iRex to make U.S. debut

E-reader vendor iRex Technologies will make its e-reader available in the United States late next month at a price of $399.
The Netherlands-based firm introduced the DR 1000 e-reader, sporting a 10-inch display, in European markets in late 2008. It quickly signed an agreement with NewspaperDirect to make ND’s stable of more than 1,100 newspapers available through the device.
The U.S. model, slugged the DR800SG, will have an 8.1-inch touch screen. iRex struck a deal with Verizon to use the telco’s 3G network as the wireless service through which users can download newspapers, books and other periodicals. IRex also said the device would be available for sale at Best Buy retail outlets, beginning next month.