The Plastic Logic Que proReader has been teased and previewed several times over the past few months, but now the big screen e-reader has finally made its official debut, with all the launch details outed – and it’s headed to the UK!
At a glance, the Plastic Logic Que proReader doesn’t look so different from something like the Kindle DX, but the company has spent millions over almost a decade pioneering a new tech. Inside, the Plastic Logic Que proReader uses plastic instead of silicon components. There’s no need for a glass layer, so it’s incredibly thin, and flexible as well to survive banging around in a briefcase.
Plastic Logic touchscreen e-reader: first look
And designed for a briefcase the Plastic Logic Que proReader is: the company sees it as the ultimate do it all device for anyone who finds themselves printing off reams of reports for every meeting. A 4GB version will have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, while the 8GB model will add 3G to the mix, but both will suck in your Outlook calendar on the homescreen. There’s a new Que store for downloading ebooks to it, and Plastic Logic is also launching a BlackBerry app to transfer and display emails attachments via Bluetooth. And in the coming months, it’ll also add direct downloads of Exchange, Gmail, Yahoo! and Windows Live email too..
Seeing the Plastic Logic Que proReader up close, we were wowed by the big, 8.5×11 inch display. It’s not necessarily easier on the eye than other eInk panels, but that having a touchscreen layer doesn’t ruin it with reflection like the Sony Reader Touch is a big win. Its UI is also incredibly smart, with a well ordered homepage, snappy refresh and load times, and undoubtedly the best we’ve seen on an e-reader without a second colour screen.
You’ll be paying a hefty sum for the privilege though unfortunately. The 4GB Plastic Logic Que proReader launches in the US in April for $649, with the 8B version arriving at the same time for $799. We quizzed Plastic Logic’s CEO Richard Archuleta about a UK release (The company has an office in Cambridge), and he confirmed that it’s “working right now on plans to release the device in Europe”, so use that delay to mull over that big pricetag, and stay tuned for up close photos.
Out TBC | £TBC | Plastic Logic
