This is just a prototype for now, but the prototype of electronic(Hyundai T7 Quad Core) ink digital reader equipped with a 13.3-inch pen and presented by Sony is expected this fiscal year.

We do not know yet if it will be marketed when exactly it will be marketed internationally and at what price. The reading device appeared on the Japanese Sony site and relayed by many sites in any case attracted attention by proposing a radically different concept of current reading lights - SANEI N90.

A true digital slate for students?

The images show the prototype which clearly resembles a school slate, with its attached stylus, but in digital format and with WiFi.

The e-ink screen E-Ink 6.8 mm thick meanwhile offers a resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixel format 233 x 310 mm equivalent to A4. The electromagnetic induction technology allows the screen to be both finger touch that pen. The device weighs only 385 grams and offers 4GB of storage besides the Micro SD port. Autonomy would be 3 weeks - Ampe Tablet PC.

The only supported format is PDF, a very limited selection surprises. Why not support multiple formats to increase the chances? In any case, take the pen into its own here, allowing annotate, underline, highlight ... very oriented features "pro" or education.

The device is also being tested in three Japanese universities this year, evidence that the target is partly education. We thus find that Amazon had tried with the Kindle DX, which sought to position itself in American universities.

This prototype seems to fit into Sony's research, working on solutions for digital paper. It is clear that in this area, it is perhaps more relevant to invent new solutions to try to fight against Amazon or Nook e-readers in the sector where margins are shrinking continuously, and where the business model is in the sale of content.