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Asus Eee-Reader Overview

The Asus Premium Edition eBook Reader is more than your typical eReader. Is it a laptop with  eReader capabilities or an eReader with features of a laptop? With the Asus Premium Edition eBook Reader, you can make video calls or surf the web. Can the Asus device rely on its netbook-like capabilities to shake-up the Kindle-dominated ereading market?    

Features – Hardware and Software

The Taiwanese firm Asus made a name in the computer industry by offering cheap netbooks, chips, and computer. Apparently following the business model of their netbooks, Asus has promised to bring the cheapest prices to ereaders.

However, Asus plans to win the market not only on price but, more importantly, on features. The move is to bring features to Premium eBook Reader that other readers, including the Kindle and Sony, don’t have. Based on the prototype shown at the 2009 CeBit Expo in March, the Asus Premium Edition eBook Reader will have a 6- or 9-inch dual touch screens connected by a hinge, giving the e-reader the look and feel of a printed book when opened. The Asus Premium Edition eBook Reader will go beyond conventional digital reading and move into the laptop territory. Turn the device sideways and what you have is a netbook. The second panel can be used for browsing a webpage or searching references, and so is built as well with onboard keypad. A portable library that lets you stay connected with friends anywhere you go? –  that’s the Asus promise. The Asus Premium Edition eBook Reader will be rolled out with built-in speaker, microphone, webcam, and videocalling over the Skype network.
The Bottom Line

If you’ve been waiting for an e-reading device with computer capabilities, Times Online reported the first one will be unveiled at the end of 2009. The Asus Premium Edition eBook Reader will let you read books, surf the web, make video calls – what more can you ask from an e-reader?

Asus eee-Reader Pros & Cons

Pros

The Asus Premium Edition eBook Reader is beaten by FLEPia in becoming the world's first colored e-reader. However, when the Asus e-reader arrives in the first quarter of January, it will be the first in the US. It will allow readers to enjoy graphic novels and comic books in full color. Despite its full features, reports say that the Premium Edition eBook Reader will be sold at competitive prices.  

Cons

LCD screens will allow the device to function like a small computer, but some fear that use of LCD screens will mean that the eee Reader have to be recharged more often. Even if Asus will be able to do something with 6” LCD screens in the same way they got the LCD screens of netbooks to last 9-10 hours, Asus wouldn't still be able to compete with other e-readers. Sony and Kindle e-readers, for instance, can last weeks of reading on a single charge. Another drawback to LCD screens is that they don't give much of verisimilitude with real paper as much as e-ink screen displays do. Although having two screens make the e-reader look more attractive, some gadget junkies are already questioning its practicality.
 

What's In The Asus Eee-Reader Box

• Asus Premium Edition eBook Reader
• USB cable
• User guide
 

Asus Eee-Reader Features

Main Features

• Dual, hinged LCD displays
• Touch-sensitive displays
• Multi-function screen displays
• Full-colored screen display

Key Features/h5>

 

• Web browsing capability
• iMax connectivity

 

Bonus Features

• Cheap Skype calls
• Integrated webcam