VectaMedia

UK based company Plastic Logic has finally revealed its Que e-book reader which could now go into competition with the Amazon Kindle reader. The lightweight device, which features touch screen controls was on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The Que is the result of over ten years of research and development at Cambridge University in the UK. It’s estimated that the R&D program cost more than $ 200m.

The reader incorporates 3G wireless connectivity and has a large format black and white screen. It is considerably more expensive than Amazon’s Kindle and is targeted at “mobile professionals”.

There are two models. The 4GB model has a price tag of $ 649 and the 8 GB has sells for $ 799. The Kindle 2.0 and the larger Kindle DX (which is probably more comparable with the Que) sell for $ 259 and $ 489 respectively. There is enough memory capacity in the 4GB model around 35,000 documents. The 8GB model will hold 75,000 documents – equivalent to 75 filing cabinets.

According to Plastic Logic, the Que is “more than an eReader”. It features a massive 10.7 inch shatterproof display – currently the biggest of any e-book reader in the world. Apart from the sheer size, the display is notable for the fact that it is made of plastic rather than glass. As a result it is more durable, surprisingly flexible and lighter.

The overall dimensions of the device are 8.5 X 11 X 0.33 inches and it weighs in at less than a typical periodical – around about one pound. It will be a bit like carrying a pad of letter sized paper around with you.

Notwithstanding the fact that the Que is more than an e-book reader, Plastic Logic have partnered with Barnes and Noble who will supply books for the device. Partnerships with newspapers, for example USA Today, are also in place.

Que users will be able to choose from over 700,000 books on the Barnes and Noble website. Amazon currently have around 400,000 Kindle books available for their Kindle reader – but this selection is increasing at a rate of over 500 titles daily.

The shipping date has been set as mid April 2010. Customers can purchase it from either the Que website or from the Barnes and Noble website.