The ongoing IFA 2010 continues to feed the tech world many new wonders. Among the vast array of devices being premiered on a regular basis, iriver’s Cover Story marks another brave entry into the uber-competitive e-reader market.
The Cover Story is a rather straightforward device, all smooth contours and slimness. There’s a stylus to the right of the 6-inch E Ink display. Unfortunately, there’s neither WiFi nor 3G connectivity. Already disqualified as a serious challenge to the Kindle, bloggers have relegated the Cover Story to a lower weight division in league with Sony’s PRS650.
Design and Usability
The Cover Story’s design is sleek and modern, with smooth contours that make it comfortable to hold for extended reading sessions. The 6-inch E Ink display is easy on the eyes, providing a paper-like reading experience that is gentle even in bright sunlight. The inclusion of a stylus is a notable feature, allowing users to interact with the device in a more tactile manner. This is particularly useful for note-taking, a feature that sets the Cover Story apart from many of its competitors. The stylus can be used to jot down notes directly on the screen, making it an excellent tool for students and professionals alike.
However, the lack of WiFi and 3G connectivity is a significant drawback. In an age where connectivity is almost a given, the absence of these features makes the Cover Story feel somewhat outdated. This limitation means that users cannot download new books or updates on the go, which is a considerable inconvenience for avid readers who like to have the latest content at their fingertips.
Features and Pricing
Now in case you’re wondering what the stylus is for, the Cover Story is grade A excellent for note-taking thanks to an app. Easy four-way navigation control is also guaranteed, making it simple to browse through your library or navigate through a book. The device supports a variety of file formats, including ePub, PDF, and TXT, ensuring that users can read almost any document they have.
Despite its limitations, the Cover Story comes with a surprising steepness in retail price. A single Cover Story will set you back $258. This price point places it in direct competition with more feature-rich e-readers like the Kindle and the Nook, which offer better connectivity options and a more extensive ecosystem of books and apps.
For those put off by the lack of WiFi, the word on the street is iriver’s got a new e-reader cooking. No rumors yet on a release date, but it is expected to address some of the shortcomings of the Cover Story. This upcoming device is anticipated to include WiFi and possibly even 3G connectivity, making it a more viable competitor in the e-reader market.
In the meantime, iriver’s Cover Story has yet to reach Europe and Asia soon. This delay in international availability could be a strategic move to gauge the device’s reception in its initial markets before a broader rollout. However, it also means that potential customers in these regions will have to wait longer to get their hands on the device.
In conclusion, while the iriver Cover Story offers some unique features like a stylus for note-taking and a sleek design, its lack of connectivity options and high price point make it a less attractive option compared to other e-readers on the market. However, for those who prioritize note-taking and a tactile reading experience, the Cover Story could still be a worthwhile investment. Keep an eye out for iriver’s next e-reader, which promises to bring more advanced features to the table.
Via Slashgear
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