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

[Lemurion]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear Lemurion:

Thank you for a nice reply and I know you will choose wisely.

Frankly, I like eReader also and its second life>>> ePub. EPub is a true Open Format. The problem is that nobody wants to port it. IF anybody out there can port eReader to a device... contact me! It is NOT what you and other readers think (and I use to think): you picks a format and youse are all set. Getting the format normally means a license fee as number one. Then, nobody has a clue how to put it on your device. IF you can find someone, try
$at least $50,000 to do the job with few guarantees. I am not trying to say "pity the poor manufacturer"... I am trying to say that BIG companies own formats and it is not just making a choice at all.

On another thread on MobileRead Forum, I just laid out HOW the costs to get a 6 inch model to market add up. This is NOT a case of "Let's Make Lots of Money" or greed... you maybe make $45 profit on a device that sells for $300.. I am buying the first Astak EZ Reader and IF I am fortunate it will cost ME $260 as an employee. As an "insider" I can tell you I do not see a $200 device coming out after watching the costs line up month after month!

Robert B

Thanks Robert,

I do understand that it can be very difficult to port an application to a new platform, and that this does lead to delays in implementation. Having said that, when I have the money in hand and decide to buy I won't be taking that into consideration.

Once that time comes I will base my decision on the intersection of price, features, and availability.

I'm very glad you're contributing to this forum, and I really appreciate the transparency, however it's not what I will base my purchasing decisions on.

Still, I do hope that you come out with a great product whether I buy it or not.

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by Robertb

IF anybody out there can port eReader to a device... contact me! It is NOT what you and other readers think (and I use to think): you picks a format and youse are all set. Getting the format normally means a license fee as number one. Then, nobody has a clue how to put it on your device. IF you can find someone, try
$at least $50,000 to do the job with few guarantees

Have you tried asking the developers of FBReader? This is available for all Desktops and can in principle run on any Linux-based E-Ink device, if the interface is tweaked. It actually does run on the iRex iLiad using either the iRex API or its native GTK+ interface (via the touchscreen). There is also already a version for the Hanlin V3, see FBReader port to (Lbook|Hanlin) V3.

FBReader already (partially) supports DRM-free ePub. Adding DRM-free eReader support would be easy, but no one has ever asked for it (since there are very few DRM-free eReader ebooks).

With most Open Source projects, it would be impossible to add DRM support - because most vendors won't release code for DRM decoding. However, there is one exception to the Open Source limitation - the authors of the Open Source code can distribute a binary only version that includes DRM processing. The FBReader authors have expressed a willingness to think about doing this. We know eReader's DRM scheme is amenable to 3rd party implementation, since there is already an unauthorized Python script that strips the DRM. In this case, you would have a license from FictionWise - so it would be an authorized version and could even use FictionWise's decryption code as a binary plug-in to FBReader.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

With most Open Source projects, it would be impossible to add DRM support - because most vendors won't release code for DRM decoding. However, there is one exception to the Open Source limitation - the authors of the Open Source code can distribute a binary only version that includes DRM processing.

I don't understand this. If I had a ebook business the required people to buy in my format to make money.... I would do everything I could to license the software to device makers. Including not charging a fee to license it. Perhaps to help develop it sure. If they DRM is based on a common encryption algorithm too then there is no danger in even providing a free reference implementation for it.

BOb

[HPG]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

I don't understand this. If I had a ebook business the required people to buy in my format to make money.... I would do everything I could to license the software to device makers. Including not charging a fee to license it. Perhaps to help develop it sure. If they DRM is based on a common encryption algorithm too then there is no danger in even providing a free reference implementation for it.

Ah, but you're trying to apply common sense to an industry that clearly lacks both it and the ability to learn from the experience of others (think VHS vs. Betamax, or HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray)

Add to that the inanities going on in the US Congress and Wall Street right now, and you have to agree with the Arrogant Worms, don't you (http://www.lyricsdownload.com/worms-...-lyrics.html)?

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by Over

So, the other devices features and prices will follow the initial plan, or will tread the same path of this 6" ereader?

Dear OVER:

Your question is a good one. Here is what we know:

Astak will follow TWO paths: one is the EZ Reader path which will come out with EZ Reader Plus and EZ Reader Pro early in 2009. We want to develop ultimately some special versions that are entirely separate from what Jinke is doing elsewhere in the world. Number TWO is that we will continue to work with out factory to bring out more "cutting edge" devices that will be nothing like the EZ Reader: a 5 inch budget model with robust controller, a 6 inch that allows note-taking on a super-fast device, and the 9.7 inch with a flexi screen.

