The Binatone Android eReader Is Looking Nice

E-book readers are an increasingly popular product. With Amazon’s Kindle leading the pack, most of these devices pack Android as their OS of choice. This is mostly because it’s cheap and easy to use.

Binatone, a small manufacturer, already has a proven track record in providing cheap eBook Readers that can also function as Android tablets. There’s the ReadMe Daily, the HomeSurf 7, and the HomeSurf 8 devices. They’re not exactly scene-stealers, but they are decent and usable devices for any prospective user. The company’s latest offering though is pretty unique.

The Binatone ReadMe Mobile has two main features. First is a 7 inch, 800 x 400 pixel display screen and the second is a full QWERTY keyboard below that screen. That’s a pretty good combination actually and the combination makes it look like the Amazon Kindle’s bigger brother. The keyboard is there is because unlike most tablets because that screen isn’t a touchscreen. It’s also got a directional pad on the right side of the keyboard for interfacing with the device and leafing through books.

The device runs on Google Android 2.1 – which means that if you somehow find a way to get some apps installed in there, they should be able to work. Of course, you’ll have to take into account that there’s no touch input. The device also comes pre-loaded with suite of apps: a web browser, email client, and media player are ready to be used once you take this baby out of the box.

This device has a price tag if about £129 in the UK – so it’s pretty cheap if you want it.

Source: Liliputing

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Comments

Anonymous

I have difficulty believing that Amazon could be this stupid, but apparently they listened to all of the complaints that developers and users have had about Android for the past few years and thought: hey, it won’t apply to us.

Biggest tech disappointment of the year so far. My interest in an Amazon tablet just went from pretty high to practically zero.
TomHolmes

I’m with micax on this one. I was stoked about the Amazon tablet and have been for some time, not because of any useful rumors but because of expectations of Amazon as a company. When I read the techcrunch article yesterday, I felt my interest rapidly decline like it was falling down a steep set of stairs as I read each particular.

The Lenovo 16GB should retail for $250 as well. It seems comparable to the Amazon tablet, only with Gingerbread on it and some spoofy stuff from Lenovo’s ideapad K1. Not only does it have a proper OS that is properly open, it also has stuff you’d expect on a tablet, like a camera.The only thing it doesn’t have it Amazon’s marketing muscle.

By the time Amazon pops the 10″ tab there will be solid 10″ offerings with dual core from major players for $300 or less, because that’s the direction the industry has to go to grow.
Ronaldvrodriguez86

The simplicity of the Kindle Fire is where the Kindle Fire has gotten my vote. Instead of looking to the Fire as some sort of “iPad Killer” it is better seen as an improved e-book reader. With my needs as a consumer for a tablet being reading e-books, light browsing, a game here and there, but a strong emphasis on e-books, kindle fire fits what I needed to do.

From different perspectives there will be many consumers that will want the social media aspect, as well as the nearly full-customization of the other types of Android, and for a higher price there are many options. For consumers who wish to look for a substitute for their computer, Kindle Fire will not fit the bill as its capabilities do not reach that level.

My laptop is still the big dog in the house with the tablet and the smartphone its trusty sidekicks. I’ve had a Kindle Fire for a few months now and am satisfied with the app selection, book selection, web browser, user interface, ease of use, and did I mention the book selection? Its a great study tool used as a support device and has exceeded expections of its $199 price tag.