Entourage has confirmed that their new Pocket Edge e-reader will be available towards the end of October after an unceremonious leak of the device over the weekend by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The new Pocket Edge is a smaller double-screened e-reader with an older generation E Ink touch display on the left and a seven-inch touchscreen LCD on the right.
Design and Layout
The layout of the Pocket Edge has also been redesigned to take into consideration its smaller form factor. With the camera now located above the E Ink screen and replacing the navigator near the LCD with an optical trackpad, the device aims to offer a more streamlined user experience. The dual-screen setup allows users to read e-books on the E Ink display while browsing the web or taking notes on the LCD screen, making it a versatile tool for students and professionals alike.
The ports have also been slimmed down a little with now only one USB port and a microSDHC card slot. This reduction in ports is a trade-off for the device’s more compact size. The battery is now also not removable, which might be a downside for some users, but the weight is now a little easier to bear, down to 1lb rather than the 3lb weight of the 9.7-inch original e-reader. This significant reduction in weight makes the Pocket Edge much more portable and convenient for on-the-go use.
Features and Usability
The Pocket Edge is designed to be a multifunctional device, catering to a variety of needs. The E Ink display is perfect for reading e-books, as it mimics the appearance of ink on paper and reduces eye strain, making it ideal for long reading sessions. On the other hand, the seven-inch LCD touchscreen is suitable for more interactive tasks such as browsing the internet, watching videos, or even playing games.
One of the standout features of the Pocket Edge is its ability to run Android applications, which significantly expands its functionality. Users can download apps from the Android Market, turning the e-reader into a mini-tablet. This capability makes the Pocket Edge not just an e-reader but a comprehensive digital assistant.
Another notable feature is the inclusion of an optical trackpad, which replaces the traditional navigator. This trackpad offers more precise control and enhances the overall user experience. The camera, now positioned above the E Ink screen, can be used for video calls or taking quick snapshots, adding another layer of utility to the device.
The microSDHC card slot allows for expandable storage, which is crucial for users who need to store large amounts of data, such as e-books, documents, and multimedia files. Although the reduction to a single USB port might be seen as a limitation, it is a reasonable compromise given the device’s smaller size and lighter weight.
Unfortunately, there are still no details on pricing, but the Pocket Edge should start to ship in late October. Given its array of features and the convenience of its dual-screen design, it is likely to attract a wide range of users, from avid readers to tech enthusiasts.
The Pocket Edge represents a significant step forward in the evolution of e-readers. Its combination of an E Ink display and an LCD touchscreen, along with its Android capabilities, makes it a versatile and powerful tool. While there are some trade-offs, such as the non-removable battery and the reduction in ports, the overall design and functionality of the Pocket Edge make it a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a new e-reader.
Via Electronista
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