Astak Mentor eBook readers with WiFi and Touchscreen (read-only)

[cerement]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Yes, actually. There is a Mentor Light coming... we hope in April. That is a 6 inch. There is also a 5 inch coming out in both the EZ Reader and Mentor lines this Summer.

Sounds like good news. Will definitely be interested in seeing what comes about.

... and the leather case and 2GB SD card, and ear buds, and reader/writer all are included along with 200 classics. "Basic" does not have to mean "devoid" of useful things!

"Useful things" is a relative concept First and foremost, I'm interested in a eInk reader for just sitting down and READING. I can see that there are a LOT of features out there that people want and need and find useful. BUT I also see that a LOT of time is being spent on adding features aimed more at showing off the coolest new gadget rather than fixing simple graphic design flaws and enhancing the simple aspect of just READING. I think interface and reader software designers should be forced to sit down and read Robert Bringhurst's Elements of Typographic Style.

Even something as simple as hyphenation, we have the knowledge to avoid things like combining forced full justification with horrifically broken hyphenation. Considering the state of hyphenation on the current crop of readers, the majority of them should've been defaulted to left justification. And yet TeX solved the problem of full justification on electronic devices back in 1989, a freely available library of code to handle sophisticated hyphenation, smart hyphenation paragraph by paragraph rather than line by line, and micro-adjustments of both word and character spacing, creating readable paragraphs that rivaled classic typesetting.

[oggelbe2007]

I have a simple PRS-500 which I use everyday. I can't believe I've managed to struggle along for 2 years now without 3G, touchscreen, WiFi, dictionary, stylus, keyboards and a cup-holder. Come to think of it Ive never even used the music or photo features that ARE on it but I sure do alot of plain old R E A D I N G with it.

I would buy another reader this year with a larger screen and the mentor 9.7 sounds interesting but I'm starting to think it's just vaporware. A least for 2009. Bummer...

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by oggelbe2007

I have a simple PRS-500 which I use everyday. I can't believe I've managed to struggle along for 2 years now without 3G, touchscreen, WiFi, dictionary, stylus, keyboards and a cup-holder. Come to think of it Ive never even used the music or photo features that ARE on it but I sure do alot of plain old R E A D I N G with it.

I have a simple PDA which I use everyday. I can't believe I've managed to struggle along for 5 years now, without 3G, and only a 3,6" screen. But I've used it a lot for plain old reading and annotating my books (and looking up the odd word in the dictionary)

I think it all depends on where you start. My first ebookreader also had touchscreen and after that, I bought a PDA for reading (colour screen and a much higher resolution)

So, I've gotten used to having a touchscreen and make use of it on a regular basis (while reading my books). That's one of the reasons I just can't decide what ebookreader to buy, because I'm afraid I will miss the touchscreen too much.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by oggelbe2007

I have a simple PRS-500 which I use everyday. I can't believe I've managed to struggle along for 2 years now without 3G, touchscreen, WiFi, dictionary, stylus, keyboards and a cup-holder. Come to think of it Ive never even used the music or photo features that ARE on it but I sure do alot of plain old R E A D I N G with it.

A dictionary is perhaps something that you don't realise the value of until you have it. When I had a Sony I just didn't see the point of a dictionary - after all, I never use one when I read paper books. Now I have a CyBook, though, the dictionary is something I find myself using on virtually a daily basis, and for me it significanty "enrichens" the reading experience.

[oggelbe2007]

Yeah, I'm familiar with reading on a PDA - it's like staring into a flashlight for several hours until the battery dies. (No thanks!) Perhaps you should try a REAL reading device because if you read for any lenght of time I promise your eyes will love the difference. Even the simplest E-ink reader is better than the best PDA available.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by mobelby

RobertB,

Sounds like jinke and bebook are showing off the next gen ez reader at Cebit in Hanover in March. Still seems as if the connectivity is undecided, which suggests they are taking a very late decision on one of the key features of the device - ie the front page of mobile read reports it's a "3G and/or Wifi".

Getting excited that we're all about to see photos and/or videos soon.

Dear Mobelby:

A quick email to my friend at Jinke tells me that Jinke and BeBook will NOT be showing the V30 (EZ Reader Pro) or V9 (EZ Reader True) at CeBit. Jinke is instead concentrating on additional software and finishing up on recent additions of software that had minute glitches. They have reminded BeBook, like they have Astak, that all pictures and info on the V30 are to be kept completely secret at this point. They want to let no specs or pictrues get out that could be used by their competition.

