The 1Cross B’ook – dual-screened eReader and Smartphone

It’s not the first time we’ve seen dual-screened eReader devices that claim to do just about everything before. Unfortunately many don’t have a good track record. Devices like the Astri MyID and Entourage Edge share many of the same characteristics: hinged clamshell design, dual E-Ink/LCD screens and (for the most part) disappointment.

The 1Cross B’ook offers something a little different. It borrows the secondary LCD menu screen concept from eReaders like Spring Design Alex and B&N Nook and then places a soft-touch keyboard below it. It’s a hybrid of a hybrid, if you will. You have a normal 6-inch E-Ink screen on the left which facilitates reading and the 3.2-inch 480 x 320 resolution LCD touchscreen (through included stylus) with QWERTY keyboard on the left. The B’ook also has mobile tablet capability by offering smartphone features. In addition, the Android device has a webcam that can facilitate video conferencing.

We’re all about the convergence of devices, but we have to question how many people be interested in using an eReader as a phone. While you can access email and browse the web, will anyone want to with a screen smaller than the iPhone’s? Battery life last weeks for eReader use and 2-3 days for WiFi and smartphone use. 1Cross will be selling the B’ook OEM for $290.

Source: Lessen via Teleread