Earlier this week we reported on the launch of the Elonex ebook reader. This new device, made for Borders, goes straight up against the popular and successful Sony Reader PRS-505. In terms on looks, it won’t be winning over those of us seduced by elegant aesthetic design. It just hasn’t quite got that finished look like the Sony Reader and Kindle2 (still not yet to be launched in the UK). Sturdy in it’s build, it still looks more ‘no frills’ to be honest with a more matte plastic look and feel to it, but getting more up close and personal with the new Elonex ebook reader will make up for that.

Firstly, with the Elonex ebook in one hand and the Sony Reader in the other, you’ll notice the difference in weight. At just 150g it’ll feel remarkably light weight to the Sony Reader in the other hand as well as many other ebook readers out there on the market – most of which weigh in at around 180g to 250g in the case of the Sony PRS-505. It’s great for those you have experienced a tired arm in bed with some of the others. In size, the Elonex is slightly longer and narrower but still casing a good 6 inch screen (187×117x9mm).

It comes in a rubber case, rather than a leather book-like cover and that decision by Elonex would suggest that this ebook reader isn’t trying to closely mimic the real book experience apart from the simplicity. However, a leather case is optional as part of the accessory pack. The screen is very good with no glare or flicker. It has no backlight either so it’ easy on the eye and great for reading in a range of outdoor and indoor lighting. The 6 inch e-Ink screen can the viewed in both landscape and portrait formats and it allows you to choose from 8 different font sizes which is great for young and old and those with eye sight problems.

Elonex boasts an impressive battery life with up to 8000 page transitions in one full charge – enough to last a few days with some long periods of reading. For those who don’t know much about e-ink technology, we judge battery life in page turns because power isn’t used until the page is changed, so you can effectively have the ebook reader on for years if you don’t turn the page!

Anyway, this battery life is up there with the best and you can load on up to a 1000 books with the external 4gb memory card that comes with the £29.99 accessory pack. The casing is sturdy, yet not a head turner as already mentioned. The functionality of the user interface is clear and simple. It’s definitely an ereader that just gets on with what it’s meant to do without the fuss. You still get the slight glitches and delays you’d see from the Sony Reader, and Kindles but it’s not a big issue, especially with this new Elonex ebook. With 100 all time classics preloaded (which is getting pretty standard now) you do have the extras, including a multimedia button dedicated to favourite game Sudoku. Why they’ve made such a fuss about this feature I don’t know. I don’t think it’s a deal breaker but I’m sure Elonex did their market research and it would be a cool 20 minute distraction away from the ebooks for some.

The biggest drawcard for the Elonex ebook reader will be the partnership with Borders UK and their impressive selection of over 45,000 ebooks available online. All in all though, the Elonex is a solid contender in that part of the ebook reader market. It’s not trying too hard to be something that it’s not. It does what it says on the tin (yes, the sudoku game is mentioned a lot) and it does a good job. At $189 it’s 10 quid less expensive that the Sony Reader but you’ll be less likely to make your decision on price, and more likely to weigh up the design. If you’re a fan of the Borders brand, and you want a solid ebook reader performer then The Elonex ebook reader will be a strong possible for you. Borders will still be selling the iRex iLiad alongside the Elonex but it now has an ebook reader that’s more accessible in terms of price.

Full list of Elonex ebook specifications coming soon