Is ASUS about to launch a low cost EeeBook Reader?

The Sunday Times is reporting that ASUS is planning on revolutionising the ebook reader market in the same way that it gave cheap laptops a kick up the rear end with the netbook — by launching a model that ticks all the right boxes at an irresistibly low price.

The report seems to stem from a story by DigiTimes that quotes ASUS CEO Jerry Shen as saying that the device will be available before the end of the year. The Sunday Times goes on to say that ASUS could launch two ebook readers, one basic model and one with more high-end features, and although the rest of the story is little more than speculation, ASUS has confirmed that it is at least researching the ebook reader market.

ASUS demonstrated an ebook reader prototype at CeBIT this year and the device on show had a hinged dual-screen display that bore an obvious similarity to a book. If this is the design that ASUS ends up launching, then it would be the first to mimic two facing pages in a folding case.

In fact the design is reminiscent of the ASUS ‘ Origami ’ concept laptop we first saw at CES, with a clamshell case that contained two full-size screens — one of which could be used as a touch-screen keyboard.

From The Sunday Times:

Such features would move the device squarely into laptop territory. “Our ethos is innovation — as our brand is less well known, we have to run faster than the competition to develop new types of products,” said Asus. “Any such product — including an ereader — has to have the right combination of functionality and price. No one is going to buy one for £1,000.”

So, it could well be that ASUS is planning to launch a similarly styled variation on the Eee PC and a low cost ebook reader is bound to fall under its Eee brand. Colour e-ink screens would be a stretch at any price at the moment, but if the size — and price — were right, we think the world would take notice.

[via Mobility Site]