Taiwan-based Asustek Computer Inc, a leading provider of computers, communications products and consumer electronics, plans to launch an e-book reader under its Eee brand by the end of this year, according to China Knowledge.
Asus will provide two Eee Reader models, a basic version and a deluxe version with more functions, said Asus president Jerry Shen, adding that the deluxe model will have an integrated web browser and will support 3G functions.
Asus' e-book readers will have two displays joined by a hinge in an arrangement similar to traditional books. Both screens will be color. Users may be able to make phone calls over the Internet using speakers, a webcam and a microphone integrated into the device.
The low-end model will be priced at £100. The price for the high-end model has not been disclosed.
Sony and Amazon are currently the top players in the e-book market, but other enterprises hope to compete as well. Toshiba revealed that it is developing ebook reader products and that will be available in mid-2010.
The global ebook reader market is estimated to exceed US$2.5 billion by the end of 2013.
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