Quote:
Originally Posted by theducks
Spiffy
spotted one of the most important improvement that could be made, that was not on the list: Library Management 
I would settle for Integrating a Catalog of books on the device, that is generated by Calibre, that would allow a direct Jump (hyperlink) from the catalog page, to the book. Most of the (device library) information is already available to Calibre (AFAIK the path to the book is not stored in the present catalog).
Another feature that would be useful, is the ability to have multiple documents active. to allow a quick flip between (no more time than a page turn to a new chapter). Example: The Catalog and 1 or 2 books.
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Yes, the main improvements all need to exist to
improve the reading experience. That's the only way to really distinguish yourselves in a market where Tablet computers will likely dip below $200 soon. I personally include "easily finding your books on your unit" in that category, although I know not everyone agrees. Physically though, the hardware doesn't need much. Just a good screen and good ergonomics.
The button placement and relative ergonomics of the Astak are pretty good already. Left side buttons mid-way up work pretty damn good for most people (righties tend to actually use their left hand to hold things and many OTHER devices make the huge mistake of putting buttons near the BOTTOM--which totally overbalances things). The rocker switch on the right side is also sweet.
So lets not fool with that stuff. The accelerometer suggestion, like PB360 is the closest I can come to suggesting ANY hardware change. Although frankly their built-in cover and the way you can flip the until upside down and reorient the screen (thus allowing the buttons to be either left side OR right side buttons) is also sweet. The problem with the PB360, of course, is the price--Astak has them beat and needs to run with that. Keep it up.
Keep the same philosophy of functional hardware without fluff added and improve the software. Expand their business by making models with LARGER screens, but still price them aggressively and don't assume people will want to pay more for features, like 3G or color screens or touch screen, which they don't really need. If they wanted those things, they'd be buying an iPad or Droid Tablet.