Plastic Logic to use AT&T network for new e-reader | Hacker News Reader

Plastic Logic to use AT&T network for new e-reader

reuters.com

I really can't wait for their reader; seems to be everything I can possibly want in an e-Ink-like device. From the amount of features the demos are showing, I'm afraid it'll be a lot more expensive than the Kindle DX.

It's looks pretty hot. I agree with you on pricing, probably high.

I'd consider a Crunchpad as an alternative. I am using a Fujitsu Stylistic tablet currently.

WTF. A Kindle/Sony costs too much for what it is, a crippled computer. A netbook is weak on ergonomics for reading. A new tablet costs way too much and eats batteries and has all the attendant issues of a full PC.

I bought a used tablet and not only is it delightful to read on, I can actually do some work.

As far as the Crunchpad goes, if battery life is at least three hours and the price is less than a Kindle I am totally getting one.

That sounds like a disaster -- how the hell are they going to lock down GSM?

If they want to go for a business model like Amazon's no-subscription 'Whispernet', wouldn't they get eaten alive by people using/cloning the SIM in other devices?

I don't see how this is a problem exclusive to a GSM carrier. Who says there has to be a SIM card? Couldn't the information be on a chip soldered to a board?

Well, the GSM standard requires the SIM card for one.

You're only partially right. The GSM standard requires a SIM, but it doesn't say anywhere that it's required to be a card or that it needs to be removable. The SIM could just as easily be built into the device.

Yet I've never seen a device in which they aren't removable...

Even if it was integral to the device, it would still have to follow the standard interface, and potentially be cloned onto a standard removable one.

They may not go for the Whispernet model. Perhaps they will give you a SIM card with a very cheap data plan or say 20MB for free per month. Perhaps it will be a prepaid plan. Who knows?

Like you said though, I doubt they'll use the same type of model that Amazon uses for data, simply because it will be easier to hack GSM.

I'm personally a fan of using GSM though, since that means the same device can then be used just about anywhere. And since we are talking about downloading books, the data requirements should be minimal, so using the AT&T network won't be as big of a downside as it is on the iPhone.

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