Pandigital has just announced a new ebook reader that will go on sale later this month, the Pandigital Novel Personal eReader (as opposed to all the non-personal ones).
Unlike Pandigital’s two other ereaders that have color LCD displays, this new one has a monochrome epaper screen like the Kindle and Sony. The difference, however, is that the Pandigital Novel Personal eReader uses a different screen from a company called SiPix.
SiPix screens are popular in Asia, but haven’t reached the US yet. The Cybook Orizon is another new ereader getting set to release that is using these new types of displays.
As far as features go, the new Pandigital eReader looks pretty promising. First off, the hardware appears to be a BenQ variant, and the SiPix touchscreen indicates that as well. Like the color Pandigital Novel, it has Wi-Fi and ties in with Barnes and Noble’s ebook store for downloading ebooks. Other goodies include a web browser, integrated email application, 2GB of memory with a microSD card slot, G-sensor automatically rotates screen, built-in speaker, Adobe DRM support—all for a price tag of $199.
Here’s the important info from the press release:
Dublin, Calif., Oct 18, 2010 – Pandigital Inc. today expanded its Pandigital Novel line of eReaders featuring the integrated Barnes & Noble eBookstore with its first model using ePaper technology. Featuring a touch-screen for easy navigation, the new Pandigital Novel Personal eReader has a crisp 6-inch electrophoretic ePaper display for easy enjoyment in bright sunlight and a battery life that lasts thousands of page-turns.
The new Pandigital Novel Personal eReader utilizes a 6-inch ePaper display that provides a crisp 600×800 resolution. Its touch-screen interface is something not normally found with ePaper eReaders. Made by Sipex/AUO for Pandigital, the display takes ePaper technology to a new level of functionality and ensures that customers get a first-rate reading experience.
This innovative display, combined with the intuitive software interface, lets customers easily navigate through the various functions and capabilities of the Pandigital Novel while reading books and magazines. In addition to being fun and easy to use, the ePaper display used on the Pandigital Novel is non-reflective, so the device is incredibly easy to read in bright light and sunlight.
Like the other models in the Pandigital Novel eReader line, the new eReader comes integrated with the Barnes & Noble eBookstore, so customers can easily download and enjoy books, magazines, and periodicals.
“We’re extending our Pandigital Novel eReader line to include an ePaper model that will encourage even more readers to embrace the ease, comfort and enjoyment of electronic book readers,” said John Clough, President of Pandigital. “Our new Pandigital Novel 6-inch eReader is perfect for the many readers who love to catch up on their books outdoors, on vacation or just when they have a moment to relax and unwind.”
Weighing 9.1 ounces, the eReader is incredibly portable and easy to take anywhere. In addition, it delivers a long battery life of up to 6,000 page turns. The Pandigital Novel Personal eReader comes with convenient features that make reading easier and more enjoyable, including adjustable font size, a built-in dictionary, word/character search, highlighting, and creation of multiple bookmarks.
This new eReader has 2GB of internal memory for customers to store hundreds of books and periodicals, music, photos, and more. Plus, it has a built-in memory card reader that accepts up to 32GB memory cards for access to a virtually unlimited number of files.
The new Pandigital Novel Personal eReader (PRD06E20WWH8) will be available this month at national retailers. It has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $199.99 and is expected to sell at even lower everyday retail pricing and promotional pricing.
In addition to being a first-rate eReader, the Pandigital Novel is a multifunction device, allowing users to browse the web, check email, view photos, or listen to music. The built-in Wi-Fi and web browser lets users easily go online to check out the latest news or their favorite website while the integrated email application allows customers to stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues. Customers can enjoy their favorite music via the built-in speaker or use the stereo-mini headphone jack for private enjoyment and also view photos on the 16-level grayscale display. The Pandigital Novel Personal eReader also has additional convenience features including a built-in appointment calendar and alarm clock.
The Pandigital Novel 6-inch Personal eReader provides excellent reading for electronic books and has the following features:
– A 6″ ePaper electrophoretic display with 800×600 resolution and 16-level grayscale
– Responsive touch-screen and intuitive user interface for navigation
– Built in speaker and stereo-mini headphone jack
– A virtual keyboard for making notes, emails, and other entries
– Orientation sensor for automatically adjusting between portrait and landscape mode when the device is tilted
– Supports popular eBook formats PDF & EPUB
– Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and web browser
– Expandable storage through its microSD memory card slot (supporting up to 32GB cards)
– Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (via AC adapter or USB)
– Built-in mini-USB port provides an option for easy transfer of files between the device and a
computer (Mac and PC compatible)
– Compact and sleek design – it measures 4.88″(w) x 6.75″(h) x 0.38″(d) and weighs 9.1 ounceseBook Access Easy & Quick Through Barnes & Noble eBookstore
The integration of Barnes & Noble’s eBookstore ensures that Pandigital Novel customers have quick and convenient access to more than one million eBooks, newspapers and magazines, most available for $9.99 or less, and more than half a million free classics. Customers will find it simple to browse, sample, buy, and download published content in seconds from the Barnes & Noble eBookstore. Also, customers can use Barnes & Noble’s LendMeTM technology to share many eBooks with friends and family for 14 days.