eeeReader to be the new Netbook?
Even though Asus said they weren’t planning on releasing any new netbooks until 2010, the recently leaked Asus roadmap proves they do have some innovations up their sleeve. But you’d expect more from the top netbook maker. Sure enough, it turns out the company has been focusing its energies on creating an eReader along the lines of Sony’s eReader and the Amazon Kindle. Sound like a steep hill to climb? Wait till you hear the features of the ahem eeeReader!
- form factor of a book – with a hinged spine
- two flat touchscreens on either side of the spine will serve as the ‘pages’ of the ebook
- these panels can be used to eRead and to browse the internet (WHIPAY!! perfect for reading dense books and even school books)
- virtual keyboards in each panel – the eeeReader will serve as a notebook & computer as well
- full color display
- webcam, mic, speakers (for VoIP) – aka it’ll basically be a real netbook with two screens
There will also be a premium version that will include:
- 3G
- a web browser
- expandable storage (eee storage perhaps?)
The budget version of the eeeReader, with its array of impressive features, will be introduced to the market at $163 – not bad for an eReader, but the premium version is really where it’s at. An eReader with 3G and a web browser… that’s more of a computer, and will greatly reduce the number of gadgets you need to carry around with you.
No word on what kind of book format the eeeReader will support, but we’ll find out soon enough. Both models are expected to release by the end of the year.
Related posts:
- Touch Book Netbook + Tablet hybrid from Always Innovating
- Want to use your Netbook as an E-reader? Read on.
- The Asus Eee Keyboard – A netbook in itself?
- New Netbook Hopes On The Horizon
- Asus 8.9″ Eee 4GB PC Netbook
Filed under: Upcoming netbooks
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