Possible Discounts for Libraries on REB1100

Earlier this month, I received the following email message from a representative from Thomson Multimedia, Inc. (manufacturer's of Gemstar's REB1100 & REB1200). Thomson is offering "substantial" discounts to libraries on the $299 retail price of REB1100, along with $200 in free content. If your library is considering purchasing some REB1100, this might be worth a follow-up!

"Dear Librarian,

In researching the electronic book activities in libraries, we have come across your library as using the Rocket eBook. As the product manager for RCA's REB1100 ebook (the successor to the Rocket eBook) I'd like to make a special offer to you.

As you may know, last year Gemstar acquired Nuvomedia, makers of the original Rocket eBook, and RCA then signed an agreement with Gemstar to license this eBook technology and manufacture units. The new REB1100 improves upon the Rocket eBook in a number of ways:

• Weight has now been reduced to 17.5 oz
• Battery life has been extended to 20 hours
• Memory now holds 8,000 pages of text (20 novels), with a SmartMedia expansion slot than can expand the memory to over 100,000 pages!
• Screen quality has been improved
• Contains a built-in modem to purchase and download content- no PC required!
• All your existing public-domain Rocket Editions will download to the REB1100 via its USB connection and the eBookLibrarian software

I'd like to offer you the opportunity to purchase the REB1100 at a substantial discount from the $299 suggested retail price. And, beginning August 8th, if you purchase and register an eBook before October 15th you will receive $200 in FREE CONTENT from Gemstar! This promotion includes your choice of 3 Bestsellers and 30 classic titles, and applies to any eBook purchases. In addition, you will receive free 90-day subscriptions to the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post, delivered daily to you (sic) unit through the built-in modem.

Please feel free to contact me if I can provide you with more information on the eBook or this exciting promotion. You can learn more about the RCA eBooks by visiting the RCA web site at http://www.rca.com and clicking on the "Internet Products" links on the left side of the page.

Thanks and regards,

Keith Wehmeyer
eBook Product Manager
Thomson Multimedia Inc.
pH: 317-587-3267
email: wehmeyerk@tce.com"