Astak Mentor eBook readers with WiFi and Touchscreen (read-only) - Page 41

Brazos_Jack · 07-10-2008, 07:18 AM

I know that someone asked this several pages back, but RObertb never answered it.

Can the 9.7" Mentor reflow tagged PDFs? This comprises the bulk of my e-document reading.

Does either of the USB ports have true USB port capability and not just slave USB port capability like a camera has, so that I could load documents from USB memory sticks?

Due to their use in many generic cameras, SD cards are a lot more available worldwide (particularly in 3rd world countries) than CF cards and at least 2 orders of magnatude more available than Sony memory cards. So I hope this thing has an SD slot.

I hope it comes with an automatic switching 100V-250V charger with adapters to every conceivable wall plug. Wall plug configuration is no guarantee of what voltage its running and the locals often have no clue what their own voltage is. The Philippines uses U.S. style wall outlets but 220 volts. Riyadh uses the big British 220 style outlets but runs them 110 – and both the outlet style and voltage vary from town to town in Saudi.

squonk · 07-10-2008, 07:26 AM

hallo here ! my books are 90% in pdf format into my pc . So I must be sure that Mentor makes me read my books almost like my pc screen ( without colours of course...... coulours......mmmmmmm......... on the list....) or that I can handle pdf format like acrobat or similar
bye
have a nice day
A.

squonk · 07-10-2008, 07:31 AM

ah is it true that mentor has an 1000 mhz cpu ?
A.

TheRealBillc · 07-10-2008, 09:42 AM

I got this response from Astak yesterday when I inquired about when they might be updating their website and if there might be a waiting list I could sign on or if I could be notified by e-mail when products were available for purchase. Here is the response:

Dear customer,

The 5 inch unit should be released in late August.

The 6 inch is projected to release in September.

The 9.7 inch is due to be released in late November.

Prices are still not set as we are still adding features and making modifications in the final design.

Prices are not set yet because of changes that were proposed by industry experts over the last two months at major industry trade shows. We are talking with the experts now to ensure the best possible product. We want to release the best Mentor/LiteBook that we can and we need to be able to work out the final price as we get closer to release. Our intent is to release at the best value offered on eBook Readers and we are working now with Publishers and Panel experts to arrive at this best value.

We have authorization to sell to North and South America and Australia. We have NO idea about retail stores in Australia at this point. We are working with the Retail Stores is the USA first, then Canada, and then South America. THEY decide what they will carry and we do not pick them. We are talking actively with many retailers but (although they definitely want to carry the Mentor/LiteBook) they have a lot more regarding eBook sales that have to be worked out at their own pace.

In an effort to not make everybody wait we are in the process of readying our Security Camera website to be the first to release the Mentor/Litebook WHEN we reach the release dates. I am so sorry that there is no waiting list and no you cannot buy early. Release dates cannot be proceeded for anyone. Please go to www.astakshop.com and when the release date comes up we will post it on that website and promptly fill your order.

Anywhere in the world can buy from this website. But... be aware... shipping can be pricey and we do not do our own shipping. The shipping charge is whatever it is set at by UPS or FedEx. We DO get a considerable discount. We don't know final shipping costs as we need the exact final model to determine the weight. Without weight we cannot begin to estimate the cost to ship. The above website WILL, when open for orders, clearly show the UPS shipping and handling charge BEFORE the sale is finalized. Please do not email and ask for the cost to ship.

There will be two primary models of each size: 5, 6 and 9.7 inch. The "Mentor" model will be formated for eReader and the LiteBook will be formated for Mobipocket. We are still negotiating with Adobe and others to add additional formats. Understand, please, that these large companies, such as Adobe, operate on their own timeline and not on ours.

Due to what we perceive as a lack of speed at present for Windows CE on eBook Readers we have decided to launch with Linux O/S for at least the 5 inch and 6 inch. We are talking with Microsoft to try to find a solution that is acceptable; and we hope we will be able to do this.

OEM/ODM companies wishing to work in collaboration should contact us directly and we will respond promptly.

WE DO appreciate your interest. We take our responsibility seriously to provide the best device at the best price. This takes a lot of time and a lot of corrections and a lot of patience. Trying to rush something this important is out of the question! The time to correct is NOW; and that is why we are taking the time to do things right before we ship.

Iris
ASTAK Inc.
1911 Hartog Drive
San Jose, CA 95131
408.453.1188

Greg Anos · 07-10-2008, 11:25 AM

A depressing message for those of us looking for a HTML/RTF reader. With Win CE I could at least get mu-book reader, which would read all the above (plus folders built in).

After the SONY's and CYbook gen 3's support (?) for open formats, I guess I'm not optimistic.....

delphidb96 · 07-10-2008, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralph Sir Edward

A depressing message for those of us looking for a HTML/RTF reader. With Win CE I could at least get mu-book reader, which would read all the above (plus folders built in).

