Globe launches new electronic option

By Robert Gavin, Globe Staff

The Boston Globe is launching a new electronic version of the newspaper for which it will charge $4.98 a week, the company said today.

The product, known as GlobeReader, resembles the look of the print edition while offering electronic features that make it easy to search and scan. It can be downloaded to desktops, laptops, and netbooks, and read offline or online.

‘‘It is important for our business to offer Globe news and information on a variety of platforms that appeal to a variety of market segments,’’ said Christopher Mayer, senior vice president of circulation and operations. Mayer will become publisher in January.

GlobeReader features Globe content but is different from the paper’s website, Boston.com, which remains free. Like other news organizations, the Globe continues to evaluate whether to charge for access to some or all of its website.

At the end of June, the paper launched a free preview edition of GlobeReader, which is used by about 9,000 households.

The new version will add comics, sports scores, weather, and the crossword puzzle, and incorporate various design improvements.

GlobeReader will remain free to seven-day subscribers of the print edition.

The Globe is also offering a package in the Boston metropolitan area that includes daily access to GlobeReader and home delivery of the Sunday print edition, also for $4.98 a week.

Visit www.bostonglobe.com/globereader to see a full demonstration of GlobeReader and to download the software.