Fujitsu launches world’s first colour e-reader

Fujitsu has launched the world’s first dedicated e-reader with a colour screen.

The $1,000 (£700) Flepia features an 8-inch 1024×768 XGA touch screen, and comes with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

An SD card slot offers expandable memory of up to 4GB, whilst its battery provides up to 40 hours of continual use.

The Flepia’s long battery life is possible because the screen uses e-paper technology, meaning it has no backlight and only consumes power when the screen is refreshed (i.e. when you turn the page in your ebook).

Windows CE 5.0 is installed, meaning that it can run Office applications and be used for checking email.

Various file formats, including Word documents, .PDF, and .TXT documents can all be displayed.

The device is 12.5mm thick (at its slimmest point) and weighs 385g.

Currently only on sale in Japan, Fujitsu have yet to announce a release date for the US and Europe.

A 2007 study found that e-readers are the most environmentally friendly way to read news.