nextbigthing
You Can Book It
It’s only a matter of time now. As e-book readers mature, the image of children lugging dated, heavy bundles of wood pulp will become as anachronistic as pictures of kids writing on slate boards. Besides the much-heralded release of the Kindle 2, several other devices in this product
A.IRex Digital Reader B.Sony PRS category have been upgraded to make them strong competitors with netbooks as the de facto classroom device of the future. Look for even more readers to be released this year from manufactures including Samsung and Endless Ideas.
A IRex introduced a version this year that comes with tablet functionality and wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a large (10.2- inch) display and lightweight design. IRex Digital Reader (about $860)
B Last C.Amazon Kindle 2 D.Fujitsu FLEPia year Sony introduced the latest version of the PRS, adding a number of improvements such as a new touch-screen interface. The internal storage has now doubled to 512MB, and this can be expanded to 32GB using a memory card. It also includes LED lighting for use in poor illumination. Sony PRS-700BC (about $350)
C The Amazon Kindle 2 carries a host of upgrades, including better battery life, the ability to read text aloud and increased memory. Amazon Kindle 2 (about $360)
D Fujitsu’s FLEPia is the only color e-book we’ve seen so far. The device includes Bluetooth, Wi- Fi, a touch screen and 4GB of storage via an SD slot and promises to provide 40 hours of continuous use. Right now the device is available only in Japan.
—Russell Dyas
