Netronix introduced an eBook reader last year with an E Ink display and support for pressure-sensitive pen input.

This lets you not only read eBooks, but also jot notes on the device.

Now Netronix is showing off its pen enabled eReaders at the Consumer Electronics Show… and the manufacturer says retail partner Astak plans to sell the device in the United States this year.

netronix_01

Netronix is showing off two different models this year. There’s the 6.8 inch, 1440 x 1080 pixel model unveiled last year, and a new 13.3 inch, 1600 x 1200 pixel model.

Both are running Android 4.0-based software and can handle JPG and PNG images as well as eBook files.

When writing or drawing you can use notepad or art apps with support for brush, pen, and pencil-style input, then you can save notes and transfer them to a PC.

The devices also support finger input: you can interact with menus and turn pages in eBooks by tapping the screen with your fingertips.

The large morel measures 12.2″ x 9.2″ x 0.27″ and weighs 13 ounces while the smaller version measures 6.9″ x 5.0″ x 0.28″ and weighs 8.9 ounces.

Netronix says the 13.3 inch model is an early prototype, so it’s not clear when it will be available — but it’ll likely cost a lot more than the 6.8 inch version.

While Netronix may not be a household name in the United States, the Taiwanese company is a manufacturer that has produced hardware for Kobo and other companies who offer eReaders you may have heard of.

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3 replies on “Hands-on: Netronix eReader with pen support”

  1. I’ve been waiting for large-screen e-ink for a years. Pen input is also really sweet — I was following rumors of the 7″ one but the 13″ is a much better surprise :-).
    Hope it doesn’t cost an arm like Sony’s 13″ reader. Ideally at $400 or below it’d be an no-brainer automatic buy…

  2. I would consider this, however, I am enjoying grayscale mode my note 4. With the right mixture, eink might lose its appeal quickly.

  3. The larger one is interesting. If it supported PDF and annotation via the pen, this would be good. It needs higher resolution too.

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