We told you all the rumors, we told you it was available for pre-order, and now we’re here to tell you, it’s finally shipping! The Spring Design Alex eReader is shipping their pre-orders (at least the US ones) tomorrow. The Alex is that dual screen, Android based reader that many consider to be a very feasible alternative to the iPad.
The Alex supports EPUB, PDF, HTML, and TXT, and is connected directly to Google’s ebook library. Retail is $399, and while the current version supports WiFi, a 3G and EVDO/CDMA version is expected later this year.
From the press release:
FREMONT, Calif. – April 13, 2010 – Spring Design today announced that the dual screen multimedia Alex™ eReader, available online at www.springdesign.com, will begin shipping to customers as planned tomorrow, April 14.
Weighing only 11 ounces, the Android-based Alex eReader supporting eBooks in EPUB, PDF, HTML and TXT formats offers full Internet browsing using WiFi connectivity, and later this year will also feature 3G and EVDO/CDMA connectivity.
Alex offers multitasking, enabling users to enjoy music while they read, supplement their eBook on the EPD screen with video on the LCD screen, search the Web or use email so users may connect with each other in book clubs and social media.
The Alex eReader costs $399 and measures 4.7″ by 8.9″ and less than a half inch deep. It comes with headphones, AC connector, USB cable and protective cover. The USB 2.0 connector makes it easy to transfer photos, videos or other files to the Alex MicroSD card offering expansion of user libraries up to 32GB. Spring Design will offer periodic over the air updates for the Alex.
Spring will shortly being to announce multi-language versions of Alex for countries speaking Chinese, Spanish, Russian, Korean and Hebrew. Alex is the first eReader to offer international versions of the product through its local country partners connecting to local bookstores.