Spring Design says Alex finally on track

Spring Design tonight said the Alex will start shipping as of tomorrow. The dual-screen Android e-reader has faced multiple delays since February but will finally arrive for pre-orders at its lowered $399 price. It will only support Wi-Fi for Internet access at first but should get 3G over EVDO and HSPA later this year.

As part of the formal launch, Spring Design also claimed a first in catering to the world. In addition to making specialized versions of the Alex for those who read Chinese, Hebrew, Korean, Russian and Spanish, the startup will link those readers to localized online bookstores. The Amazon Kindle is already sold worldwide, but its bookstore in other areas is always just a subset of the American store with books taken out.

The Alex's design is reportedly the template for the Nook and uses a 3.5-inch color touchscreen for navigation with a six-inch e-paper display for reading. Unlike its Barnes & Noble counterpart, it can use the smaller screen for music, video and web browsing.

By Electronista Staff