Is Barnes & Noble’s Plastic Logic eBook Reader a Kindle Killer or a Last Gasp Strategy?

YouTube video courtesy of Associated Press

I’m still trying to digest this announcement from Barnes & Noble…

Announces eBookstore Partnership with Plastic Logic

…to decide whether or not it leads me to believe that B&N will become competitive against Amazon or or if it is simply a last gasp stragegy. I hopped over to the Plastic Logic website and found the AP video embedded above. The Plastic Logic reader is the same size as the new Kindle DX (8.5 x 11 inches). I like what looks like a simple touch screen interface. But, the plastic surface looks glassy and reflective. The flashing during page turns looks annoying. It won’t be available until January 2010. So, Amazon has a lot of time to secure the Kindle’s position (already dominant).

B&N may be able to overcome Amazon’s ebook leadership if they price their DX-sized reader at $199. This is possible if they replaced the 3G radio with WiFi and thereby also eliminate the wireless carrier charges associated with 3G.

Join Baratunde Thurston (left), The Onion’s Director of Digital and author of How to Be Black, for an entertaining look at creative social media campaigns in our Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting February 16. Other speakers include Morin Oluwole (Facebook), Tim Devane (bitly), and SocialTimes' writer Devon Glenn.   Register now.