Asustek to Launch WiMAX-enabled E-Books

Taipei, Oct 28, 2009 (CENS)--Asustek Computer Inc. will introduce electronic books (E-books) embedded with third-generation (3G), Wi-Fi, and WiMAX mobile technologies by the end of this year, targeting Americans and Europeans. And the company plans to begin shipping the e-books to European and American telecom-service providers in March next year.

Asustek executives pointed out that trial versions of e-books will be offered to Taiwan's charities before commercialization, with the e-books to go to market as generics and branded models.

Industry watchers predict Asustek will offer the e-books at popular prices, with the company executives stressing the retail prices will be competitive with the Amazon Kindle and Sony e-book.

Industry insiders point out that the Asustek e-books have nine-inch screens as a differentiating feature.

Asustek executives said the company will introduce more WiMAX-enabled books according to coverage expansion of WiMAX networks.

The maker has shipped WiMAX equipment to WiMAX-service providers in Russia, Australia, Latin America and Europe, as well as introduced WiMAX-enabled notebooks in cooperation with service provider Clearwire of the United States.