My my, we'll soon have e-book readers busting out all over the place. Engadget is reporting that Panasonic are just about to launch a new device in Japan, dubbed the Word Gear. Specs:

1024x600 resolution
SD Card Slot
105 × 18.5~28.4 × 152-mm / 325-gram
6 Hour battery life
¥40,000 or about $340


Alas, looks like a Japan-only launch.

Full details available here (http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/26/panasonics-words-gear-color-e-book-reader/).

My my we'll soon have ebook readers busting out all over the place. Engadget is reporting the Panasonic are just about to launch a new device in Japan. Dubbed 'The Word Gear'

* 1024x600 resolution
* SD Card Slot
* 105 × 18.5~28.4 × 152-mm / 325-gram
* 6 Hour battery life
* ¥40,000 or about $340

Looks like a Japan only launch.

Full details available here (http://http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/26/panasonics-words-gear-color-e-book-reader/)


The URL doesn't seem to work.

I have a Panasonic (and Toshiba) Sigma book. Problem, it is really a full japanese machine, so I have never been able to create content for it, even I do not know if it is possible or if one must buy DRM rights for the SD cards.

A noticeable point is that they seem to have a OS of its own, running on a panasonic cpu.

The URL doesn't seem to work.
Fixed. Thanks!

So, to sum-up: no e-ink.

Useless to me. Next!

Sorry about the link folks (slapped wrists for Stu)

So, to sum-up: no e-ink.

Useless to me. Next!

Hmm but for instance the display of the sigma book, even if no high contrast, also had the property of keeping the content when power was switched off.

Sorry about the link folks (slapped wrists for Stu)

It's no big deal :happy2:

Hmm but for instance the display of the sigma book, even if no high contrast, also had the property of keeping the content when power was switched off.

For me it's not so much battery (although 7500 page turns is a very nice figure) as easy-reading. I don't wany LCD for my reading, thanks.

Official Words Gear website: http://saidoku.com/

I have a Panasonic (and Toshiba) Sigma book. Problem, it is really a full japanese machine, so I have never been able to create content for it, even I do not know if it is possible or if one must buy DRM rights for the SD cards.

A noticeable point is that they seem to have a OS of its own, running on a panasonic cpu.

arivero,

There is a way to transfer txt files (as txt) and other documents (which have to be converted to .bmp format first tho) onto the sigma book. Contact me on private message and I will write a small how-to for you if you wish.
BTW, if it's not a hassle, could you comment on the overall sigmabook experience? How do you like it, especially the screen?

Tom