Will the Sony Reader be the book-lovers' iPod?

It's been described as the gadget that will do for reading what the iPod did for listening to music. This week sees the American launch of the Sony Reader, a device capable of storing hundreds of books in electronic form and displaying them with the same clarity as real ink and paper. Unlike previous attempts at creating "e-books", the Reader's screen has no flicker and no back light, allowing bibliophiles to read for hours at a time without eyestrain. Its electronic paper and ink also require little power. Ron Hawkins, a vice-president of Sony Electronics in the US, says: "It is not intended to replace traditional books, but to supplement them". The Sony Reader will sell for around $350 (£190). (Via Daily Telegraph)