After the SONY's and CYbook gen 3's support (?) for open formats, I guess I'm not optimistic.....

Get yourself a Hanlin V3 and slap OI (MadShelf bookshelf) and FBReader to it. You'll get fb2, chm, txt, rtf, mobi (non-drm), ereader (non-drm) and html support. Can't go wrong there.

However, OI is making sure strides in porting OI (and MadShelf and FBReader) to the Cybook/Astak/Netronix/Orsini/Ganaxa models. Should be done sometime in August - although the basic OI kernel is up and running on the Cybook right now...

Derek

Luigino · 07-10-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delphidb96

Get yourself a Hanlin V3 and slap OI (MadShelf bookshelf) and FBReader to it. You'll get fb2, chm, txt, rtf, mobi (non-drm), ereader (non-drm) and html support. Can't go wrong there.

However, OI is making sure strides in porting OI (and MadShelf and FBReader) to the Cybook/Astak/Netronix/Orsini/Ganaxa models. Should be done sometime in August - although the basic OI kernel is up and running on the Cybook right now...

Derek

Derek, I didn't know about Ganaxa even it's a new product not yet in the market as the official site doesn't have the shop page active... but what about Orsini you mentioned? what product is this? where I can find specifications?....

Jack B Nimble · 07-10-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brazos_Jack

I know that someone asked this several pages back, but RObertb never answered it.

Can the 9.7" Mentor reflow tagged PDFs? This comprises the bulk of my e-document reading.

Well, he did tell us that Adobe will not provide the Digital Editions SDK until October -- which I interpret as October at the earliest. I would presume that means they will not know how it will handle PDFs for some months to come... unless they implement another program in the short run.

Even if they decide to find someone else in the short run, since they were counting on Adobe to provide PDF functionality, I expect it will take them a while to select alternative software (and the actual functions) they can reasonably port/customize. They will want to keep a lid on those costs and efforts if they intend to turn around and do it again when Adobe finally delivers the SDK.

Jack

HarryT · 07-10-2008, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralph Sir Edward

A depressing message for those of us looking for a HTML/RTF reader. With Win CE I could at least get mu-book reader, which would read all the above (plus folders built in).

You have excellent taste. uBook is my "all time favourite" eBook reader. I've used it for years on Pocket PCs. A very "quirky" configuration system, but once you get used to it, it's great. I'd love to see it running on an eInk device.

delphidb96 · 07-10-2008, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luigino

Derek, I didn't know about Ganaxa even it's a new product not yet in the market as the official site doesn't have the shop page active... but what about Orsini you mentioned? what product is this? where I can find specifications?....

Sorry, I keep writing Orsini when it should be Orsio B721.

Derek

Mindy · 07-10-2008, 01:35 PM

Bleuh.
I'm depressed.
And after I got such sweet assurances.
Looks like I'll be revisiting the Cybook if I want to have something to see me through my recovery (especially now that my mum is suggesting I stay with her for part - it's a small town and I probably already read everything worth reading in the library when I was growing up there)

Greg Anos · 07-10-2008, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mindy

Bleuh.
I'm depressed.
And after I got such sweet assurances.
Looks like I'll be revisiting the Cybook if I want to have something to see me through my recovery (especially now that my mum is suggesting I stay with her for part - it's a small town and I probably already read everything worth reading in the library when I was growing up there)

May your recovery be peaches and cream....

squonk · 07-10-2008, 03:31 PM

ebook reader from Russia : translation thanks to google...................
eBook ORSiO b721
(Catalogue "ORSiO" eBook ORSiO b721)

-------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------

Electronic Book ORSiO b721 - is another new company ORSiO, extending the usual framework mobile gadget. Now you can fit all of his home library in a small, thin and outwardly very stylish device. More no need to buy and carry with them fat volumes - much easier and more convenient you find literature in electronic format, copy it into memory ORSiO b721 and read in any place convenient for you.

Bright screen device made using the most modern technology E-ink (electronic ink). The system of energy saving wisely spends battery charge, disconnect the power immediately after loading the page.
Thanks to the support of the most common formats of memory cards Secure Digital (SD) and the availability of built-MP3-player you can enjoy not only reading but also listening to your favorite music or audio books.

Unique design navigational keys pyatipozitsionnoy management intuitively understood and not cause difficulties even for those who had not previously encountered similar gadgets. Ready to work always and everywhere, eBook ORSiO b721 very easy to manage, which means that the device fits perfectly to people of all ages.

