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

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by pkovak

1) I have noticed that "Mentor's" operation temperature is between 32°~104°F (or 0°~40°C in SI). What happens when the temperature is higher or lower? Let's say I want to read while I am traveling to work, and it's winter, -10°C. What dangers I face? Sure, batteries have lower capacity in low temperatures, I don't know if this is main problem. What about the surface of the device, will it be easier to damage (scratch, more fragile, etc)?

2) Temperature again, but this time I am on summer holiday on the beach and because it's completely boring, I take out my books - means Mentor. What dangers it faces?

Since EInk devices are all very similar, see A Question of Temperatures! From that thread, the recommended range for a Cybook is 5..35 °C (41..95 °F), and cold can slow down page refreshes on the PRS-505.

[Greg Anos]

Robertb,

I am strongly considering taking up your kind offer for CES. IF I do, could your firm provide me some entrance credentials? I will give your equipment a thorough evaluation, and provide comparisons with some current competitors (which I will bring along). Of course, I am just one data point, but hopefully I will be of use.

Ralph Sir Edward.

[pkovak]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

Since EInk devices are all very similar, see A Question of Temperatures! From that thread, the recommended range for a Cybook is 5..35 °C (41..95 °F), and cold can slow down page refreshes on the PRS-505.

Thanks, really helpful. I guess even when the new 9.7'' display need technology upgrade, it can have similar behavior.
But it would be nice to know for certain and know the reasons behind it. For example, in winter, it is usually not only cold, but also high humidity - means water can condensate on the device. In case of, for example, cell phones, I haven't noticed anything odd no matter what temperatures (never tested to give the phone proper sunbath on the beach though), so I guess it's possible. But you can't be sure. Answers from someone who see under the cover and understand the technology, or can ask about it, can give us completely new insight, one that can prevent damage of the devices.

[HarryT]

My CyBook has "experienced" temperatures of -5C, when I accidentally left it in my car one night last winter. It certainly didn't do it any harm.

[pkovak]

That's hardly the same. First, -5°C is quite close to operation temperatures and I am sure there are some margins in that. Second, you left it in your car. That's not open air environment, moisture is completely different speaking to point out at least one difference.
Third, leaving it in car, even turned on (which you haven't mentioned), isn't something I wouldn't call operational - maybe it was on, but there were no orders for it, like page turning. And storage temperatures are up to -20°C.

[pilotbob]

Robert B,

I am surprised at your web site. The Free e-Books web page list neither mobileread.com or feedbooks.com which are the two favorites on this forum for well formatted mobipocket public domain and creative commons ebooks.

BOb

[dki]

Hi Robert,

I have one additional question. Are you planning on offering an insurance on one or more of your devices (the way Sony does)? I have been very badly burned on Cybook, and would really like something more open-format than Sony, but the insurance on the device right now seems really tempting.

Originally Posted by pilotbob

I would ask the same question about your iPod, blackberry, laptop, etc. These things do have an expectation of needing to be protected. Certainly much more than a paperback book.

My answer is "I don't want to find out". I am going to protect that thing the same way I would a laptop or cell phone.
BOb

Well, my Dell Axim, RCA 1100 and laptop survived numerous mishaps. iPod was stepped on once. Not even mentioning the cell, which is dropped on a regular basis, and makes nothing of it, working without problems. My Cybook did not survive regular use, well, not even regular, because it was always in its covers and was never dropped, and was cared for way more diligently than any other device I own. I would say eink devices are about 5 times more sensitive and fragile than any other electronic device currently used. Protecting it the same way as iPod, laptop or cellphone will only result in a very early demise.

Dorota

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Robert B,

I am surprised at your web site. The Free e-Books web page list neither mobileread.com or feedbooks.com which are the two favorites on this forum for well formatted mobipocket public domain and creative commons ebooks.

BOb

Dear Pilot Bob:

Very great point. I did not set that page up but I will forward your info on free books to Walter who IS setting up the site. I apologize for the omission. Poor Walter is trying and I will get him hopping on this.

By the way,all, I have been at a Trade Show all week and apolgize for the late response. On Monday I will try to catch up and get current with all.

Robert B

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by dki

Hi Robert,

I have one additional question. Are you planning on offering an insurance on one or more of your devices (the way Sony does)? I have been very badly burned on Cybook, and would really like something more open-format than Sony, but the insurance on the device right now seems really tempting.



Well, my Dell Axim, RCA 1100 and laptop survived numerous mishaps. iPod was stepped on once. Not even mentioning the cell, which is dropped on a regular basis, and makes nothing of it, working without problems. My Cybook did not survive regular use, well, not even regular, because it was always in its covers and was never dropped, and was cared for way more diligently than any other device I own. I would say eink devices are about 5 times more sensitive and fragile than any other electronic device currently used. Protecting it the same way as iPod, laptop or cellphone will only result in a very early demise.

Dorota

Dear DKI:

I have to be honest and say I had not even thought about insurance yet. I think Sony likely does not do the actual ensuring themselves; but has someone do it for them. Also... realize that we do not have the numbers yet to attract anyonewho would offer us insurance to sell to you.

All I can say is I will look into this and see what is feasible. I personally, (only me) have bought insurance once or twice in the past and then could never find the receipt when needed. I am open to discussion on insurance here. I kind of feel it is a waste of money on electronics... but am open totaslly to other views.

Robert B

[Nate the great]

You might look at Squaretrade for your warrantee needs.

[dki]

Originally Posted by Nate the great

You might look at Squaretrade for your warrantee needs.

I was thinking more of accidental damage, which I don't think is covered by Squaretrade. My Cybook had a fatal accident while left alone, and in its covers, on a bedside table for 5 minutes. It suffered a fatal pressure and/or deathly shock during those 5 minutes. Now, since I am unable to prevent accidents like those from happening (and if someone knows how to predict which table, moon phase, day of the year etc. is so deathly to Cybooks, please let me know), I would like to get an insurance, so I can replace the item without muss, fuss and proving that I am not only not at fault, but also have no idea how could it happen at all.

Indeed, Sony probably is the only manufacturer offering insurance on the ebook devices, and that's probably because they are the largest one. But thanks for the reply, Bob.

Dorota

[buffalo]

Dear Robertb

I live in Japan, and it is my ardent wish that Astak will get into the Japanese market and introduce your new digital reading devices. I find it a total mystery that in this country of gadgets there is no hardware for reading ebooks available anywhere. I thought Sony was a Japan's leading electric company but they don't sell PRS series in their own country. I am afraid that Japan is left out of ebook reading community.

[pkovak]

That's strange, I would expect Japan to be ahead of the rest here. I would add another question for Robertb: What's our chances to buy the reader online and had it delivered worldwide?
For example, most of the devices are not available in my country, I have found several stores with Cybook, lowest price is 357$, but from the shop with very bad reputation when it comes to reclamations, the next lowest price is 429$. From online shop in another country, you can get it for 285$ and I didn't look very hard, so there are probably even lower prices. Lowest price for Hanlin v3? 376$. I haven't found it abroad, except your web page reads it should be priced around 300$.

[jchestnutt]

Originally Posted by pkovak

That's strange, I would expect Japan to be ahead of the rest here.

It was pretty frustrating for me. I remember seeing an e-ink reader in the Sony showroom in Ginza a few years ago (it must have been a 500). But when I was looking to actually buy a 505 earlier this year, I couldn't find anywhere in Japan to buy one, and eventually had to order it from the US.

[pkovak]

Which, of course, is just great if something happens to it, something that is covered in a varanty and you want to send it back for repairs or new one...