Busy but dying to read? Try an e-reader

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Technology is changing the way we read. Italica, a German company, is promoting an e-book reader and archive in India for young professionals whose rigorous work schedules and tight holidays leave little room for reading.

Ruchita Puri, an Amsterdam-based entrepreneur and promoter, who is marketing the device in India, said: "It has a library section which the reader can navigate with ease to find the book. The library can store up to 1,000 books."

The Italica e-reader was launched at the Frankfurt Book Fair. The device costs 250 euros or Rs.15,991.

Sleek and lightweight, the e-reader is a computerised reading screen which uses an innovative e-ink technology and an icon-based user-friendly interface for rich texts and pictures.

"The class e-ink display allows clearer screen resolution without the need for a backlight and has an icon-based user interface. It makes reading, engrossing, easy and comfortable. Downloading novels and documents is free of hassles and fast with a USB cable - part of the device - that allows the user to expand their library," Puri told IANS.

The e-ink technology is an electronic paper display that has a paper-like high contrast appearance, ultra-low power consumption and a thin light form. It gives the reader a virtual feel of paper-read - like ink on paper - while having the power of updatable information.

Consumers can receive end-to-end reading solution through the device, including access to thousands of digital books, newspapers and magazines.

A survey by the company to find out what people wanted in a well-designed e-book reader threw up that most of them looked for a simple, portable and easy-to-use device that was also affordable.

"We took the feedback to heart and designed a stylish device," Puri said.

The Italica battery, which lasts for 8,000 continuous pages, allows one to read 200 pages before recharging. It is equipped with features like the zoom that enable people who wear glasses to read without one.

"The target audience of the reading device is like anywhere else in the world, book lovers who want to go on vacation with tonnes of books, people on the move who need access to lots of reading material professionally or for recreation," Puri said.

The promoter said the device will have a soft launch in India and enter the market through the retail segment.

"We are looking at it as a lifestyle or professional support for people who want to invest in a reading product that will change their lives," Puri said.

©IANS