Dear All:

Astak is announcing the EZ Reader "Pocket PRO" in 5 inch for around $199. It will be essentally the same device and the same great software as the EZ Reader 6 inch EXCEPT the Pocket PRO will have the Epson Controller!!

You already know that the Astak EZ Reader Basic in 6 inch has been the most reliable and trouble-free eBook Reader ever released in North America. See the other Astak thread for the reports from all those who purchased it. FRY's electronics claims it has far less returns than any other eBook Reader that they carry.

Now, this same reliability comes to a device that is 5 inch and weighs under 6 ounces. Only, we did not just match the EZ Reader... we made it better with the Epsin Controller (blazing page turns with no black screen)!! Plus you still get the best MP3 on the market (has an equalizer) AND it will be coming in colors: black, tan-white, slate blue, violet, lime green, and maroon brown.

And... Astak will sell for $199-$209!! Look for the www.goEZebook.com website (now under construction) for all the info!! OH, it includes a crush-resistant LEATHER case the others always forget.

Lastly, this is an ASTAK product... meaning the service and the shipping and the user manual and the tech support are all USA. Never a single complaint yet about Astak Customer Service!!

Release is about two months away (it takes time to make the color halves)and to port Adobe Digital Editions and Fictionwise eReader on it!!

Yes, it will come preloaded with at least twenty classic eBooks... not junk... great titles for the entire family!

Robertb I'm guessing you didn't take the photos, but perhaps you could find a photo of the 5" reader next to your 6" reader. For those new to the ereader market that would like a comparision of the two.

Nice price point (matches the Jetbook)

you mention no flash to black though, on my sonys and on the kindle, the page can have portions change withoug flashing to black, but it comes at a cost of bad dithering, the edges of the text are hard and not smooth, and are rarely even, and without the entire screen refresh you get that "looking through a page" effect where you can still make out what was on the page really bad.

theses new screens do better?

When will we be able to pre-order????

You already know that the Astak EZ Reader Basic in 6 inch has been the most reliable and trouble-free eBook Reader ever released in North America. See the other Astak thread for the reports from all those who purchased it. FRY's electronics claims it has far less returns than any other eBook Reader that they carry.How long has the EX Reader Basic been out, exactly? Your own site calls it "New" ....

One word: w00t!

Looking forward to a slate blue Pocket Pro...

Robertb I'm guessing you didn't take the photos, but perhaps you could find a photo of the 5" reader next to your 6" reader. For those new to the ereader market that would like a comparision of the two.

Dear Cheese Bogart:

They have two samples on their way to me. As soon as they arrive I will do the picture comparing the EZ Reader Basic and the EZ Reader Pocket PRO side-by-side. That is a great idea! I just do not have the Pocket PRO in my hot hands yet.

How long has the EX Reader Basic been out, exactly? Your own site calls it "New" ....

Dear NatCh:

Depends, I guess, on how you look at it. Sorry, do not mean to hedge on this. We started selling the EZ Reader Basic about six months ago on our own website. If memory serves me, however, FRY's Electronics picked it up three months ago (they were the first retailer) and it really hit their stores about 9 weeks ago. SO... it is still pretty new and up-to-date. To the majority of the public it has been out two-three months.

When will we be able to pre-order????

Dear Musicman:

I think about 4-6 weeks before we can do pre-ordering. I need to publish full and complete specs first and do a user manual in USA English and see the final color halves in actual colors. I do not want to have anyone pre-order without being absolutely aware of all the facts. Astak is different than the others... yes we want the sale... but only if you are happy with it after you get it.

I just thought it would be good so that people who are interested in buying a device from you could get a rough idea of total size, not just screen size.

Also it might help if there was something else in the shot that could be used as reference for size (something pretty universal like a business card).

Nice price point (matches the Jetbook)

you mention no flash to black though, on my sonys and on the kindle, the page can have portions change withoug flashing to black, but it comes at a cost of bad dithering, the edges of the text are hard and not smooth, and are rarely even, and without the entire screen refresh you get that "looking through a page" effect where you can still make out what was on the page really bad.

theses new screens do better?

Dear Andy:

Thank you for the comments!!

I will have to check when the first two samples arrive. Kindle uses Mobipocket which is not supposed to be all that fabulous. The Pocket PRO comes pre-ported with Adobe Digital Editions and can also have Fictionwise eReader format added.

I will tell you honestly in a post as soon as I can.

Great idea on point of reference like a business card!!

I bought one of the first batch of EZ Readers before Christmas and I am going to buy one of the first batch of these!!!:2thumbsup:book2:

Hi RobertB,

That's good news. To help us global (ie non-US shoppers) can you confirm the differences between your pocket pro and the bebook mini are:

- custom firmware: ie yours will handle BOTH epub and ereader
- custom colors
- crush resistant leather case
- possibly cheaper price ?? USD vs EURO ??

Hey Robertb,

To be honest this morning I was pretty much settled on the sony prs-505 and was just waiting to purchase until I could get the blue one in canada. However this post has got me thinking all over again. The 5" pocket pro sounds like a very versatile reader. And if it's going to be a bit until I actually order a reader I think I am going to have to follow your updates more closely. I have only a few quick questions.
1. Will you ship to Canada? (most important)
2. Do you expect to be shipping units by August? (my wife has been hinting a reader may be my anniversary gift)
3. And do you know what file formats it will support yet? (sorry if this was stated but I didn't see it anywhere.)

Thanks again and I can't wait until you get your site up and running
Mike

Robert, you do know that because fry's won't ship the EZ Reader, you are losing lots of sales in the US. Will they ship this 5" device or will you lose sales because of frys once again?

OH, it includes a crush-resistant LEATHER case the others always forget.
Also, Sony does give a perfectly good case with their readers.

I'm on for a slate blue reader as well.

4-6 weeks for pre-order? *pouts* I don't wanna wait!

Please pardon me if you've answered this on other threads but I have a few questions about features. Does it support the following:

-Folders/Tags or some sort of content organization beyond simple sorting.
-Content search.
-Dictionary lookup.

Thanks. At any rate it's nice to see low-priced options that will read ADE. It helps people take advantage of library resources.

How long has the EX Reader Basic been out, exactly? Your own site calls it "New" ....We started selling the EZ Reader Basic about six months ago on our own website. If memory serves me, however, FRY's Electronics picked it up three months ago (they were the first retailer) and it really hit their stores about 9 weeks ago. SO... it is still pretty new and up-to-date. To the majority of the public it has been out two-three months.I see.

Sorry, I don't mean to pick nits, but in light of the shortness of the time-frames involved, six months and three months, the claims about reliability strike me as a bit ... let's go with "premature" -- that is, unless you've sold really huge numbers of them, both directly and through Fry's, in that time .... :shrug:

What is the actual width and height of the screen's document viewing area in pixels and in cm or inches?

- Ahi

What is the actual width and height of the screen's document viewing area in pixels and in cm or inches?

- Ahi

Like all of the other 5" E-Ink devices, 3" x 4", 600x800 pixels.
By comparison the jetbook is 480x640 pixels.

Hey Robertb,

To be honest this morning I was pretty much settled on the sony prs-505 and was just waiting to purchase until I could get the blue one in canada. However this post has got me thinking all over again. The 5" pocket pro sounds like a very versatile reader. And if it's going to be a bit until I actually order a reader I think I am going to have to follow your updates more closely. I have only a few quick questions.
1. Will you ship to Canada? (most important)
2. Do you expect to be shipping units by August? (my wife has been hinting a reader may be my anniversary gift)
3. And do you know what file formats it will support yet? (sorry if this was stated but I didn't see it anywhere.)

Thanks again and I can't wait until you get your site up and running
Mike

Dear All:

I am really pleased that you are as excited as I am about this Pocket PRO. BUT... it just got BETTER!!

I just saw the first specs and the surprises are great!!

READ my blog today: robertbEZ.blogspot.com

Dear All:

I am really pleased that you are as excited as I am about this Pocket PRO. BUT... it just got BETTER!!


How could it get better? Does it also make julienne fries?

dont forget vegans and vegetarians - you can please us and get us on board with your brand by making non leather cases - and save money for yourselves!
:)

a nice range of colours in some other material would be awesome. :thumbsup:

Wow!

8 levels of grey scale!!
Super-Fast Epson Controller
800 by 600 pixels. Displays both vertically and horizontally!
User-replace rechargeable battery - Li-ion 1000mAh.
SD card slot supports 16GB!
512MB SD RAM embedded
It stores and plays MP3 with a WORKING equalizer
It comes ported with Adobe Digital Editions!!
You can add Fictionwise eReader when the SDK is done.

It supports: txt, pdf, doc, chm, wol, rar, zip, jpg, bmp, tiff, fb2, djvu, gif, epub, html, ppt, prc, pdb, MP3.

Offered in 6 colors: black, tanish white, lime green, slate blue, brown maroon, and a violet (pink and purple).

It takes a while to do 6 color samples, get them approved, and then go into plastic production. Release is estimated in two months. Pre-order waiting list in about 6 weeks.

Price will be between $199 and $209 (sometimes on sale and sometimes not).

Includes a quality LEATHER Crush-Resistant case, ear buds, AC charger, wrist leash, and USB cable.

Wow, so, lemme understand this. RAR and ZIP means CBR and CBZ, correct?
What about user-created folder support? If not, would this be available in a future ... upgrade thingy? (brian malfunction, someone cast Mindtrip on me)

cbz and cbr support is a feature so sweet i've never allowed myself to dream of it - good for manga on a small reader or any graphic novels on a large one

cbz and cbr support is a feature so sweet i've never allowed myself to dream of it - good for manga on a small reader or any graphic novels on a large one

I think that's what CBR and CBZ is.

CBR = Comic RAR
CBZ = Comic ZIP

But I am not sure. If anyone knows for sure, I'd like some verification.

With an even smaller screen, most comics are not going to be all that readable when the pages are reduced down to the screen size.

I think that's what CBR and CBZ is.

CBR = Comic RAR
CBZ = Comic ZIP

But I am not sure. If anyone knows for sure, I'd like some verification.

Yes .

Good to know that I'm not TOTALLY nuts.

Although Technically, I think it's Comic BOOK Rar and Zip, respectively.

yeah- I wasnt disagreeing - though the reader has to know that the extension actually means to handle it as a zip or rar and not to ignore it .
hopefully that will be there or there will be a lot of renaming files before copying/syncing.
at the moment i use calibre to convert manga to mobipocket for cybook but this takes years and adds margins that are not needed .. cbz and cbr support makes much more sense as images can be shown fullscreen and it probably requires much less time to load unless its a huge file.

Does it have dictionary support?
Can we have some 5" vs 6" pictures?
Maybe a video showing the speed of the Epson controler?

Thank you.

I pic was posted here (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32848&page=2) comparing a 5-inch and 6-inch side by side.

With an even smaller screen, most comics are not going to be all that readable when the pages are reduced down to the screen size.

Indeed.

In fact, I would hazard to guess that most comics are going to be altogether unreadable at that screen size.

- Ahi

Dear Cheese Bogart:

They have two samples on their way to me. As soon as they arrive I will do the picture comparing the EZ Reader Basic and the EZ Reader Pocket PRO side-by-side. That is a great idea! I just do not have the Pocket PRO in my hot hands yet.
Do the picture?
You mean "make at least 15 minutes long High Resolution Youtube video", don't you? :-))

By the way, you could make a poll here about what books to include on the reader. Perhaps you could strike a deal with some of authors lurking here to include their book, so people could see that e-book readers are not just about old, very old, classics like Seneca, Plato, Homer , Giovanni Boccaccio, Chaucer, Shakespeare -in original language, of course ... :rolleyes:

Perhaps some of us could help you to format books for the Pocket Pro in exchange for being able to purchase some "special edition" Pocket pro.

And last but not least, think about reviewers here. Is there any chance that some Mobilereaders could get an early access to the devices for the purpose of reviewing.

