Fujitsu launches world's first colour e-book

Fujitsu has launched the world's first e-book with a colour display in Japan, the company said today.

When used with a separate memory card, the paperback-sized gadget dubbed the "FLEPia" can store the equivalent of 5,000 conventional books.

It weighs 385 grams, is 12.5 milimetres (half an inch) thick and has a 20-centimetre 'electronic paper' display that can show 260,000 colours.

Equipped with Bluetooth and high-speed wireless LAN, it can operate 40 hours when fully charged, the company said.

Online sales began yesterday, priced at 99,750 yen (about $1,000). The company aims to sell 50,000 units in two years.

"We are seeing very good customer interest since the launch," said Makoto Saito, spokesman for Fujitsu Frontech, which developed the device.

Fujitsu hopes to sell the e-book abroad in the future, Saito said.