NAEB/Baen sells Cybook OEM device for US$375

[da_jane]

I have to agree with Paul. I would have much rather seen NAEB choose the standard/basic package and price it at $300. At $300, I would have gladly recommended it to the readers at DA. At $375 for headphones, a charger, a case, and an SD card doesn't really seem like a bargain, even though the Cybook can read more formats (html being the biggie for me).

Sony comes with a case. I doubt that there is a person out there that doesn't have headphones and a 2 GB branded SD card can be had for less than $30.

[Nate the great]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The 505 and Gen3 are both using the 6" Vizplex screen. The only difference is in the controller used. Teh 505 can display 8 shades while the Gen3 can only display 4 shades.

You forget the software on the devices. Bookeen has already done a couple things I like. If I wasn't already invested in the 500, I would get a Gen3.

[astra]

Originally Posted by Nate the great

You forget the software on the devices. Bookeen has already done a couple things I like.

For example?

[HarryT]

Being able to add your own fonts is very nice indeed; so is the user-replaceable battery.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by da_jane

I have to agree with Paul. I would have much rather seen NAEB choose the standard/basic package and price it at $300. At $300, I would have gladly recommended it to the readers at DA. At $375 for headphones, a charger, a case, and an SD card doesn't really seem like a bargain, even though the Cybook can read more formats (html being the biggie for me).

Sony comes with a case. I doubt that there is a person out there that doesn't have headphones and a 2 GB branded SD card can be had for less than $30.

I wouldn't moan about the price too much. Compared with the price that we in Europe are paying (in the UK's case, about US$509 for the bare reader) you're getting a damned good deal .

[Nate the great]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Being able to add your own fonts is very nice indeed; so is the user-replaceable battery.

Those are nice. I also like the pop-up menus and the ability to see more than ten titles at a time.

I bet that Bookeen will soon add a real author name index, as well as folders. They seem more responsive than Sony wrt upgrade and improvements.

[DaleDe]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Identical screen, but different controller. The 505 can display 8 grey-scales, the Gen3 only 4. Probably completely irrevelent in normal use except, perhaps, if you're a "mango" fan (is that the right word?).

Since the Gen3 really displays 16 shades of gray based on Derek's tests and examples I would say that mango fans would be pleased. It is what you see that is important in this case, not what the hardware does.

Perhaps someone can post real world images to put this to bed.

Dale

[delphidb96]

Originally Posted by paulkbiba

Very disappointed in the price. To pay extra for a bunch of dime-store stuff (cables, earphones, etc.) is a real shame. I would rather that they bought the basic version and then priced it competitively with the Sony Reader. No sale for me.

If we *could*, we would. To sell the Basic for $300 would mean *WE*, NAEB would be selling it for a significant (That means at least $40, possibly more.) loss! I love you guys, but I'm not about to *PAY* for you to get an unbelievable deal on the Cybook Gen3 basic kit.

Derek

[delphidb96]

Originally Posted by da_jane

I have to agree with Paul. I would have much rather seen NAEB choose the standard/basic package and price it at $300. At $300, I would have gladly recommended it to the readers at DA. At $375 for headphones, a charger, a case, and an SD card doesn't really seem like a bargain, even though the Cybook can read more formats (html being the biggie for me).

Sony comes with a case. I doubt that there is a person out there that doesn't have headphones and a 2 GB branded SD card can be had for less than $30.

Jane,

Look, I'm sorry you feel that way. But to be completely up front, if we were to market the Basic version for $300 or less, we'd be *paying* about $40-$45 (it depends on a few costs we haven't nailed down yet) more for each unit sold *more* than we charged. I love you all, but I'm not about to pay out of my own pocket for you to own a Cybook. And given that our $375 price is far less than the $450 of the regular Deluxe Cybook Gen3, I think it's a pretty good deal for this device. Plus, we actually break even on the deal.

One thing to consider is that there are plenty of 2GB SD cards available on eBay for far less than the $24.95 retail price if the customer really needs one. (Although, I've found I can stick about 1,000 titles on a 1GB card. Which makes for LOOOOooooonnngggg browsing times when finding some titles.)

And if you've looked at the Bookeen accessories page, you'll notice the 800mAH battery pack runs $44.95 retail. Given few battery packs show problems, the extra battery pack is not a 'needed' item. We pass the savings on to you!

Please reconsider your viewpoint.

Derek

[JSWolf]

Without the deluxe edition, do you get a case of any kind?

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Without the deluxe edition, do you get a case of any kind?

You don't get a case with the basic Gen3, but you can buy one as a separate accessory from Bookeen. It's an excellent case - far better than the Sony one.

[JSWolf]

I can't say.. I've not seen the Sony leather case for the 505. But thr case that comes with the 505 is pretty good.

[horseyride]

I'm not sure why you would lose money on a basic-only deal. You are obviously getting a bulk discount on buying most of the deluxe kit, so it would seem possible to negotiate a bulk discount on buying just the unit itself. The logic escapes me as why that would lose money. That said, thanks for the effort

Originally Posted by delphidb96

if we were to market the Basic version for $300 or less, we'd be *paying* about $40-$45 (it depends on a few costs we haven't nailed down yet) more for each unit sold *more* than we charged. I love you all, but I'm not about to pay out of my own pocket for you to own a Cybook. And given that our $375 price is far less than the $450 of the regular Deluxe Cybook Gen3, I think it's a pretty good deal for this device. Plus, we actually break even on the deal.

[Barcey]

Originally Posted by delphidb96

If we *could*, we would. To sell the Basic for $300 would mean *WE*, NAEB would be selling it for a significant (That means at least $40, possibly more.) loss! I love you guys, but I'm not about to *PAY* for you to get an unbelievable deal on the Cybook Gen3 basic kit.

Derek

Come on Christmas is coming. If you really loved us you'd give us all one for free.

It's an understandable mis perception that if you can sell the Deluxe edition for $75 cheaper you could sell the basic for $50 cheaper. I understand that part of that $75 is no spare battery and sourcing a cheaper 1GB SD card.

I think you've made a good choice for a real user configuration rather then selling at an artificial low price and then have people find out it doesn't have a case. (I wouldn't want to use mine without one). Unless you're planning on using it for MP3's then the 1GB is more then you'll need for books and future firmware upgrades. Bookeen claims 10,000 books on the 2GB so 5,000 is plenty. Even if you think you need to take more books with you browsing and search speeds just aren't fast enough to handle it.

[Alisa]

Originally Posted by Barcey

Come on Christmas is coming. If you really loved us you'd give us all one for free.

Ohohoh and while you're at it, can I have a pony, too? Personally I think this is a great price and I'm ready to plunk down the cash. I just hope it gets into my hot little hands in time for Christmas travel.