Tablet-styled Android-powered Panasonic Raboo UT-PB1 eBook is official

Panasonic is all set to launch its Raboo UT-PB1, an eBook reader which runs on Android OS. After keeping the product under wraps for long, it will finally be made available to the masses in Japan beginning August 10. It is a 7-inch color touchscreen eBook with a 1024x600 pixel resolution which houses a dual core CPU, an internal memory of 8GB, a microSDHC card slot, connectivity features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a 1.3MP camera, besides it supports XMDF, H.264, MPEG-4, WMV, AAC, MP3 and WMA format files.

Functionality:

The Panasonic Raboo UT-PB1 eBook reader comes with 600 pre-installed e-books which are ready to be read. If that doesn't satisfy you, you can buy more e-books which are now available in stores. This eBook has Rakuten's eBook store application which regularly informs the reader about latest releases and the index rankings thereon. Based on history, Rakuten also recommends books depending on the user's choice.

It is very simple and easy to use. It has a smart and fun interface. On the desktop, there is a My Shelf option, where you can sort out the books on the basis of Unread, Favorites etc. The books on your shelf are automatically categorized by genre. Its interactive interface takes you to the book you wish to read with just one simple click. In addition to eBooks, this Raboo UT-PB1 houses 16 other applications which are ready to use right after purchase.

What to expect:

As mentioned earlier, the Raboo UT-PB1 runs on Android Operating System, will retail for about ¥34,800 (approx. $444), but there aren't any details on its dual-core CPU yet. It weighs 400 gram (about 14 oz) and possesses 8GB of storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microSDHC and support for various video and audio files, it also packs in some basic web and e-mail applications.

What not to expect:

Like most things known to man, the Raboo UT-PB1 is not perfect either. It only works well with XMDF e-book format. So, it looks like your options are limited to Rakuten E-Book store to satisfy your reading appetite.

Wrap up:

The reader is designed in the form of an eBook tablet with a color LCD that has a fairly good visibility and an easy-7V. Rakuten enables it to possess features such as book recommendations based on history, ratings on eBook , information on latest releases etc. Its easy interface facilitates quick classification of several books which allows quick access to the book one wishes to read.The functions of the Raboo UT-PB1 are not just limited to being an e-book. It also houses several remote applications and DIGA Vieira, browser, e-mail, Transit and is equipped with 16 different ready-to-use applications. Going by its functions and features, it looks like Panasonic Raboo UT-PB1 eBook reader will be worth the money.