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#2056 | |
Astak Director, Bus. Devl
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Karma: 2500000
Join Date: Apr 2008
Device: Astak Pocket PRO
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Waterproof eBook Readers
Quote:
Thank you!! I was approached at CES by a company that can make eBook Readers waterproof. It can be done. I have not had a chance to look further into this but will now. Waterproof would, of course, be of value to both men and women but that is fine! This all came up via U.S. Navy Seals. They also need a ruggedized and waterproof eBook Reader for certain classified ops. So... this is a good idea if it does not cost too much. I will find out. Thank you! |
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#2057 | |
Astak Director, Bus. Devl
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Karma: 2500000
Join Date: Apr 2008
Device: Astak Pocket PRO
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Does disagree with Robert B at times
Quote:
Yes, we all need to be free to agree or disagree. When I first started this thread I mentioned that I was the neophyte. My background was business development for consumer electronics. I was not at all an eBook Reader engineer or even very knowledgeable about eBook Readers. I have learned a lot by people saying "you are wrong, Robert B". Wallcraft today caught me on PVI. I was told PVI only made 4 level grey scale but Wallcraft does know better and I applaud that. This is a forum meant for discussion. This thread exists because I argue a bit and invite argument and we all discuss. I do not pretend to know everything (not even close) but I can learn. People like Brecklundin pull me back sometimes when I am wrong and I applaud that. What I bring to this thread is an Insider's Knowledge of eBook Reader Manufacturing and what it is like to go up against the Big Two. I dutifully and with vigor try to make sure my customers are pleased with their purchases and I try to adapt ideas to make devices better. I hope that is WHY this thread continues as it has value. We will NOT all agree but we will collectively try to find out what is right and what could be better. |
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#2058 |
Zealot
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Karma: 224
Join Date: Sep 2008
Device: eeepc 901
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Dear RobertB,
Thanks again for all the information you do provide in these forums. You remain the most active company and you do have a major task ahead of you competing against the big two. I'm glad you accept all our challenges/criticisms as just attempts to get the most accurate, up to date information on upcoming readers and technologies. My own view is that there is still a huge opportunity and it's around products that come under USD200. I started off my quest wanting all the bells and whistles in one reader but the more I learn and the more patient I am I realise that what I'm buying is simply a book READER and that it will in all likelihood only be used 3 years, perhaps even less as replacement technologies/devices come thick and fast and cheaper. When I began posting on this thread months ago I could not wait for the updated Hanling v3/bebook 2 with touchscreen etc. However, since that time my habits and buying policy have changed. I do a lot more browsing on my netbook and phone rather than my main pc, I have all my media content (incl books) stored on a central server running whs and I've realised that spreading the same dollars that would have bought me the best ebook reader on the planet can instead be spent on a good, basic reader, a next gen iphone subscription (phone, browser, compact book reader) and more books. This week I had to replace one of my dual monitors that had died. I researched and researched and looked at many and read countless reviews. In the end I decided a good, basic monitor that met most of my criteria was just fine rather than splashing out for a top of the line only worthy of an imaging professional (out of interest AUD225 is pretty darned good for a full HD 22 incher). My point at the end of this is to stronly encourage you to go out and capture the sub USD200 market where most of the action will be so bring on the Mentor-Lite, Bebook Mini, Cybook Opus and Cool-er and all the other players at this end and let's see what happens. |
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#2059 | |
Astak Director, Bus. Devl
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Karma: 2500000
Join Date: Apr 2008
Device: Astak Pocket PRO
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Waiting on agreement
Quote:
Although we are "grandfathered in" we still have to get agreements dutifully signed and ratified and countersigned and such. Fictionwise now cannot just sign agreements... B&N has to also sign. So, we know all the agreements are vocally approved and will be upheld... but we are waiting for the paperwork to catch up. Everything is still online for a Linux SDK of eReader in very early July. Then we can finish off the porting (we are working in stages as pieces of the eReader are done) so porting should go quickly when the SDK is ready. This is to say that it is coming and soon we will have an upgrade on the new website to allow this. It is not really delayed at all... just crossing the "T's" and dotting the "i's". |
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#2060 |
Evangelist
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Karma: 364
Join Date: May 2009
Location: New York
Device: EZ-Reader - Samsung Nook's- Nook S/T w/Glow - Kindle Fire - Nova 2
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Robertb
Thanks for that update on support for the Ereader DRM format. I have also been waiting for an e-ink device to support this format since I have many books in it. You've got my money as soon as its supported. |
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#2061 | |
Astak Director, Bus. Devl
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Karma: 2500000
Join Date: Apr 2008
Device: Astak Pocket PRO
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USD $200 market
Quote:
