Sony may have closed the door on selling ebooks and ebook readers in the United States, but that doesn’t mean that we’ve seen the last of Sony in the electronic paper industry. A source has turned up some information about an upcoming U.S. release of Sony’s PDF Reader.
Sony first introduced their 13.3″ E Ink Mobius ereader last year. It was only available in Japan, however, and it came with a very steep price tag.
Unfortunately it’s not going to be any cheaper when it arrives in the United States in May via a company called Worldox with a suggested retail price of $1100. Like in Japan, the device is being marketed as a business tool designed to reduce paper usage, not as an ebook reader.
In fact the Sony DPT-S1 Reader only supports PDF format, and not any ebook formats. Although Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel files can be converted to PDF files to read on the device.
Many would argue that a tablet, especially something like an iPad, would be a much better value. It’s hard to disagree with that, but the Sony DPT-S1 offers an entirely different type of reading experience.
The main difference is the screen. The DPT-S1 is the first device to use a 13.3-inch E Ink Mobius screen. It’s super thin and super light. Plus it’s a lot more durable than normal E Ink screens because it uses plastic instead of glass for the backplate of the display, which also contributes to the lightness.
Sony’s dedicated PDF Reader also has two types of touchscreens, one that responds to a finger’s touch, and a more sensitive electromagnetic touchscreen for using a stylus.
The device also includes Wi-Fi, a micro USB port, microSD card slot, and it comes with 4GB of memory. Battery life is estimated at 2-3 weeks. It only weighs in at 12.6 ounces, and measures 9.25″ x 12.25″ x .281″.
This device has some intriguing hardware for sure, but being that it only supports PDF format the software leaves much to be desired. If could be pretty interesting if hacked, but with a price tag of $1100, that’s a pretty skinny market.
More information about Sony’s PDF Reader can be found on the links below:
Basic Operation Guide (pdf)
Sony DPT-S1 User Manual (pdf)
Personally, I’m glad to see that Sony has not given up. What I think the intent of this device is to provide a “same as paper” experience in terms of appearance and size. While I agree with the iPad Air being a better deal based on price, it doesn’t have the larger screen. To make the comparison accurate think what a 13.3 inch iPad would weigh, probably more than a couple of pounds with all of that glass and battery. Look at the Lenovo Horizon 2, it’s a 27 inch tablet and sells for $1,500. I expect the price to come down, but think about the larger form factor versus weight and how you would get the weight down. Even the new Samsung Note Pro 12.2 inch tablets are pricey. This could be a shift in form factor.
I want this thing. The limitation in functionality is good for an easily distracted person like myself. As long as the annotation support is solid I’m pretty much sold.
this product is going to be dead on arrival. the price is too high. only execs with big expense accounts will be able to get it, but even then it’s questionable because those people already have iPads. People are expected to read and review their docs on a retina display.
this is going to be awesome…finally an e-reader that can read a normal page of paper in PDF format and make it easy to annotate!
When it will come to Europe, and for how much?
I already see it, this will protect virgin forests. Only produce more firm one, and be more cheaper!
Hi,
I was wondering whether there is any difference between the Japanese version (now available on Amazon) and the US edition? I would love clarification on this issue.
many thanks
Sid
The only difference is the Japanese version is in Japanese. I’ve heard of some people in the US using it anyway. I have not heard of any successful attempts to get the US software on the Japanese model, but it’s probably possible some way or another. I’ll post an article about it if I hear of a way to do it.
I will wait for my lottery jackpot win, then I will surely buy it.