Sony's e-reader will be sold in French electronic and multimedia chain Fnac by the end of October, 01Net.com reported.

The Reader can contain up to 160 books and its battery will allow a user to read through about 6,800 pages before running out. Book publisher Hachette said it will initially supply 2,000 titles for the Reader.

The device weighs 260 grams, and uses electronic ink technology to function. iRex's Iliad pre-dates Sony's device, but uses backlighting, which may not be as advanced, suggested 01Net.com.

French newspaper Les Echos began to offer an e-paper version in September last year on Ganaxa's Reader and Iliad. 01Net.com wrote that the reason for the paper opting against a Sony Reader e-paper was because it is not equipped with a wi-fi interface and would not let users automatically update daily content, which requires wi-fi access.

According to 01Net.com, this is the first time that such a device will be distributed on a large scale, pointing out that it is already available for purchase on Fnac.com. The Reader has been available in North America for two years and in the United Kingdom since the beginning of this month.

The device will cost €300, but the books will be available for 10 to 15 percent cheaper than the print editions. Fnac is reportedly in talks with other publishers to expand its electronic library, according to 01Net.com.