Asustek Computer plans to enable various connectivity options on its e-book readers, including 3G, WiMAX and Wi-Fi, according to the company. The company still intends to introduce its e-book readers by the end of 2009, however, it is unclear which service provider will sell electronic books through Asus e-reader.

The e-book readers from Asustek will come equipped with 9” screens (according to industry sources) as well as 3G, Wi-Fi and/or WiMAX connectivity, reports Taiwan Economic News citing the company’s executives. Considering the fact that Asus has not released notebook models equipped with all three communication options, it is unlikely that the first electronic readers will be launched with all three technologies enabled.

Asus reportedly plans to market its Eee-branded e-book readers through telecom providers starting March, 2010. In fact, the company intends to ship them both under its own trademark as well as under telecom firms’ names. It is unclear which electronic book services intend to sell e-books to owners of Asus’ e-book readers.

Asustek executives reportedly pointed out that trial versions of e-book readers will be offered to Taiwan`s charity organizations before commercial launch.

Pricing of Asustek’s e-book readers should be competitive against Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble Nook, according to industry watchers. However, for the e-book readers market, content delivery is crucial, therefore, releasing just a device may not make a lot of sense.

Tags: ASUS, E-Book