Also it might help if there was something else in the shot that could be used as reference for size (something pretty universal like a business card).
Or perhaps a ruler, with scale in inches and millimeters :D
or at least a credit card.
I will bet you that my business card is different size than American standard.

dont forget vegans and vegetarians - you can please us and get us on board with your brand by making non leather cases - and save money for yourselves!
:)

a nice range of colours in some other material would be awesome. :thumbsup:

may the gawds save us from the genocide waged on plants by these the "vicious" vegan/veggies.... :p

http://brecklundin.smugmug.com/photos/544279687_ujVHN-XL-1.gif

But a valid comment. But I, for one, an not willing to have the cost of a device increase to cater to your wishes in this area. By asking for two covers supply issues come into play. And to be honest, synthetic covers are far more damaging environmentally than leather. If properly cared for, nothing wears and lasts like leather. There are pretty much no synthetic materials that could be used for this application that will last more than a year or so...I guess my question is, what are we gaining?

Now if the devices with the non-leather covers cost more, enough to cover any lost volume discounts for the currently offered leather covers then hey, cool...go ahead and pay $25 more for the device in order to support your beliefs. Don't expect others to do the same in this case.

Please pardon me if you've answered this on other threads but I have a few questions about features. Does it support the following:

-Folders/Tags or some sort of content organization beyond simple sorting.
-Content search.
-Dictionary lookup.

Thanks. At any rate it's nice to see low-priced options that will read ADE. It helps people take advantage of library resources.

Given that it doesn't support MobiPocket, it's not going to support dictionaries.

d'oh...never mind...misread something... :D

Wow, so, lemme understand this. RAR and ZIP means CBR and CBZ, correct?
What about user-created folder support? If not, would this be available in a future ... upgrade thingy? (brian malfunction, someone cast Mindtrip on me)

These are likely unchanged from the V3 although I do have a request for CBR/CBZ support on file at Jinke. On the V3 you can only create folders from a PC, again I have a request in for being able to make them on the device and to be able to remove them too along with the ability to remove eBooks and move eBooks.

Today you can read RAR and ZIP content including images. The extensions must be one of those two. There is no book mark and your position is not remembered when you exit but you can cycle through the images. It is a start but again I have request better including zooming (needed for real comic books, particularly on a 5" device)

Dale

Given that it doesn't support MobiPocket, it's not going to support dictionaries.

eReader also has dictionary support. No need for Mobi dictionaries. I do not know if the initial release of eReader on this platform will include the dictionary support but then again I would not rule it out.

Dale

These are likely unchanged from the V3 although I do have a request for CBR/CBZ support on file at Jinke. On the V3 you can only create folders from a PC, again I have a request in for being able to make them on the device and to be able to remove them too along with the ability to remove eBooks and move eBooks.


That's all fine for me. a 16GB card should hold the fast majority of my Fiction books. I'll simply create the folders on my computer, pop them over to the SD card, and I'll be good to go. I have no real need to creating/deleting folders using the reader itself. I actually have no real need to delete files using the reader either.


Today you can read RAR and ZIP content including images. The extensions must be one of those two. There is no book mark and your position is not remembered when you exit but you can cycle through the images. It is a start but again I have request better including zooming (needed for real comic books, particularly on a 5" device)


I have some CBZ and CBR files that I've extracted into folders. What I'll probably do is load up Adobe Acrobat and import/convert the first 10 issues, for example, into PDF. In this manner, it -should- be able to keep a bookmark of my place. Then I'll simply same my CBZ/R files for a later time in which the support/control will be better.

eReader also has dictionary support. No need for Mobi dictionaries. I do not know if the initial release of eReader on this platform will include the dictionary support but then again I would not rule it out.

Dale

So would that limit the support to just eReader files or would it just mean the dictionary itself would need to be in eReader format?

So would that limit the support to just eReader files or would it just mean the dictionary itself would need to be in eReader format?

In order for use the dictionary from within the ereader books, it will need to be in ereader format.

In order for use the dictionary from within the ereader books, it will need to be in ereader format.

Not necessarily, iLiad has dictionary support for PDF I believe using mobipocket dictionaries. You have to support two applications running simultaneously but Linux already does that.

Dale

Not necessarily, iLiad has dictionary support for PDF I believe using mobipocket dictionaries. You have to support two applications running simultaneously but Linux already does that.

Dale

This makes sense to me. I have no first hand experience with any of these applications so I'm just going off of what I've seen working with other sorts of projects. I work on rather different kinds of products so my assumptions may be way out of line. It does seem to me that the most important part of the process is understanding the dictionary and knowing how to search it. Grabbing a string from a book of a different format shouldn't be too difficult in most cases. It does necessitate running two applications, as you say, but the support for that is already there.

Oooh...I already have an eReader dictionary. :D (Got it free when I paid for eReader Pro for my Treo a couple of months before Pro became free...)

Does it have dictionary support?
Can we have some 5" vs 6" pictures?
Maybe a video showing the speed of the Epson controler?

Thank you.

Dear DG25:

I agree that more pictures are needed. However, we do not even have the samples yet. Last night I received firm specs. Hopefully samples will arrive Friday.

Yes, I want pictures too. So far I have to gleam everything from online pics which are poor. Will ask for whole slew of pictures tonight but best ones will be when we get the samples.

Yes, a video would be good but we are always in discussion on that and we never get it done. I will try to get up a video when samples arrive.

Do the picture?
You mean "make at least 15 minutes long High Resolution Youtube video", don't you? :-))

By the way, you could make a poll here about what books to include on the reader. Perhaps you could strike a deal with some of authors lurking here to include their book, so people could see that e-book readers are not just about old, very old, classics like Seneca, Plato, Homer , Giovanni Boccaccio, Chaucer, Shakespeare -in original language, of course ... :rolleyes:

Perhaps some of us could help you to format books for the Pocket Pro in exchange for being able to purchase some "special edition" Pocket pro.

And last but not least, think about reviewers here. Is there any chance that some Mobilereaders could get an early access to the devices for the purpose of reviewing.

Dear Kacir:

All good points but WE do not even have samples yet. They are on their way and may arrive Friday. That will only be TWO. Yes, I fully anticipate giving an eval sample to Dale of MobileRead Forum as soon as I have enough.

Let us get the samples first and then we can discuss freelance publishers and other items like that.

Be aware that we are fortunate to get great FREE ebook classics to put on our devices. We normally include: "Call of the Wild", "Hunchback of Notre Dame", "1001 Arabian Nights", "Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe", "Little Women", "Andersen's Fairy Tales", 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", and more.

These are quality reads for the entire family. We have to have something for children as well as adults.

There are COPYRIGHT issues that we could be sued over so we have to get them only from a reliable source where there will not be a problem.

We do post on our websites links to about twenty free eBook websites. We also are working on a search engine for the 500,000 Google Free eBook Library. It is better, I feel, to make it easy for everyone who buys the Pocket PRO to choose their own free eBooks. Astak was the FIRST I know of to offer free ebooks pre-loaded on the device as an aid to people who buy the device so they at least have something decent.

Robert, you do know that because fry's won't ship the EZ Reader, you are losing lots of sales in the US. Will they ship this 5" device or will you lose sales because of frys once again?


Also, Sony does give a perfectly good case with their readers.

Dear JSWolf:

Sorry, I did NOT know Sony provides a perfectly good case. I am happy that they do. ALL companies should do this. I only know that ours is leather and works great and has a fine magnetic clasp. My point is that people can buy the unit and then NOT need to go out immediately and replace it for $50.

FRY's does ship from FRY's.com.

FRY's will not be carrying the Pocket PRO. No retail store will sell Pocket PRO. IF we allowed retail stores to get involved they would raise the price. The Pocket PRO has that great attractive price because Astak will sell it direct from its website and we DO ship. If we went thru FRY's the price would be higher; and we would have to promise NOT to sell below their price.

WHY would you want a higher price? This is a bargain BECAUSE we are keeping the middle-men out of it.

I see.

Sorry, I don't mean to pick nits, but in light of the shortness of the time-frames involved, six months and three months, the claims about reliability strike me as a bit ... let's go with "premature" -- that is, unless you've sold really huge numbers of them, both directly and through Fry's, in that time .... :shrug:

Dear NatCh:

We have sold roughly 5,000 units thru FRY's and that is a decent sample. However, Jinke and its other distributors in Europe and Asia have sold about 500,000 versions of what is the EZ Reader. That is a VERY representative sample to base reliability upon. We got into the unit well after the rest of the world had thoroughly tested it. The V3 is the number one seller in Europe.

What is the actual width and height of the screen's document viewing area in pixels and in cm or inches?

- Ahi

Dear Ahi:

The samples are on their way to us. We only know now that the screen is measured in 5 inches diagonally. I will measure it in length and width as soon as the samples arrive and then post.

dont forget vegans and vegetarians - you can please us and get us on board with your brand by making non leather cases - and save money for yourselves!
:)

a nice range of colours in some other material would be awesome. :thumbsup:

Dear Etherspin:

Yes, we could go non-leather case and save a few pennies. Leather is just very inexpensive in Asia. Also, "There is NOTHING that some person cannot build cheap and lower in quality and charge for less money". That has been my motto for 25 years. Our goal is to sell a quality product all the way. That is why we stay with E-Ink and leather cases, and Grade "A" screens, and factory software. WHEN you buy an Astak product you know you are getting the good stuff!

OOPS!! I missed your point entirely... sorry. Yes, maybe we should look at non-leather as real leather does come from animals and I hate animal cruelty too. BUT... if the animal is grown for food and killed for food... why waste the skin (leather)? I am not being a smart alec here... I am torn now that I understand what you were getting at. I am an animal lover. Sorry I missed this at first glance.

However, Jinke and its other distributors in Europe and Asia have sold about 500,000 versions of what is the EZ Reader.
Is this a real number or your estimate?

Dear Ahi:

The samples are on their way to us. We only know now that the screen is measured in 5 inches diagonally. I will measure it in length and width as soon as the samples arrive and then post.


Robertb your blog says that its 800x600 pixels, so unless I've got my maths wrong (quite possible!), the screen should be 4" x 3".

Anyone else please correct me if I'm wrong.

Robertb your blog says that its 800x600 pixels, so unless I've got my maths wrong (quite possible!), the screen should be 4" x 3".

Anyone else please correct me if I'm wrong.

That's a very good guess (and one that I also made). However it does assume a square pixel and I do know that is not always the case (at least for CRTs). Probably is the case for eink.

Robertb your blog says that its 800x600 pixels, so unless I've got my maths wrong (quite possible!), the screen should be 4" x 3".

Anyone else please correct me if I'm wrong.

If I remember my phytagoras correctly:

a right triangle, where one side is 3 and the other 4, will have a diagonal of 5.

(3/4/5 triangles). And as screens are generally measured diagonally, you might be right.

unless its a 16:9 (widescreen), but this is a 4:3.

Be aware that we are fortunate to get great FREE ebook classics to put on our devices. We normally include: "Call of the Wild", "Hunchback of Notre Dame", "1001 Arabian Nights", "Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe", "Little Women", "Andersen's Fairy Tales", 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", and more.

These are quality reads for the entire family. We have to have something for children as well as adults.

There are COPYRIGHT issues that we could be sued over so we have to get them only from a reliable source where there will not be a problem.


If you'd like to distribute with your devices any of the "classics" that I've uploaded here to MR (eg my illustrated versions of Dickens), you are most welcome to do so.

I have been all over the internet trying to find good shots of the new Pocket PRO (V5) and all shots are essentially of the screen. I was trying to find the rumored scroll wheel. Overnight, Jinke sent me two good side shots that you may want to see... and confirmed the scroll wheel on the right-hand side. I do not yet know its full function. I will get more info on that.http://www.mobileread.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=30245&stc=1&d=1244047712

If you'd like to distribute with your devices any of the "classics" that I've uploaded here to MR (eg my illustrated versions of Dickens), you are most welcome to do so.

