Toshiba Debuts First Solar E-Book Reader
0We have been calling for Amazon to bring a solar powered Kindle to the market for a couple of years now. Amazon does not seem to be interested in that concept at this point. But Toshiba and KDDI have pulled it off with the Biblio Leaf. This solar e-reader, which will be available in Japan for now, has a 6 inch e-ink screen and 3G capability. It does have a stylus for taking notes. The solar cell at the bottom of this e-reader will allow its owners to keep their device charged with the power of the sun (beats using a solar charger).
Toshiba and KDDI seem to have gotten the business model right as well. This reader will be offered for free with a 2 year, $20 a month wireless contract. At this point, we are not sure how long the solar battery will last. Nevertheless, Biblio Leaf is quite a unique e-reader that could have its fans in the U.S..
Will Amazon offer Kindle 4 for free with a wireless contract or an e-book subscription plan? Now that seems to be the most interesting question of them all.