Earl: a 6" E-ink Android Tablet with Solar Panels and Radio

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by rem736

jan 27 update up on the site. http://www.meetearl.com/updates/

Hmmm. I would interpret that as saying "we may have to completely redesign it because we don't know if it'll work". Not terribly reassuring to people who've put money into it.

Onyx has expressed its position and after much discussion we agreed that it would be best to enlist the help of a true EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) firm. These are companies who have experience with design, testing, sourcing, manufacturing and fulfillment. While finding a new partner at this stage isn’t exactly what we want to do, it’s what we need. For now Onyx will be stepping back and assisting our new partner with the handover of Earl’s development. Hopefully with bringing on a larger more experienced partner, we’ll be able to nail down a timeline that can be followed, but at this point Earl’s release date is a moving target.

I have major doubts that it'll ever be released.

[Greg Anos]

Maybe so, but show me an equivalent machine ion the market...

I'm on holiday in Florida, it will cost more than what I have sunk in Earl, and in the end I'll have nothing but memories. It's a worthwhile risk....

[ApK]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I have major doubts that it'll ever be released.

Originally Posted by Ralph Sir Edward

Maybe so, but show me an equivalent machine ion the market...

I'm afraid even if it is eventually released, they will have missed their window for success. Their particular niche is getting smaller every day, as communication infrastructure and other device technology evolves, so while there is nothing like it now, there may be soon.
Note I'm not personally invested, just interested.

[murg]

Originally Posted by HarryT

but at this point Earl’s release date is a moving target.

At this point?

Earl's release date has always been a moving target...

[azw409]

Well I got bored waiting for the Earl so I made my own (Google+) link.

It charges really well but has made the Kobo Touch quite heavy.

[DaleDe]

Now you only need a gps and your all set!

[azw409]

and a radio, waterproof case, Android 4.4, ...

[DuckieTigger]

Originally Posted by azw409

and a radio, waterproof case, Android 4.4, ...

Don't need a waterproof case. Just send it to waterfi to get water proof for $99.

[pdurrant]

I think the Earl project shows how hard doing consumer product design is.

The scrolling/zooming they've got going on E-Ink is very impressive. I hope it eventually shows up in an actual product.

[murg]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

I think the Earl project shows how hard doing consumer product design is.

The scrolling/zooming they've got going on E-Ink is very impressive. I hope it eventually shows up in an actual product.

The Earl project shows how hard doing a consumer product design is if:

• You have no real idea what you are doing
• You have no experience in producing such a design
• Don't have a complete plan of what you are producing
• Don't have the experience of dealing with contract manufacturers

Aside from the lack of product, Earl's biggest problem has been the complete lack of communication with their customers. Updates are few and far between.

[AlbertaCowboy]

Originally Posted by murg

The Earl project shows how hard doing a consumer product design is if:

• You have no real idea what you are doing
• You have no experience in producing such a design
• Don't have a complete plan of what you are producing
• Don't have the experience of dealing with contract manufacturers

Aside from the lack of product, Earl's biggest problem has been the complete lack of communication with their customers. Updates are few and far between.

Yeah, I must say that I have to agree with you on all points.
I am still following the development, albeit not as closely or as enthusiastically as I did when I first backed the project. I'm still waiting patiently though, and I do hope to have an EARL sooner than later.
One positive though, is that during the "moving target" development, the team has seemed to keep abreast of advances in the tech itself. I'd be highly surprised to see EARL released with 2013 specs. We shall see what happens, I suppose.

[AlbertaCowboy]

New update.
Essentially, EARL is being redesigned. Completely. New date is December-ish.
And, going to 4.7" screen flex eInk, instead of 6".
I'm not going for a refund, more out of morbid curiosity now than anything else, but man, I'm not impressed. I was so stoked about this project two years ago when I funded it. Now, I just facepalm myself every time I think about it.

http://www.meetearl.com/updates/

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by AlbertaCowboy

New update.
Essentially, EARL is being redesigned. Completely.

That's how I interpreted the last update in January, as I said at that time in post #136 above:

I would interpret that as saying "we may have to completely redesign it because we don't know if it'll work". Not terribly reassuring to people who've put money into it.

[DaleDe]

Originally Posted by HarryT

That's how I interpreted the last update in January, as I said at that time in post #136 above:

Well, it is the new manufacturer that is suggesting the redesign, not the Earl group. Netronix has now agreed to make it so I think they are in good hands.

Dale

[Phogg]

Originally Posted by DaleDe

Well, it is the new manufacturer that is suggesting the redesign, not the Earl group. Netronix has now agreed to make it so I think they are in good hands.

Dale

A 4.7 inch screen for a device primarily marketed to readers?

I am thinking not so good hands.