Dear Harry:

I am a little slow this morning, I guess. Where can I find your uploaded illustrated versions? I DO want to put them on the devices. Absolutely!!

Also... I would like to use one of them as the standard start-up screen for all EZ Readers. Maybe we can insert a line or two of prose that makes one think? "Maybe the famous "MANKIND was my business" from A Christmas Carol?

Oh, Harry, you are so welcome!!

Hi RobertB,

That's good news. To help us global (ie non-US shoppers) can you confirm the differences between your pocket pro and the bebook mini are:

- custom firmware: ie yours will handle BOTH epub and ereader
- custom colors
- crush resistant leather case
- possibly cheaper price ?? USD vs EURO ??

Dear Mobelby:

I admit to knowing almost nothing about the actual BeBook Mini so I cannot really compare. I have looked online and they do not offer it in colours yet. I would think this BeBook will offer the same crush-resistent leather case. I THINK theirs will only offer Mobipocket (as Mobi is exclusive). I am confident that BeBook will do a great job of it.

The only thing I can add is support. They are in France and Astak is in North America. That is a major difference if something goes wrong, God forbid.

Click the "E-Books" link on the blue bar at the top of the screen, select "Browse Latest uploads", then "Search E-Books". You'd need to download the Mobi version, then use Calibre to convert to ePub, which presumably is the format you'd want.

Where can I find your uploaded illustrated versions? I DO want to put them on the devices. Absolutely!!
Good morning Robert.

This is exactly what I have been suggesting here for the last two days ;-)

Scroll to the top of this page.
There is blue band with white text under the logo.
On the blue band you find E-Books link ...

FRY's does ship from FRY's.com.

Frys does not ship the EZ Reader from frys.com. If I want to buy an EZ Reader from Frys, I have to go to a store that has it in stock. And as there are no Frys stores nearby, I am out of luck should I want an EZ Reader from them.

http://www.frys.com/product/5834633?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

If you'd like to distribute with your devices any of the "classics" that I've uploaded here to MR (eg my illustrated versions of Dickens), you are most welcome to do so.

Dito for my uploads.

Dear NatCh:

We have sold roughly 5,000 units thru FRY's and that is a decent sample. However, Jinke and its other distributors in Europe and Asia have sold about 500,000 versions of what is the EZ Reader. That is a VERY representative sample to base reliability upon. We got into the unit well after the rest of the world had thoroughly tested it. The V3 is the number one seller in Europe.
You would have sold more then roughly 5,000 units via Frys if Frys actually shipped them via the website instead of in store purchases only.

Frys does not ship the EZ Reader from frys.com. If I want to buy an EZ Reader from Frys, I have to go to a store that has it in stock. And as there are no Frys stores nearby, I am out of luck should I want an EZ Reader from them.

http://www.frys.com/product/5834633?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

How many times must this be explained? Fry's, as with all major online retailers, has a central hub dedicated to only online sales. This hub has it's own inventory. Also part of the original purchase from the maker were sent to stores. Stores do NOT fill internet orders. All major retailers work this exact same way. Smaller ones can often scarf up store stock to ship out but it is by far the exception...when Fry's runs out of warehouse stock then the device is no longer available for online purchase.

You can always try and call a Fry's in your region and ask if you can buy one if they have any on the shelf. No guarantee they will do this however.

Nowhere on the site does Fry's say they will not ship the device...it says they are currently cannot ship them for online orders. Yeah, Fry's wording could be a LOT better, but even a bit of thinking will answer the question, especially given the number of folks here who have mentioned buying one from Fry's online.

Frys does not ship the EZ Reader from frys.com. If I want to buy an EZ Reader from Frys, I have to go to a store that has it in stock. And as there are no Frys stores nearby, I am out of luck should I want an EZ Reader from them.

http://www.frys.com/product/5834633?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Dear JS:

I know only that FRY's.com has sent us P.O. for about 60 EZ Readers. If they do not ship then what can they do with these? I am NOT at all arguing with you. I just find this strange on FRY's part. Could it be (possibly) that FRY's.com ran out and is slow to process restocks when they get them. Gee, JS, I will try to find out.

I DO know that the EZ Reader Pocket PRO WILL be sold by Astak on www.goEZebook.com (under construction) and we DO ship!!

JS... let me know. Our price is $249 (plus freight) but I will be happy to sell you an EZ Reader and ship to you. I do not want you to experience problems. Call Walter at: 408-452-8788 and tell him that Robert B said to sell you an EZ Reader at $249 due to all the trouble you have had with FRY's not shipping!! That offer is for anyone of you who have had a problem buying.

Click the "E-Books" link on the blue bar at the top of the screen, select "Browse Latest uploads", then "Search E-Books". You'd need to download the Mobi version, then use Calibre to convert to ePub, which presumably is the format you'd want.

Dear Harry:

I searched under "HarryT" and "Dickens Illustrations" in Search E-Books". I admit this is all new to me. Can you just email them to me in jpeg, gif, bmp, or anything else? I am NOT good at this. I admit it! OK, maybe "thick as a brick".

I think I need lessons from Dale DePriest!!

Hi Robert,

There are download links for all the Dickens books here (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Complete_Works_of_Charles_Dickens_Available_at_Mob ileRead)

As I say, they are only available in Mobi, Sony, and RB formats; does your device support DRM-free Mobipocket format? If not, you'll need to use a tool like "Calibre" to convert them to ePub.

Dear JS:

Our price is $249 (plus freight) but I will be happy to sell you an EZ Reader and ship to you. I do not want you to experience problems. Call Walter at: 408-452-8788 and tell him that Robert B said to sell you an EZ Reader at $249 due to all the trouble you have had with FRY's not shipping!! That offer is for anyone of you who have had a problem buying.

Robertb,

I am waiting for the Pocket Pro (reserve mine in slate blue..), but I would also take advantage of this offer if the fireware supported at least adobe digital DRM, so I could read books I borrow from the library...

Any word on when a firmware upgrade for the Ez-reader so that it supports Adbobe digital DRM (might as well included e-reader drm)???

Dear DG25:

I agree that more pictures are needed. However, we do not even have the samples yet. Last night I received firm specs. Hopefully samples will arrive Friday.

Yes, I want pictures too. So far I have to gleam everything from online pics which are poor. Will ask for whole slew of pictures tonight but best ones will be when we get the samples.

Yes, a video would be good but we are always in discussion on that and we never get it done. I will try to get up a video when samples arrive.

Thanks for the answer, but how about dictionary support?

RobertB,
Just check EZReader site and saw the new "under construction" page with the new logo.

I like the logo, it's cute.:nice:

AJ

The logo may be a little to cute, if you ask me. It's not terrible but not great. It's also not a big deal. I am just excited to see the new site and this must mean we are at least a little closer.

Hi Robert,

There are download links for all the Dickens books here (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/Complete_Works_of_Charles_Dickens_Available_at_Mob ileRead)

As I say, they are only available in Mobi, Sony, and RB formats; does your device support DRM-free Mobipocket format? If not, you'll need to use a tool like "Calibre" to convert them to ePub.

O.K. Harry. We are able to open the books without problem and do see illustrations but cannot tell what are your illustrations and which are with the book and copyrighted. Did you sign your illustrations? How can we tell which ones are yours?

Robertb,

I am waiting for the Pocket Pro (reserve mine in slate blue..), but I would also take advantage of this offer if the fireware supported at least adobe digital DRM, so I could read books I borrow from the library...

Any word on when a firmware upgrade for the Ez-reader so that it supports Adbobe digital DRM (might as well included e-reader drm)???

Dear Musicman:

The existing EZ Reader Basic 6 inch does not have DRM thanks to Amazon who pulled the plug on our having Mobipocket. However, we are getting the Adobe Digital Editions and Fictionwise eReader SDK for these and will post it on our website as fast as we can get it done. The money was paid but the SDK must be completed and then approved by the format provider as "ready to use". You CAN buy the EZ Reader Basic at that sale and you will afterward receive complete instructions on how to download the DRM formats. In the meantime, there are 14 formats on there that will allow you to do a ton of non-DRM reading.

The logo may be a little to cute, if you ask me. It's not terrible but not great. It's also not a big deal. I am just excited to see the new site and this must mean we are at least a little closer.

We are getting close. They added some additional stuff on the Under Construction Page today.

What I would like to do is open the site for a one-day look-see for MobileRead Forum members so I can get your comments about things we may have left off. I have to get the website master to set this up. Everything will work except actual ordering. Within two weeks the agreements will be signed and we will open the website for business.

Sounds great Robertb, I would definitely be interested in helping review and stress test the site for you if you can arrange a sneak peak day. Sounds like things are rolling along at a good pace for you now. Here's hoping everything goes well and launch comes ahead of schedule.

Yes, it does sound like an excellent idea! Sometimes it becomes difficult to see things that need a little more or less correction because of looking at your own work for too long. And hopefully this is would get you some non-judgemental sets of eyeballs wanting everything to work really well. :D

Please consider having a "suggestion box" of some kind set up on the site for ideas that day in addition to anything that gets posted here. That will hopefully get things to your webmaster a little more quickly and lessen the load you at the same time.

O.K. Harry. We are able to open the books without problem and do see illustrations but cannot tell what are your illustrations and which are with the book and copyrighted. Did you sign your illustrations? How can we tell which ones are yours?

The illustrations are the original ones and all in the public domain. They can all be freely used.

Robertb, My local library has many "Adobe pdf" books to borrow from them over the net. They have been purchasing them over the past 3-4 years. I am assuming they all have DRM. Can Adobe Digital Editions DRM read all of these or just those purchased within a certain recent time period. Thanks!

My local library has many "Adobe pdf" books to borrow from them over the net. They have been purchasing them over the past 3-4 years. I am assuming they all have DRM. Can Adobe Digital Editions DRM read all of these or just those purchased within a certain recent time period. As you suggest, all these PDFs have DRM, because this is how they implement a time limit on the ebooks. The Sony PRS-505 (and 700) already has mobile Adobe Digital Editions, and all the reports I have seen indicate that ADE (including mobile ADE) can read all lending library Adobe PDFs. You need a Windows PC or a Mac to download the ebooks from the library, and you can read them on your Desktop using ADE as well as on any handheld device that supports mobile ADE.

Dear Musicman:

The existing EZ Reader Basic 6 inch does not have DRM thanks to Amazon who pulled the plug on our having Mobipocket. However, we are getting the Adobe Digital Editions and Fictionwise eReader SDK for these and will post it on our website as fast as we can get it done. The money was paid but the SDK must be completed and then approved by the format provider as "ready to use". You CAN buy the EZ Reader Basic at that sale and you will afterward receive complete instructions on how to download the DRM formats. In the meantime, there are 14 formats on there that will allow you to do a ton of non-DRM reading.

RobertB,

I just got off the phone with Judy who took my order for the EZ-Reader and said she will ship it today.

I want to thank you for your participation on this forum and being up front and candide about your product.

As I said before, I'll be also be looking for the Pocket Pro in slate blue when it gets released..

I am also looking forward to testing your new web site.

Robertb, My local library has many "Adobe pdf" books to borrow from them over the net. They have been purchasing them over the past 3-4 years. I am assuming they all have DRM. Can Adobe Digital Editions DRM read all of these or just those purchased within a certain recent time period. Thanks!

I went to my head tech on this. He says that if the book is simply text and a few pictures you should have absolutely NO problem. If the files were initially scanned to pdf than you may have some problems. 95% should be no problem.

We are, of course, not Adobe and perhaps Adobe itself can give the perfect answer. I would also bow to Dale and Wallcraft and others for the answers. I hope that they will post on this subject. They are far ahead of me on questions like this.

RobertB,

I just got off the phone with Judy who took my order for the EZ-Reader and said she will ship it today.

