Target To Offer New Google/iriver E-Reader

The ebook market is about to get a lot more interesting. Target says that next Sunday (July 17), it will start selling the iriver Story HD, the first e-reader to be fully integrated with Google eBooks, for $139.99.

“With the rapid advancements of e-readers and tablets, the iriver Story HD’s superior features and integration with Google eBooks sets it apart.  Target is excited to bring this new e-reader to our guests before any other retailer,”  said Nik Nayar, vice president of Merchandising, Target  

The device will offer more than three million ebooks at no cost and thousands of additional titles for sale. The iriver Story HD, at $139.99, is the newest e-reader with a high-resolution screen, long battery life and fast page-turn performance.  

Electronic paper

The 7.3-ounce Story HD sports an electronic paper display made by LG, offers XGA (768x1,024 pixels) resolution and has 63.8 percent more pixels and faster page turns, thanks to an advanced processor from Freescale Semiconductor based on ARM Cortex technology. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and allegedly gives users up to six weeks of battery life from a single charge.

Target already sells the Kindle at prices ranging from $114 to $189 depending on the version. It also sells e-readers by Sony, Kobo, and Pandigital, along with Apple's iPad tablet computer.

Although many of the same titles are offered by Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, iTunes and other online booksellers, that doesn't mean consumers should expect titles to be transferable from one ereader to another.

It's possible in some cases but not in others. iPad users, for example, can install a Kindle app and read their Kindle titles on the iPad but a Kindle won't display a book purchased from iTunes.

Target said that through its trade-in service, consumers will be able to trade in gently used iPods, video games, iPads, Nintendo DS units and cellphones to receive credit to put towards the newly released iriver Story HD. 

Features

• At 7.3 ounces, the iriver Story HD is the lightest e-reader of its class 
• With 63.8 percent more pixels than other e-readers, the world’s first  six-inch XGA(768x1024) E-Ink display offers revolutionary legibility
• An advanced Cortex A8 chipset which provides high performance and fast response 
• A superior battery life enables users to select 14,000 of its non-glare pages, or simply keep the device on standby for up to six weeks, all on a single charge
• Access to the Google eBookstore gives users unmatched access to millions of books, all easily and conveniently stored in an unlimited digital cloud 
• Sideloading of personal documents via the SD card slot or by USB 2.0, allows users to supplement their cloud libraries with additional books and documents
• The slim and lightweight e-reader features iriver’s sleek, signature style, a QWERTY keypad, and a curve with two-tone colors at the front and back for easy grip and slim design