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The Barnes & Noble eBook reader supposedly will have a touchscreen and a virtual keyboard, like that on the iPhone. According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, it would also use a wireless connection to download books from the e-book store Barnes and Noble launched in July.
Google's Android operating system will also reportedly be a part of the Barnes & Noble eBook reader, which would possibly be used for running mobile apps through a customized display. The bookseller already sells e-books that can be read on apps for the iPhone and Blackberry.
Both Amazon and Sony have recently lowered the prices of their book readers. Amazon's entry-level Kindle went from $299 to $259 and Sony's most inexpensive competing e-reader sells for $199. There is no word yet on the price of the Barnes and Nobel e-book reader but it will be sold in stores. This makes it a bit more competitive to the Kindle, which can only be ordered on-line. Shoppers will be able to try the Barnes & Noble version in the store and make their purchase immediately.
If Barnes & Noble launches their e-book reader in November, their timing is perfect. Holiday shoppers are expected to be taking a big interest in e-book readers this season and having a third choice may prove to be a big win for Barnes & Noble.
Cheryl Phillips
Exclusive to HULIQ.com
sources: WSJ, Gizmodo
Posted October 10th, 2009 by Cheryl Phillips