I want to thank you for your participation on this forum and being up front and candide about your product.

As I said before, I'll be also be looking for the Pocket Pro in slate blue when it gets released..

I am also looking forward to testing your new web site.

Dear Musicman:

Thank you. I am overjoyed that you are going to receive the EZ Reader and I share your enthusiasm for the Pocket PRO.

Yes, I do want to allow forum members to test drive the new website and am trying to set this up now for early next week. Remember, initially the site will have multi-format books on it. This is because we are waiting for the Fictionwise eReader SDK that we can put up for download. When that is done we will have ALL of the latest DRM titles up.

Remember... when you get the EZ Reader... take the time to read our fact sheet (presently up on our old website: www.mobiebook.com). THAT is the fastest way to learn how to use the EZ Reader and it is crammed with helpful hints.

Also remember that we want your feedback and we stand ready IF you need technical support. We are more interested in people being happy with the device than in the sale alone. Word of mouth is everything to us! We have a very, very good product... but it is also the "best kept secret". Almost nobody knows about us.

Yes, it does sound like an excellent idea! Sometimes it becomes difficult to see things that need a little more or less correction because of looking at your own work for too long. And hopefully this is would get you some non-judgemental sets of eyeballs wanting everything to work really well. :D

Please consider having a "suggestion box" of some kind set up on the site for ideas that day in addition to anything that gets posted here. That will hopefully get things to your webmaster a little more quickly and lessen the load you at the same time.

Dear Mklynds and Sara:

Thank you. I am trying to set up a test drive of the new website for Wednesday of next week. We need to get the guest password all worked out and set up.

As mentioned earlier, the site will open with only Multiformat Books. As soon as the SDK from Fictionwise eReader is finished we will offer it for download and pile on all of the latest titles... so please do not worry.

We are having ONE last problem... trying to put a "messages and opinions" feature on the site. We do not know how to do that. We are open to suggestions on where we can go to acquire the software to set something like this up.

this sounds good. i don't believe i've ever seen any electronics product released at the originally announced price, but hopefully this will be the first one ;)

this sounds good. i don't believe i've ever seen any electronics product released at the originally announced price, but hopefully this will be the first one ;)

It is never easy doing this stuff. Sometimes the factory squawks if we sell too low as it hurts other terirtories. We are hammering out with the factory now but still say $199-$209 is right. Astak now too pleased that I shot my mouth off so early on price... but agrees we need to bring this one in as said.

It is never easy doing this stuff. Sometimes the factory squawks if we sell too low as it hurts other terirtories. We are hammering out with the factory now but still say $199-$209 is right. Astak now too pleased that I shot my mouth off so early on price... but agrees we need to bring this one in as said.

And the beat goes on... :rofl:

I'm looking forward to site test day too. If possible, if Robertb could let us know a few days in advance when The Day will be, that would improve my chances of being able to participate.

now pleased or not pleased?

It is never easy doing this stuff. Sometimes the factory squawks if we sell too low as it hurts other terirtories. We are hammering out with the factory now but still say $199-$209 is right. Astak now too pleased that I shot my mouth off so early on price... but agrees we need to bring this one in as said.

I think the $199 price point sounds very nice, if it supports Adobe DE then I'm considering picking one up. My Iliad is sweet for the PDFs that I have but I want something smaller regular book reading. Good stuff

may the gawds save us from the genocide waged on plants by these the "vicious" vegan/veggies.... :p

http://brecklundin.smugmug.com/photos/544279687_ujVHN-XL-1.gif

But a valid comment. But I, for one, an not willing to have the cost of a device increase to cater to your wishes in this area. By asking for two covers supply issues come into play. And to be honest, synthetic covers are far more damaging environmentally than leather. If properly cared for, nothing wears and lasts like leather. There are pretty much no synthetic materials that could be used for this application that will last more than a year or so...I guess my question is, what are we gaining?

Now if the devices with the non-leather covers cost more, enough to cover any lost volume discounts for the currently offered leather covers then hey, cool...go ahead and pay $25 more for the device in order to support your beliefs. Don't expect others to do the same in this case.

No one quoted enviromental issues but hey,if you think the thousands of gallons of extra water needed to grow an animal skin not to mention the electricity and fuel expended and chemicals to treat /tan the skin outweigh the synthetic nature of other covers, by all means hug that tree.

and I know of materials that do in fact wear as well as leather , Lorica for example. (twelve year old shoes that look almost new)

the only problem i have with leather is ethical, and ill state the case for non leather covers and not buy a device supplied with a leather cover,
I wouldnt buy a cover made of your skin , a dog skin or a cows skin, its consistency not lunacy.

I've just seen that you said it was a valid comment - thats good,as for what is to be gained, for someone happy using leather,potentially nothing unless they use a really good leather alternative (we use lorica to make stuff - lots of good colours available).

Dear All:

The first two samples will arrive today. I know you have seen other pictures but I will try to show more detail in mine.

Also, when I get the two samples I will post to my blog (www.robertbEZ.blogspot.com) with my initial impressions (hopefully today).

hmm...a bit small for reading PDF files in landscape mode. The 6-inch EZ reader is pretty good in this regard.

And have they upgraded the CPU? The Samsung 200mhz is just a bit too slow for more complicated documents.

I'm actually looking forward to a beefed-up 6-inch EZ reader which uses a 400mhz CPU and 64MB or up system memory (not to be confused with storage memory).

hmm...a bit small for reading PDF files in landscape mode. The 6-inch EZ reader is pretty good in this regard.

And have they upgraded the CPU? The Samsung 200mhz is just a bit too slow for more complicated documents.

I'm actually looking forward to a beefed-up 6-inch EZ reader which uses a 400mhz CPU and 64MB or up system memory (not to be confused with storage memory).

Dear Manifestor:

You and me both. I love what they did to beef up the Pocket PRO. That has the faster controller, Samsung Arm 9 400MHz processor, 16GB SD card slot, and more.

The obvious is to take the EZ Reader 6 inch and update it with these things. I will ask the factory. I have not heard a rumor yet; but that means little.

Dear ALL:

Someone asked if the Pocket PRO has two card slots. No, it does not. What LOOKS like an extra card slot (on each side) is really an indentation to fasten the Pocket PRO securely to its crush-resistent leather case (included). It does its job well. Trying to remove the device from the case takes a short learning curve. It is really held very fast. Ladies, watch your finger nails the first time.

Dear All:

Attached are first pictures from Robert B of the Pocket PRO. Naturally, it is wearing Chinese names and characters. I tried to show the Pocket PRO next to the 6 inch for comparison.

More photo still today once I can sort them all out.

Very nice. Can't wait to preorder.

Very nice. Can't wait to preorder.

Dear All:

The attached shots have short explanations of what you should note from the picture. I hope that these somehow help, like the shot of the scroll wheel.

I'm ready to order now!!!! I want it for my birthday in July.......

Let me order............

AJ :happybounce:

Dear All:

The attached shots have short explanations of what you should note from the picture. I hope that these somehow help, like the shot of the scroll wheel.

does the scroll wheel double as a volume control? How is music volume handled on this device?

Dale

We are having ONE last problem... trying to put a "messages and opinions" feature on the site. We do not know how to do that. We are open to suggestions on where we can go to acquire the software to set something like this up.

Sorry, but the only website I am aware of that has a really good Ask Us / Tell Us feature is a membership based professional training site and I'm not sure what they use. It may very well have been developed in-house, but if it is a purchased package they may be very willing to share the title. I only know it is possible to have the feature. :o If I may send a guest password and website information to your e-mail address I will do that, but would prefer not to post it.

wouldn't the easiest way simply be to install a board? vb is good but there's also a pretty good free board called phpbb which has less features than this board but does all the regular stuff fine.

We are having ONE last problem... trying to put a "messages and opinions" feature on the site. We do not know how to do that. We are open to suggestions on where we can go to acquire the software to set something like this up.

:book2:
What about dictionary support for this...beauty? :)

:book2:
What about dictionary support for this...beauty? :)

No Mobi DRM support means no dictionary support.

No Mobi DRM support means no dictionary support.

Not entirely true - it will have Ereader DRM, which supports dictionary look up.

Dear Manifestor:

You and me both. I love what they did to beef up the Pocket PRO. That has the faster controller, Samsung Arm 9 400MHz processor, 16GB SD card slot, and more.

The obvious is to take the EZ Reader 6 inch and update it with these things. I will ask the factory. I have not heard a rumor yet; but that means little.
I eagerly await that.

I eagerly await that.

Dear Manifestor:

I did check and the factory is planning an all new V3 (which is our EZ Reader 6 inch Basic). They will not take the same one and add to it. They want to completely redo it as putting Epson Controller and other features found on the EZ Reader Pocket PRO 5 inch would take a massive rework of the PC board... meaning they might as well be total in the redesign.

Now, all of this should be considered a rumor still. It MAY happen around the New Year as a rough guess. The fact is that the EZ Reader 6 inch Basic is selling well and everyone loves it and they do not need to take the thunder away from the 5 inch Pocket PRO. AND... work is proceeding on the wireless 6 inch EZ Reader PLUS and EZ Reader PRO which is a brand new design. Plus, the 9.7 inch is getting a bit closer and requires more engineers on it now.

Not entirely true - it will have Ereader DRM, which supports dictionary look up.

And are the main commercial dictionary publishers (Oxford, Collins, Chambers, Webster's, etc) publishing their dictionaries in eReader format?

And are the main commercial dictionary publishers (Oxford, Collins, Chambers, Webster's, etc) publishing their dictionaries in eReader format?

I use Merriam-Webster with eReader on my iPod. It works fine.

And are the main commercial dictionary publishers (Oxford, Collins, Chambers, Webster's, etc) publishing their dictionaries in eReader format?

Oxford has several editions available in eReader format. Webster's depends on whose Webster you're talking about. I use one of the Merriam-Webster editions in eReader format. There are also a Webster's New World and Random House has a "Webster's" dictionary available. I am sure other publishers have their own which are not available.

I am not familiar with Collins or Chambers, but eReader does offer a Collin's Dictionary of Law, if that is what you are looking for.

The Bandit

And are the main commercial dictionary publishers (Oxford, Collins, Chambers, Webster's, etc) publishing their dictionaries in eReader format?

That's a different matter. Even if a devices does not support any DRM format, there are still DRM-free dictionaries available, so that the device could support dictionary look-up and be useful.

And are the main commercial dictionary publishers (Oxford, Collins, Chambers, Webster's, etc) publishing their dictionaries in eReader format? There are only 34 entries at ereader.com under Dictionaries and Thesauri (and not all are lookup dictionaries), and Webster's is the only major publisher. The most comprehensive seems to be the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate(R) Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. The only dual-language dictionaries listed are the Pocket Oxford English Spanish Dictionary and Pocket Oxford Spanish English Dictionary.

That's odd. I have the Miiram-Webster 3rd Unabridged in ereader form from them. Bought it some years ago when I had a Palm, now use it on the iPhone.
I wonder why they stopped carrying it.
Its pretty good if a bit large (64 megs or so, I think).

Thank you. Sounds as if it is at least a workable solution, even if one doesn't have the range of dictionaries that are available for Mobi.

I have a very nice dictionary (not too big, has the words I need), but it's DRM'd mobipocket. Sadly, I've not been able to remove the DRM (so far) as mobidedrm doesn't work on it. I'll have to find a new one (or be able to strip the DRM)...

Hi Robert,

First let me say that I have really enjoyed my EZReader!! I got mine as soon as they went on sale and have been so very happy with it. It is all, and more, that you said it would be. Thank you! I would encourage anyone who is looking for an ebook Reader to seriously consider the EZReader.

Now my question is about the Pocket Pro. You said: "You will be able to add Fictionwise eReader when the SDK is done."

Can you tell me what ebook file extension (i.e., .prc, .epub, .pdb, etc) works on the Fictionwise eReader?

