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I am a happy EZReader owner. As a consumer, I'd like to see good competitions that bring EBook reader price to a more popular range. As a gadget lover, however, I'd like to see more innovations (hardware or software) showing up instead of just sticking to the established practice. The pricing war between B&N and Amazon will definitely put big impact on smaller players like Astak. I can only give them my best wishes because I like my EZReader and I appreciate the endeavors that Robert contributed to this forum.
IMHO, EZReader is definitely not a pretty gadget comparing to other big names like Kindle, Sony Reader, Nook, ... etc. And don't forget iPad. I recently got one. It's gorgeous. I am no Apple fanboy. Actually this iPad is my first Apple device. But even for a first timer like me, I fell in love with everything it offered within an hour. But, whenever I may need to spend some good time reading books somewhere, I always bring my EZReader. Why? Because, pragmatically, it's the best fit. Its weight, its size, its multi-format support and its good organization implementations... etc. all make it stands out to be a sharp, practical ebook reader. Yes, design wise, it's a long way to close to the fascination that iPad can give. (Well, they are not at the same price level though) But it works. And it works well for its purpose.
I don't think to compete in contents will do any good to Astak. Because Amazon and B&N are the de facto biggest online/physical bookstores. It's just my personal opinion, but I don't think people would spend more time to look up/buy a ebook from a much smaller store just because they bought a reader from there. Unless there is a unique connection (Like iTunes to iPod), a unbeatable price advantage or a find-no-where-else niche, majority of people will go with big names.
Anyway, I still wish Astak the best and find its own way to survive the tough market. Long live EZReader!
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