Barnes' first e-book reader likely to show

Barnes and Noble this afternoon sent invitations to the press for its frequently rumored October 20th press event. The bookseller is short on details but exactly mirrors leaks in describing it as a "major event in our company's history." Most expect the event to involve Barnes & Noble launching a self-branded e-book reader that would be designed by Plastic Logic.

While the as yet unnamed device should be a typical grayscale reader, the same rumor that accurately intercepted the press release maintains that the central feature will be an industry-first book lending service that lets users temporarily swap books with those who don't already own them. This would differ significantly from Amazon's strategy with the Kindle, which authorizes a book for six devices but only for a single account.

The reader may use AT&T-based 3G for mobile shopping at Barnes & Noble's online store but may also have Wi-Fi.

By Electronista Staff