Plastic Logic has finally launched its new e-reader Que for business professionals at the International CES trade shown with demos of the final version and full details on features, pricing, and availability.
There will be two versions of the QUE proReader: a $649 4GB model that includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and an $799 8GB version that also has a AT&T 3G modem. The QUE proReader is 1/3 inch thick,and weighs about 1 pound.
Plastic Logic CEO Richard Archuleta showed off the sleek touch-screen device, which is 8.5 by 11 in. The display is 10.7 in. diagonally and made of shatterproof plastic, making it the largest display on the e-reader market, Plastic Logic officials said.
It takes advantage of its large, high-resolution screen to provide something it calles Que TruVue-slick formatting of publications that looks like a big improvement on the drab, text-only presentation on the Kindle and Nook.
The Que will be the latest entrant into what’s become of the hottest consumer electronics product categories. Last year alone, about 5 million e-readers were sold. Amazon, one of the largest book retailers, has said for the first time on Christmas day more e-books were sold than physical books.
Archuleta said the touch screen will better suit the needs of business professionals “who need to read,” as opposed to more casual readers who are buying consumer-oriented e-readers such as the Kindle from Amazon.com, the Sony Reader and the Nook from Barnes & Noble.
Que e-reader will finally ship in April.