News broke today that Samsung’s first entry to the e-book reader market will go through Barnes & Noble, complementing the bookstore chain’s own Nook device. The E6 will go on sale for under $300.
Samsung’s device doesn’t look like the typical modern e-reader. It goes more for an old-school PDA style. It even has a stylus-activated touch-screen, MP3 player, and digital notepad and calendar.
It is interesting to see Barnes & Noble pick up the E6, since the chain has a vested interest in its own internally-developed e-reader. However, B&N’s “Nook” has received a tepic reception from consumers so far. Having a second device that connects to the retailer’s online book store gives B&N a bit more leverage.
The E6 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity (for wireless audio transmission). Additionally, like the Nook, users will be able to share selected books with one another. For example, person A, with a Nook, will be able to send a book to person B, with an E6, which will be accessible on person B’s device for 14 days.
The Samsung reader does not yet have a release date, but its price has been confirmed at $299.
