Polymer Vision's Readius is a unique device with a rollable display which is in development, and as of late 2009 info, it appears to may actually come to market in 2010. From the pictures and general specifications, this could be a truly revolutionary device, if and when it is released.
The Readius would be the world's first true pocket-sized e-ink reader. It attempts to be a true convergence device, bringing together the virtues of a cellphone with the readability and size of a roll-out e-ink screen. If this is produced, it will be the realization of the sci-fi-like promise of true flexible electronic paper.
As thin as paper, a rollable display can be completely rolled up into the size of a finger. This is very useful for mobile devices, where displays can be large when in use, then rolled or folded away into a small area when not. After 15 years of research, development and industrialization, Dutch company Polymer Vision appears to have succeeded in pioneering the mobile flexible display industry.
A demonstration model was first seen in February 2008, and most recently shown at the Frankfurt Book Fair in October 2008, but things went quiet thereafter. However, after weathering bankruptcy and then saved by the corporate arm of Wistron, it now appears the Readius will debut sometime in 2010. We can easily see this becoming a potential iPhone-like must-have device if the promise can be delivered.
The device has only five touch sensitive buttons, easy to use out of the box. With a swiping finger movement over the touch buttons the user can navigate a page up or down. They are also very tough--some reportedly still work after being hit with a hammer.
Connecting: As a cellphone, it would take advantage of existing networks to deliver up-to-date data to anywhere where there is coverage, mimicking the Kindle 2.
The Readius is expected to have global wireless connectivity through Tri-Band 3.5G HSDPA technology. It will also support USB mass storage, and will have Bluetooth connectivity. It will also have a USB 2.0 mini connection.
Readius has something called Content World planned, with information specifically formatted for Readius like free books and RSS feeds.
Accessories: Unknown.
Price: We do not yet know when the Readius will be on the market or for what price. However Polymer Vision's vice president told the New York Times in early 2008 it would be "more than Kindle," which then sold for $359.
