Quote:
Originally Posted by lanceman
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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Dear Lanceman:
Yes, when we first thought of adding an eBook Store it was essentially in answer to people on this forum saying we should have one. But, I knew it was not enough to just open one... we needed to be different. IF we are perceived as a smaller store we will lose our base.
Reality is that we intend to be one of the larger stores. We will eventually have eBooks in global languages, we believe we can enormously increase our content thru independent authors and publishers, we believe we can vastly improve our site to where it looks, feels, and functions beautifully and that new design work has been contracted already.
Now, I realize right now our eBook Store has only limited quantity. But, the agency model eBooks are expected to be added tonight. We are going after every independent author and publisher at book fairs all over the USA and Canada. We intend to have far more titles and far more variety than any other eBook Store. And there is a lot more that is confidential and I cannot mention.
Just keep your eyes on
www.EZread.com! Right now you will note some of the very lowest prices on the web. That is a good start! Anybody that would rather pay $15.99 instead of $10.99 is not our target. Just enjoy the pricing and watch what is going to be done! Your point is well made and you are spot-on!