Acer announces LumiRead eReader

Posted on 31 May 2010 at 12:58

Acer has announced plans for a 6in e-paper eReader of its very own, which brings some interesting innovations to the market - including an in-built barcode scanner.

According to details released by the company, the Acer LumiRead includes a 6in electrophoretic e-ink display, a full QWERTY keyboard for search and notes, and 2GB of internal storage which can be expanded with the use of a microSD card.

Where the device differs from those currently available is with the inclusion of a barcode scanner, designed for quickly zapping the barcode from the rear of a physical dead-tree book and quickly adding it to a wish list or searching for a digital version for sale. While the LumiRead will initially be partnered with Barnes & Noble's electronic book store, Acer hasn't ruled out adding support for other stores before the official launch.

Like Amazon's Kindle, the LumiRead includes WiFi or a 3G broadband module - likely to be an optional extra - for purchasing and downloading books on the go, and adds a web browser which it is understood will be unrestricted and able to visit any sites on the 'net.

Dimensions of the device - beyond the 6in screen and a declaration that it will be "only a few millimeters thick" have not been forthcoming from Acer, and no firm launch date has been set beyond a vague commitment to a Q3 launch. Sadly, pricing details are not yet known.

Author: Gareth Halfacree

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