Sony Announces Two New E-Readers

Trying to throw off the shadow cast by the Amazon Kindle, Sony has announced two new versions of its e-reader. The Reader Pocket Edition and Reader Touch Edition will be priced at $199 and $299, respectively, undercutting the Kindle’s cost by $100 on the lower-priced one.

The Pocket will have a five-inch display (compared to Kindle’s 6″ and the DX’s 9.7″). The Touch edition will have a 6″ screen like the Kindle and its predecessor, but will also featured touch-screen capabilities like the iPhone. This is a feature several potential consumers have asked for, but not one that I personally see enhancing the reading experience. The touch screen will allow users to turn pages, highlight items, and type out notes on an on-screen keyboard. Both devices with use the e-ink technology that has become standard in the e-reader industry.

They should be available by the end of the month. For more information, check out this Information Week article.