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Gadgets iRex iLiad eBook Now Available
Anh Tuan Huynh (Blog) - July 4, 2006 12:11 PM
Print E-mail del.icio.us 11 comment(s) - last by Great Googly M.. on Jul 5 at 8:47 PM

Mockup of iLiad
A fancy new book gets ready for store shelves

DailyTech previously reported Philips Electronics iRex subsidiary revealed specifications on its upcoming iLiad eBook reader. The iLiad can now be purchased from iRex’s website for a fairly large chunk of change -- 649 Euros (approximately $826). This is nearly the price of an entry-level laptop that can do more than just display PDF, XHTML, TXT and MP3 files. Nevertheless the iLiad features USB, Compact Flash type II slot, SD/MMC slot, stereo audio output jack, 802.11g wireless and 10/100 Ethernet.

An 8.1” grayscale touch screen LCD capable of 1024x768 will allow users to take write down notes. Other specifications include a 400MHz Marvell Xscale processor, 64MB ram, 224MB internal flash memory available to the user and a rechargeable battery.

Current shipping iLiad eBooks are equipped with the initial firmware release. However, iRex has plans to release new software that adds new features in the July/August and August/September/October time frame. In July/August iRex is expected to add Hotspot support, eBook DRM and HTML page break support. August/September/October will bring dictionary support, annotations on PDF/TXT/HTML, file management, MP3 playing, search and bookmarking.


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Colour version?
By Sunday Ironfoot on 7/4/2006 12:45:10 PM , Rating: 2
Do a colour version (if it's possible - eInk technology isn't it? Can they do that in colour?), and add support for Microsoft Word or Open Office, and I'd definitely consider buying one.

I have a lot of bulky books which are heavy to carry around and hold while reading in bed. But I do have ebook version of most of them, having them all on this device would be handy.




RE: Colour version?
By Visual on 7/4/2006 1:06:29 PM , Rating: 2
it says LCD, not eink
totally not worth the price


RE: Colour version?
By Great Googly Moogly on 7/4/2006 3:43:11 PM , Rating: 2
It's e-ink tech. I'm guessing the touch thingy (for note taking and stuff) is just an overlay.


RE: Colour version?
By Trisped on 7/5/2006 12:46:50 PM , Rating: 2
No, it is an LCD
quote:
An 8.1” grayscale touch screen LCD capable
You can also tell from the resolution. They probably kept it black and white because it produces a cleaner picture which is easier on the eyes and uses less power.

eInk does not yet work in color, and making it do so would be rather difficult at this point. So basically you are set to a 2 color system, most opting for the white/black style.


RE: Colour version?
By Great Googly Moogly on 7/5/2006 8:44:49 PM , Rating: 2
Eh... iRex is a Philips offshoot, which actually invented the e-Ink stuff. Read their site. It's e-Ink.


RE: Colour version?
By Great Googly Moogly on 7/5/2006 8:47:00 PM , Rating: 2
See here:

• Previous E-books
– Display: LCD based.
[...]
• iRex Technologies E-reader
– Display: Electronic ink based.
[...]

Also:
http://www.irextechnologies.com/downloads/Productl...


Not the best product name...
By ProviaFan on 7/4/2006 1:42:58 PM , Rating: 2
When I saw the headline, I thought it was the iRex "iLaid" tablet...

Needless to say, my laptop that cost only a bit more but has a much better price/usefulness ratio suits my need for a device that can be used to read things in those rooms of the house where a desktop computer isn't ideal or possible to have. ;)




RE: Not the best product name...
By DukeN on 7/4/2006 1:48:35 PM , Rating: 2
This must've been named by a Homer fan.


Too pricey...
By Clauzii on 7/4/2006 3:43:58 PM , Rating: 2
If they sell ANY at this price, it must be for people who casn afford to literally burn money.

Worthless techstuff...




RE: Too pricey...
By Trisped on 7/5/2006 12:51:49 PM , Rating: 2
I can see the draw, but I would rather pay something closer to $500 or an eInk system.

The advantages of this over a laptop are that this is lighter and easier to hold (like an actual book). It uses less power, doesn't put out massive amounts of heat and noise, and is slim. Plus, the screen will probably be easier on the eyes then the typical color LCD screen.

Would i put out for this? No, but there must be a market if people are willing to pay over $1000 of a Blue Ray burner for their PC which only has the added value of reading the few Blue Ray movies currently available.


By wien on 7/4/2006 12:46:56 PM , Rating: 2
The iRex iLiad eBook? You gotta be kidding me? It's annoying enough when Apple does it, but this is just plain stupid.




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