Hanvon to Introduce World’s First Color E-Ink Reader

GizmoCrave: "Chinese company Hanvon has decided to introduce the first device in the world with color display using technology from E-Ink. The company will be launching their dedicated e-Reader equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen in the Chinese markets by 2011 march. The company is likely to announce their plans on Tuesday at the FPD International 2010 trade show in Tokyo."

3G Kindle Leaps the 'Great Firewall of China'

AFP: "HONG KONG — Amazon's Kindle 3G e-reader is being snapped up on China's grey market as it has an extra special advantage for customers -- it automatically leaps the so-called 'Great Firewall' of state web censorship. Sites such as Facebook and Twitter, which are blocked by the Beijing authorities, can be accessed without interference by the Kindle's Internet browsing function, the South China Morning Post reported Monday. ... "

In Case You Missed It: Apple Launched the iPad in China Yesterday

Of course, the tablet has actually been available in China, on the gray market, for months. WSJ: "Another big difference with the iPhone launch: today’s kick-off in China comes a mere five months after the iPad was launched in the U.S. By comparison, Apple didn’t start selling the iPhone in China—the world’s biggest mobile phone market–until last October, even though it was released in the U.S. in 2007. (Apple still hasn’t announced plans for China for the iPhone 4, which went on sale in the U.S. in June—though there are signs it may arrive in China soon.) Shaun Rein, managing director of China Market Research Group, says the iPad could give Apple a boost. 'I see the iPad as a major win for Apple in China,' he said. 'There’s not much competition in the market' and consumers say 'they can’t wait for it.'"

Wi-Fi iPad Available in China and 5 More Countries Starting Friday

Of course, the iPads are assembled in China, but have not up to now been available as a product there. No word about 3G availability. Mobiles DNA: "Apple has officially announced the availability of Wi-Fi models of magical iPad in China from September 17 from Apple retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers from 10 AM. The price for the 16 GB model will be CNY3988 ($590), 32 GB model price will be CNY4788 ($708) and 64 GB model price will be CNY5588 ($827). According to Apple’s Latin American site, iPad will also be launching in 5 more countries including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru on Friday. ... However, there is no information when will the 3G iPad models will be available in China."

eBooks on the China Front

Hard times for traditional books as China’s digital publishing industry grows - Books, Arts & Entertainment - The Independent: "Pity the poor paperback. The days of the traditional book in China are numbered, according to figures just released by the central government, as it seems that more and more people are now turning their attention to digital forms of publishing. China's General Administration of Press and Publication says that in 2009 for the first time the value of digital publications surpassed that of traditional means."

Will Amazon's Kindle Make the Grade in China?

Will Amazon's Kindle catch fire in China? - CSMonitor.com: "Amazon is said to be readying a Kindle launch in China. But can a dedicated e-reader compete in a land of 800 million cellphones?"