AT&T to power Plastic Logic's eBook reader

This isn’t going to end well.

Plastic Logic has just announced that it has partnered with AT&T on its upcoming eBook reader that’s slated to launch in 2010. Said reader will be about the size of a piece of paper and will be less than ¼ inch thick. Luckily the device will come packing Wi-Fi like the Kindle. Oh, it’ll have touchscreen, too. The PL reader features a unique plastic screen that will allow users to view PDFs, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations!

Why not partner with Verizon?

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, JULY 22, 2009 – Plastic Logic announced today that AT&T’s* 3G network will provide the mobile broadband connection for the Plastic Logic Reader, the eReader created for mobile business professionals, when it launches in 2010.

The Plastic Logic Reader, which is also Wi-Fi enabled, is the ideal companion for busy, on-the-go business professionals who want to keep up to date on key information and who need to read and review multiple documents throughout the day. The Plastic Logic device is about the size of an 8.5 x 11 inch pad of paper, less than a ¼ inch thick and weighs less than many print magazines. The innovative eReader features the largest screen in the industry and an intuitive touch screen user interface.

“We’re extremely proud to be able to offer the Plastic Logic Reader with the nation’s fastest 3G network through AT&T. This alliance is a pillar in our strategy to provide mobile business professionals with a device that delivers a great reading experience, and is fully connected through 3G and Wi-Fi to deliver easy access to digital content,” said Richard Archuleta, CEO of Plastic Logic.

The Plastic Logic Reader is unique among its competitors due to its plastic display, which is based on the company’s revolutionary plastic electronics technology. The eReader features the first ever, commercial high-quality plastic display and an outstanding E Ink reading experience. Its battery lasts days, instead of hours. Designed specifically with mobile business users in mind, the Plastic Logic Reader will connect its users with their desired business and professional newspapers, books, periodicals and magazine content and will support the document formats business users need, including PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents.

“The Plastic Logic Reader is an impressive device and we look forward to providing the wireless connectivity that will keep business professionals connected to the news, information and entertainment they desire while on the go,” said Glenn Lurie, president-Emerging Devices and Resale, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “There is tremendous market potential for electronic reading devices and we look forward to powering this revolutionary device with the nation’s fastest 3G network.”

Users will be able to connect to content and download it wirelessly through AT&T’s 3G network, which offers the best wireless coverage worldwide. Built on the GSM family of technologies, the de facto wireless world standard, AT&T’s 3G wireless network brings enormous economies of scale to electronic manufacturers who are eager to cost-effectively incorporate wireless technology in specialty devices. AT&T devices work in more than 200 countries and regions. AT&T is also the nation’s largest Wi-Fi provider, with more than 20,000 hotspots in the United States and more than 90,000 hotspots globally in 89 countries through roaming agreements.

Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Pricing and availability of the Plastic Logic Reader will be announced when the product begins shipping in early 2010.