iRex readying smaller 3G touch reader for US?
updated 03:20 pm EDT, Thu August 6, 2009
iRex 8in 3G Reader Leak
E-book device maker iRex has signaled it's planning to launch a smaller, touchscreen reader that would do battle not only with the Kindle but Sony's PRS-600 and other touchscreen devices. The unnamed device, a mockup of which has been sent to CNET, would be substantially smaller than the Digital Reader 1000 with an 8.1-inch display controlled by a stylus. It would have built-in 3G and, like the Amazon device, would be tied to a particular store for e-book downloads. Whether or not it would involve an exclusive carrier deal is unknown.
While iRex has normally catered to Europeans and often to professionals, the unnamed device (likely called the Digital Reader 800) should be sold in the US and will be aimed at the home when it ships by the holidays. The cost of one of these readers is still uncertain but may have to compete with the Kindle DX as it has a larger, albeit non-touch, 9.7-inch display as well as free 3G through Sprint.
AT&T isn't considered a likely candidate for the iRex reader as it already has a deal with Plastic Logic to supply 3G for its 2010 e-book viewer.
