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The Sharper Image may not be quite the retail presence it once was, but it looks like it's still in good enough shape to hop on the latest trend -- it's just announced "The Literati by The Sharper Image," a $159 e-reader with a 7-inch color screen. That device actually comes courtesy of MerchSource, and relies on Kobo's ebook service to get books on the device (which can be downloaded via WiFi). Otherwise, things look to be fairly basic -- the screen is 800 x 480 (and not a touchscreen), and... there's apparently no web browser or other types of apps on the device to be found. You will get 150 free public domain books with the device though, along with a free case, and your choice of a white or black / brushed metallic model (which actually look to be slightly different in design). It also looks like you'll be seeing a lot of it -- The Sharper Image says that it will have the "broadest retail footprint of any eReader," with it set to be available at more than 7,000 retail stores this October, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, JC Penney, Kohl's and Macy's. Full press release is after the break.