iRex unveils 2nd Edition iLiad eBook reader

iRex on Friday launched the iLiad 2nd Edition, a significant upgrade to its successful eBook device. The upgrade includes a brand new battery that extends battery life up to 20 percent, allowing it to run for up to 15 hours with its Wi-Fi switched on for downloading new books. The new design is also more rugged than the original model and includes a smaller travel hub for syncing the iLiad through USB or connecting to the network with a built-in Ethernet jack. A major upgrade to the back's ergonomic design also makes the design more surefooted when staying still on a desk, according to iRex.

Software has been upgraded to include the latest version of the company's interface, which adds an improved automatic Wi-Fi connection finder and stylus calibration for better accuracy when drawing notes or editing certain types of PDF documents. The ability to read HTML, protected Mobipocket books, and raw text is said to be unchanged from the original edition. iRex begins selling the 2nd Edition today; pricing hasn't been revealed, though current expectations have it retaining the same $699 price as for the first model.