Mountain View, Calif. – E-reader maker Plastic Logic, which plans
to release one of the largest and first plastic e-readers in early 2010,
announced that AT&T’s 3G network will provide the mobile broadband
connection for its upcoming device.
The Plastic Logic Reader, measuring 8.5 by 11 inches and 0.25 inches
thick, will also offer a Wi-Fi connection. Like the Amazon Kindle, will allow
users to wirelessly download e-books, but Plastic Logic has not yet stated
whether wireless service will be free, as it is for the Kindle.
Plastic Logic said AT&T’s 3G wireless service works in more
than 200 countries and regions, and AT&T is also the largest Wi-Fi provider
in the U.S.,
with more than 20,000 hot spots, plus more than 90,000 hot spots in 89
countries through roaming agreements.
Barnes & Noble announced
Monday its new e-bookstore will serve as the exclusive e-book provider for
the Plastic Logic Reader, which has won media attention for its larger, but
lightweight, screen, that can allow easier viewing of magazines and newspapers.
The Plastic Logic Reader is aimed at “mobile professionals,” as it
allows both books and documents to be wirelessly downloaded. Users can transfer documents from their PC and
then edit and annotate them on the e-reader.
The device also permits automatic searches within a document and
supports file types including PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, HTML, text, JPEG
and ePub – a popular format for e-books. Plastic Logic also claims its Reader offers a
battery life that may be measured in days rather than hours.
Pricing has not yet been announced.