Thanks,
NeweReader

Can you tell me what ebook file extension (i.e., .prc, .epub, .pdb, etc) works on the Fictionwise eReader? The eReader files from FictionWise, and elsewhere, have file extension .pdb. However, be careful because many ebook formats come in .pdb files see Wiki: PDB (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/PDB) and Wiki: eReader (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/EReader).

Hi Robert,

First let me say that I have really enjoyed my EZReader!! I got mine as soon as they went on sale and have been so very happy with it. It is all, and more, that you said it would be. Thank you! I would encourage anyone who is looking for an ebook Reader to seriously consider the EZReader.

Now my question is about the Pocket Pro. You said: "You will be able to add Fictionwise eReader when the SDK is done."

Can you tell me what ebook file extension (i.e., .prc, .epub, .pdb, etc) works on the Fictionwise eReader?

Thanks,
NeweReader

Dear NeweReader:

Thank you!! I had been having a horrible day and your post cheered me. As I love my EZ Reader and believe others will also... I am always overjoyed to see it in print!!

Fictionwise eReader supports .pdb at present. In the near future it will support epub.

Do not forget that all Pocket PRO come with Adobe Digital Editions for oustanding .pdf and epub.

However, the Pocket PRO supports about 14 formats. We are not limited like our competition. It will support: .pdf, doc, jpg/bmp, txt, MP3, pdb, html, lit, prc, epub, and a lot more in non-DRM.

Again, thank you very much!!

The eReader files from FictionWise, and elsewhere, have file extension .pdb. However, be careful because many ebook formats come in .pdb files see Wiki: PDB (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/PDB) and Wiki: eReader (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/EReader).

Thank you Wallcraft!

Dear NeweReader:

Thank you!! I had been having a horrible day and your post cheered me. As I love my EZ Reader and believe others will also... I am always overjoyed to see it in print!!

Fictionwise eReader supports .pdb at present. In the near future it will support epub.

Do not forget that all Pocket PRO come with Adobe Digital Editions for oustanding .pdf and epub.

However, the Pocket PRO supports about 14 formats. We are not limited like our competition. It will support: .pdf, doc, jpg/bmp, txt, MP3, pdb, html, lit, prc, epub, and a lot more in non-DRM.

Again, thank you very much!!

Hey Robert, let me know when you are having a horrible day. I would be more than happy to tell you how great you and your products are! :2thumbsup

Thanks for your answer. It was exactly what I was hoping for. I use several of those 14 formats that you listed above. Knowing that I will be able to read those formats on the Pocket Pro just adds to my list of "Pros" in my list of reasons why I want one.

Hears hoping that you can convince the Powers That Be to produce this Reader. You have my vote.

A very satisfied customer, :thanks:
NeweReader

Robert,
Are there any other ASTAK executives reading this forum?

If not, tell them you have several sure sells here. I'll send my money, right now, for a Pocket Pro, even with the problems...

AJ

Robert,
Are there any other ASTAK executives reading this forum?

If not, tell them you have several sure sells here. I'll send my money, right now, for a Pocket Pro, even with the problems...

AJ

Ditto for me. As I stated previously, as soon as pre-orders are available, i'm ordering.

wouldn't the easiest way simply be to install a board? vb is good but there's also a pretty good free board called phpbb which has less features than this board but does all the regular stuff fine.

Thank you!! I am going to look to both boards today.

I appreciate your help.

I am sure this was answered earlier in this thread somewhere. But do you have an eta on when this will be for sale?

Thanks!

Amy

I am sure this was answered earlier in this thread somewhere. But do you have an eta on when this will be for sale?

Thanks!

Amy

In the very long Astak thread, page 155, post 2319, RobertB says he expects no later than a mid-August release. Just in time for my birthday!

Ah hah! I figured it was somewhere in the thread, just not sure where.

Amy

The fact is that the EZ Reader 6 inch Basic is selling well and everyone loves it and they do not need to take the thunder away from the 5 inch Pocket PRO. Thanks for your reply. I totally understand what you mean.

can't wait till it's released! if the price doesn't go up, i'll be buying one for my husband - then if it's intuitive to use, one for myself.

can't wait till it's released! if the price doesn't go up, i'll be buying one for my husband - then if it's intuitive to use, one for myself.

Dear Basschick:

I am always happy to get your posts.

"Intuitive" for me is also important. I have always said the EZ Reader is so intuitive that you do not need the Owners Manual (but I recommend reading it and the FAQ sheet anyway).

Thank you for bringing up "intuitive" because I think that is what makes a Reader something you can love instead of just tolerate.

i agree. having to constantly look for the buttons or figure out what does what detracts from the pleasure of reading. being able to simply turn the page without thinking about it makes ebooks as easy to use and enjoyable as pbooks :)

Dear Basschick:

I am always happy to get your posts.

"Intuitive" for me is also important. I have always said the EZ Reader is so intuitive that you do not need the Owners Manual (but I recommend reading it and the FAQ sheet anyway).

Thank you for bringing up "intuitive" because I think that is what makes a Reader something you can love instead of just tolerate.

Dear All:

I have posted a new blog today (www.robertbEZ.blogspot.com) that talks about the new website, the great sale coming on EZ Readers at FRY's Electronics, and more on the EZ Reader Pocket PRO.

You may want to check it out!!

Dear Everyone:

The new website (www.goEZebook.com) will be open only to MobileRead Forum from 6:00 p.m. PDT on June 23 until 7:00 a.m. PDT on June 25.

The user name you type in is: MobileReadGuest

The password is simply:forum

The idea is for you to be able to look around, fill out the free Member info, try some of the links, and tell me what may be a problem or could be improved. You will have to send me a Private Message or post online for your comments. The message board is still under construction.

You will not be able to buy books yet but it should be a good tour.

Remember: right NOW we will have only Multi-Format eBooks up. As soon as the Fictionwise eReader SDK is done we will put it up on that site for a firmware upgrade and we will then have ALL the latest titles up and available. We expect this within a month or two. We also should have the Adobe Digital Editions up as a firmware download in about 6 weeks.

Sales of eBooks on the website help to support Astak. If you like what Astak is doing... we would appreciate the business.

Dear All:

Please realize that every monitor will be a little bit off... so what you see here will be close but maybe not exact. I cannot adjust your monitor. Here is the best I could do on short notice to show the EZ Reader Pocket PRO color selections.

Thank You to all those who posted what they wanted and we definitely followed the advice.

The pink is really a violet and the blue is a Slate Blue. There will be a white; but I do not have a picture yet. New is a nice metallic purple that is really beautiful.

Yeah, you don't see that color blue on products very often. Williams-Sonoma used to have a toaster that color.

they pink version will appeal to the "Hello Kitty" set for sure...my eyes are bleeding just looking at the thumbnail!

I personally know many many women who would love a pink reader. My sister being high on the list and she's a optician and not at all a hello kitty person. But hey if you could sell a Pocket Pro to every hello kitty fan you would be a rich rich man. Maybe you have had a good idea Brecklundin.

That pink looks like a beautiful mauve in my screen :D

Dear All:

Please realize that every monitor will be a little bit off... so what you see here will be close but maybe not exact. I cannot adjust your monitor. Here is the best I could do on short notice to show the EZ Reader Pocket PRO color selections.

Thank You to all those who posted what they wanted and we definitely followed the advice.

The pink is really a violet and the blue is a Slate Blue. There will be a white; but I do not have a picture yet. New is a nice metallic purple that is really beautiful.

I'd rather have the red or black one!

That pink looks like a beautiful mauve in my screen :D

Dear Jellby:

You are seeing right. Many women wrote and said stay away from "Pinkey Pink. BUT, all the surveys say women like violet or mauve and men too... soft without going overboard. It is a bright enough color to capture attention without being overwhelming.

Thank you all for the great comments.

Dear All:

Here is the white for the Pocket PRO.

I think they are wonderful colors! When a larger size version comes out (with the Epson controller, etc) I'll be very tempted.

hello, here's a quick question about the text to speech feature: can it handle chinese and german text, or just english? let me know, thanks.

hello, here's a quick question about the text to speech feature: can it handle chinese and german text, or just english? let me know, thanks.

Dear Muddyglass:

Eight now the Text-To-Speech is ONLY in English. I am sorry. While the Pocket PRO does supportabout 20 major languages... it is not a translator (no offence at all intended).

Now, as Jinke makes the Pocket PRO and it will be released in China and Europe by other companies... I suspect that this will come about sometime. At this point I have to say "NO"... but IF Europe has it we may be able to offer it as a firmware upgrade on our new website down the road. No promises.

I think they are wonderful colors! When a larger size version comes out (with the Epson controller, etc) I'll be very tempted.

Dear rgeorg:

I sincerely appreciate that. No matter how much confidence we have... input like yours makes it easier to breath.

The next project is the 9.7 inch which will clearly have Epson Controller and much more. The name is EZ Reader "TRUE". Depending on the features, we may call it "TRUE PRO". We try to use the PRO designation when it has features and hardware upgrades that a really avid eBook Reader end user would demand at that point in time. The Pocket PRO achieves this designation.

I still expect a TRUE PRO around the end of October. It is gonna be tight as mass-production on the Flexi screen will only start in September. That is the hold up. Thankfully, they are continuing with other development on it while waiting for the FLEXI.

The next project is the 9.7 inch which will clearly have Epson Controller and much more. The name is EZ Reader "TRUE". Depending on the features, we may call it "TRUE PRO". We try to use the PRO designation when it has features and hardware upgrades that a really avid eBook Reader end user would demand at that point in time. The Pocket PRO achieves this designation.

I still expect a TRUE PRO around the end of October. It is gonna be tight as mass-production on the Flexi screen will only start in September. That is the hold up. Thankfully, they are continuing with other development on it while waiting for the FLEXI.

Robertb,
Thank you for the information.
Sounds like a reasonable time-frame and a good, competitive product - looking forward to it!

Good colors and all that, but suppose you open your site to order the Pocket Pro and I order a blue one but they are all sold:eek: Do I have to wait until a new shipment of blue ones comes in? I think it would be nice if your site can tell people what colors are available, and maybe give us a hint when more of any particular color will arrive.

Just saying... :bookworm:

Good colors and all that, but suppose you open your site to order the Pocket Pro and I order a blue one but they are all sold:eek: Do I have to wait until a new shipment of blue ones comes in? I think it would be nice if your site can tell people what colors are available, and maybe give us a hint when more of any particular color will arrive.

Just saying... :bookworm:

Dear 6charlong:

Your idea is a great one. Let me see if we can do that quickly when the Pocket PRo is actually released and we put it up on the website. Yes, there is a possibility down the road where we may run out of a color. I will try to implement this without fail.

I do not want to show the exact amount left of any one color but I do want to warn people if any particular color is running low OR is out of stock. Then we would need to say when we expect it to be back in stock.

I will move on this!!

Good colors and all that, but suppose you open your site to order the Pocket Pro and I order a blue one but they are all sold Do I have to wait until a new shipment of blue ones comes in? I think it would be nice if your site can tell people what colors are available, and maybe give us a hint when more of any particular color will arrive.

Just saying...


Dear 6charlong:

Your idea is a great one. Let me see if we can do that quickly when the Pocket PRo is actually released and we put it up on the website. Yes, there is a possibility down the road where we may run out of a color. I will try to implement this without fail.

I do not want to show the exact amount left of any one color but I do want to warn people if any particular color is running low OR is out of stock. Then we would need to say when we expect it to be back in stock.

I will move on this!!

An alternate to 6charlong's suggestion would be to allow a "second choice of color" on the order form. That way if the first choice were sold out you might still get your reader in the second choice color. And if you really only wanted your first choice you just wouldn't make a second choice.

I second Slayda's idea. Great idea slayda! I think most people would be happy with having a back up color and if they are not, you could always have the option to wait for your color to come into stock.

