Sony has announced the PRS-700 e-book reader, replete with a touchscreen interface, in advance of the highly anticipated Kindle 2 from Amazon. Does Sony’s new reader have what it takes to edge out the Kindle?

The PRS-700 maintains the same dimensions as its predecessor at about the same size as a paperback book. The touchscreen will allow users of the reader to flip pages by simply sliding a finger across the display, as well as highlight text or type using an onscreen keyboard.

The display on Sony’s new e-book reader is a six inch, high contrast electronic paper display to ensure it’s easy to read even in bright sunlight. The PRS-700 reader also comes with an LED reader light, but no backlighting.

One major feature that is noticeably lacking in Sony’s latest e-book reader is a wireless connection. The Kindle can download e-books from Amazon over a Sprint EVDO wireless connection or by connecting it to a home computer.

The missing wireless connectivity combined with Amazon’s extensive e-book library could make it hard for Sony to lure Kindle fans to its product. With an expected retail price of $400 US, the Sony reader is actually more expensive than the first generation Amazon Kindle.

The Sony Executive responsible for the e-book team even gave a nod to the Kindle in the PRS-700 announcement proclaiming that, “readers now have another choice in digital books.” And it could be the case since Sony’s release is going to beat Amazon’s next generation Kindle to the market.

E-book fans have been expectantly awaiting the announcement of the Kindle 2. This weekend we saw what might be some leaked details of the forthcoming device.

The original Kindle was launched last year to little fanfare, but has attracted a large and devoted following among heavy readers. Only time will tell if Sony’s touchscreen technology can draw Kindle fans away from Amazon’s reader.

Related:

The Amazon Kindle e-book reader unveiled

Sony trumps Amazon, launches updated digital book reader

Amazon Kindle coming Monday: digital books takeaway

Amazon Kindle 2 e-book reader leaks… maybe

Amazon confirms student version of Kindle

Entry was posted on Monday, October 6th, 2008 at 9:04 am under Amazon.  Print This Post

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