Plastic Logic’s QUE proReader eBook reader hits the FCC
Still trying to decide on an eBook reader? Plastic Logic is making things a bit more difficult with their QUE proReader device that passed through the FCC today.
The QUE (pronounced ‘Q’) is a premium reading device that features a large 8.53” x 6.4” shatterproof, touch screen eInk display. The large screen on the QUE allows content to maintain a newspaper or magazine-like look and feel, a benefit over smaller eBook readers that are forced to squeeze content into a tiny screen. The device can read a wide range of documents, including Microsoft Office files, PDF, GIF, JPEG, PNG, BMP, ePub, TXT, HTML and RTF.
With QUE software, users can send documents to the QUE from a PC, Mac or BlackBerry. This functionality allows the QUE to act as an alternative to paper – instead of printing out your documents you can just “QUE it!”
Additionally, the QUE allows you to highlight text, write notes or even scribble doodles on documents. This note-taking functionality works with the QUE’s touchscreen and virtual keyboard.
Plastic Logic operates an eBook store for the QUE called the QUE Store. The QUE Store is powered by Barnes and Noble, and B&N is also Plastic Logic’s first distribution partner for the QUE.
The QUE Store can be accessed wirelessly via WiFi or AT&T’s 3G network. Plastic Logic is offering two versions of the QUE, one with 4 GB of storage and WiFi, and one with 8 GB of storage, WiFi and a 3G modem. Both versions of the device have Bluetooth.
Plastic Logic plans to ship the QUE in mid April 2010. The version of the QUE with 3G will retail for $799, while the 3G-less version will retail for $649.
While there’s not a whole lot new with the QUE, we do like the device’s large touch screen display. Additionally, the device is less than a third of an inch thick, and about the size of a letter piece of paper, so it fits easily into a backpack or briefcase.
We like Barnes and Noble’s strategy of offering a variety of eBook readers that all access the B&N eBook store. However, it will be interesting to see what kind of demand the QUE will receive at its premium price point.

