The Readius PDA Enlarge Image

Billed as a PDA, electronic book and music player the Readius device has onboard a flexible LED screen that unrolls to 12.7cm (5in) across.

Polymer Vision, the creators of the gadget, claims the high-contrast black and white screen is as readable as printed paper.

Telecom Italia has signed an exclusive deal to sell the gadget.

Although unable to make phone calls the Readius uses several wireless technologies, including wi-fi and 3G, to allow data to be shipped in and out.

Polymer Vision said the device could be used to read newspapers, e-books, news feeds or location-sensitive maps while on the move.

The company said it could also be used to listen to podcasts, music or audio books.

Although the monochrome screen on the first Readius can only display up to 16 shades of gray, Polymer Vision said it was working on versions with colour screens that can also handle moving images.

The device has 4GB of memory, a mini-USB port and is expected to last 10 days between battery charges. Polymer Vision has not said how much it will cost nor when exactly it will go on sale.

The device will be on show at the 3GSM mobile conference that takes place in Barcelona from 12-15 February.