iRex readying next-gen Iliad eBook reader

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 19 Sep 2008 at 12:13

iRex is preparing to release an evolved version of its Iliad eBook reader, according to reports.

The Netherlands-based company has been touting an event on Monday, but has so far kept tight-lipped about its contents. However, according to Forbes the company will be unveiling its next generation Iliad, dubbed the Reader 1000, featuring a 10.2in screen and the ability to open "any file format" including full-sized PDFs, Word documents and HTML.

We reviewed the original Iliad back in November and were impressed. And as with the original Iliad, the reader will feature an E Ink touchscreen, allowing users to annotate and markup text with a stylus. Despite this, Forbes is claiming the device will offer up to 80 hours on a single charge.

The Reader will also vary from its rival by arriving in a number of different models, with the base version of the reader costing $650. For those wincing at the price, close your eyes. The next model up, which comes with an annotatable screen, is expected to cost $750, while the version with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G data connectivity will cost a princely $850.

Forbes claims the device is being targeted at business users.

The Ebook market has been hotting up in recent months, with a Citigroup analyst claiming Amazon's Kindle has the potential to become the "iPod of the bookworld". However, the Kindle has yet to reach UK shores, leaving Sony free to release its rival PRS-505, which we reviewed last week.

Plastic Logic is also making a play for the business markets, though. Last week it displayed a demonstration version of its prototype eReader, which is just 7mm thin and the same size as an 8.5 x 11in piece of paper, almost all of which is dedicated to the display.