Sharp Corporation will jump into the e-reader pool later this year "with a device that can read a new e-publishing file format of its own," PC World reported, noting that the company plans to launch the device in Japan, but "is likely to hit the U.S. after Japan and Sharp said it is already in launch talks with Verizon Wireless."
The Wall Street Journal wrote that two prototype devices were on display at a news conference yesterday: "The smaller of the two resembles an extra-large smartphone, with a 5.5-inch screen. The other device resembles Apple's iPad in scale and comes with a 10.8-inch screen. The company didn't disclose pricing plans."
"The idea is to offer an iPad made in Japan," said Masami Ohbatake, head of Sharp's information and communication-systems business.
The more the merrier, I say, but the part about their "new e-publishing file format" is the wrong direction. I'd like one standard format so the publishers can stop wasting their energy and resources converting one book into so many different e-formats
Comments
Mechelle Fogelsong said on Saturday, July 31, 2010:
So which format do you recommend? An AT&T phone salesman told me I'd like the iPad because I can update my blog and read e-books too. But who can trust a salesman?
My husband says I'd like the book nook best, because it's more like a personal library.
What do you have, Ms. McLean? And do you like it?
Mechelle:
I've used a Kindle, a Sony eReader and the Kobo. However a client is giving me an iPad as a thank you gift because I sold a two-book deal at auction for him and his collaborator for considerably more money than the initial offer. I think I'm an iPad person.