Pandigital Novel - iPad Lite?

…And this just in from the “imitation is the high form of flattery department” (which is right next to the “I’m hoping for a lawsuit department”)…

Pandigital (a company best known for their digital photo frames) has announced a new color eReader.  But is more than just a simple eReader.  This does it all!  The Pandigital Novel 7" Color Multimedia eReader handles apps, music, video, web surfing, email, calendar and more.  And this all comes with a user friendly 7” touch screen.  Sound familiar?

Look familiar?

It comes with a paltry 1 GB internal memory but can be expanded to a respectable 32 GB with a SD card.  With built in Wi-Fi and rechargeable battery (for up to 6 hours of reading time), it operates on the Android platform and has a 600X800 pixel resolution screen, which may turn some people off, but should be okay for an entry-level device.  The screen on the Novel is a matte finish, which some will appreciate as the glossy screen of the iPad was a huge turn-off to some users for reading at length. 

Apps and programs are loaded via USB cable.  It comes stock with the B&N eReader and is available in Black or white.  The best part, IMHO, is the price.  I found if available for about $169.99 to $179.99 (via Google search) and oddly enough (since it doesn’t have the Kindle reader on it) on Amazon.com. 

I think this would make a great middle of the road option for people who just don’t want to plunk $500 on a iPad they aren’t sure they are going to use or just don’t like Apple.

While obviously not as fully functional as the iPad, nor having the breadth of application the iPad does, I think with the right marketing the Pandigital Novel may find a niche.