An alternate to 6charlong's suggestion would be to allow a "second choice of color" on the order form. That way if the first choice were sold out you might still get your reader in the second choice color. And if you really only wanted your first choice you just wouldn't make a second choice.

Dear Slayda:

I like this. Allowing a second choice would save a lot of time and effort. Let me try to make this happen.

Thank you for great insight!!

An alternate to 6charlong's suggestion would be to allow a "second choice of color" on the order form. That way if the first choice were sold out you might still get your reader in the second choice color. And if you really only wanted your first choice you just wouldn't make a second choice.

I thought about that too, but I thought that when I buy one, say I want a blue one but I see it's out of stock and if I want to wait they'll send me a blue one in 10 days or something, then I have the choice to pick another color--one that's in stock--or I can wait the 10 days. This way I'll know what's going to be in the box when UPS drops it off. :D That way just seems better for me.

Dear ALL:

I do not want to jump the gun and say all is worked out... but we are seeing some hurdles cleared and feeling VERY enthusiastic and optimistic about the EZ Reader Pocket PRO.

I THINK Jinke has peeked on MobileRead forum and seen the wild enthusiasm.

The latest word is we should have two each of the four colors (plus black and white) done in our PMS colors by next week. We will then see how our colors look on the actual plastic halves for the Pocket PRO and can fine tune at that time if we need to do so.

The schedule is that we should receive the actual release and shipment no later than August 15. As soon as they arrive they will be up on the website and selling.

Yes, I am planning a pre-order sheet on our website. Not sure how to do that yet but cannot be that hard. Maybe another 2-3 weeks.

I hope by next week I can start on the User Manual and the FAQ sheet to put them into English.

Yes, I am beginning to feel a lot better about this. I do not want to jump up in the air yet... but it may not be much longer and I will.
__________________

Originally Posted by griffonwing
ya know, I really do not deserve all of this slander. *sniff* i mean, i TRY my best. *sigh*. I think I'll take a walk along the beach and kick a seal. I'm experiencing PTS (Pre Tidal Syndrome)

Robertb - Do you have any more (buried treasure) news about other features of the pocketpro? Or have you divulged everything already?

Dear Griffonwing:

I finally did get to plow thru the User Manual while rewriting it into good English. That is one great thing with the Pocket PRO... the User Manual is really useful and well written. I took my time to get it right.

There were no huge surprises but here is what I found:

It does have 8 levels of Greyscale.

You can adjust the contrast and brightness of .pdf documents readily.

For .pdf and epub documents you get FIVE (5) levels of font size adjustment. Other documents get three choices.

The Pocket PRO is much more robust on Font Type than the EZ Reader Basic. You get quite a number of good font choices already preloaded. Yes, you can easily add more.

The scroll wheel does more than just up or down page... you can push in on it and bring up the menu.

The headphone jack is still 3.5mm and is located on the bottom edge of the device.

The USB plug, however, has been moved up to the top edge by the SD card. I like this and see it a better spot for it. Jinke removed that pain in the butt rubber cover off it.

The Music Zone has been redone and the volume control now has a graphic!!

I hope that this helps!!

Dear All:

I wanted to let you know that we are moving ahead with the Pocket PRO. The General Manager of Astak will fly to China next Monday to meet with Jinke. There he will receive the first samples of all six colors. I hope to have these posted up soon.

We are looking now at the Pocket PRO being released for sale in about 4-5 weeks now.

Yesterday I posted a very comprehensive look at the Pocket PRO revealing some nice additional findings from the User Manual. I have not seen your response. ALL of this is great news as things are moving forward now rapidly!

Yesterday I posted a very comprehensive look at the Pocket PRO revealing some nice additional findings from the User Manual. I'm not sure where the report came from, but the E-book Reader Matrix (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/E-book_Reader_Matrix) lists the Hanlin V5 (EZ Reader Pocket PRO) as including Text To Speech. Is this the case, and if so does it work in all ebook formats and with DRMed ebooks?

I think that this unit is looking to be a very well rounded, ie good at everything, machine. Can't wait to see the photos of all the colored units. To bad you didn't get to go on the trip to China Robert.

I'm not sure where the report came from, but the E-book Reader Matrix (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/E-book_Reader_Matrix) lists the Hanlin V5 (EZ Reader Pocket PRO) as including Text To Speech. Is this the case, and if so does it work in all ebook formats and with DRMed ebooks?

No yet and probably not for DRM'd books at this time. So far it is related to the Cool Reader implementation but the ultimate goal is for everything. It would partially depend on Adobe's rules for the API but I don't have a copy of the license so I can't say for sure.

Dale

I'm not sure where the report came from, but the E-book Reader Matrix (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/E-book_Reader_Matrix) lists the Hanlin V5 (EZ Reader Pocket PRO) as including Text To Speech. Is this the case, and if so does it work in all ebook formats and with DRMed ebooks?

it does have text to speech(ONLY in English)... but that is all the details that have been put out by Robertb.

I'm not sure where the report came from, but the E-book Reader Matrix (http://wiki.mobileread.com/wiki/E-book_Reader_Matrix) lists the Hanlin V5 (EZ Reader Pocket PRO) as including Text To Speech. Is this the case, and if so does it work in all ebook formats and with DRMed ebooks?

Dear Wallcraft:

The EZ Reader Pocket PRO certainly does have TEXT-To-Speech and it works very well. However, you cannot use it on pdf or epub yet. Now, this is not too bad a hardship as the Pocket PRO supports 14 formats. I have been listening to it in TXT and that is quite good.

IF it can be read with Adobe Reader then TTS will work, basically. This is because the TTS was done with Adobe Acrobat. You would THINK that ADE and Acrobat would be just fine together... but they are not yet.

This is from my head tech, Walter. I hope that it helps. The TTS works with English or Chinese.

I think that this unit is looking to be a very well rounded, ie good at everything, machine. Can't wait to see the photos of all the colored units. To bad you didn't get to go on the trip to China Robert.

Dear Mklynds:

Yes, I concur. I would have loved to go to Jinke and see what they have. The problem is that I do not speak much Mandarin and they essentially only speak Mandarin. Besides, the Chinese can negotiate with the Chinese. My negotiation is very to the point and direct. This works well in America. It appears that expensive Chinese dinners and a bit more "beating around the bush" (no disrespect to anyone) are part of successful negotiation in China.

I am more along the lines of: "HI! It is great to meet you. We could sell a ton of your devices for you if you would just get them to us and cooperate with us. oH, LETS DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PRICE. You want me to move volume and I do too. Give me a price to accomplish that."

In China this is NOT the way. Instead of ten minutes, they seem to negotiate over ten hours. It is a personal defect in me. I get to the point real fast and move quickly and eloquently... I give ground a bit to compromise but I arrive where both sides are happy and winners.

To All:

I have a new blog posted today. I have been swamped lately; but my blogs will now come much more frequently.

Blog is: www.robertbEZ.blogspot.com

Well in that case...

I sure am glad that you didn't get to go to China Robert. ;) I wouldn't want anything to happen to push the release back. I can also appreciate your negotiating style. I too am of the style, give a little, get a little, make some money!! Can't wait to hear how your boss's trip to the far east goes.

To All:

I have a new blog posted today. I have been swamped lately; but my blogs will now come much more frequently.

Blog is: www.robertbEZ.blogspot.com

seem I can not post comments on your blog here at work anyway.

so this site works. think you are right about wifi if everyone needed wifi for these types of things. all mp3 players would have wifi already but most dont and still sell. given that the price point for mp3 players is lower would not be that bad to add that to them.
also I would think most people go thru music faster then books.

just thinking about it at one point all music player having wifi for a while then be moved to owning content.. it was called the radio :rofl:.

To All:

I have a new blog posted today. I have been swamped lately; but my blogs will now come much more frequently.

Blog is: www.robertbEZ.blogspot.com

RobertB,

I read your July 2nd blog. Thanks for keeping Wifi OFF the Pocket Pro. Reviewers seem to think the Kindle is the only device with wireless. My iPod Touch has it too and I wish it allowed cable downloads of my eBooks instead. I suspect that the Kindle works because it’s a one format device and the only eBook source it can reach is Amazon.

My iTouch can be set to connect to any book store site and that occasionally causes me some trouble. But mostly I hate having to depend on the bookstores I’ve used to never go out of business and for the DRM on my books to never change. I have a lot more money invested in the books than the hardware to render them so I’d much prefer to download my books and take responsibility for keeping them backed up myself. I’ve never owned a digital device that didn’t need a reset someday so I want my backups in a format I can be certain of.

Wireless might be necessary for people who lack access to a computer or the Internet. We can hope that ‘brick and mortar’ bookstores will someday include a kiosk where people can download eBooks. After B&N bought Fictionwise I wandered into their local store and had waves of nostalgia wash over me. It was a good enough experience to make shopping there worthwhile. Get a new eBook, buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks and read for awhile. Who knows, maybe the two companies can agreed to the reverse process someday and put a B&N eBook kiosk in Starbucks.

RobertB,

I read your July 2nd blog. Thanks for keeping Wifi OFF the Pocket Pro. Reviewers seem to think the Kindle is the only device with wireless. My iPod Touch has it too and I wish it allowed cable downloads of my eBooks instead. I suspect that the Kindle works because it’s a one format device and the only eBook source it can reach is Amazon.

My iTouch can be set to connect to any book store site and that occasionally causes me some trouble. But mostly I hate having to depend on the bookstores I’ve used to never go out of business and for the DRM on my books to never change. I have a lot more money invested in the books than the hardware to render them so I’d much prefer to download my books and take responsibility for keeping them backed up myself. I’ve never owned a digital device that didn’t need a reset someday so I want my backups in a format I can be certain of.

Wireless might be necessary for people who lack access to a computer or the Internet. We can hope that ‘brick and mortar’ bookstores will someday include a kiosk where people can download eBooks. After B&N bought Fictionwise I wandered into their local store and had waves of nostalgia wash over me. It was a good enough experience to make shopping there worthwhile. Get a new eBook, buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks and read for awhile. Who knows, maybe the two companies can agreed to the reverse process someday and put a B&N eBook kiosk in Starbucks.

Dear 6Charlong:

This is an old Dale Depriest idea. I loved it and my boss thought that a Kiosk was too old fashioned. We manufacture POS hardware at Astak. Doing a suitable KIOSK would be easy for us.

Frankly, I LOVE the idea of walking into a B&N and strolling the aisles to find the books I want and then stroll to the KIOSK to have all my purchases downloaded to my device. Maybe the KIOSK even spits out a discount coupon for 50 cents off your Starbucks. To me... KIOSK is the way to go with retail stores!

Dear 6Charlong:

This is an old Dale Depriest idea. I loved it and my boss thought that a Kiosk was too old fashioned. We manufacture POS hardware at Astak. Doing a suitable KIOSK would be easy for us.

Frankly, I LOVE the idea of walking into a B&N and strolling the aisles to find the books I want and then stroll to the KIOSK to have all my purchases downloaded to my device. Maybe the KIOSK even spits out a discount coupon for 50 cents off your Starbucks. To me... KIOSK is the way to go with retail stores!

you sould show him redboxs stocks.

Dear 6Charlong:

This is an old Dale Depriest idea. I loved it and my boss thought that a Kiosk was too old fashioned. We manufacture POS hardware at Astak. Doing a suitable KIOSK would be easy for us.

Frankly, I LOVE the idea of walking into a B&N and strolling the aisles to find the books I want and then stroll to the KIOSK to have all my purchases downloaded to my device. Maybe the KIOSK even spits out a discount coupon for 50 cents off your Starbucks. To me... KIOSK is the way to go with retail stores!