My friend did say that ONE Flexi screen from PVI did arrive and they are starting actual work now on the 9.7 inch (what will be EZ Reader True). It is not vaporware and it is coming out. BUT, like everything Jinke does, they are taking their time to get it right.

I, also, grow weary of not being able to tell all about what is coming. However, I know the EZ Reader turned out incredibly solid and with no recalls or glitches. That leads me to believe that Jinke does indeed know what they are doing and all this secrecy will result in a great introduction of another two solid and flawless devices. My impatience is tempered by my agreement with them that they and Astak cannot afford a flawed device; and you would not want to buy one.

Robert B

[mobelby]

Thanks for the update RobertB, even if it is to dampen the fires of excitement for CEBIT. At least Onyx will be showing off their BOOX so we'll have something to digest.

Maybe I'm alone here but can't help feeling that jinke are missing a beat by being so secretive whilst kindle marches on and other new entrants are announced. After all, it's not like the new jinke v30 comes with a magic wand and can cook your recipes as well as showing them to you on an e-ink screen.

[AbFabGab]

Originally Posted by HarryT

A dictionary is perhaps something that you don't realise the value of until you have it. When I had a Sony I just didn't see the point of a dictionary - after all, I never use one when I read paper books. Now I have a CyBook, though, the dictionary is something I find myself using on virtually a daily basis, and for me it significanty "enrichens" the reading experience.

I just wanted to agree with Harry.
"you don't realise the value of until you have it"

I have the 505 and I absolutely LOVE it
but I can see where the dictionary feature
would enhance my reading experience.

Also, the same could be said of having a reading device.. LOL.
I thought they were cool gadgets but would I "really" use it?

I've had my 505 a few weeks now and I am so happy
with it! I use it every day and am constantly finding new
reading material to add to it.

[oggelbe2007]

Originally Posted by mobelby

Maybe I'm alone here but can't help feeling that jinke are missing a beat by being so secretive whilst kindle marches on and other new entrants are announced. After all, it's not like the new jinke v30 comes with a magic wand and can cook your recipes as well as showing them to you on an e-ink screen.

No, you're not alone. The rational behind the PR photos, hype and secrecy is to keep prospective buyers on the side lines while the late comer plays catch up while promising all sorts of new and wonderful features which never seem to make into the final product. I suggest anyone thinking about buying a E-ink reader don’t wait, just get something you think you’ll be happy with. This Astak stuff may not be on the market till next fall. And even then you may find it was only hype and not something you'd care to actually purchase.

[SaraD]

Hi Robert B,

You have commented several times about how surprisingly tough the EZ Reader is and how much more abuse it has shrugged off than expected for such a device. I'm wondering if Astak has been able to do any tests on the new Mentor line to see if it measures up or comes anywhere close. Often sister lines of products all have a similar base line, but each has its own set of advantages. Is one of those estimated to be toughness? You may not have any testing units on hand yet for the Mentor, but I'm hoping so since Astak will be writing the American English instructions.

Since the EZ Reader and Mentor lines are made by competing companies I understand if you are not permitted to answer this type of question, but I wanted to at least ask. Like several others who have posted I'm interested in the Mentor Lite, or similar EZ Reader unit, but after hearing so many wonderful things about the EZ Reader the Mentor feels like an unknown quantity.

Thanks!

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by mobelby

Thanks for the update RobertB, even if it is to dampen the fires of excitement for CEBIT. At least Onyx will be showing off their BOOX so we'll have something to digest.

Maybe I'm alone here but can't help feeling that jinke are missing a beat by being so secretive whilst kindle marches on and other new entrants are announced. After all, it's not like the new jinke v30 comes with a magic wand and can cook your recipes as well as showing them to you on an e-ink screen.

Dear Mobelby:

Yes, I am with you on this. I applaud that Jinke is doing some very neat things with their new eBook Readers but I wish they would learn that a small amount of advance horn honking builds attention. Jinke has several fabulous products coming out. I know that because I have seen them and used them a bit. Frankly, I see Jinke as certainly able to release a machine that would eat the Kindle 2. They just do not beleive in advance hype. I, on the other hand, am in the USA where we are used to building a hunger by feeding crackers and cheese. I also know that IF you do not have tons of money (Astak does not) you need to pound on the press to get them to at all pay attention. I have been emailing for four months to the Washington Post without any success. They cater to technology but never showed up at CES.

Case in point is the EZ Reader Basic. It is a great machine that almost nobody knows about. I fear the same for the EZ Reader PRO (which I know kicks K2 butt in every way imaginable). Trying to reach the techies depends on techie blogs and magazines and on-line reviews. Now would be the right time to bring out that tray of crackers and cheese.

Robert B

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Frankly, I see Jinke as certainly able to release a machine that would eat the Kindle 2.

Lets not go too crazy here. The Kindle is a combination of Device, service and kindle store. They may be able to create a similare device, but with free 3G access and a store with the access and prices in the amazon store they might be eating crow if they make the claim you just did.

BOb

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by SaraD

Hi Robert B,

You have commented several times about how surprisingly tough the EZ Reader is and how much more abuse it has shrugged off than expected for such a device. I'm wondering if Astak has been able to do any tests on the new Mentor line to see if it measures up or comes anywhere close. Often sister lines of products all have a similar base line, but each has its own set of advantages. Is one of those estimated to be toughness? You may not have any testing units on hand yet for the Mentor, but I'm hoping so since Astak will be writing the American English instructions.

Since the EZ Reader and Mentor lines are made by competing companies I understand if you are not permitted to answer this type of question, but I wanted to at least ask. Like several others who have posted I'm interested in the Mentor Lite, or similar EZ Reader unit, but after hearing so many wonderful things about the EZ Reader the Mentor feels like an unknown quantity.

Thanks!

Dear Sara D:

Yes, I also wish I knew more about the Mentor line. I know it is coming but I do not know featrues or models or much of anything yet. It is our own factory but they are Mandarin-speakers and I am not. I will try to get more info.

I do know that we received 6 Mentor prototypes about 6 months ago that we did not like design-wise. Those six prototypes after that were beaten by us pretty severely. All six are still perfect. While we had design revisions, the ruggedness seems excellent... but it is too small a sample to be sure.

Your comment is a good one. I wish I had a certain answer but will try to get a good reply.

Robert B

[DixieGal]

I finally gave up on the Mentor and got a Sony back at Christmas. The wait was just too long.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by oggelbe2007

No, you're not alone. The rational behind the PR photos, hype and secrecy is to keep prospective buyers on the side lines while the late comer plays catch up while promising all sorts of new and wonderful features which never seem to make into the final product. I suggest anyone thinking about buying a E-ink reader don’t wait, just get something you think you’ll be happy with. This Astak stuff may not be on the market till next fall. And even then you may find it was only hype and not something you'd care to actually purchase.

Dear All:

Oggelbe makes a good point. You have to expect delays in bringing ANy complex electronic to market. Maybe you should just get something you can be happy with. I have never advised anybody to wait; and I have steadfastly said the EZ Reader Basic is a very good machine all in itself. I have also freely said that Touchscreen cuts down on clarity of screen and 3G costs. So, make yourself happy with what is available nowIF you feel it is right enough for you.

Also in agreement, delays HAPPEN. eBook Readers are complex machines and threading on new and untried ground is always filled with deep holes. I will CREDIT all three: Jinke and Netronix and Astak with waiting to get things right and glitch-free before releasing and I know that more delays will come. WHY? Because the best advance planning and engineering does not preclude when you put all the parts together that they will work in harmony and all co-exist just right. But, this is not hype at all... I only try to lay out the schedule as I know it and I always mention the best of timelines go completely wrong. It is within every realm of possibility that the "Astak stuff" will not be on the market until next Fall. The road to release is filled with crushing defeats and the unforeseen. On the other hand, you want it right when you buy it and we cannot afford to sell it and bring it back for recall.

Yes, Mr. Oggelbe, it can be delayed. We are trying to go where nobody has gone before. That is not easy and glitches will punish all of us. But, life is not smooth either. Retail stores are closing and people are unemployed and the economy stinks... and I am tyring, despite this, to get something good built so just maybe people can at least READ well and enjoy one device that works right. Yes, put up a sign that reads "Expect Delays"; but please do not call it hype.

Robert B