But Plastic Logic's and iRex's devices push e-paper development beyond simply reading letter-sized PDFs, says Wilcox.
Last week Plastic Logic announced that it will never sell a Que e-reader.
The same goes for Plastic Logic, which has developed a high-end e-reader meant to replace paper.
Plastic Logic, also located in Cambridge, England, is developing display drivers using plastic circuitry.
Plastic Logic's first commercial application is likely to be as backplanes for liquid-crystal displays or electronic paper.
Plastic Logic's mission is to lead a revolution in the way people acquire, organize and consume information.
ENGADGET: Plastic Logic kills QUE, 'shifts focus' to second-generation ProReader
Meanwhile, another company, Plastic Logic, has been working to introduce its notepad-sized 8.5-inch reader targeted at business users.
The unique plastic displays are produced in Plastic Logic's world-first commercial scale plastic electronics manufacturing facility in Dresden, Germany.
ENGADGET: Plastic Logic debuts QUE proReader, shows off truVue publications
"We wanted to highlight the optical qualities of plastic, " said IDEO's Caroline Flagiello, who serves as Plastic Logic's acting creative director.
ENGADGET: Plastic Logic debuts QUE proReader, shows off truVue publications
The same sad fate may apply to the Que, the ultra-durable, business-focused reader launched by Plastic Logic of Mountain View, Calif.
Executives are discussing plans to lease the Plastic Logic e-reader to long-term subscribers, with the money going toward purchase of the device.
The device features clever business tools like document annotation and BlackBerry synching, and a durable all-plastic screen that is Plastic Logic's proprietary technology.
Plastic Logic is gone from the TR50 now that its Que e-reader, which promised to be especially lightweight yet durable, has been canceled.
Another company working with E-Ink is UK firm Plastic Logic.
Additionally, Plastic Logic is partnering with Olive Software and premier publishers to give QUE users a richer content and reading experience that is optimized for QUE.
ENGADGET: Plastic Logic debuts QUE proReader, shows off truVue publications
Last May, Plastic Logic demonstrated a paper-like flexible screen capable of playing video in colour, which is achieved by placing a filter on top of the original black-and-white display.
To complement its iconic look and profile, Plastic Logic has also designed an entire line of QUE premium accessories, including three carrying cases to match any busy lifestyle.
ENGADGET: Plastic Logic debuts QUE proReader, shows off truVue publications
Designed through a unique collaboration between Plastic Logic and IDEO, the QUE design was inspired by black and white print-a communications standard that is both classic and timeless.
ENGADGET: Plastic Logic debuts QUE proReader, shows off truVue publications
The patented plastic display technology in QUE has been 10 years in development, since Plastic Logic's founding by researchers from the renowned University of Cambridge (UK) Cavendish Labs.
ENGADGET: Plastic Logic debuts QUE proReader, shows off truVue publications
Plastic Logic created QUE to feel as natural in your hand as a pad of paper, while conveying the level of premium quality craftsmanship of a fine pen.
ENGADGET: Plastic Logic debuts QUE proReader, shows off truVue publications
For more information about Plastic Logic, please go to PlasticLogic.com.
ENGADGET: Plastic Logic kills QUE, 'shifts focus' to second-generation ProReader
They hope to have roughly 100 Plastic Logic devices to test with readers this summer, months after the papers stopped delivery of the print newspaper most days of the week.
"Today we are introducing two major advancements: the birth of a new market category, the proReader, and a milestone in the evolution of plastic electronics, " said Richard Archuleta, CEO of Plastic Logic.
ENGADGET: Plastic Logic debuts QUE proReader, shows off truVue publications
The biggest (literally) and most impressive electronic ink devices at the show are easily the 8.5 x 11-inch 10.5-inch Plastic Logic Que proReader and 11.5-inch (displays measured diagonally) Skiff Reader.
"We believe the Plastic Logic experience is going to be so much better, " said Janet Hasson, senior vice president of audience development and strategy for the Detroit Media Partnership, which manages business functions of the two Detroit papers.
"We recognize the market has dramatically changed, and with the product delays we have experienced, it no longer make sense for us to move forward with our first generation electronic reading product, " said Plastic Logic CEO Richard Archuleta.
ENGADGET: Plastic Logic kills QUE, 'shifts focus' to second-generation ProReader
Today, Plastic Logic is announcing new content partnerships with some of the leading business, news and sports publishers and publications, including news publications from the Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, the San Jose Mercury News, the Contra Costa Times, the Oakland Tribune, the Huffington Post and The Sporting News Today, along with magazines from Barron's, Fast Company and Forbes.
ENGADGET: Plastic Logic debuts QUE proReader, shows off truVue publications
The brains of the outfit is a plastic brick that supplies logic and six AA batteries' worth of power.
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