iRiver has unveiled the Story e-book reader during CES in Las Vegas this weekend, adding yet another appealing e-reader device for consumers to consider.
The Story, which is only 0.36 inches thick, includes a 6-inch E-Ink screen, MP3 player, USB 2.0, and a battery supporting 9,000 page turns. The device also has a full QWERTY keyboard, Microsoft Office file viewer, voice recorder, and a memo pad and scheduler. iRiver also is including 2GB of internal storage, with an SD card slot for additional storage capabilities.
iRiver also will release a Wi-Fi-enabled Story e-reader during 2010.
The exact release date and price of the iRiver Story remains unknown, but unconfirmed reports indicate the device will cost $290 in Korea. iRiver officials at CES said the Story could be available by the end of the month, but said it could also be pushed back into the spring.
iRiver is known for its MP3 players, but has attempted to branch out to new markets to evolve away from the market controlled by Apple and its iPod line. The e-reader market has been a popular target among manufacturers, as consumer interest in e-readers has significantly increased over the past three quarters.
The company has successfully gained attention for its e-reader, but must now attract content providers, such as book and magazine publishers. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Sony already have established content distribution agreements, but iRiver needs to try and scramble to play catch up.
