From concept to actual product, the Readius is coming in “mid-2008″ (though not solely as an e-book reader). It will use the same electronic ink technology as Amazon’s Kindle reader although this bendable-display device will apparantly be launched as a cell phone with a 5-inch fold-out screen.
The catch? No web browser. So close, huh? The Readius will have high-speed data access but everything will have to be preconfigured from your home PC first, like your e-mail accounts, podcasts, news feeds, and the like. It’s a good first step but still, no web browser? This, according to the company, is for a “simpler mobile environment.”
Later versions may contain a keypad and/or an 8-inch screen, though. The price hasn’t yet been set but I’d guess it’ll be somewhere in the $300 to $500 range.
you can see it working at http://www.clipset.net/2008/01/22/readius-de-polymer-vision-epaper-flexible-funcionando/
This device looks awesome. I love the foldable screen idea. I’m surprised no web browser as well. Even if it is black and white…We used to watch TV that way, why not surf the web?