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e-Reader + NetBook: Entourage Edge: e-Ink + LCD – Dual Screen

A virginia-based company Entourage has announced  a dual-screen e-reader+netbook. It acts as an e-reader, but also allows users to write notes or highlight text, send emails and instant messages, browse the Web, take pictures, record and play audio as well as video content. All this can be done simultaneously from a single platform that fosters enhanced learning, working and entertainment environments -according to the company press release. Customers can pre-order now, and it’ll be ship in February, 2010.

It’s a dual-screen, WiFi-enabled device that has optional access to 3G networks for fast and easy data transfers running on Android OS.

The left side of the enTourage eDGe™ features a 9.7” diagonal e-paper display, serving as an e-reader or notebook that comes with many built-in applications. It supports e-books in PDF and EPUB format and take notes or draw diagrams for easy storing on the device while they are top-of-mind, such as during a class or meeting.

For example, a student could generate a chart to accompany a math equation while taking notes during class. All documents are saved directly to the device and are backed up on Entourage Systems’ servers if a unit gets damaged or goes missing.

The right side of the enTourage eDGe™ is a 10.1” LCD screen equipped with a touch screen interface to easily browse email, surf the Internet, watch movies or listen to MP3s. It  supports Bluetooth® keyboards so users can conveniently type notes, emails and IMs.

These two unique screens also work together to help individuals access information faster.

For example, a user can highlight a word from the e-paper screen, and drag it to a Web browser on the LCD screen to search for definitions, images and so forth. For increased access to documents, users can choose between email attachments, USB drives, direct PC drag and drop or web page download for moving files on and off the device.

Entourage claims that they have secured more than 200,000 trade books and is working with publishers to secure text books.They will open an e-bookstore soon.

The users will have access to more than one million free public domain books digitized by Google. They will also have access to many major magazines, newspapers and periodicals.

This interactive dualbook also comes with audio and video recording and playback features.

It si  equipped with a text-to-speech function.

The product boasts a built-in 1.3 Mega Pixel camera to easily video conference or stay in touch with friends and family in far-away places.

The enTourage eDGe™ is an ideal solution for students looking to save money on textbooks, professionals who want to travel light while staying connected and general consumers trying to minimize their electronics expenses or clutter.

With battery having advanced power saving modes customers can stay powered longer, over 16 hours utilizing the e-reader screen or up to 6 hours running the LCD screen, without having to recharge.

Users can orient the displays vertically or horizontally by simply accessing the control buttons on the side of the device.

Specifications

Dimensions: 8.25″ x 10.75″ by 1.0″ (closed)

Weight: 2.5 lbs.

Internal Memory: 4 GB (3 GB for user) up to 3000 books

E-reader File Formats: ePub, PDF

LCD Touchscreen Display Size: 1024 x 600 (10.1″)

E-paper Display Size: 9.7″ e-Ink®(1200 x 825), 16 shades of gray

E-paper Input: Wacom® Penabled®

Operating System: Linux with Google® Android®

Connectivity: 3G, WiFi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth capability

Battery Life: 16+ hours utilizing the e-reader screen / up to 6 hours running the LCD screen

Battery Type: Lithium-ion polymer

Mobile Modem (optional): EVDO or HSDPA

External Memory: SD card slot, 2 USB ports

Audio and Microphone Jack: 3.5 mm each. Includes internal microphone and speakers.

Audio playback: MP3, WAV, 3GPP, MP4, AMR, ACC, OGG

Video playback: 3GP, MP4, Adobe Flash Lite (H.264)

Input: Stylus input on e-paper and touchscreen. Virtual keyboard. Bluetooth keyboard (optional)

The Wired says:

As with many hybrid devices, eDGe runs the risk of not being good enough as either an e-book reader or as a netbook. Also, eDGe doesn’t have the kind of integrated access to an e-bookstore that companies such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble can offer with their e-readers. However, because eDGe uses the EPUB format, its customers can access the 1 million free, public-domain books digitized by Google. To get the latest Dan Brown bestseller, Entourage says it is building its own e-book store and inking deals with publishers.

Still, the eDGe packs in some appealing extras. The device will come with a text-to-speech function and a 1.3-megapixel webcam. It will offer about 16 hours of battery life in e-reader mode and up to 6 hours when running the LCD screen, says Entourage Systems.

Here is the comparison between some hot e-reraders available in the market (from Entourage website):
kindle Wireless Reading Device (6″ Display, U.S. & International Wireless, Latest Generation)Amazon kindle Leather Cover (Fits 6″ Display, Latest Generation kindle)kindle dx Wireless Reading Device (9.7″ Display, U.S. Wireless, Latest Generation)

Posted by admin on Oct 27th, 2009 and filed under Entourage Edge, News, eBooks, feature. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response by filling following comment form or trackback to this entry from your site

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