Well, I hope Robertb won't mind me sharing, but in a fit of impatience I emailed through the Astak site and this is the response I got:
"Sorry! Our website master was so slow in puting up what I wanted that I have not updated.
The latest release date is July 28 for the 5 inch and August 28 for the six inch.
Dates do often slip as changes are suggested by experts in the field. We went to IDPF and BEA (two giant trade shows for books) and they made these suggestions and we liked what they said. One suggestion was major in that they suggested using a fine-resin plastic for the shell and not metal. This would make it lighter and the paint would not slowly rub off as you use the device. Plastic resin is impregnated with color.
This is the biggest problem is that we are trying to get everything right and no matter how hard you try there are always things that have not been seen before pop up. Pre-launch is a real strain.
I pray your operation goes smoothly and easily!! I will try my hardest to get at least ONE of the six inch ready for you. Our website will be the first place to buy units when they are released:
www.astakshop.com. So far it just shows our line of cameras"
I think it's safe to say I am now slightly smitten with him for being such a sweetheart.
Of course, still huge qualifications around what will happen when and plenty of scope for unforeseeable delays, but nevertheless, am still hopeful....