Interead refreshes their COOL-ER eReader lineup with new models: Compact, Classic, Connect and 3G

Interead will be showing off their new COOL-ER eReader models later this week at CES. They will be introducing the COOL-ER Compact (a smaller version of their popular eReader), the COOL-ER Classic (the same model as their current offering but with more color options), the COOL-ER Connect (which adds WiFi and touchscreen to their arsenal) and COOL-ER 3G (which, as you guessed it, adds 3G connectivity — something we’ve previously discussed).

All of this fulfills a promise made late last year by Interead’s CEO, Neil Jones, to evolve Interead’s product line past the basic COOL-ER model that premiered last year. Although there are plenty of colors of COOL-ER eReaders (including new Midnight Blue and Orange Crush — for the REM fans we imagine) what is lacking is the mention of a color screened eReader — something that Jones said would be coming in 2010.

There is only limited information known about the new models right now. The COOL-ER Compact will come with a 6-inch E-Ink screen, 2GB of internal storage that can be expanded to 6GB through SD Card and measures 6.7 x 4.6 x 0.41 inches — the smallest footprint of any eReader currently out there. The Connect will weigh 5.8 oz. and offer touchscreen interaction. The COOL-ER 3G can connect to the COOLER-EBOOKS.com eBook marketplace which stocks 2 million digital books and over 1,400 periodicals. COOL-ER also allows sharing of eBooks with up to five other readers (none of that 14 day, one time, one person Nook nonsense).

While the Interead COOL-ER hasn’t received the best reviews for its hardware, it does offer a phenomenal language support that includes English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, German, Portuguese, Spanish and French. The Classic is currently available for sale while the Compace and Connect will be available this Spring. The 3G is expected to hit shelves in mid-2010.

See Interead’s full press release after the break.

Interead Announces New COOL-ER Ereader Models

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Interead, makers of the COOL-ER line of ereaders, today announced new models that will be introduced at the 2010 International CES® in Las Vegas.

* At only 6.7″ x 4.6″ x 0.41″ (170 mm x 117 mm x 10 mm), the amazingly affordable and portable COOL-ER Compact has the smallest footprint of any ereader while still maximising the reader experience with a 6″ E Ink® screen. With 2GB onboard memory (expandable via SD card to 6GB total), it easily holds thousands of ebooks.

* COOL-ER Classic, the lightest and most elegant ereader currently available, has quickly become a favourite of readers around the world, and will be offered in exciting new colours.

* Weighing in at only 5.8 ounces (164 grams), COOL-ER Connect adds the convenience of WiFi and ease of a touch screen, ideal for readers on the move.

* Available in mid-2010, COOL-ER 3G adds robust 3G connectivity to the ereader experience to download 1,400+ periodicals and 2 million + books wherever they are.

All COOL-ER ereaders come in numerous vibrant colours, which now include Midnight Blue and Orange Crush, bright new additions to the colour line-up. Working in every country on the planet, COOL-ER ereaders support ebooks in every language and have menus in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Russian, Japanese and Chinese, and also support multiple zoom levels to create a customized and comfortable reading experience.

COOL-ER Classic is currently available from premier global retailers and www.COOLREADERS.com. COOL-ER Compact and COOL-ER Connect will be available in Spring 2010, and COOL-ER 3G will be available in mid-2010.

Any of the more than 2 million books from COOL-ER’s companion online bookstore, COOLER-EBOOKS.com, can be shared with up to five other readers to let friends and families share the works they love. COOL-ER works with ebooks in all commonly used ebook formats, including EPUB and PDF.

Neil Jones, Interead’s CEO, commented: “As we have seen the ereader market evolve over the last year, it has become clear that the ereader is now a lifestyle device–not just a niche gadget. As such, it’s important that we offer a range of ereaders to accommodate a variety of preferences and reading habits, and this product range does just this.”

For more information, visit www.COOLREADERS.com.