Sony bolsters eBook reader range

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 25 Aug 2009 at 17:31

Sony has welcomed three new devices to its eBook reader range, though the most interesting of the three doesn't look likely to make it out of the US.

The basic model is the Reader Pocket Edition which features a 5in E Ink screen and choice of either rose pink or silver case. There's 512MB of inbuilt memory, good for around 350 eBooks and double that of the PRS 505, and a battery that should see you through 7,500 page turns. If that tickles your eBook fancy, it's been offered for £180 and will be available for pre-order tomorrow.

The more interesting of the two is the Reader Touch Edition and its 6in 800 x 600 touchscreen that allows users to turn the page by swiping their finger across the screen and highlight text by tapping it with a finger. A stylus is included for those looking to take notes, and the built-in Oxford English Dictionary will offer definitions of selected words.

The Touch Edition features 512MB of inbuilt memory and will cost a princely £250 in either black or silver.

Sony's made deals with major US libraries allowing owners of any of the readers to lend eBooks for free

The bad news for anybody who enjoyed the sleek styling of the A-Listed Sony PRS 505 is that the Pocket Edition is a straight replacement, meaning that when the last of them disappears they'll be gone forever. Likewise, the Touch Edition will take the place of the PRS 700, which never made it out of the US.

Speaking of things that haven't made it out of the US, Sony has also launched a third reader model, dubbed the Daily Edition. The Daily Edition features a 7in touchscreen and inbuilt 3G, allowing customers to download books for free from Sony's book store.

The Daily Edition is a straight competitor for the all-conquering Kindle, and looks unlikely to hit the UK, given the difficulties Amazon's already encountered securing a network deal with UK mobile operators.

Beyond the hardware, Sony's also made deals with major US libraries allowing owners of any of the readers to lend eBooks for free. The books will be licensed to the reader for between 14 and 29 days, depending on the library, and will automatically expire after that time, meaning they don't have to be taken back.

Sony's set to reveal UK specific details tomorrow, and we'll bring you more when we have it.