MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Astak Mentor eBook readers with WiFi and Touchscreen (read-only)

dki · 10-06-2008, 06:46 PM

Hi Robert,

I would be interested in Astak, mainly because of the USA support, and also natively read formats. I assume there will be a few of those, as opposed to what Sony offers. So far I have had four devices (not counting my PC or Mac) that I used as an ebook reader in the last year, and I am getting to the point when constant converting and formatting takes almost the same amount of time as reading. I want to avoid that. So I would like to know what are the formats planned for the first software release? Also, how soon it will be updated?

Will EZ Reader support any fonts other than basic English (Polish in my case)? Would I be able to load my fonts onto the device (as with Cybook?).

Another very important issue - you mentioned the beating that the reader took - was this only the software? eReaders tend to be rather on the flimsy side (that's where the US support comes in). And I don't mean I intend to sit on it, or throw it at my near and dear, but I certainly do intend to carry it with me in my bag with my lipstick and a pen and a packet of tissues, and maybe even a compact. Are you going to offer a protective cover, or is there a cover on the market that would fit? Titanium ecaddy for PRS-505 would probably fit, but I don't really know for sure, and something custom made for specific reader would be better - protection wise - no sliding inside of the cover etc. Also screen protector would be good. As I found out to my great annoyance, the cover offered by Cybook is probably not enough to protect device in the course of normal usage.

Also, I noticed "thinner and lighter" - and I have to say - HOPE NOT!!! Thinner & lighter does not protect the screen to a sufficient degree. Most people really do not carry eInk devices in their pockets (hell, I don't even carry a PDA in my pocket, and cell phone only rarely), and they don't need to be tiny. Until the screen is sufficiently resistant, the device construction should be well able to protect the screen. Until the foldable/rollable screens come into a picture as something other than vaporware.

And, last but not least, are you planning on having a distributor for your product (I mean a chain of real stores, like Target for Sony), now or in the future. J&R (they distribute JetBook & Sony). I am asking because of the warranty and fixing device problems that are usually easier solved with a retailer chain.

Thanks in advance for any answers.

Dorota

10-06-2008, 06:46 PM	#895
dki Connoisseur Posts: 84 Karma: 1213350 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Jersey, US Device: Dell Axim X5; RCA 1100; Augen The Book, PRS350x2, Sony T1, Kobo AuraHD	Hi Robert, I would be interested in Astak, mainly because of the USA support, and also natively read formats. I assume there will be a few of those, as opposed to what Sony offers. So far I have had four devices (not counting my PC or Mac) that I used as an ebook reader in the last year, and I am getting to the point when constant converting and formatting takes almost the same amount of time as reading. I want to avoid that. So I would like to know what are the formats planned for the first software release? Also, how soon it will be updated? Will EZ Reader support any fonts other than basic English (Polish in my case)? Would I be able to load my fonts onto the device (as with Cybook?). Another very important issue - you mentioned the beating that the reader took - was this only the software? eReaders tend to be rather on the flimsy side (that's where the US support comes in). And I don't mean I intend to sit on it, or throw it at my near and dear, but I certainly do intend to carry it with me in my bag with my lipstick and a pen and a packet of tissues, and maybe even a compact. Are you going to offer a protective cover, or is there a cover on the market that would fit? Titanium ecaddy for PRS-505 would probably fit, but I don't really know for sure, and something custom made for specific reader would be better - protection wise - no sliding inside of the cover etc. Also screen protector would be good. As I found out to my great annoyance, the cover offered by Cybook is probably not enough to protect device in the course of normal usage. Also, I noticed "thinner and lighter" - and I have to say - HOPE NOT!!! Thinner & lighter does not protect the screen to a sufficient degree. Most people really do not carry eInk devices in their pockets (hell, I don't even carry a PDA in my pocket, and cell phone only rarely), and they don't need to be tiny. Until the screen is sufficiently resistant, the device construction should be well able to protect the screen. Until the foldable/rollable screens come into a picture as something other than vaporware. And, last but not least, are you planning on having a distributor for your product (I mean a chain of real stores, like Target for Sony), now or in the future. J&R (they distribute JetBook & Sony). I am asking because of the warranty and fixing device problems that are usually easier solved with a retailer chain. Thanks in advance for any answers. Dorota