Sony brings touchscreen to eBook reader

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 3 Oct 2008 at 09:20

Sony has introduced a new eBook reader with a touchscreen interface.

The PRS 700 allows users to turn the page by swiping their finger across the screen and highlight text by tapping it with a finger.

Users will also be able to annotate text using a touchscreen keyboard, allowing the company to introduce the feature without destroying the svelte lines that characterised its original model, the PRS-505 which we reviewed earlier this month.

The new reader also features a faster processor, aimed at improving screen-rendering time, which should please anybody who struggles with the two-second transition between page turns on the current model.

Alongside the faster interface and stylus-operated touchscreen, Sony's also introducing an LED light - not to be confused with a backlight - so people can read in the dark. Memory is also set to receive a boost with the company claiming the PRS 700 will now hold up to 350 books, though it hasn't revealed the exact quantity of memory.

There's still no Wi-Fi, however, despite the feature popping up on the Amazon Kindle and iRex.

Pricing and release date have yet to be confirmed in the UK, though it will cost $400 in the US.