Panasonic already took its UT-PB1 e-reader out for a step-and-repeat on the e-Book Expo Tokyo this year, but kept some important details under wraps. Now the tablet e-reader is about for its official popping out party. The 7-inch, color touchscreen Raboo UT-PB1 is decided to launch in Japan on August 10th, retailing at about ¥34,800 (that’s $444) and packing 600 plus “pre-viewable books.” There’s an Android OS running on an unspecified dual-core CPU under that book-mimicking surface with the company’s own UI slathered all over the place it — so there will be no tablet-esque shenanigans here, yet. The 400 gram (14 ounce) handheld also comes furnished with 8GB of storage, WiFi, Bluetooth, microSDHC, support for different video and audio files, and packs basic web and email apps. Sound like a dedicated reading device to you? Unfortunately, it only plays nice with the XMDF e-book format, so if you are occupied with picking one up, you’re gonna be tied to the Rakuten E-Book store. Try out the video below for a glimpse of the non-tab in action and perhaps even a bit dental training doll cameo .
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