PW: Franklin Unveils eBookman

eBookman: Palm size, big screen, low price.

Lipsky also told PW that FEP has signed an agreement with Microsoft to to develop a version of Microsoft Reader for the eBookman. MR is currently available only on Pocket PC devices. "With our large screen and the clarity provided by Reader," said Lipsky, "the Franklin eBookman will provide an excellent reading experience at reasonable prices for all types of consumers, from students to corporate executives."

The base model will be available this fall with 8 megabytes of memory for $129.95; the $179 version adds backlighting to the screen; and the top-of-the-line model has a total of 16 MB of memory as well as the backlit screen. All three models include a slot for adding memory or plug-in cards with extra titles. The eBookman also has the ability to play music and audiobook files in the MP3 format.

The company is negotiating with Peanutpress.com and Audible.com and hopes to make titles from the Palm OS and Windows CE devices readable on the eBookman by its release in the fall.