KDDI Intros the Solar Powered biblio Leaf SP02 eReader

Although a really impressive number of eBook readers have hit the streets in this last year or so, there aren't so many models that manage to stand out from the crowd, all of them offering basically the same features just at different price point, but KDDI's Leaf SP02 manages to be just a bit more original then most since it features a small solar panel that can be used for recharging the battery.

Although we don't really know that much details when it comes down to this solar panel, judging by the size of that thing it's safe to say that it would definitely take a while for the battery to recharge only on solar power, so probably this is added as a means of prolonging the battery life rather then being an alternative to the regular power plug charger.

Moving past that, there isn't that much else to report, this being pretty much your standard eBook reader, although KDDI certainly did a good job and included all the functionality that one should expect from such a solution, as the biblio Leaf SP02 is built around a 6-inch eInk display, that features a 800x600 resolution.

Apart from that, users also get 2GB of internal storage (expandable via a microSD memory card slot), 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a built-in CDMA modem as well as a 7,500 page turn battery life (although that could certainly be prolonged if you stand in direct sunlight)

A stylus is also included in the retail package, suggesting this comes with a resistive touchscreen.

Sizing wise, the Leaf SP02 comes at 198×130×9.6mm while it weights around 295.8g so this should be pretty easy to carry around with you.

Although everything sounds really well until now, pricing is not yet knows so is really hard to say how will this stack up against the Kindle or other eBook readers that are already available on the market.

The added solar panel could be considered a plus, but I doubt anyone would want to pay that much extra for it anyway. (via engadget)