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

[igorsk]

Originally Posted by wallcraft

I don't know of any similar dual language dictionaries which are definitely legal to distribute (there are some "freely available", but it is difficult to get their copyright status).

There is Mueller English-Russian dictionary which has a public domain version:
http://www.geocities.com/mueller_dic/Mueller7.html
There are Mobi versions available on various sites.

[Robertb]

Dear all:

Yesterday we had a webcast with an expert on modernizing our efforts to reach end users. The main point of the webcast is that the old days of the company deciding the medium of the message are ending. The consumer now decides how they will receive the message. This means that the BLOG is a very useful tool in promoting your product and its lines. So is "FaceBook" and "Tweeter" and other channels.

I have read a few blogs but never thought about doing one. BUT... it is important that everybody at Astak stay current and stay modern. As I am Business Development... I have to lead by example.

SO... with no prior knowledge I went to the recommended "Blogspot" and tried it. YES, I know, everybody else probably finds blogging old hat but for me was a bit hard to comprehend until I actually got into doing one.

I have started a blog called "Adventures in eBook Reader Land". You can find it at: www.robertbEZ.blogspot.com

The intent is to tell some of the past history behind trying to bring a new eBook Reader to the North American market and to interject some adventures and exercises that Astak does to try to get us to design things better. In it I voice ONLY my own opinions and not those of Astak. Some of you will find it boring and some will find it interesting and some will dislike that there I state things as I see them without pulling punches. Remember, blogs can be wrong, right, trivial, or powerful. I see it as a way to just speak my mind. On this blog I hope to preach a bit of how I see eBook Readers developing, how I see the latest features and technologies, what I see coming and what I wish I had already. Maybe I can get other eBook Reader manufacturers to make better devices while I concentrate on improving my lines. On it I will cover events and trips and shows and such as well. I try not to be "mean spirited" but if I dislike something I will say it. Remember, you may completely disagree or think an exercise is senseless. You may also begin to understand how complex it is to make changes and get things made better.

Robert B

[phenomshel]

I marked your blog, Robert, and will add your link to my own site. I think it's a good idea, sometimes it's either vent or explode. Good luck in your adventures in blogdom!

Shel

[jmontyb]

Fry's once again has the ezReader for $249 + shipping. They also have a $20 rebate going. Note this is the bundle pack with extra SD card.

http://shop2.frys.com/product/5834633

[37lIUx7Yx4Y]

Originally Posted by jmontyb

Fry's once again has the ezReader for $249 + shipping. They also have a $20 rebate going. Note this is the bundle pack with extra SD card.

http://shop2.frys.com/product/5834633

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by DG25

Robertb, i guess that you took a look at their screens. Does the NDA permits telling us if the quality of the screen is identical or not to an e-ink screen, when used in the same conditions (black and white, text only, under natural light)?

Dear DG25:

My understanding of the Pixel Qi technology is that it DOES allow e-ink screen in black and white, text only, under natural light. You would then have the option to go to color using the backlight and to use the backlight in total darkness as well. That is about all I can say under NDA. Their technology is very exciting as it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for eBook Readers.

Robert B

[Robertb]

Dear All:

The largest Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in in early January every year. Last year Astak could not even get a category for eBook Readers. This year CES is working with me to build a special area of CES for eBook Reader Manufacturers, publishers, content providers, accessory companies, and much more.

Everyone might want to mark their calendars for January 7 thru 10 in Las Vegas. IF you have not kept up with Vegas lately... the depression/recession has brought them to their knees. Some places are almost giving away rooms. IF you were to book now you may be able to find that perfect hotel room at $59 for CES. I suggest the Vegas Club in the Downtown. That is where I stay. Anyway... Vegas is NOT out of your reach for CES if you book early.

Astak will have its biggest booth yet... 1,100 square feet in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Robert B

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by Robertb

The largest Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in in early January every year. Last year Astak could not even get a category for eBook Readers. This year CES is working with me to build a special area of CES for eBook Reader Manufacturers, publishers, content providers, accessory companies, and much more.

Nice. This info probably deserves it's own thread in the News section. Would you mind starting a thread there with this information.

BOb

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by 37lIUx7Yx4Y

Dear All:

The rebated sale of the Bundle Pack of the EZ Reader at FRY's Electronics ($229 with rebate figured in) ends this Friday.

IF you are looking for the ideal basic eBook Reader that plays music and has e-ink technology then stop waiting. It is preloaded with 200 (their ad is wrong) great free classic books included with a free 2GB SD card and an SD card reader/writer!! Yes, I hand-picked the titles!! Every classic eBook is great reading. Yes, of course the crush-resistant leather case and ear buds are in there!

It isn't ever getting lower... so you had better do it while you can. I want to assure everyone that already purchased that (again) we never dreamt FRY's would get the price this low! FRY's makes their own pricing; and we really do not believe what they do. Frankly, it hurts our other sales so take advantage while you can.

Robert B

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Nice. This info probably deserves it's own thread in the News section. Would you mind starting a thread there with this information.

BOb

Dear Pilot Bob:

I am not the brightest fellow when it comes to MobileRead Forum. I will try!!

Robert B

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear Pilot Bob:

I am not the brightest fellow when it comes to MobileRead Forum. I will try!!

Robert B

I see that Alex beat you to it. And also make it a front page post.

Weeee!

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43791

BOb

[jpt]

$160 for a 5-inch one?! Really?!

:: wants one!!! ::

-- J.P.

[Sydney's Mom]

I apologize if I missed it - does it have folders?

Yes, I have a one track mind!

[Robertb]

Dear All:

Astak is now ordering the first of the Astak "MENTOR" line of eBook Readers from our Taiwan factory. We expect to have them up and available for sale in about 6 weeks. They will appear first on our new website (under construction now): www.goEZebook.com

The first Mentor device out is the Mentor "Lite". It is a six (6) inch basic model with some very interesting differences from the EZ Reader: a button to instantly change from horizontal to vertical screen, 8 choices of font size, and it uses a cursor approach to making selections. There is a lot more. Astak is in the process now of making the User Manual as User Friendly as we can and getting the packaging designed.

Shortly, I will post pictures and features and pricing info.

The more advanced models of Mentor are also moving towards production. This line will offer many interesting sizes and features. I know many of you have been wondering about this "Mentor" line and when it may be available. Now we have the start coming up soon.

Robert B

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by Robertb

The first Mentor device out is the Mentor "Lite". It is a six (6) inch basic model with some very interesting differences from the EZ Reader: a button to instantly change from horizontal to vertical screen, 8 choices of font size, and it uses a cursor approach to making selections. There is a lot more. Astak is in the process now of making the User Manual as User Friendly as we can and getting the packaging designed.

Interesting. Can you give us specs as to memory size, CPU speed, SD card support? Also, what about formats, DRMed and nonDRMed?

BOb