Pandigital launches Novel colour eReader

Posted on 25 May 2010 at 11:05

Digital photoframe specialist Pandigital is looking to break into the eReader market with an Android powered full colour unit linked to Barnes & Noble's online store.

Revealed over on CNet, the Pandigital Novel has less in common with Barnes & Noble's own Nook as it does with Apple's iPad: featuring a full-colour 7in LCD display and powered by Google's Android platform it feels more like a miniature slate than an eReader.

While the colour display is likely to impress at first, there are disadvantages: unlike electrophoretic displays such as the e-Ink screens used in most greyscale eReaders on the market, the backlit LCD requires constant power - limiting the Novel to a mere six hours of reading time. Additionally, the display is likely to be difficult to read in direct sunlight - and the backlight can be tiring for extended reading.

These issues aside, the 800x600 resolution colour panel will allow for impressive visuals - when you're indoors, at least - and doesn't suffer from the slow refresh cycle that can plague electrophoretic displays. The use of Google's Android platform along with in-built WiFi connectivity also suggests that the device will include a web browser - and with its $199.99 (around £140) price point could represent the cheapest slate-style web browsing device yet.

The Pandigital Novel is expected to launch in Barnes & Noble stores across the US - and online - early next month, but the company has yet to confirm international availability.

Author: Gareth Halfacree

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User comments

Can't wait!

I am really looking forward to the Novel! I have a Droid, so I've come to love the Android market, and although there are some possible drawbacks to a full-color e-reader, I feel for me the positives will definitely win out!

By Isabeau on 26 May 2010