14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung has put its E6 and E101 e-readers on display at the Consumer Electronics Show and the products are already beginning to turn heads thanks to their multiple functionality. E-readers are most commonly known for their ability to display books in electronic format, allowing end-users to read to their hearts content. Samsung's products, on the other hand, enable not just e-reading, but also writing, drawing and wireless content sharing.
“We’ve used our expertise to create a high-quality e-book with today’s on-the-go consumer in mind,” Young Bae, director of display marketing, Samsung Information Technology Division, said. “Samsung is addressing a common frustration that users experience with many of today’s digital readers with a stylus that allows them to annotate their favorite works or take notes. Coupled with wireless functionality that enables sharing of content, this is a truly multi-faceted device.”
The e-readers come in 6-inches and 10-inches, respectively, and allow for handwriting directly onto the display. Input is done with an EMR (electromagnetic resonance) stylus pen, which also prevents mistypes caused by hands and other objects that may graze the screen itself. Readers may now annotate their reading sections and calendars, or draw and write as they see fit. Additionally, the electronics are built with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g connectivity and Bluetooth 2.0. This means that consumers will be able to share content between devices.
The 6-inch E6 and the 10-inch E101 require four hours to charge up, after which they can last for up to two weeks, depending on how they are used. The display delivers an appearance similar to that of printed paper, even as it naturally reflects light. Not only that, but power consumption is even further lessened thanks to the lack of LED backlighting.
Samsung will have both the 10-inch E101 and the 6-inch E6 e-readers up and ready for purchase sometime in this year's first quarter, at prices of $699 and $399, respectively. Google is set to become the first partner to provide content for the devices.