Sony launches new e-book device
26-03-2004
by Ciaran Buckley

 

The LIBRIe is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in late April. The device's display utilises a Philips display that uses E Ink's electronic ink technology. The display is reflective and can be easily read in bright sunlight or dimly lit environments, while being able to be seen at any angle, just like paper.

The device can store up to 20 books and includes a memory sick expansion slot for inserting more books and a USB port for downloading books from a computer. These allow users to download published content, such as books or comic strips from the Internet, and read them anywhere, at any time.

"A very important reason why electronic books were unsuccessful in the past was the fact that they used LCD displays, which were not pleasant to read from," said Koen Joosse, spokesperson for Philips Research, speaking to ElectricNews.Net. "Electronic ink is paper-like, has good contrast and is very pleasant to read from."

Joosse also pointed out that because electronic ink only requires power when the display is changed, it has a much lower power requirement than LCD. It is powered by four alkaline batteries and has a six-inch 600 x 800 display. A user can read more than 10,000 pages before the four AAA Alkaline batteries need to be replaced.

Sony's e-book is expected to cost around EUR300 when it is launched in Japan and content will be available on an all-you-can-read basis for a UR1.50 per month subscription. Over time this will bring the per-book cost of the device down to the level of a print book.

"You can have more than 50 books on the device, because you can save or download other books as required," said Joosse, "You only have to buy the book once."

Joosse said that Philips hadn't come up with any projections for future sales of the e-ink product, since it was only in the launch stage and commercial shipments were only beginning.