Price IS an issue! BUT... on one of the other threads I did TRY to lay out the costs, item-by-item involved with an eBook Reader. I hate to tell you, but the $200 eBook Reader may not ever be. $240-$250 for a 5 inch is likely.

Look, what I and Astak are all about is selling good. solid, reliable devices first! The EZ Reader is that type of device. We also stand for THIN and LIGHT... and we will continue to go after that virtue. Cutting edge? Yes... I want a device that leaves the competion in the dust. I think we will see a case, for example, that has a built-in LED lighting system. I STILL think a solor charger can be built into the case. I want to take the eBook Reader where it has not gone before.

Our first effort is a good one! Yes, it is built my Jinke Hanlin but it is a terrific device that only lacked American support and technical knowledge and warranty and such. Anybody buying one is going to love it! We will be improving it. So... I would say about the path:

"Two paths diverged in the woods
And I, I took the one less traveled
And that has made all the difference"

That is the path Astak will take! Come to CES and see and hear about our prototypes.

Robert B

[SaraD]

Hello Robert B,

The new www.mobiebook.com site I found referenced on the Astak site looks great and I'm sure will improve as more content becomes ready. Tomorrow I will create a login to try that set of features.

A question I have not seen answered yet on the EZ Reader - how many font sizes are there? And as an "I hope" for the part of the mobiebook site showing accessories I would really like to see a good picture or two of how the case holds the reader and how solidly it stays put.

Thank you for staying with this project. Likely you signed up for a nice domestic cat and somehow were given a Siberian tiger. While not quite what got me so excited back in May when I discovered MobileRead and that e-book reader do exist, it still looks like my best option. I hope to get one for my birthday next spring.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by SaraD

The new www.mobiebook.com site I found referenced on the Astak site looks great and I'm sure will improve as more content becomes ready. Tomorrow I will create a login to try that set of features.

"Imagine reading books while listening to music."

Huh... Like we can't do that with a pbook and radio or iPod. I think a more compelling tag line is in order.

BOb

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by SaraD

The new www.mobiebook.com site I found referenced on the Astak site looks great and I'm sure will improve as more content becomes ready. Tomorrow I will create a login to try that set of features.

The sign-up page asks you to list your Country. Is MobieBook going to sell country-restricted ebooks? If not, I suggest removing this. In general, you don't want to erect barriers to people signing up, and asking for country is such a barrier.

[Slite]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

"Imagine reading books while listening to music."

Huh... Like we can't do that with a pbook and radio or iPod. I think a more compelling tag line is in order.

BOb

Besides, considering the low standard of the Hanlins playback of mp3's ESPECIALLY with the included earphones, why would one want to? Especially since most people already have an Ipod of equivalent mp3 player.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by Slite

Besides, considering the low standard of the Hanlins playback of mp3's ESPECIALLY with the included earphones, why would one want to? Especially since most people already have an Ipod of equivalent mp3 player.

Well, my point is more that this is nothing new. You could read a book while listening to music in the 1800s!

BOb

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

Have you tried asking the developers of FBReader? This is available for all Desktops and can in principle run on any Linux-based E-Ink device, if the interface is tweaked. It actually does run on the iRex iLiad using either the iRex API or its native GTK+ interface (via the touchscreen). There is also already a version for the Hanlin V3, see FBReader port to (Lbook|Hanlin) V3.

FBReader already (partially) supports DRM-free ePub. Adding DRM-free eReader support would be easy, but no one has ever asked for it (since there are very few DRM-free eReader ebooks).

With most Open Source projects, it would be impossible to add DRM support - because most vendors won't release code for DRM decoding. However, there is one exception to the Open Source limitation - the authors of the Open Source code can distribute a binary only version that includes DRM processing. The FBReader authors have expressed a willingness to think about doing this. We know eReader's DRM scheme is amenable to 3rd party implementation, since there is already an unauthorized Python script that strips the DRM. In this case, you would have a license from FictionWise - so it would be an authorized version and could even use FictionWise's decryption code as a binary plug-in to FBReader.

Dear Wallcraft:

Your info was very helpful and appreciated. Any way you could list your email address as I would like to delineate a little of this! If I list mine I think there would be an avalanche!

I do really want to thank you very much!!

