Pandigital Offers “Poor Man’s iPad”/eReader At $199

Pandigital is entering the eReader market with two color LCD eReaders that might be likened to a poor man’s iPad. And analysts seem to give Pandigital, a digital photo frame maker, a standing chance at winning some share in the crowded eReader market because of the company’s solid relationships with 37,000 retail outlets including those of Kohls, Macy’s, Costco and Bed, Beth & Beyond, reports the The San Francisco Chronicle.
The first of Pandigital’s “Novel” eReaders is available today. Both devices have 7-inch color LCD screens, a WiFi connection and can Android apps–giving them a bit of tablet-like appeal. The devices, at $199 each, link to the Barnes & Noble eBookstore with 1.2 million books. The 1GB version in a white case is available today while a black 2GB version will be offered in June.
The NPD Group’s Ross Rubin notes there are similarities in the digital picture frame and eReader markets and says that Pandigital reputation for good quality at aggressive prices may help it break into a market that has been difficult for many eReader newcomers, said the Chronicle.
Pandigital, a 12-year old company based in Dublin expects to sell 1.6 million “Novels” by the end of the year. 3G versions running AT&T service and models with smaller, 6-inch screens may be forthcoming from the company later in the year.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle