Quote:
Originally Posted by GA Russell
Solicitous, thanks for that heads up. Robert has posted a few items on his blog since the last time I went there.
He says that the Mentor Lite 2 can be seen at astak.com (with a link). However, it is not up at that site yet.
A google search led me to Facebook here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?ei...3529028&ref=mf
As you can see the list price is $259.
I would like to hear Robert's sales pitch justifying that price. That's $60 more than the Pocket Pro, and the only difference I am aware of is that it has a 6" screen and was made by Netronix instead of Jinke.
I think this would be a hard sell, considering that the new B&N nook is being offered for the same price.
I've been thinking about the Mentor Lite 2 and the 5" jetBook Lite. Since the jetBook Lite is $110 less expensive than the Mentor Lite, it looks like my decision has been made for me.
Robert, what do you have to say? Enquiring minds want to know! |
Dear GA and Enquiring Minds:
Well, the hardest part of my job is often to justify prices. It was easy with the Pocket PRO... great size, novel, faster, far more features, colors, etc.
The Mentor Lite in Version 2 is not so easy. It clearly has the Epson Controller and that is a real blessing.
GA: Be aware that the Jetbook is less expensive but is not E-Ink. Your battery charge life may suffer and it is can cause eye strain. I never want to talk down anybody else's device... but you are kind of talking apples and oranges between the Mentor LIte Version 2 and the Ectaco Jetbook. While the Jetbook has its devotees and that is great... it is NOT the same as LCD screens as E-Ink screens are dramatically priced differently. It would be like you asking me to compare a Kia to a Cadillac and justify the Cadillac price (no offence to Kia or Cadillac intended).
Justifying a cost?? I do not do that. I know what we are charged by the factory, add $10-$15 for our profit, and charge that amount. THUS, the charge for the Mentor Lite is not set by us truly... but by the factory charge to us. You have to admit we would look pretty dumb buying at $239 and selling at $199. There would not be an Astak!
For my money, the price needs to drop on the Mentor Lite and we are asking the factory to do that. It is an excellent six inch and works great. One big difference here. The Barnes and Noble device at $259 does not include a pouch or a case. The Mentor Lite comes with a nice leather case!! When I called B&N they wanted $64.95 for a similar case! Also, their battery is not user-replaceable like on the Mentor Lite! How much is a user-replaceable battery worth? To me, EVERYTHING!! I would not buy a device without this. You may not feel that way. So I cannot justify prices.