Supported formats:
Books: HTML, TXT, FB2, RTF, DjVu, PDF
Books listed in the files formats: ZIP
Photos: JPG, PNG
Audio files: MP3

Equipment delivery:
-- EBook ORSiO
-- User's Guide
-- Leather case
-- Headphones (2.5 mm jack)
-- USB cable to synchronize with a computer
-- Adapter nutrition
-- Map SD (Secure Digital) 2 GB
-- Warranty card service center
SALES IN JULY, taken pre-orders!

Characteristics:

-------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------

Operating system: LINUX 2.4.18
Processor: SamsungR S3C2410 ARM920T 200 MHz
Slot expansion: external SD Card 2 GB
Resolution: 600x800
Display: 6,4 'E-INK LCD
Communications: USB2.0
Battery: Li-ion 1000 mA / h
Weight: 176 g.
Dimensions: 188 h118h8, 5 mm

something to copy for Mentor ?????

JSWolf · 07-10-2008, 04:49 PM

It really is a shame when good hardware comes out with poor software.

Quote:

Supported formats:
Books: HTML, TXT, FB2, RTF, DjVu, PDF
Books listed in the files formats: ZIP

Darqref · 07-10-2008, 11:43 PM

My first thought when I read the "changing to plastic case" part was "Oh NO!". I've had my gen3 screen break. I've seen many more reports here on MR of gen3 screens breaking than I have of PRS500 / 505 , even though they use the same screen. This may be false information, but if it is true, then I believe the difference in screen damage is attributable to different case design, and the Sony model appears to be a metal case. I really hope the plastic case design is not more vulnerable to screen damage.

07-10-2008, 07:18 AM	#601
Brazos_Jack Enthusiast Posts: 31 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Texas & Saudi Arabia Device: Palm	Can it reflow tagged PDF's? I know that someone asked this several pages back, but RObertb never answered it. Can the 9.7" Mentor reflow tagged PDFs? This comprises the bulk of my e-document reading. Does either of the USB ports have true USB port capability and not just slave USB port capability like a camera has, so that I could load documents from USB memory sticks? Due to their use in many generic cameras, SD cards are a lot more available worldwide (particularly in 3rd world countries) than CF cards and at least 2 orders of magnatude more available than Sony memory cards. So I hope this thing has an SD slot. I hope it comes with an automatic switching 100V-250V charger with adapters to every conceivable wall plug. Wall plug configuration is no guarantee of what voltage its running and the locals often have no clue what their own voltage is. The Philippines uses U.S. style wall outlets but 220 volts. Riyadh uses the big British 220 style outlets but runs them 110 – and both the outlet style and voltage vary from town to town in Saudi.

07-10-2008, 09:42 AM	#604
TheRealBillc evangelist Posts: 42 Karma: 48 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Jersey City, NJ Device: PRS-700 deceased now 950	Another update from Iris at Astak I got this response from Astak yesterday when I inquired about when they might be updating their website and if there might be a waiting list I could sign on or if I could be notified by e-mail when products were available for purchase. Here is the response: Dear customer, The 5 inch unit should be released in late August. The 6 inch is projected to release in September. The 9.7 inch is due to be released in late November. Prices are still not set as we are still adding features and making modifications in the final design. Prices are not set yet because of changes that were proposed by industry experts over the last two months at major industry trade shows. We are talking with the experts now to ensure the best possible product. We want to release the best Mentor/LiteBook that we can and we need to be able to work out the final price as we get closer to release. Our intent is to release at the best value offered on eBook Readers and we are working now with Publishers and Panel experts to arrive at this best value. We have authorization to sell to North and South America and Australia. We have NO idea about retail stores in Australia at this point. We are working with the Retail Stores is the USA first, then Canada, and then South America. THEY decide what they will carry and we do not pick them. We are talking actively with many retailers but (although they definitely want to carry the Mentor/LiteBook) they have a lot more regarding eBook sales that have to be worked out at their own pace. In an effort to not make everybody wait we are in the process of readying our Security Camera website to be the first to release the Mentor/Litebook WHEN we reach the release dates. I am so sorry that there is no waiting list and no you cannot buy early. Release dates cannot be proceeded for anyone. Please go to www.astakshop.com and when the release date comes up we will post it on that website and promptly fill your order. Anywhere in the world can buy from this website. But... be aware... shipping can be pricey and we do not do our own shipping. The shipping charge is whatever it is set at by UPS or FedEx. We DO get a considerable discount. We don't know final shipping costs as we need the exact final model to determine the weight. Without weight we cannot begin to estimate the cost to ship. The above website WILL, when open for orders, clearly show the UPS shipping and handling charge BEFORE the sale is finalized. Please do not email and ask for the cost to ship. There will be two primary models of each size: 5, 6 and 9.7 inch. The "Mentor" model will be formated for eReader and the LiteBook will be formated for Mobipocket. We are still negotiating with Adobe and others to add additional formats. Understand, please, that these large companies, such as Adobe, operate on their own timeline and not on ours. Due to what we perceive as a lack of speed at present for Windows CE on eBook Readers we have decided to launch with Linux O/S for at least the 5 inch and 6 inch. We are talking with Microsoft to try to find a solution that is acceptable; and we hope we will be able to do this. OEM/ODM companies wishing to work in collaboration should contact us directly and we will respond promptly. WE DO appreciate your interest. We take our responsibility seriously to provide the best device at the best price. This takes a lot of time and a lot of corrections and a lot of patience. Trying to rush something this important is out of the question! The time to correct is NOW; and that is why we are taking the time to do things right before we ship. Iris ASTAK Inc. 1911 Hartog Drive San Jose, CA 95131 408.453.1188

07-10-2008, 03:31 PM	#613
squonk Doc Posts: 33 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Friul country - Italy Device: nothing	ebook reader from Russia : translation thanks to google................... eBook ORSiO b721 (Catalogue "ORSiO" eBook ORSiO b721) -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Electronic Book ORSiO b721 - is another new company ORSiO, extending the usual framework mobile gadget. Now you can fit all of his home library in a small, thin and outwardly very stylish device. More no need to buy and carry with them fat volumes - much easier and more convenient you find literature in electronic format, copy it into memory ORSiO b721 and read in any place convenient for you. Bright screen device made using the most modern technology E-ink (electronic ink). The system of energy saving wisely spends battery charge, disconnect the power immediately after loading the page. Thanks to the support of the most common formats of memory cards Secure Digital (SD) and the availability of built-MP3-player you can enjoy not only reading but also listening to your favorite music or audio books. Unique design navigational keys pyatipozitsionnoy management intuitively understood and not cause difficulties even for those who had not previously encountered similar gadgets. Ready to work always and everywhere, eBook ORSiO b721 very easy to manage, which means that the device fits perfectly to people of all ages. Supported formats: Books: HTML, TXT, FB2, RTF, DjVu, PDF Books listed in the files formats: ZIP Photos: JPG, PNG Audio files: MP3 Equipment delivery: -- EBook ORSiO -- User's Guide -- Leather case -- Headphones (2.5 mm jack) -- USB cable to synchronize with a computer -- Adapter nutrition -- Map SD (Secure Digital) 2 GB -- Warranty card service center SALES IN JULY, taken pre-orders! Characteristics: -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Operating system: LINUX 2.4.18 Processor: SamsungR S3C2410 ARM920T 200 MHz Slot expansion: external SD Card 2 GB Resolution: 600x800 Display: 6,4 'E-INK LCD Communications: USB2.0 Battery: Li-ion 1000 mA / h Weight: 176 g. Dimensions: 188 h118h8, 5 mm something to copy for Mentor ????? Last edited by squonk; 07-10-2008 at 03:34 PM.

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07-10-2008, 07:26 AM	#602
squonk Doc Posts: 33 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Friul country - Italy Device: nothing	hallo here ! my books are 90% in pdf format into my pc . So I must be sure that Mentor makes me read my books almost like my pc screen ( without colours of course...... coulours......mmmmmmm......... on the list....) or that I can handle pdf format like acrobat or similar bye have a nice day A.

07-10-2008, 07:31 AM	#603
squonk Doc Posts: 33 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Friul country - Italy Device: nothing	ah is it true that mentor has an 1000 mhz cpu ? A.

07-10-2008, 11:25 AM	#605
Greg Anos Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,527 Karma: 37057604 Join Date: Jan 2008 Device: Pocketbook	A depressing message for those of us looking for a HTML/RTF reader. With Win CE I could at least get mu-book reader, which would read all the above (plus folders built in). After the SONY's and CYbook gen 3's support (?) for open formats, I guess I'm not optimistic.....

07-10-2008, 01:35 PM	#611
Mindy Away with the Faeries Posts: 483 Karma: 8459 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Device: Sony PRS 650	Bleuh. I'm depressed. And after I got such sweet assurances. Looks like I'll be revisiting the Cybook if I want to have something to see me through my recovery (especially now that my mum is suggesting I stay with her for part - it's a small town and I probably already read everything worth reading in the library when I was growing up there)

07-10-2008, 11:43 PM	#615
Darqref space cadet Posts: 334 Karma: 2999999 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Seattle area Device: Rocket PRO, gen3, Pocketbook360	My first thought when I read the "changing to plastic case" part was "Oh NO!". I've had my gen3 screen break. I've seen many more reports here on MR of gen3 screens breaking than I have of PRS500 / 505 , even though they use the same screen. This may be false information, but if it is true, then I believe the difference in screen damage is attributable to different case design, and the Sony model appears to be a metal case. I really hope the plastic case design is not more vulnerable to screen damage.