With e-readers getting more popular as each day passes by, it’s no surprise that several manufacturers are releasing such products on the market. In fact, as it turns out, they’re all selling and there’s actually room for multiple products. The last to make such an announcement is The Sharper Image. The company has recently announced the launch of the Literati, a color e-reader with a 7 inch screen. The device was designed to cater to the needs of people who love to spend their time reading but don’t want any unnecessary complications.
“The Literati’s greatest innovation is its out-of-the-box simplicity,” added McLean. “We also involved our retailers early on in the design process. Their feedback informed not only the Literati’s design aesthetic, but also the consumers experience from the minute they turn it on.”
So let’s see what the Literati has to offer. It includes a 7 inch color screen (being one of the few color e-readers currently available on the market), WiFi connectivity and the inclusion of Kobo’s freee reading applications for smartphones, tablets, computers and laptops. Thus, the users of this device can easily switch to reading on various gadgetry and never lose the page they are at because of a persistent bookmark. Kobo is a global eBook service that’s backed by US-based Borders as well as Canadian Indigo Books & Music. The company’s firmware was built right into The Sharper Image’s new e-reader which means that readers will instantly have access to a bookstore that offers almost two million titles. The huge number of titles includes New York Times bestsellers, new releases, children’s books, magazines, cookbooks or newspapers.
Each Literati will ship with a high quality case. On top of that, new users will get the device preloaded with 25 classics. A special coupon code also found in the box will allow the user to automatically load another 125 pre-selected free titles. So this adds up to 150 free titles Literati users get from the start. Aside from the freebies, users may obviously browse, purchase and download new books with a few clicks. They can then customize their bookshelves and bookmarks.
It took The Sharper Image about two-years to design and develop the Literati but it looks like they’re finally pleased with the result. The e-reader will start shipping nationwide at the beginning of October. It will be up for sale in over 7,000 retail stores which will include Best Buy, JC Penney, Kohl’s or Macy’s. This will turn the Literati into the e-reader with the broadest retail network. The price tag of this device is also highly convenient. It will be available for $159 or less in the case of rebates, special offers and promotions. Customers will be able to choose between two colors, white and black/brushed metallic.