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by Slite

Besides, considering the low standard of the Hanlins playback of mp3's ESPECIALLY with the included earphones, why would one want to? Especially since most people already have an Ipod of equivalent mp3 player.

Dear Slite:

I guess music is in the ear of the beholder. I thought with my Noise Canceling headphones it was a bit better than with my iPod.

You are, however, absolutely right and anew tag line is needed. I was trying just to make people realize that the EZ Reader does both and although I know that Forum Readers are brighter than me on this stuff... a lot of people are hardly aware of the eBook Reader at all. The studies show only 2% of the population really knows what an eBook is and what it does. While I KNOW you do... our goal is to GROW the avid audience for eBooks and while it appears "talking down to my audience" I am just trying to educate a little and get that 98% to notice.

I will gladly take any suggestions for serious tag lines or mottoes that any MobileRead Forum person wants to suggest. I would love sayings or mottoes that anyone is willing to put up.

The fact is that, from the start, I have LISTENED to you and tried to follow up. Try telling Sony or Amazon (blessings to them both) your ideas and suggestions. I respect your opinion and welcome the help!

Robert B

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

The sign-up page asks you to list your Country. Is MobieBook going to sell country-restricted ebooks? If not, I suggest removing this. In general, you don't want to erect barriers to people signing up, and asking for country is such a barrier.

Dear Wallcraft and SaraD:

Sara: thank you so much for how you feel about our new website! You made my day! The new www.mobiebook.com website is UNDER CONSTRUCTION and the best and latest books still need to be added. Also, the site will be used for helpful hints, education on eBooks, and info on newer models we will be working upon. It is by no means done yet; but it is rewarding to know you liked it.

I do not know the well-intentioned but wrong webpage designer as he is in Taiwan. Based on HIS being in Taiwan he felt the country was important as Taiwan is tiny. The country is not important and please allow that we had no intention of selling country-restricted eBooks. We will remove it on the next partial rework on the website!

Thank you for bringing this up!!

Robert B

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by SaraD

Hello Robert B,

The new www.mobiebook.com site I found referenced on the Astak site looks great and I'm sure will improve as more content becomes ready. Tomorrow I will create a login to try that set of features.

A question I have not seen answered yet on the EZ Reader - how many font sizes are there? And as an "I hope" for the part of the mobiebook site showing accessories I would really like to see a good picture or two of how the case holds the reader and how solidly it stays put.

Thank you for staying with this project. Likely you signed up for a nice domestic cat and somehow were given a Siberian tiger. While not quite what got me so excited back in May when I discovered MobileRead and that e-book reader do exist, it still looks like my best option. I hope to get one for my birthday next spring.

Dear Sara D:

Font sizes! Right now, out of the box, it comes with three font sizes which you could call: Regular, Large, and Extra Large. The Extra Large is about twice the size of regular. In addition, you can display horizontally and vertically. Please let me know, anybody, if this is not sufficient and we can work with the Hanlin people. My mom's eyes are very old and bad and I am very much interested in supporting the site-impaired.

Happy birthday in advance! Yes, this kitty has become a Siberian Tiger. There are more loops and turns. Trying to get a product to market is like a war. I try NOT to act like I know too much and yet I ALWAYS feel obligated to answer questions or find the answer. The bunch of electric parts and wires grows to be like your own child. I am fiercely proud of the EZ Reader but already looking to improve it.

I will try to get a picture up on the case: but... the problem is not how securely it holds it but the opposite. The thing is in there so good that it could break a fingernail on a man. I know as I tried. You cannot shake it loose. You either move it all the way to the left or forget about getting it out. In a nuclear detonation I fear that EZ Reader would survive ground zero. It is like trying to break into Fort Knox. If you worry about the unit accidently falling out... that I can tell you will NEVER happen.

Robert B

[NeweReader]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear OVER:

Astak will follow TWO paths: one is the EZ Reader path which will come out with EZ Reader Plus and EZ Reader Pro early in 2009.

Robert B

Hi Robert,

Can you give us any more information on the differences between these 3 EZ Readers, the EZ Reader that is coming out soon (the Hanlin V3) and the EZ Reader Plus and the EZ Reader Pro?

I didn't know that there would be more than one EZ Reader. I was planning on purchasing the 6" EZ Reader that is coming out soon, but if the others will have more functionality that might appeal to me, I will wait.

Will the Plus and Pro also be 6" or will they be a different size?

Thanks for all the time you have put into answering everyone's questions.