LCD screen without screwing up your eyes (at least, I can’t).
Yeah, this is a non-starter for me if it uses a regular LCD. I spend enough time each day staring into a spotlight while computing to be able to do it while reading.
If Asus has the foresight to use a Pixel Qi LCD though, then holy freakin’ crap. This could completely invalidate all existing electronic readers *overnight*.
Pixel Qi expects to have devices shipping by the end of the year, the battery life is better than a regular LCD, and the monochrome-mode is *as legible* as E-Ink. I don’t mind charging a device a few times a week if it means having a video-capable non-backlit screen.
Worse: with color screen AND wifi, you’re looking at a battery life that is measured in hours (and relatively short ones, at that) instead of the DAYS one would need to have this really work.
>> AND wifi
You can always turn off wifi if you don’t need it, so that’s a non-argument.
And the lesser of the two battery drainers: my concern(s) stand.
I disagree; I think Asus fundamentally “doesn’t get it” when it comes to book readers, and risks tarnishing the Eee brand with this.
A few points. One of the appeals of the Kindle is its *2 WEEK* battery life. Another is that the eInk display is far, far easier on the eyes than any LCD screen.
With a 2-week battery life, you can take the Kindle with you plenty of places and not really have to worry about charging it. It feels as reliable as a book.
It seems that Asus is going to come up with something with battery life measured in hours, not weeks.
I think that the dual screens is a gimmick and not all that useful in practice.
I at least feel that Asus has the right design idea.
An eVook reader in the shape of a book!
I can live with two screens if they offer the same page size as a paperback book.
Thickness Vs Battery Life is another issue.
If it will give me 3+ hourse at the same thickness as a 400 page paperback and fit in my jacket pocket I’ll put my order in now
just excited to see it.
its always nice to have competition.:) it helps consumers.
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