Yesterday, Sony introduced its new Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-T1), which weighs less than 6 ounces and features a 6" E-Ink Pearl V220 touch screen. The device is expected to be available in October with a suggested retail of $149.
Sony also announced its first offer in collaboration with J.K. Rowling's Pottermore website--a Reader Wi-Fi with a Pottermore promotion (PRS-T1HBC), which includes a voucher enabling Harry Potter fans to download the e-book version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone free from Pottermore when it becomes available.
ZDNet reported that the "latest Reader's 'enhanced' multi-touch display works with both finger and stylus input, the latter of which also allows users to both take notes and highlight text. At 8.9mm thick and 168g in weight, the latest Reader is far lighter than the Nook, Kobo, and Kindle. That's a big deal for a portable device--assuming, of course, that its build quality isn't sacrificed."
PCWorld noted that "price and design are the two biggest factors driving the e-reader market; and in the past, Sony severely dragged its feet on the former. But today the company has rectified the situation.... With a list price of $149, the reader costs 35% less than the Touch Edition model it replaces. In addition to the dramatic price drop, Sony has shaved weight off the design to make it, by a hair, the lightest e-reader on the market; and it has consolidated its lineup from three models to just one."
---
Starting this Sunday, appliance and electronics retailer P.C. Richard & Son will sell Barnes & Noble's Nook e-reader both online and in the company's 65 stores in the New York City metropolitan area. The Nook is also sold at Books-A-Million, Best Buy, Walmart, Staples, Office Max and Fred Meyer.