Although somewhat strange, I don’t personally find the Flexible Funding campaign all that worrisome. If it looks like a campaign will fall short of its target, one can always request a refund before the end of the campaign. Quite simple. One then need not worry whether the organizer will do the right thing.
That said, it looks like there is no danger of the 13.3 inch campaign missing its target. It’s currently at 98% with almost 2 months left to the campaign.
However, as much as I would like to get my hands on such a device, I’d still be wary about backing this campaign for several reasons:
• He was evasive when directly asked what would happen if the campaign did not reach its target.
• Apart from offering backers from the previous failed campaign a chance to upgrade to the new one, there has been no mention that I could see of whether those backers were offered a refund or whether they would receive the perk they had signed up for. Presumably, some of those backers would not be interested in the larger model.
• The math doesn’t add up. Because shipping seems to be factored into the pledges, they will need more than $42,000 to place an order for 60 units. So they will need to go over the initial target to compensate for that. Given the interest and how much time is left, that shouldn’t be a problem. However, that such details were overlooked from the beginning should make one wonder what other important details might have been overlooked.
• Then there are the grammatical errors and word omissions on their story page. Again, showing the lack of attention to detail.
• The video showing the internet browser is very odd. It simply shows a static image of their website. They don’t bother scrolling down their website or clicking on any links. Nor do they attempt to navigate to any other website. Why not if you are attempting to show how the unit can be used to access the internet? I can still remember trying to surf the internet on a Sony PRS T1. Gave that up very quickly.
I hope the campaign works out and everyone is satisfied. Although less than ideal, it would be terrific to see such a device come to the market, particularly in North America. It might then make some of the other players take notice. Seeing that there is a market, they then might decide to develop a more compelling device. Guess we will see what happens come September.