The idea is only old fashioned if you think brick-and-mortar bookstores are old fashioned. Maybe they are, but that's part of their charm: big old easy chairs, hot coffee or tea and a leisurely hour of reading. That old fashioned charm is something I miss while buying pbooks from Amazon. But charm or not, I will only buy paper books when paper is the reasonable format--like books with large pages, ones that depend on images, maps or diagrams, books for very young children, etc. But when I'm in bookstore for something, I'd like to be able to get a novel, too, and that B&N store had some enchanting displays.

RobertB,

I read your July 2nd blog. Thanks for keeping Wifi OFF the Pocket Pro. Reviewers seem to think the Kindle is the only device with wireless.


Maybe in the States. Here in Europe the trend has not started yet and due to the number of different countries and regulations, I seriously doubt it will be easy, so WiFi is not an asset here. And a very good thing it is, indeed.
Any chance to see it sold it here ?
By the way, RobertB, since you are usually very helpful, does the mobi restrictions on format apply also for the non-DRM ?
Bye

There are no restrictions on DRM-free MOBI, but you would typically need to use a 3rd party reader. Robertb's blog (http://robertbez.blogspot.com/2009/06/first-specs-on-astak-ez-reader-pocket.html) says MOBI (PRC) is supported: It supports: txt, pdf, doc, chm,wol, rar, zip, jpg, bmp, tiff, fb2, djvu, gif, epub,html, ppt, prc, pdb, MP3. It would be nice to get confirmation that this isn't a typo, because the latest LBook (Hanlin V3) beta firmware has dropped MOBI support entirely.

Well, I have a comfy chair and good tea at my own place. :) But I think ebooks can be sold in brick and mortar stores--let people browse the books in the bookstore (or let the booksellers handsell them), then the customer takes the book to cashwrap, pays for it, receives a code, and downloads it from the kiosk to an SD card or to their device (or can go home and download it on their computer if they prefer, or if they don't have their device/card with them).

You'd think booksellers would love such a system--I know lots of people who have read entire books sitting in the cafe of a bookstore, without buying them!

Robert,

Great to see we're finally nearing the launch of the Hanlin V5/Bebook mini/Astak Pocket Pro.

Since I last posted I've acquired a new iphone 3gs and it has changed my perspective again on what I need from an ereader.

The iphone goes with you everywhere and has both wifi and 3G so my previous need in an ereader for wireless connectivity has gone completely after using the following on the iphone - safari, wikitap, NYT, google news, google mobile, bloomberg.

All I want now is a cheap, user friendly, fast device that reads books and nothing more (although text search and capability for a built in dictionary akin to Stanza on the iphone would be very welcome).

To this end the Pocket Pro meets all my needs and it's a bonus that it remains pocketable whilst still having a much bigger screen than the iphone.

I really hope and have a good feeling that this device will be a success. Now bring it on already .............:)

Maybe in the States. Here in Europe the trend has not started yet and due to the number of different countries and regulations, I seriously doubt it will be easy, so WiFi is not an asset here. And a very good thing it is, indeed.


WiFi is the same everywhere and works world-wide. What "regulations" are you referring to? Are you perhaps confusing WiFi with cellular wireless communications?

He's probably referring to the widespread availability of free, public WiFi access that you find in the US - but not in Europe so far. Therefore, having WiFi doesn't bring the universal advantage that it might in many urban US settings.

Or, perhaps he is referring to the Kindle/Whispernet use and how with the various European carriers and regulations it would be difficult to duplicate in Europe?

Either way, it doesn't really make sense (in Europe) to pay for additional connectivity features in a device.

WiFi is the same everywhere and works world-wide. What "regulations" are you referring to? Are you perhaps confusing WiFi with cellular wireless communications?

Incorrect.

802.11a is legal in the states and is not legal in the U.K. which is a real shame as it is a better specification overall.

The U.K. also limits the channels you can broadcast your Wi-FI signal on (not sure about the rest of europe).

All WI-FI is not created equal ;)

Maybe in the States. Here in Europe the trend has not started yet and due to the number of different countries and regulations, I seriously doubt it will be easy, so WiFi is not an asset here. And a very good thing it is, indeed.
Any chance to see it sold it here ?
By the way, RobertB, since you are usually very helpful, does the mobi restrictions on format apply also for the non-DRM ?
Bye

Mobi's exclusivity applys to main formats such as eReader and Adobe offer. They do not apply to non-DRM formats. That is why the original EZ Readers came WITH Mobi but also supported about 12 other formats.

There is no chance you will see the EZ Reader Pocket PRO itself sold in stores in Europe. You CAN buy it from our website (when released) and we will ship to Europe. There IS a European alternative to the Pockert PRO. It is known as the "Mini". I do not believe it comes in colors; but otherwise is almost exact.

Thank you for all your comments!!

Robert,

Great to see we're finally nearing the launch of the Hanlin V5/Bebook mini/Astak Pocket Pro.

Since I last posted I've acquired a new iphone 3gs and it has changed my perspective again on what I need from an ereader.

The iphone goes with you everywhere and has both wifi and 3G so my previous need in an ereader for wireless connectivity has gone completely after using the following on the iphone - safari, wikitap, NYT, google news, google mobile, bloomberg.

All I want now is a cheap, user friendly, fast device that reads books and nothing more (although text search and capability for a built in dictionary akin to Stanza on the iphone would be very welcome).

To this end the Pocket Pro meets all my needs and it's a bonus that it remains pocketable whilst still having a much bigger screen than the iphone.

I really hope and have a good feeling that this device will be a success. Now bring it on already .............:)

Dear Mobelby:

I am with you. I bought a Smartphone for all that it does and enjoy the dedicated eBook Reader (EZ Reader) for what it does... allow me to read comfortably.

Yes, everything on the Pocket PRO is finally moving and we are all really upbeat here at Astak. This week our General Manager is in China talking with the factory and getting everything in writing to gain exclusivity (we hope). We think it will be an absolutely KILLER product that will combine the convenient size with a pumped-up and faster machine that offers so much more than even normal 6 inch devices offer. AND... I LOVE the idea of great colors so users can personalize their experience!!

Yes, everything on the Pocket PRO is finally moving and we are all really upbeat here at Astak. This week our General Manager is in China talking with the factory and getting everything in writing to gain exclusivity (we hope). We think it will be an absolutely KILLER product that will combine the convenient size with a pumped-up and faster machine that offers so much more than even normal 6 inch devices offer. AND... I LOVE the idea of great colors so users can personalize their experience!!

Thanks for the info. Keep us updated on how the China talks go. Exclusivity would give you something that Kindle and Sony do not have and cannot offer.

Keep us informed.

Thanks for the info. Keep us updated on how the China talks go. Exclusivity would give you something that Kindle and Sony do not have and cannot offer.

Keep us informed.

The General Manager left this morning for his talks with Jinke in China. We pray all goes smoothly. We have SO much that we can and will bring to the table.

Anyway, I expect some news coming back to us Wednesday or Thursday. We are really excited.

Dear Mklynds:

Yes, I concur. I would have loved to go to Jinke and see what they have. The problem is that I do not speak much Mandarin and they essentially only speak Mandarin. Besides, the Chinese can negotiate with the Chinese. My negotiation is very to the point and direct. This works well in America. It appears that expensive Chinese dinners and a bit more "beating around the bush" (no disrespect to anyone) are part of successful negotiation in China.

I am more along the lines of: "HI! It is great to meet you. We could sell a ton of your devices for you if you would just get them to us and cooperate with us. oH, LETS DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PRICE. You want me to move volume and I do too. Give me a price to accomplish that."

In China this is NOT the way. Instead of ten minutes, they seem to negotiate over ten hours. It is a personal defect in me. I get to the point real fast and move quickly and eloquently... I give ground a bit to compromise but I arrive where both sides are happy and winners.

My husband is Chinese. I met him after living in China for two years, and I totally feel with you about 10 minutes versus 10 hours. The hardest thing for me is that not only do they take 10 hours to negotiate, but they genuinely believe this is a better method than our 10 minutes. They believe it as strongly as people like you and I believe the "Hi, let's do something" is better. Read the bestseller I will write on my 25th anniversary to understand why this is...I still need another 24 years to figure it out.

I know that was off topic, so here's something relevant. Am I the only one that reads in the dark? The big thing everyone says about eink is that it can be read in bright sunlight. But I read in low light conditions MUCH more often than bright sunlight. (I'm nocturnal.) I really enjoyed ereading on my backlit ipaq in the dark, but the features I want on a new device don't come on a backlit ereader. It's all eink. So what do you do in the dark with an e ink device? I'm sorry if this is a lowbrow comparison, but my brother's handheld video game thingy has a little light that plugs right into the device. Does ANY eink reader have something like this? Specifically, will the 5" pocket pro?

i hope it doesn't have a light. i'm excited to have a carry-around ebook reader that costs around $200 - adding more stuff adds to the price.

the sony PRS-700 has a light in front.

btw, some users here use a clip on light on their readers with success.

I know that was off topic, so here's something relevant. Am I the only one that reads in the dark? The big thing everyone says about eink is that it can be read in bright sunlight. But I read in low light conditions MUCH more often than bright sunlight. (I'm nocturnal.) I really enjoyed ereading on my backlit ipaq in the dark, but the features I want on a new device don't come on a backlit ereader. It's all eink. So what do you do in the dark with an e ink device? I'm sorry if this is a lowbrow comparison, but my brother's handheld video game thingy has a little light that plugs right into the device. Does ANY eink reader have something like this? Specifically, will the 5" pocket pro?

So what do you do in the dark with an e ink device?

Mighty Bright LED book light

http://www.mightybright.com/Book_Lights/24/ProductDetail.html

Their "special lens spreads light evenly with no hot spots", and actually does what it says. An excellent product.

So what do you do in the dark with an e ink device?
I use a good lamp with a halogen lightbulb. :D

Do you mean what do I do when I need to read in the dark and I can not switch on the big light? Like when I read in a car?
Well, I have purchased a lamp for illumination of notebook keyboard. The lamp does not have light bulb or leds, it has CCFL - a very thin Compact Cold Flourescent Tube. I have made a 4 inches deep box. I put the reader on the bottom of the box, and I have fixed that CCFL on the top of the box so it lights the Reader. When I use this light I carry a big, heavy 6V lead-acid battery to power the light. This light is good enough for a week in a tent.

A quick question for Robertb,
I live in Europe (Greece). If my parents purchase the Pocket Pro for me as a gift from the USA and bring or send it to me - would I have any warranty protection? Options?
Thanks!

I know that was off topic, so here's something relevant. Am I the only one that reads in the dark? The big thing everyone says about eink is that it can be read in bright sunlight. But I read in low light conditions MUCH more often than bright sunlight. (I'm nocturnal.) I really enjoyed ereading on my backlit ipaq in the dark, but the features I want on a new device don't come on a backlit ereader. It's all eink. So what do you do in the dark with an e ink device? I'm sorry if this is a lowbrow comparison, but my brother's handheld video game thingy has a little light that plugs right into the device. Does ANY eink reader have something like this? Specifically, will the 5" pocket pro?

Sony makes a very good book light but it only works with their PRS505. You can find more about it here: http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26776.

funny I just found this thread.... when the other one for the pocket pro is very similar...

i hope it doesn't have a light. i'm excited to have a carry-around ebook reader that costs around $200 - adding more stuff adds to the price.

the sony PRS-700 has a light in front.

btw, some users here use a clip on light on their readers with success.

Dear Basschick:

Actually, 55% of the people polled by the IDPF (governing body for eBook Readers) say the bedroom is their principle palce to read! Most of those people have spouses, lovers, lovers and spouses, or dogs sleeping next to them... so you can bet that YOU are in the majority!

There is a MightyBright Extra Flex 2 in Silver selling right now on Amazon (OH, God,why am I recommending them) for $13.45!! Most of the people I have heard from recommend it!

What you do NOT want is a lite that takes its power from the eBook Reader! Get one that has LEDs and uses a small round battery of its own!

On the EZ Reader line you can clip this to your case (not to the unit) and that seems optimum!!

