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

emellaich · 10-31-2008, 01:15 AM

Price: Although no longer a deal, the new Astak price seems inline with other companies. However, the real issue here is the rise of the netbook. Its hard to compare the price/features of an ebook when you can get a laptop with an eight to ten inch screen for $300 to $500. The ipod touch at $229 is at a nice price point also. It may not be possible to put the ebooks together much cheaper, but they are getting a lot of price pressure from similar products.

Durability: As so many others have noted, cracked screens are a problem. I had a Cybook, but don't plan to replace it until a flexible screen is available.

Speed: Eink and the software to date is pathetic. It takes forever to page through my 450 book library. I need folders, and faster page changes. Its also a pain trying to find a page in a book. Since my Cybook busted, I bought a used palm tungsten. The LCD screen is so much more interactive resulting in a much snappier response. I can quickly page through my library, and I can use the touch screen and the progress bar to quickly skip back and forward.

10-31-2008, 01:15 AM	#1002
emellaich Wizard Posts: 1,101 Karma: 4388403 Join Date: Oct 2007 Device: Palm>Ebookman>IPaq>Axim>Cybook>Kndl2>IPAD>Kndl3SO>Voyager>Oasis	Three comments/problems with Eink Price: Although no longer a deal, the new Astak price seems inline with other companies. However, the real issue here is the rise of the netbook. Its hard to compare the price/features of an ebook when you can get a laptop with an eight to ten inch screen for $300 to $500. The ipod touch at $229 is at a nice price point also. It may not be possible to put the ebooks together much cheaper, but they are getting a lot of price pressure from similar products. Durability: As so many others have noted, cracked screens are a problem. I had a Cybook, but don't plan to replace it until a flexible screen is available. Speed: Eink and the software to date is pathetic. It takes forever to page through my 450 book library. I need folders, and faster page changes. Its also a pain trying to find a page in a book. Since my Cybook busted, I bought a used palm tungsten. The LCD screen is so much more interactive resulting in a much snappier response. I can quickly page through my library, and I can use the touch screen and the progress bar to quickly skip back and forward. Last edited by emellaich; 10-31-2008 at 01:17 AM.