3 posts and columns on Steve Haber

Let the E-Reader Price War Begin? Sony Drops to $169.

in News on March 23, 2010 at 5:00 am PT

Sony says it is cutting the price on its entry-level e-book reader, dubbed the Pocket Reader, to $169–perhaps the first in a coming price war for the devices. Sony’s $30 discount only lasts through April 4, just in time for the April 3 arrival of Apple’s $499 and up iPad in stores on April 3.

Sony’s New Reader, Plus Free Library Books, Passes My “Dad Test.” Is That Enough?

in Media on August 25, 2009 at 10:22 am PT

Sony started selling e-book readers long before Amazon, but blew its lead. So how can it catch up with its new device, which looks and works much like the Kindle, but costs $100 more? Maybe Sony can do it with the help of free books from your local library. After Sony unveiled its new line of readers this morning, I posed that question to Sony executive Steve Haber, who immediately pointed out that his “Daily Edition” machine has a slightly bigger screen than the Kindle 2 and boasts a touchscreen.
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Sony’s Kindle Competition: Touchscreen Plus AT&T, for $399

in Media on August 25, 2009 at 7:53 am PT

Sony did indeed have a bit of news to announce at the New York Public Library: Its most direct challenge to Amazon’s Kindle to date. Like the Kindle, the “Daily” reader will feature a wireless connection–Sony will use AT&T, while Amazon uses Sprint. And unlike current versions of the Kindle, the Sony device will feature a touchscreen. But it will come at a price: The device will retail in December for $399. That’s $100 more than the current price of Amazon’s Kindle 2. And that price point is almost certain to drop in coming months.
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