A quick question for Robertb,
I live in Europe (Greece). If my parents purchase the Pocket Pro for me as a gift from the USA and bring or send it to me - would I have any warranty protection? Options?
Thanks!

Dear rgeorg:

You would have the same 1 year parts and labor warranty as USA purchasers have. The only problem would be freight to send it here abd back.

However, the EZ Reader and the Pocket PRO appear to be some of the most reliable and rugged eBook Readers on the market and both have user-replaceable rechargeable batteries!! THAT is the biggest reason people send for repair... they need a new battery installed for $100. You can buy the battery you need for the EZ Reader line, ONLINE, for around $9.99

You can also email easily to support@astak.com. Many problems can be fixed quite easily this way!

What you do NOT want is a lite that takes its power from the eBook Reader! Get one that has LEDs and uses a small round battery of its own!

On the EZ Reader line you can clip this to your case (not to the unit) and that seems optimum!!

I user the mightybrite (the one with twin LED lights) and it works great. It uses three AAA batteries, and I clip it on the folded back case. I purchased it at Barnes & Noble.

Dear rgeorg:

You would have the same 1 year parts and labor warranty as USA purchasers have. The only problem would be freight to send it here abd back.

However, the EZ Reader and the Pocket PRO appear to be some of the most reliable and rugged eBook Readers on the market and both have user-replaceable rechargeable batteries!! THAT is the biggest reason people send for repair... they need a new battery installed for $100. You can buy the battery you need for the EZ Reader line, ONLINE, for around $9.99

You can also email easily to support@astak.com. Many problems can be fixed quite easily this way!

my gawds...does that even mean anything? how are they "rugged"? what proof of reliability exists? the statement implies long term reliability also, or does it? man, reading this section and make a person dizzy from all the spin...

my gawds...does that even mean anything? how are they "rugged"? what proof of reliability exists? the statement implies long term reliability also, or does it? man, reading this section and make a person dizzy from all the spin...

I cannot believe that with today economy that people still believe that a product is nothing if it does not have a big brand name. I have worked in manufacture over 40 years and I can tell you that over 90% of all brand products were manufactured by a factory that makes clones and non name brand products on the same line as they do the name brands. And of course you pay more for the name.

Chuck :smack:

The only brand names that I purchase are Heinz (ketchup), Pepsi (cola), Hellman's (mayonnaise), and brand name pipe tobacco, not the bulk store-brand stuff.

I cannot believe that with today economy that people still believe that a product is nothing if it does not have a big brand name. I have worked in manufacture over 40 years and I can tell you that over 90% of all brand products were manufactured by a factory that makes clones and non name brand products on the same line as they do the name brands. And of course you pay more for the name.

Chuck :smack:

and just what does that have to do with what I wrote?

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=582116&postcount=191


:smack:

With an even smaller screen, most comics are not going to be all that readable when the pages are reduced down to the screen size.

Actually some manga come in books slightly smaller than 5 inches. So you maybe able to get away with it. I'm hoping at least.

Frys does not ship the EZ Reader from frys.com. If I want to buy an EZ Reader from Frys, I have to go to a store that has it in stock. And as there are no Frys stores nearby, I am out of luck should I want an EZ Reader from them.

http://www.frys.com/product/5834633?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

3 months later they do. :o

Actually some manga come in books slightly smaller than 5 inches. So you maybe able to get away with it. I'm hoping at least.


Ranma 1/2 is a Manga that comes in small-form MMPB form, and it looks very spiffy on the PEZ.

Ranma 1/2 is a Manga that comes in small-form MMPB form, and it looks very spiffy on the PEZ.

I haven't read Ranma in about 10 years. Are these available to buy somewhere in digital format? PM me details if it's not appropriate to mention on the forum.

Just saw the Poctket Pro for sale at New Egg for $259 USD.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858242003

Just saw the Poctket Pro for sale at New Egg for $259 USD.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858242003

SWEET! But they extended the deal on their website until the end of OCT.:(

Just saw the Poctket Pro for sale at New Egg for $259 USD.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16858242003

For sale at $249, vs $259 for the EZ Reader Basic.

It is $199 with $10 towards ebooks at Books on Board (http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=viewproduct&PRODUCT=57).

For sale at $249, vs $259 for the EZ Reader Basic.

It is $199 with $10 towards ebooks at Books on Board (http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=viewproduct&PRODUCT=57).

I'm hulking out here. ::computer:

For sale at $249, vs $259 for the EZ Reader Basic.

It is $199 with $10 towards ebooks at Books on Board (http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=viewproduct&PRODUCT=57).

Hmmm... I'm wondering if I can use my $60 Gift Certificate toward a purchase. I could have it shipped to my father's house in the U.S., and then he could ship it to Peru.

I also have about $37.00 in Rewards Dollars. The Gift Certificate should be allowed for any purchase. What's the thinking on this?


Don

Hmmm... I'm wondering if I can use my $60 Gift Certificate toward a purchase. I could have it shipped to my father's house in the U.S., and then he could ship it to Peru.

I also have about $37.00 in Rewards Dollars. The Gift Certificate should be allowed for any purchase. What's the thinking on this?


Don

I say go for it if you can't/don't want to do the paypal thing.

Hmmm... I'm wondering if I can use my $60 Gift Certificate toward a purchase. I could have it shipped to my father's house in the U.S., and then he could ship it to Peru.

I also have about $37.00 in Rewards Dollars. The Gift Certificate should be allowed for any purchase. What's the thinking on this?


Don

That sounds like a awesome deal. And you still get another $10 for books after the smoke clears. :2thumbsup

It is $199 with $10 towards ebooks at Books on Board (http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=viewproduct&PRODUCT=57).

Nice :thumbsup:

BoB has great CS in my experience and you can't beat the price.

I haven't read Ranma in about 10 years. Are these available to buy somewhere in digital format? PM me details if it's not appropriate to mention on the forum.

I can't remember where I attained mine from. It may have been from a college friend who sent me a couple CDs of stuff.

I searched online on google, and never found a legit seller for them. It would be nice if they did. the 5" screen with 8-level gray is perfect, and reads almost exactly like my pbook versions.

I can't remember where I attained mine from. It may have been from a college friend who sent me a couple CDs of stuff.

I searched online on google, and never found a legit seller for them. It would be nice if they did. the 5" screen with 8-level gray is perfect, and reads almost exactly like my pbook versions.

I was thinking about buying some manga books on Amazon for resale, and then cut out all the pages. And sticking them the scanner feeder at work. :2thumbsup

For sale at $249, vs $259 for the EZ Reader Basic.

It is $199 with $10 towards ebooks at Books on Board (http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=viewproduct&PROD (7).

This is a much better deal.

In any event, I am happy to see that the Pocket Pro is now available from multiple sources.

However, I just received an e-mail from Astak that they received my Slate Blue return, but are out of black Pocket Pro's (They have white and blue). They say they will be getting more black next week - I guess they gave BOB and New Egg all their in stock Black ones....

Guess I just barely got in under the wire!

This is a much better deal.

In any event, I am happy to see that the Pocket Pro is now available from multiple sources.

However, I just received an e-mail from Astak that they received my Slate Blue return, but are out of black Pocket Pro's (They have white and blue). They say they will be getting more black next week - I guess they gave BOB and New Egg all their in stock Black ones....

Well since they fixed the paint issue can't you get a new blue sent to you?

Well since they fixed the paint issue can't you get a new blue sent to you?

Call me superstitious, but I'd rather go with a color that has had no problems.

I only had the Pocket Pro for a few days and I sorely miss it. So I do not want to take a chance on another return...

Call me superstitious, but I'd rather go with a color that has had no problems.

I only had the Pocket Pro for a few days and I sorely miss it. So I do not want to take a chance on another return...

The current selection of Blues are a brand new batch sent in. This batch was not rushed, and are identical in make to the black and whites.

Just thought I'd let you know.

The current selection of Blues are a brand new batch sent in. This batch was not rushed, and are identical in make to the black and whites.

Just thought I'd let you know.

Griffonwing -- when did Robertb say that this was a separate batch? I recall him saying that he had 40 in their conference room or something like that for observation that were perfect and not peeling. But I don't remember seeing a direct statement saying that these were not from the same production run. I inferred that he'd simply inspected their inventory and pulled out the ones that looked okay.

I'm not at all calling you a liar! ;) But I find it difficult to believe that Astak would've been able to do all of the following in such a short time:

(a) get the factory to acknowledge the problem
(b) get the factory to figure out what went wrong with the first batch
(c) get the factory to prep and paint a new batch
(d) get the new batch "dried properly"
(e) get the dried new batch air-freighted to the US and past customs
(f) receive and inspect the new batch

Hope for everybody's sake that I'm wrong and that I just missed or misread a post somewhere along the way...

Griffonwing -- when did Robertb say that this was a separate batch? I recall him saying that he had 40 in their conference room or something like that for observation that were perfect and not peeling. But I don't remember seeing a direct statement saying that these were not from the same production run. I inferred that he'd simply inspected their inventory and pulled out the ones that looked okay.

I'm not at all calling you a liar! ;) But I find it difficult to believe that Astak would've been able to do all of the following in such a short time:

(a) get the factory to acknowledge the problem
(b) get the factory to figure out what went wrong with the first batch
(c) get the factory to prep and paint a new batch
(d) get the new batch "dried properly"
(e) get the dried new batch air-freighted to the US and past customs
(f) receive and inspect the new batch

Hope for everybody's sake that I'm wrong and that I just missed or misread a post somewhere along the way...

a)
it was posted somewhere that Jinke did acknoledge the problem with the first batch of units. It's in this forum somewhere.

b)
They also knew what the problem was. They didn't prep the coloured units as much as they should have, nor did they let the units sit while the rubber coating completely cured. They were, after all, extremely rushed by Astak, and from what I have read elsewhere, Astak claimed responsibility in this matter.

c)
The first batch Astak received was not the only batches of color that was created. I am certain (unverifiable) that once the rushed units left the manufacturer, they could then concentrate on following protocol. How often have you rushed something, like cooking, only for the end product to look great, but taste too salty as you accidentally put in 2 cups of salt instead of sugar? In the rush, they simply miscalculated somewhere. It's my opinion they they skipped the step of sanding the slick varnished-type coating for the rubber to adhere to.

d)
The second batch was most likely being started/processed at a normal rate when the first units were being shipped to the customers. And, following protocol, every step was then followed.

e)
Once it passes customs, it passes. The only times that Customs will call a hold is if the units colour changes. They never checked the paint for the black/white units, as they had already done that long ago. At least, I would think it would be a horrible system to actually check every new batch of every product that China sends over here.

f)
Robert has already said that for the last 2-3 weeks they have been examining and laying out coloured devices. They are inspecting these every day with no problems. I would expect no difference with the new batch.

Also, read about the others who have replaced their coloured units with the same type. They have experienced no problems with their new replacement.
As for where I read about a second batch, I am not exactly certain. It may have been mentioned in a post here, it might have been in a PM from RobertB or in an email from Amy. It may just not be 'official' news yet, as they want to ensure top priority for replacements.

Actually some manga come in books slightly smaller than 5 inches. So you maybe able to get away with it. I'm hoping at least.



3 months later they do. :o
After they seriously botched the sale. No way I would suggest anyone buy anything from Fry's.

After they seriously botched the sale. No way I would suggest anyone buy anything from Fry's.

Pfft. Love love love Fry's. Going in Fry's is like home. What sale are you referring to?

The current selection of Blues are a brand new batch sent in. This batch was not rushed, and are identical in make to the black and whites.

Just thought I'd let you know.

I know they are a new batch, but........

Pfft. Love love love Fry's. Going in Fry's is like home. What sale are you referring to?
The past sale that had a rebate.

The past sale that had a rebate.

I'm going to Fry's today to take advantage of a sale.

The have the 6" EZReader for $149. After a $30 rebate. :2thumbsup