

The two devices, the 5-inch Reader Pocket Edition and the 6-inch Reader Touch Edition, are scheduled to be released on Dec. 10. The Pocket is expected to sell for ¥20,000, and the Touch for ¥25,000.
The Pocket is about 9.2 mm thick and weighs 155 grams, while the Touch is 10.3 mm thick and weighs 215 grams. Both types can carry roughly 1,400 books worth of data and boast black and white electronic-paper displays that can be viewed under the bright sunlight.The books can be read by manipulating the sliding touch-panel screen or pushing buttons. An added stylus pen also allows users to take notes and store other data. With a typical use, the devices last about two weeks on one battery charge.

"Sony's strength is that we focus on how we can improve users' reading experience," Noguchi said. Unlike its rivals, like Sharp Corp.'s soon-to-debut Galapagos, and Apple's iPad, which can be used for a variety of purposes, Sony focused on a device especially dedicated to reading.
Sony customers will be able to purchase and download e-books from Sony's online Reader Store, which will debut the same day with more than 20,000 books in stock. The system requires the books to be downloaded to a computer and then transferred to the Reader. The company also said it is considering releasing 3G and Wi-Fi versions of the Readers, which are already available overseas. (The Japan Times)