Quote:
Originally Posted by Abelturd
Alright. My comparison might be a lil bit farfetched. Course, it's by far more simple to deliver an update and so to enhance the functionality of the device. Nevertheless the updates were not part of the contract when you bought the device. It would be great if we could have a new update every couple of months. But as you said it's a matter of goodwill. It's not their obligation, while everyone here talks as if it was. I concur that being more responsive could make a difference for bookeen, cos it would set em apart from the big fish and help them attract more customers, while the opposite approach might just as well put em out of business.
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I half agree with you. I do think that you need to be comfortable with what you bought and when you bought it. Also, understand the fine print. There are definite risks you take if you are an early adopter. For example, there is no guarantee that the 'experimental' web browser with the Kindle will always be free. Amazon said that wikipedia was included but no such word on the general web.
Furthermore, I don't think its so good to beat a dead horse. While I admit I have been negative here, I have tried to bite my tongue and keep from being overly complaining about the Cybook.
On the other hand, I see the real use of these forums as means of education for those who are new to the area. Those who are looking for a reader and want to understand how it works for its buyers. I think it is proper that they see the full range of user satisfaction so that they can judge how it applies to their case.
Bottom line is that I am happy with my Cybook purchase, but much of that credit goes to the fact that it is an Eink device. Netronix gets some credit for a slim design, that is available for all Netronix OEM customers. However, I wasn't so happy with their ergonomics or the button responsiveness. Also, I wasn't happy with the SD problems I had. Bookeen's value added comes to the software and customer service. The software provided the minimum requirements but I wasn't satisfied. It took about a full minute to turn on with my 400 book library. I might have been happy if they showed improvement. Additionally, their customer service wasn't sterling -- maybe its gotten better according to some recent reports here?
As Abelturd has said, no one really has a great customer support process today. Try to get Amazon and you'll see a hit or miss process. I've heard of some customers with great experience, but I have personally had several unanswered emails.
The point is that the Cybook has an adequate, but not outstanding hardware unit; workable, but not great software; and spotty customer service. They don't have the resources to develop their own hardware. They don't have the resources (as demonstrated by experience) to develop and update their software. They don't choose to shine in customer service. Furthermore, their price is not a bargain.
If you don't live in the US/Canada then the Kindle is only available in a crippled version. Likewise, there are some bookstore problems with the Sony outside of the US/Canada. If you absolutely have to have an eInk device today outside of north america, the Cybook may be your best bet. However, I would carefully consider the emerging options first.
Finally, you are correct that current buyers can't expect anything better than they already have, but they can hope. Furthermore, the message to future buyers is pretty clear: Don't count an anything better than what you bought originally, and given the current state versus the competition its not that good of a deal.