1Cross Tech MIDhybrid is a versatile dual LCD and e-ink screen Andriod device which is not yet in production. The device has an eink screen on the left and a small LCD screen on the right plus a physical keypad. The hinge in the middle allows you to flip the two screens 360 degrees, like the Entourage Edge.
As with the Edge, a highly touted feature of the MIDHybrid is you can download documents on the LCD screen and then drag them over to the crisp eink display. The process is called Pack and Go, as you can then access and manipulate the downloaded information anytime, even without a network connection.
The device's name means Mobile Internet Device (MID) Hybrid, as it is a mobile phone and ebook in one. As it is an Android device, it can use APO extensions for customized contents, apps, or advertisements.
There is a large speaker on the back. There is a built in VGA webcam, and it can be used for videoconferencing. Using the ereader alone, it has a battery life of 20-30,000 page turns.
1Cross Tech was founded in 2003 when a group of embedded Linux software developers, mobile phone experts, and marketers met and decided to product a series of Linux-based smartphones and now this hybrid eink product,
Connecting: The MID Hybrid has a SIM card slot for a 3G connection, and is based on the Android mobile operating system. As yet it is uncertain whether it will be a locked device available only with certain carriers and tariffs or unlocked device. It also has Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity capabilities.
The unit can also function as a mobile phone if your contract allows it, using either a bluetooth headphone, corded headphones, or using the built-in microphone and holding it up as a large cellphone. The manufacturer claims it can be used as a phone for 6 hours of continuous calls.
Accessories: The 1Cross Tech MIDhybrid accessories are as yet unknown.
Price: Price is unknown, but in an informal interview a manufacturer estimated it might sell for 399 euros, but this was very speculative and the release date is as yet uncertain.
This versatile dual screen device is very promising, but we are uncertain when it will come to market.
eBook Reader Basics