Plastic Logic Debuts Que e-Reader

The wait is finally over for those of us who have been waiting for Plastic Logic to introduce its reader after a sizzling performance at DEMO a while ago. As expected, Que is designed with business users in mind. First thing that jumped at me was the price. The device is not cheap by any means. The device is going to cost you as low as $649, and that’s for the 4GB version. The 8GB version that comes with both WiFi & 3G (unlike the cheaper version) will cost you a whopping $799! That’s not exactly a price you can justify as a consumer.

Que e-Reader certainly makes it easier for content publishers to display their complex content layouts on it. The 8-1/2″ x 11″ shatterproof display is not only big but more solid that what we have seen on Kindle and other devices. Plastic Logic has been working on addressing the content issue for the device, and it has formed a few partnerships to make it easy for Que reader owners to purchase e-books wirelessly on their device. 

Is Plastic Logic the Kindle killer many have been waiting for? The device is slick and very interesting to say the least. It’s certainly more capable in displaying magazines and business files than other e-book readers on the market (Skiff not counted). But the price is just too high for anyone other than business individuals to pick this device up. The price will rub the company from becoming a major factor in the e-book reader world. Conquering the business niche in this market won’t be easy either. Amazon and Sony are after that market as well, so Plastic Logic won’t be the only player in town.

Plastic Logic may have developed a very interesting device based on an even more interesting technology. But its business strategy seems to be exclusive and not inclusive. If e-book readers were more mainstream these days, I would give Que reader a big chance. But at the current price point, aren’t you better off getting a tablet or a laptop? The device will be up for grabs on April 15th, 2010.

Your take: does Plastic Logic have a chance?