9.6.2010

NOT THE IPAD-KILLER?

Plastic Logic is one of the spin-offs of Professor Sir Richard Friend's research work at the University of Cambridge.

Panel moderator, journalist Juha-Pekka Raeste from Helsingin Sanomat, called Plastic Logic's eReader hypothetically "the iPad-killer". Martin Jackson, Technology Vice President at Plastic Logic, corrected Raeste and told that the device, called QueReader, is aimed for the more niche business market and not the mass market.

QueReader is a flexible A4-size, robust plastic electronic touch screen display, no thicker than a credit-card. It can be loaded with newspaper and magazine content as well as books or the user's own documents.

"QueReader is a product between a cell phone and laptop", Jackson said. It is expected to be launched to markets during this year, with a starting price of USD 649.

Plastic Logic is not afraid of competing against giants like Sony, Amazon or Apple; it has raised 200 million of venture capital and has built up a manufacturing factory in Dresden, Germany.

An innovator needs patience. Sir Richard's original innovations in plastic electronics date back to 20 years ago, the company was started in 2000, and only now the first product is finally about to be shipped to the markets. PV