Last month, we had an opportunity to try out the eDGe eBook reader from enTourage--a dual-screen device with a 10.1-inch LCD alongside a traditional E INK display. To make things even more interesting, the $490 eDGe runs Android and offers far more features than any other eBook device on the market.
The working sample we saw and photographed last month was a bulky pre-production model, however, so enTourage returned to our office today with a much slimmer production sample. The eDGe will ship in February, with models ranging in price from $490 to $530, depending on color. enTourage is currently in talks with service provides to add 3G to the device.
More pictures after the jump.
The final eDGe device includes two displays: A 9.7-inch resistive touchscreen LCD, and a 9.7-inch Wacom Penabled E INK display.
The Library menu lists eBooks available on the device. Holding your finger on a book preview presents a menu for accessing additional features.
The eDGe offers countless customization options, including the margin size menu seen above.
The 1200-by-825-pixel E INK display is Wacom Penabled, so you can easily add notes and drawings to pages. The device can be configured to sync with the cloud, backing up all of your content.
Though both displays are touch-enabled, the eDGe also offers a scroll ball--helpful for navigating through menus or selecting text.
Because it runs Android, you can install DataViz's Documents to Go on the device, enabling users to read and edit Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF documents. With the Penabled E INK display, you can easily open an emailed PDF, sign and mark up the document, and return it to the sender.
PowerPoint compatibility enables presentations on the go. The eDGe will also support external displays in the future through an optional accessory.
The device can play back 3GP, MP4, and H.264 videos, in addition to MP3, WAV, 3GPP, AMR, OGG, and M4A audio files. You can also record audio and video with the built-in microphone and camera.
The removable Lithium Ion battery can power the device with both displays on for 6 hours, or you can turn off the LCD and power the E INK display for over 16 hours.
The device's versatile hinge and screen rotation enable use in notebook mode, with both displays facing the reader, or with one display folded back, like a traditional tablet device.
The eDGe features a plethora of connectivity options, including standard microphone and headphone jacks, two USB ports, an SD card slot, Bluetooth, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, and an optional EVDO or HSDPA modem.
The 10.75-by-8.25-by-1.0-inch (HWD) eDGe weighs 2.75 pounds--heavier than the 10.2-ounce Amazon Kindle 2, but not uncomfortable to hold. When closed, the device is not much thicker than an
Apple iPhone.
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December 17, 2009 5:24 PM
This looks Great! All-in-one wonder.
December 18, 2009 1:44 PM
This is going to be one awesome device.
December 23, 2009 4:14 PM
I want this!