A fresh addition into the e-reader inventory is the Txtr e-reader. Manufactured and marketed by a German start-up company, this device has been released only in the European and German market till now. The device is multifunctional, as you can read, shop, store and even publish different forms of content. Along with being an easy e-reader these are the additional features that have been packaged along with this device.
This e-reader has a 6 inch e-ink display screen which makes for clear reading. Like most other e-readers this one also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Readers therefore have access to all the online resource of books, that too single handedly. That is so, for this device has been designed for one hand operation. This feature provides great convenience to its user and is to be experienced in real to appreciate.
Users also have an option of taking the 3G/GPRS connection. We therefore have a wholesome mobile communication gadget in the Txtr e-reader, along with being an e-reader, which is its primary task. We have more details on this on our e-reader forum
VLAN is an additional feature which gives this particular device a touch of distinctiveness. With this feature users can set up a virtual LAN between themselves and share books and documents with each other.
Another unique feature of this device is the presence of a 3D accelerometer. The orientation of the device vis a vis the reader is automatically detected and the display switches between portrait and landscape accordingly. Just a simple twirl of the device between fingers of the hand holding the device is enough to change even the display orientation.
One thing that makes it better than the Kindle is the way in which it has embraced openness. The reader runs on open source software and provides support to most third party developed programs. PDF, HTML, Office and ePub formats are currently supported by this e-reader. However, this is not the end as more are being added with every new updating of firmware.
Where this device has missed out is its non-existent internal storage. The gadget supports externally attached microSD cards for its entire storage requirement. The device has no mp3 playback which is a common feature in most other e-readers. And finally at $14 per title for books at its online book store this charge is a bit high specially so when compared with Amazon’s $9.99 for its books.
At $317.00 Euros, which comes to $475.00 US the price is ok especially when compared once again with the Kindle, which is one of the main e-reading product in the European market.
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Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
