Hi there,
This is Thomas from Polymer Vision, the makers of the Readius. Allow me to step in and clarify a couple of points raised in the thread.
- HSDPA:
- HSDPA is the latest and fastest addition to the GSM family AND backward compatible with GSM/EDGE/GPRS/UMTS.
- GSM is globally the most widely spread cellular technology and also well available in the USA.
- HSDPA is ideal for fast data downloads, where EDGE/GPRS/UMTS can be used as a backup, while GSM can be used for voice.
- Polymer Vision's rollable display is build up of multiple layers (including the complete TFT active matrix). One of the layers hat Polymer Vision integrates is the e-ink front plane.
- There is one display in the Readius which is the 5" rollable display. The key function of the display is e-reading which is normally done with sufficient ambient light. Since the display is so large short messages (eg. a telephone number) can be read with limited ambient light as well.
- Readius' OS is Windows CE which makes it an open product without DRM allowing users to store text and audio files on the product. Some content providers with whom we are in discussion may demand their specific content to be protected by DRM. That can be supported without affecting the open platform of the Readius.
- The concept of the Readius is that users configure the Readius to their needs and wishes while connected to a PC. Content can be chosen from the Readius portal (but also from other sources on the web) including RSS feeds, newspapers, e-books etc. For time critical information like newsfeeds, newspapers, podcasts, the user can also indicate how often the content should be refreshed on the Readius. This way the user is sure that all the information needed will be on the Readius in his/her pocket (since it will be downloaded via the cellular network while on the move). In that way internet browsing is not required.
- Obviously sideloading of files from the PC (ebooks, music etc) is also possible.
Cheers!