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

[griffonwing]

Originally Posted by slayda

Be sure to copyright it and make RobertB give you a discount on your Pocket PRO.

Hey, now there's a plan! A gift that keeps on giving!!

[AJ Starr]

Originally Posted by Shaggy

What did you find out?

Robertb,

I'm curious too, but also, how's the eval of the Pocket Pro doing?

Hopefully you've made some progress with Jinke...

AJ

[griffonwing]

I wouldnt think that the firmware would be too much trouble. It's virtually the same unit as the 6 inch, same buttons. The only major difference would be the addition of the toggle switch.

In all actuality, I'm not too concerned with the operating system of the unit. You've touted, as well as other readers, the great software of the 6-inch reader, so I have no fear than you will do just as equally good on this smaller one. As long as the hardware is as funtional as the 6-inch, I'll still be purchasing one.

But I agree with the above, I'd like to hear an update on how the talks went last night.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by griffonwing

I wouldnt think that the firmware would be too much trouble. It's virtually the same unit as the 6 inch, same buttons. The only major difference would be the addition of the toggle switch.

In all actuality, I'm not too concerned with the operating system of the unit. You've touted, as well as other readers, the great software of the 6-inch reader, so I have no fear than you will do just as equally good on this smaller one. As long as the hardware is as funtional as the 6-inch, I'll still be purchasing one.

But I agree with the above, I'd like to hear an update on how the talks went last night.

Dear All:

We are making progress is discussions with Jinke; but I am under orders not to say too much as things are at a delicate stage. I do not want to jeapordize reaching a deal.

I know you are anxious. On the eval of the EZ Reader Pocket PRO... it is going smoothly. Overall... the unit is MORE than we expected and I am more than pleased. Let me assure all that the device itself is fabulous and I know you will love it.

But... it takes more than a day to get a firmware upgrade done. To fix the glitches and eliminate freezing up of the screen... it may take a few weeks or a month. However, this is normal. There is nothing here that is unusual or worrisome. The EZ Reader is solid as a tank and you know that! What you do not know is that the EZ Reader prototypes also had minute glitches and occasional freeze up too when we first saw them. Within weeks all was great and never another problem. The Mentor Lite froze up repeatedly when we got the prototypes... now it also is smooth and forgiving.

So, do not worry about the eval period too much. We won't rush it and there is nothing but praise so far from the staff doing the review. Let me put it this way: we are seeing a fabulous device that excels in every way imaginable in design. There is nothing that would require months of redesign work. Also realize that we are TRYING to cause it to freeze up. During an eval period the machines are pushed to their limits by pressing for a function and before it can come up pressing two or three other buttons to confuse the device. We are beating on the devices so you will not have to. We are violating all our own rules for care and treatment. Nothing is learned by normal use... we HAVE to drive it nuts.

Our worry is NOT the device... it is exclusivity. If we sink $200,000 into the Pocket PRO and Fernley Footware buys the device also and markets it... everything changes. It means just maybe that the pluses we want to add (such as choice of colors) can make Fernley more competitive than us in price. Now we are competing not with Amazon and Sony... but with the same device in somebody else's hands.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by Shaggy

What did you find out?

Dear Shaggy:

Yes, the meeting came off and we like what we saw. They can do the 7.5 inch size we need and everything is very impressive. Samples in our hands soon.

But... I was sworn yesterday to honor the Non-Disclosure and keep my mouth shut. They are real and they have a fabulous product.

IF I say any real details we could jinx the whole thing. I have to be evasive!! Please understand and read between the lines. ALL is well!!

[griffonwing]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear All:

Blah blah blah

I know you are anxious. Blah blah blah ....the unit is MORE than we expected and I am more than pleased.

Blah blah blah

Our worry is NOT the device... it is exclusivity. If we sink $200,000 into the Pocket PRO and Fernley Footware buys the device also and markets it... everything changes. It means just maybe that the pluses we want to add (such as choice of colors) can make Fernley more competitive than us in price. Now we are competing not with Amazon and Sony... but with the same device in somebody else's hands.

Good luck with that.

The main reason Kindle did so well is the fact that it was Amazon, and the thing with Oprah didn't hurt. Perhaps sending a few free units to some late night talk show hosts might help things and get Astak name out there.

Conan O Brian would be good, and Jimmy Fallon is a HUGE gadget nut.

[slayda]

RobertB,
I'm still hoping to buy a Pocket PRO for my birthday in late September. I might prefer the slate blue but would be happy with any color. Loving my new blue EZ Reader.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by griffonwing

Good luck with that.

The main reason Kindle did so well is the fact that it was Amazon, and the thing with Oprah didn't hurt. Perhaps sending a few free units to some late night talk show hosts might help things and get Astak name out there.

Conan O Brian would be good, and Jimmy Fallon is a HUGE gadget nut.

Dear Griffonwing:

This is actually a VERY good idea. The Oprah thing was a bonanza for Kindle.

The beancounters watch all expenses... but this makes sense. We HAVE to get the word out and we need the exposure.

