Plastic Logic Unveils New E-Reading Device

Plastic Logic execs gave a demonstration preview of the new e-reader Monday during the DEMOfall 08 show held in San Diego.

Designed for busy professionals, the new e-reader brings the business world one step closer to the paperless office, execs say. The new device, aimed squarely at business users, offers a big and easy-to-read display on a screen the size of an 8.5 by 11-inch paper, making it ideal for users who regularly read newspapers or periodicals but are limited by the amount of paper they can carry with them, execs say.

"Research confirms professionals read much more business content than recreational content. They require access to all formats of digital content at their fingertips, and want a large readable screen," said Plastic Logic CEO Richard Archuleta in a statement.

Like its competitors the Amazon Kindle and the Sony Reader, the device uses electronic ink for readability, but is thinner than a paper notepad and lighter than many newspapers and magazines, which allows portability. Plus, as a paperless technology, the device is more environmentally friendly than its traditional silicon counterparts, while featuring low power consumption and long battery life.

"The display is the key to the digital reading experience, and this is the key differentiator that sets Plastic Logic's product apart," said Chris Shipley, DEMO Executive Producer in a written statement.

Speciically, the new e-reader features a gesture-based user interface and software tools designed to help business users both organize and manage information. In addition, the device can store thousands of documents and allows users to connect to their information with both wired and wireless technology. Users will also be able to read reports, files, and memos as well as books and magazines on multiple business document formats such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as newspapers, periodicals and books, execs say.

The device's versatility stems from a new plastic electronics display technology that touts lighter, less expensive and more environmentally friendly products than those of the traditional silicon based semiconductor industry.

"Plastic Logic is really innovating to two fronts that represent major market opportunities. We have created fundamentally advanced plastic electronics technology, enabling us to develop reading devices that will transform the way we publish, distribute and consumer content," said Archuleta.

The new e-reader device, which has yet to officially be named, is positioned to be shipped during the first half of 2009, when execs will announce final pricing. Execs say that Plastic Logic intends to distribute its new e-reader directly to e-commerce companies, while establishing partnerships with publishing, distribution, retail and other information services companies.