I do hear you and I still hear that magic $200 figure and under. Here are the problems: 1. Astak has no desire to put out anything that is not first rate. Right now there are numerous firms jumping onto the $200 USD bandwagon but with questionable panels and software. There are, for example, LCD screens appearing and they cost a lot less and give a lot less as well. We all know the old saying: "there is nothing that cannot be sold cheaper by shortcutting and using questionable practices and components". We know that 6 inch panels in Grade 1 will cost around $65-$70 to the manufacturer. We will not use Grade 2. Then you have the engineering and the guts and the body and the mold for the body to deal with. That can add an additional $100 per unit minimal. Then the factory needs to make some profit. Figure they realistically want to make $35 per unit which is not obscene. Then Astak brings it in and sells it for $20 profit for Astak to a retailer. The retailer wants to make $40 profit minimum. I am not stating excuses here (and people can argue with my figures) but I am just trying to lay it out plainly as I know it to be. 2. Then the retailer needs to be "supported". this means dollars for marketing campaigns and rebates and such. 3. In addition to this you have to do a minimum amount of sales trips to the retailers and display at a few Trade Shows a year (this can be $90,000 for CES alone). AND... there is freight to pay for. Mobelby, I know you to be a bright and very well-intentioned person. I just cannot see a way in all of this to sell first rate product at $200 in six inch. Yes, maybe 5 inch can hit there and definitely LCD already has hit there. My question to myself is: Why would $65 or so make a huge difference to people when they are buying something that they will live with and count on for 2-3 years? Maybe I have been living too good (I do not make a big salary though)... but, to me, I do not feel that $65 would dissuade me. I bought the top-of-the-line iPod three years ago (instead of cheaper competition) and it has returned three years of pleasure and entertainment and never had a problem (knock on wood). I see the same with the EZ Reader (sold at Fry's for $249 often). I would hope that people read the posts from those who bought EZ Readers and love them and do not have problems. I hear you and I know there is that somehow magical $200 figure... but I am much more concerned with the damnable purchase working no matter what for customers... than about a magical amount. Astak cannot afford to cut corners and have unhappy customers returning units. WHY do you think FRY's carries the EZ Reader? Minimal or no returns. Please do not think I am pig-headed. |
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#2062 |
Jack O' Apes
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Karma: 1939
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Oklahoma
Device: Ebookwise 1150, Nokia N810, EZ-Reader, HTC Droid Incredible, Archos 70
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As Musicman said thanks for the update on the drm'ed ereader format.
Also I think that Frys might need some more EZreader units they seem to be out on their website. I was going to order one for $239.00 but they don't have any for delivery anymore. Guess I'll wait a little longer to retire my eb-1150. |
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#2063 | |
Astak Director, Bus. Devl
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Karma: 2500000
Join Date: Apr 2008
Device: Astak Pocket PRO
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FRY's.com has eBook Reader
Quote:
We have filled every P.O. that FRY's sent out (for stores and online) and they do have them. Don't know if sale price is still on as FRY's decides price. They definitely DO have them but likely any hour they will put them back as available from what I know. They do have them but I guess it takes them a while to post arrivals. Keep checking because it should be soon now they get going again!! |
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#2064 | |
Wizard
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Karma: 10684861
Join Date: May 2006
Device: PocketBook 360, before it was Sony Reader, cassiopeia A-20
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Quote:
Now, close your eyes, and imagine a big hunk of a ruggedized device, with ribbed, glass fiber reinforced massive body, with big rubber buttons IN HOT PINK. [SHUDDER] ![]() |
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#2065 | |
Groupie
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Karma: 222484
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Tenn., US
Device: jetBook, jetBook Lite, Kindle 3, Galaxy Note II
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#2066 | |
Grand Sorcerer
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Karma: 32763414
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Krewerd
Device: Pocketbook Inkpad 4 Color; Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
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#2067 |
Connoisseur
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Karma: 76
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Brighton, England
Device: prs-505 (Silver), Ipad
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I would go even further and say that £200 is far to high for the main consumer market. I just don't think these devices will catch on until they go sub £100.
When my friends and family ask me what I'm looking at on the computer, and I tell them e-readers. All I get is blank looks in return. Most people I know have never heard of them. When I tell them all about them and how easy on the eyes they are, most become interested. But when I tell them the price, most are flabbergasted. They think I'm mad for even considering buying one. |
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#2068 | |
Jack O' Apes
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posts: 227
Karma: 1939
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Oklahoma
Device: Ebookwise 1150, Nokia N810, EZ-Reader, HTC Droid Incredible, Archos 70
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#2069 | |
Astak Director, Bus. Devl
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Karma: 2500000
Join Date: Apr 2008
Device: Astak Pocket PRO
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Five inch under $200
Quote:
O.K. I am copying your post and sending it to the General Manager of Astak. He has been looking at a 5 inch that would be designed for the North American market. Let me see what we can do. There is a lot of interest in 5 inch and I think we need one. Let me see if this can become reality any time soon. I will guarantee all that Astak is not thinking at all of a Camo color. Thank you everybody for your input on everything from colors to sizes. OH, I also personally agree that page turning needs to be on BOTH the left and right side! Our factory in Taiwan does not always get that message. This is often because they work on projects often a year in advance of the release or more. I will remind them. The EZ Reader does have page turn on both sides. Thank you and I will try to get them to understand. |
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#2070 |
Guru
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Karma: 1029784
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Nebraska, USA
Device: PEZ, Color Libre, 2@Sony T1, Onyx i62HD
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Tags |
astak mentor, e ink, e-book reader, idpg show, touchscreen, wireless |
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