I have a friend with CEA Media Affairs that knows these two people. I think I can get him to put it into their hot little hands.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by slayda

RobertB,
I'm still hoping to buy a Pocket PRO for my birthday in late September. I might prefer the slate blue but would be happy with any color. Loving my new blue EZ Reader.

Dear Slayda:

Thank you. I love your messages and you have a wonderfully kind and helpful heart. You cheer me on!

Slate Blue,of course, is a Griffonwing favorite also. So we have to make sure that we have them for your birthday. I am expecting no later than mid-August for release.

Just be aware that Griffonwing is planning to die his hair slate blue... the same color as his feet are now. I would suggest you remain just the way you are!!

[griffonwing]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear Griffonwing:

This is actually a VERY good idea. The Oprah thing was a bonanza for Kindle.

The beancounters watch all expenses... but this makes sense. We HAVE to get the word out and we need the exposure.

I have a friend with CEA Media Affairs that knows these two people. I think I can get him to put it into their hot little hands.

That is good news. If you do a search at Engadget.com for Jimmy Fallon, you'll see some hilarious interviews, and Jimmy definately knows his gadgets.

Slate Blue,of course, is a Griffonwing favorite also. So we have to make sure that we have them for your birthday. I am expecting no later than mid-August for release.

Just be aware that Griffonwing is planning to die his hair slate blue... the same color as his feet are now. I would suggest you remain just the way you are!!

How do you know such personal things about me, Barnacle Bob? You are closer to the mark than you realize. Whereas I have no current plans of dying my hair, as it would take LOTS of dye, I did, however, paint my toenails a nice slate blue this morning!

And my birthday is Aug 21, so this will make me a wonderful present to myself!!

[AJ Starr]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear Griffonwing:

This is actually a VERY good idea. The Oprah thing was a bonanza for Kindle.

The beancounters watch all expenses... but this makes sense. We HAVE to get the word out and we need the exposure.

I have a friend with CEA Media Affairs that knows these two people. I think I can get him to put it into their hot little hands.

If that works, be sure to let us all know when the episode is aired (provided you're informed). Would love to see it.

AJ

PS my birthday's in July and would love to buy a slate blue one for it.

[mklynds]

I think Griffonwing's late night talk show idea is brilliant. Might not be quite as good as Oprah due to the whole Oprah book club thing is almost a sure deal as far as sales go. Jimmy Fallon is a huge gadget geek though so he might really give it some great exposure. I hope that everything works out for the Pocket Pro. I hope that this will all just be a hickup in the history of Astak. Good luck and keep up the good fight Robert.

[slayda]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear Slayda:

Thank you. I love your messages and you have a wonderfully kind and helpful heart. You cheer me on!

Slate Blue,of course, is a Griffonwing favorite also. So we have to make sure that we have them for your birthday. I am expecting no later than mid-August for release.

Just be aware that Griffonwing is planning to die his hair slate blue... the same color as his feet are now. I would suggest you remain just the way you are!!

I do need to diet but don't plan to die it.

[slayda]

Originally Posted by mklynds

I think Griffonwing's late night talk show idea is brilliant. Might not be quite as good as Oprah due to the whole Oprah book club thing is almost a sure deal as far as sales go. Jimmy Fallon is a huge gadget geek though so he might really give it some great exposure. I hope that everything works out for the Pocket Pro. I hope that this will all just be a hickup in the history of Astak. Good luck and keep up the good fight Robert.

You know, there are a lot of SciFi fans on MR and I happen to know that the SciFi book club doesn't even sell ebooks. Ebook readers seem to ba a natural for SciFi fans so why not convince the SciFi book club to sell ebooks and Astak readers?

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by mklynds

I think Griffonwing's late night talk show idea is brilliant. Might not be quite as good as Oprah due to the whole Oprah book club thing is almost a sure deal as far as sales go. Jimmy Fallon is a huge gadget geek though so he might really give it some great exposure. I hope that everything works out for the Pocket Pro. I hope that this will all just be a hickup in the history of Astak. Good luck and keep up the good fight Robert.

Dear Mklynds:

Thank you. Yes, I surely hope it will be a hiccup also. What has happened is we have kinda put Jinke on the map in North America and Jinke is feeling its oats. We talked to a lot of major retailers about designs for them made by Jinke and one of those retailers wonders why they need Astak. It is always a risk when you go out to help and inform and some retailer thinks they know it all and want to deal direct. Unfortunately, Jinke has no knowledge of the North American market and the retailer has no experience whatsoever with eBooks or working with the Chinese.

It is kind of like McDonalds figuring that they should put a Russian manicure station in each of their restuarants in the USA. There is a lack of expertise in that specialty on both sides.

Now, Griffonwing with his talk show idea IS brilliant. That could really help. That someone who walks around with a parrot on his shoulder and a sword would come up with a brainstorm... THAT is something. Question is: how much of a role did the parrot play? Was it the parrot's idea??