Navy eReader Device

Navy eReader Device
Also known asNeRD
DeveloperUnited States Navy
ManufacturerFindaway World
TypeE-reader
Release dateMay 2014 (2014-05)
DisplayE Ink
ConnectivityNone

Navy eReader Device (NeRD) is an e-reader developed by the United States Navy's General Library Program for use aboard its submarines.[1]

E-reader

Released in May 2014,[2] it gives sailors accessibility to the Navy's library and various books while on a submarine that has limited storage space for paper books; sailors are normally on a six-month deployment and have some downtime for reading. Each submarine is assigned five NeRDs. In late 2014, the Navy started released the device to its surface fleet, distributing over 1,170 NeRDs.[3]

Each NeRD costs the Navy $3,000, but most of the cost is e-book licensing so the material costs are minimal.[4] It has adjustable font types and sizes, includes a carrying case, is not equipped with internet capabilities due to security concerns[5] and will be not available to the general public.[6]

Titles included

It is loaded with nearly 300 books in a wide variety of genres as well as many Tom Clancy novels. Some of the included books:[7]

References

  1. ^ "This Is the Navy's New e-Reader For Its Submarine Crews". Gizmodo. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  2. ^ "Navy General Library Program Announced Release of NeRD e-Reader". America's Navy. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  3. ^ Surface Fleet Receives NeRD e-Readers US Navy, December 8, 2014.
  4. ^ "Navy sailors get an e-reader".
  5. ^ "Navy develops dubiously named secure e-reader". engadget. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  6. ^ "The Navy just announced an e-reader designed for life on a submarine". The Verge. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  7. ^ "Navy's Neat Little Device". Armed with Science.
  8. ^ Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs. "Navy General Library Program Announced Release of NeRD e-Reader". US Navy.
  9. ^ a b c Larter, David (13 May 2014). "Know your NeRD: What submariners can expect from their new e-readers". Navy Times. Retrieved 10 August 2014. to holy books, including the Bible (King James version), Koran and Book of Mormon.