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

rgeorg · 04-10-2009, 03:32 PM

Hi Robert,
I appreciate the education and I will say in all honesty that I have NEVER actually seen an eInk device. I will be in Germany next month and will try to go and check out the demo Sony that someone told me are available (in another Mobileread thread).

I think that I was just a bit concerned that development attention seemed to be focused on the "wow-features" and large sizes - rather than a really good 6" model. I do read your blog - which I enjoy very much! This is certainly a novel way of communicating with a company representative. The Mentor Lite (with the Epson controller) sounds ideal. I remember that you said in one post that you might skip over it in favor of the "Intrigue" model that has touchscreen. I hope not.

All current 6" models have serious trade-offs. I just can't make up my mind on one model (for personal reading). I did try to purchase the EZreader at Frys when it was on sale - but that didn't work out. Like I said, I've finally decided to wait for more specifics on the Mentor Lite and see what the first wave of customers say - and then I'll jump in.

Regarding netbooks and tablet PCs:
I know that a tablet/netbook is not the same as an eReader, but it does boil down to a competition for the "computing-dollar" the consumer has to spend - and the perception of the value of the added features. I recently had the bad experience of trying to justify the purchase of a 8" or 10" eReader for work. It did not fly, even though I am a university tutor and the primary use will be for text/paper reviews. Finally, we purchased the 9" convertible/tablet/netbook for the same price as the 8" eReader but with many additional features. I can't say yet how well it will actually function as it hasn't even arrived at my desk yet.

Perhaps it's an education problem of demonstrating how much better the eInk is? Obviously, your pricing strategy will also play an important role. I'm not in any way qualified to debate the issue, I just wanted to present my experience. I hope that it helps your company in further development, because I love to read and I enjoy technology - so an eReader will be the perfect combination!

I just want to add that I appreciate you taking the time to write your informative blog and to reply to my posts and questions.

04-10-2009, 03:32 PM	#1787
rgeorg Guru Posts: 675 Karma: 3314796 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Europe & USA Device: K3/3G(2x), Glo HD, Amazon Voyage	Thanks for the reply Robert! Hi Robert, I appreciate the education and I will say in all honesty that I have NEVER actually seen an eInk device. I will be in Germany next month and will try to go and check out the demo Sony that someone told me are available (in another Mobileread thread). I think that I was just a bit concerned that development attention seemed to be focused on the "wow-features" and large sizes - rather than a really good 6" model. I do read your blog - which I enjoy very much! This is certainly a novel way of communicating with a company representative. The Mentor Lite (with the Epson controller) sounds ideal. I remember that you said in one post that you might skip over it in favor of the "Intrigue" model that has touchscreen. I hope not. All current 6" models have serious trade-offs. I just can't make up my mind on one model (for personal reading). I did try to purchase the EZreader at Frys when it was on sale - but that didn't work out. Like I said, I've finally decided to wait for more specifics on the Mentor Lite and see what the first wave of customers say - and then I'll jump in. Regarding netbooks and tablet PCs: I know that a tablet/netbook is not the same as an eReader, but it does boil down to a competition for the "computing-dollar" the consumer has to spend - and the perception of the value of the added features. I recently had the bad experience of trying to justify the purchase of a 8" or 10" eReader for work. It did not fly, even though I am a university tutor and the primary use will be for text/paper reviews. Finally, we purchased the 9" convertible/tablet/netbook for the same price as the 8" eReader but with many additional features. I can't say yet how well it will actually function as it hasn't even arrived at my desk yet. Perhaps it's an education problem of demonstrating how much better the eInk is? Obviously, your pricing strategy will also play an important role. I'm not in any way qualified to debate the issue, I just wanted to present my experience. I hope that it helps your company in further development, because I love to read and I enjoy technology - so an eReader will be the perfect combination! I just want to add that I appreciate you taking the time to write your informative blog and to reply to my posts and questions.