The cheapest portable ebook reader yet is set to arrive soon.
The Asus Eee Reader has finally been confirmed for a 2009 March 2010 release. Many sources are speculating that this not-yet-released eReader will dominate the market, and that Amazon better watch their back. There’s also rumors that there’ll be two versions of the “Eee”: a budget unit priced at $164 and a higher-end device ($200).
Here’s a glimpse at the higher end Asus Eee Reader:
The Eee Reader reportedly will have features not typically found in traditional eReaders:
- A webcam and microphone…for using Skype (a book that makes phone calls? Wow)
- A hinged spine, as shown in the picture above
- Two color screens, one of which could act as a keyboard! This second screen could also be used to surf the Internet while reading a book on the first screen.
Because the Eee Reader will have full-color screens, it’s safe to assume that eInk technology will not be used. That being said, hopefully Asus has come up with a way to reduce problems like glare and readability that other companies like Sony faced when not using eInk.
It’s hard to predict how successful these new devices will be, but I for one think it’s exciting to see companies thinking “outside the box” and trying new things. On the other hand, critics have complained that the Eee Reader has too many features that are distracting from the primary purpose of an electronic reading device…READING 
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Tags: asus | asus eee | color screen | dual screens | eee reader | microphone | skype | webcam
Nice! I was planning on getting a Kindle 2 but I may just wait a few more months for the Asus to come out.
I like how it has a spine like a real book.
Interesting…I’m a bit concerned though that because it doesn’t use eInk it’ll be hard on the eyes and not very good in bright lights.
It’s almost like Asus is trying to build a netbook that looks like an ebook reader…?
Great site! I’ve learned a lot about the different ebooks available. I now have the difficult descicion of figuring out what one is the best for me. SHould be fun!
Has anyone heard when the release date is for the Asus Eee Reader? I have heard a lot about it but cannot get any information about it’s release. I am in the market for an ebook ereader and I am leaning toward the Astak EZ Reader with the 6″ screen if the Asus does not surface soon. I have agonized over the Kindle 2, the Sony 300 and the Jetbook and seem to have settked on the Astak unless the Asus comes out soon. I even emailed the Asus company to no avail. Does anyone have any news?
the Asus eee reader is coming out march 2010
I heard that it will be out in the middle of this year but I hope that it does come sooner because I am thinking of getting an Asus myself. I was very impressed with the specs. Asus really started the netbook craze and these lower priced readers should drive prices down overall-which is excellent!
I am excited about the Asus e-book. I have been looking for an e-book reader that I can do research, cross referencing, and take notes on. I do a lot of in depth Bible studies and use many reference materials that I need to be able to correlate and take notes. My library is quite extensive and hard to carry all of it. In fact I would need a pickup truck. It is just not practical to haul all of them around. With this device I can take my entire library with me. I think this is awesome. If the price is as low as they say that makes it even better. Can’t wait for the launch in March.