Sony Intros Dedicated e-Book Reader

by Jim Milliot & Rachel Deahl -- Publishers Weekly, 1/5/2006

Sony unveiled the most reader-friendly e-book device to date last evening at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show. The Sony Reader features a 6-inch visual display screen, that, thanks to electronic paper developed by E Ink Corp., delivers the sharpest screen resolution of any e-reader yet developed. In addition to improved resolution, the reader is relatively light at 8.8 ounces and has a battery life that will allow for about 7,500 page turns per charge, enough for readers to store dozens of titles.

A similar device introduced into the Japanese market last year was a hit, giving Sony executives hope that despite the failure of e-books to catch on in the U.S., a better reader may encourage consumers to give e-books a second look. Ron Hawkins, senior v-p of Personal Reader Systems, said Sony research has shown that consumers would be interested in a device that delivers a quality reading experience. Sony is also counting on the increase familiarity among the public with digital content to spur interest in e-books. The company is positioning the new device as a dedicated reader, although it is MP3 compatible.

Not everything about the new device is completely customer-friendly, however. Sony is looking at an initial price of between $299 and $399, and e-books will only be available through an online store being created by Sony Connect. The online store will be integrated with the reader. E-book prices will be set by publishers, and although the number of titles available at launch has yet to be announced, all of the major publishers have issued statements of support for the reader. Sony expects to begin selling the reader this spring at selected traditional and online retailers.

Nick Bogaty, head of the International Digital Publishing Forum, called the Sony Reader the most compelling e-book reader developed. He said the combination of Sony's marketing muscle with the amount of digital content now available could result in a significant increase in e-book sales.