BenQ K60 nReader
BenQ is finally rolling out its K60 this September, the first in the nReader series of reading devices that the company is planning. First announced in 2009, the K60 nReader may be a little late to the eReader scene, but it is certainly a first when it comes to using SiPix’s screen display. Can doing things a little differently help BenQ conquer the Asian market as they look forward to?
Features – Hardware and Software
SiPix is eInk’s main competitor in the EPD market. SiPix screen displays use a slightly different approach than eInk’s, but the outcome is more or less the same. They are bistable, power thrift, can be read outdoors, and produce no glares.
The K60’s 6-inch display has a screen resolution of 800 x 600 and has 16 shades of gray. The screen is layered with a glass capacitive touch panel, allowing you to read books or navigate the device with a swipe or tap of the finger. There’s a virtual keyboard onboard for text input.
The Benq K60 nReader looks like it took a page out of the Sony Touch design. The standard shortcut buttons are arranged vertically in a single file below the screen. The back and forward buttons are found on the right side of the screen. No D-pad or scroll wheel for the K60 eReader as you can pretty much control everything via touch input.
Housing is pearly white like the Kindle 2’s. The interface ports are hidden on the sides of the device so you get a clean, uncluttered look. All in all, the K60 nReader measures 6.8 x 4.8 x 0.43 inches – about the proportion of a paperback, and it weighs 7.7 ounces only – lighter than your average paperback.
There are two ways to get content to the K60. One is by connecting the device to a PC via USB. The other is via WiFi, which connects you to eBookTaiwan.com for shopping, purchasing, and downloading of eBooks. The device doesn’t have a 3G connection, but it can support 3G wireless network cards.
2GB onboard storage can fit up to 2000 eBooks, and its expansion slot accepts up to 16GB microSD cards (roughly equal to 10,000 eBooks). The BenQ K60 nReader supports ePub, Txt, PDF, and HTML texts, and it can display JPEG, BMP, PNG, and GIF images. The device is also designed to easily purchase and download publications in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
The BenQ K60 nReader renders 7500 page turns per charge.
The Bottom Line
For those who love the experience of touch-based navigation, the BenQ K60 nReader is planned to be released initially in Asia this September. The company is in alos talks with partners in Europe for a launch there.
Pros The designed is slightly curved at the back to allow a more comfortable grip. The back is also texturized to prevent easy slippage as well as to add a touch of elegance to the device. There are only 3 font size options available, but the 6 zoom levels can help make reading easy on the eyes. The page turn buttons may be concentrated on the right, but the touch-enabled display facilitates one-handed use by either rightist or leftist. The K60’s decision to not add extra features that can distract you from reading is a big plus. Cons The touch capacitive SiPix display and the USB port that supports 3G dongles are not enough to save the K60 from looking and feeling generic. The device can support 3G dongles, but that means you have to pay for the connectivity. On the Kindle, 3G is free.
What’s in the Box • BenQ K60 nReader • Carry Bag • Micro USB Cable • Quick Start Guide • Hand Strip • Warranty Card
Main Features • 6-inch touch-enabled SiPix screen display • Comes with onscreen keyboard • 2GB internal storage; microSD slot supports up to 16GB • Dimension: 6.8 x 4.8 x 0.43 inches • 2-week battery life Key Features • Sleek-looking device in an attractive pearl casing • Thin as a magazine • WiFi access to eBook Taiwan • Can display English, Japanese, and Chinese publications • Portrait or landscape view • Browse by author or title
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