While the talk of the town is all about the Apple iPad, and what this will do to the Kindle, there is a new kid on the eReader block. Maybe there is a lot less of a fanfare than the iPad, but the Alex eReader brings a new device to the market with a rich set of functionality and a price tag of $399
The Alex is a dual screen reader. The upper screen, a 6″ EPD screen, offers a reading experience similar to a paper book, as can be found with other eReaders that use e Ink technology. Text size is adjustable and can be viewed on the upper and lower screen simultaneously with the “touch & extend” functionality. The lower screen, a 3,5” LCD screen, provides a web browser with complete access to the Internet, and other handy applications, such as, streaming video, music player, and access to your email. No doubt Amazon will be paying attention to this type of functionality with future releases of the Kindle.
One of Alex’s key selling points is also its build in Wi-Fi. Currently it is shipping with WiFi 802.11 b/g access. In summer, WiFi 802.11b/g + EVDO/CDMA and WiFi 802.11b/g + HSPA/GSM will be available in other models.
Another plus with the Alex eReader is the long battery life. You can read for up to two weeks without recharging the battery.
The Alex eReader comes with capabilities that support eBooks in EPUB, PDF, HTML and TXT formats. You can use the to Google’s bookstore that has over one million available titles to find your favourite eBooks.
Whether or not the Alex eReader is a little late coming to the market is up for debate. We will see with time, whether this device with its functionality and usablility merits it $399 price tag, which is clearly positioned between Barnes and Noble’s Nook and Apple’s iPad.