Announcement from EZ Read/Astak Team

[eGeezer]

So, what features would these have that the current Plus doesn't? (except, of course, for the obvious 9") or are only the model names available right now?

[Luigino]

As I said previously in a post, surely Astak would beat Jinke if they could build a 9"-9.7" product with Pearl screen and latest Epson controller plus with a microSD slot and microUSB port for recharging (maybe also two separate models one with WiFi + 3G/4G and one with NO WiFi neither 3G/4G and I'd look surely for the first one) and good PDF support.
I am still asking myself: it is so difficult to make one?... Kindle's DXG already out with that Pearl screen...
if Astak's team would make one as I said I'd put my money on it instead of Jinke, because eInk surely is more collaudated than SiPix about contrast and stuffs...
Plus, if it's also a commercial issue like being a direct competitor against Kindle...I would say only this: it is always worth of it also because Amazon is a too way BIG name to see decreasing significantly his own market...but at least Astak SURELY would get something a little more eyes on them while serving different models from 5" to 9"-9.7" screens...

To say my position about Astak's philosophy and all this story about RobertB, I would say only this: talking about if RobertB was fired or if he just resigned it's: 1) useless 2) a total waste of time because it's THEIR OWN business (an italian popular proverb says: my grandfather lived 100years because he made his own businesses) 3) we all already know it's happening to ALL the whole industry, so what? 4) we can ONLY thank RobertB to have put Astak in our knowledge and we can only hope Astak will follow still his good business, yes for its own profit, but also looking at consumers demands.

Still waiting for an announcement from Astak about that 9"-9.7" device (already being since almost 2 years).
Ciao,
Luigi

[Solicitous]

Originally Posted by eGeezer

So, what features would these have that the current Plus doesn't? (except, of course, for the obvious 9") or are only the model names available right now?

Well there is a 6" that appears to have optional wifi/3G, keyboard and touchscreen. Details are rather scant (you could look on the lbook or Jinke websites). Price would be interesting, Kobo have recently announced the next Kobo model with wifi for $139US.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Luigino

As I said previously in a post, surely Astak would beat Jinke if they could build a 9"-9.7" product with Pearl screen and latest Epson controller plus with a microSD slot and microUSB port for recharging (maybe also two separate models one with WiFi + 3G/4G and one with NO WiFi neither 3G/4G and I'd look surely for the first one) and good PDF support.
Ciao,
Luigi

Huh,
How can they "Beat Jinke". The EZReader line is "Astak Branded" Jinke (look at the MR Matrix) devices.

[Luigino]

Originally Posted by theducks

Huh,
How can they "Beat Jinke". The EZReader line is "Astak Branded" Jinke (look at the MR Matrix) devices.

I meant if someone has in front of himself two products: SiPix's Hanlin A9 and a ipotethic eInk Pearl Mentor 9", he would surely get the Mentor's one....

In fact after that I said it would be optimal if the new Astak's 9"-9.7" device would have Pearl's screen and latest Epson's controller (but with NO WiFi - 3G/4G)

[eGeezer]

Originally Posted by Luigino

...I would say only this: talking about if RobertB was fired or if he just resigned it's: 1) useless 2) a total waste of time because it's THEIR OWN business...

Exactly, but we had to vent over the distortions. As you say, that is now past history and we are moving on, trying to help Astak understand how their current actions (or lack thereof) are effecting their customer base.

But as to Pearl, I suspect that the screen is in high demand and low inventory what with Kindle and Sony (and perhaps B&N for the anticipated nook2) probably having scooped up what was available. Can only hope that there will be a few left over for the smaller manufacturers before the end of 2010.

[Luigino]

Originally Posted by eGeezer

But as to Pearl, I suspect that the screen is in high demand and low inventory what with Kindle and Sony (and perhaps B&N for the anticipated nook2) probably having scooped up what was available. Can only hope that there will be a few left over for the smaller manufacturers before the end of 2010.

Uhm, I think indeed anyone that would want to build a Pearl based device can just go ask to eInk and buy a stock...so me too I could if I have a budget for 1000 Pearl screens (they don't sell just only one screen, only stocks)...also because it's only a component and everyone is evolving with these ebook devices.

[Geppetto]

I thought it was in the public domain that Sony and Amazon have exclusive rights on Pearl screens by contract, at the moment.

[eGeezer]

Originally Posted by Luigino

...so me too I could if I have a budget for 1000 Pearl screens (they don't sell just only one screen, only stocks)...

I'm just presuming that with the limited market for eInk in the past (unlike LCD screens, for instance), the manufacturing capability is also limited. In that case, if they can only make 100 screens a day (just a guess -- could be more, could be less), and if Sony/Amazon/(maybe)B&N contract for the first 10,000 units because they can afford the initial high manufacturing costs, that doesn't leave a lot available on the table for the smaller players, initially.

Originally Posted by Geppetto

I thought it was in the public domain that Sony and Amazon have exclusive rights on Pearl screens by contract, at the moment.

And if that is not a joke, and is based in fact, then there you have your answer. Well, and so do I, for that matter.

[Solicitous]

Originally Posted by eGeezer

Exactly, but we had to vent over the distortions. As you say, that is now past history and we are moving on, trying to help Astak understand how their current actions (or lack thereof) are effecting their customer base.

Yep I agree. I contacted Jenifer regarding my peeling paint fiasco, and to her credit she did get back to me rather quickly and prodded support to contact me. Unfortunately I don't feel comfortable sending the unit back and risk another round of no communication, so I decided to not to pursue the repair.

So ultimately what happened; I received an apology, I presented some issues and suggestion of using it as an example to look for issues in customer service, I'm no longer negative towards the company compared to as I was once about 2 weeks ago. I can only hope that Astak will take on board what we're saying. Unfortunately they still havent made any suggested amendments to the website. What are we now, over 3 weeks of "out of stock". New orders and products are coming but surely orders could have been placed to coincide with existing stock running out. I just recall Cool-ER having an "out of stock" on all products for a period of time, and look now....

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Solicitous

What are we now, over 3 weeks of "out of stock". New orders and products are coming but surely orders could have been placed to coincide with existing stock running out. I just recall Cool-ER having an "out of stock" on all products for a period of time, and look now....

Out of stock may simply be that the Inventory server is not communicating with the Order server, Hence Out of stock, because it has no clue what it should not sell
Has anyone tried the Telephone to place an order?

Again. Communications seems to be their BIG problem.

A simple banner "Telephone Lines Open during re-model" would probably solve most users order issues.

[SmartyPants]

what on earth is going on at Astak??
Came back after a break, and seeing all the latest posts makes me completely lose whatever confidence in this company i had...

my lovely maroon PP is gone (smashed in between two aircraft seats - totally my fault) and i was about to order a replacement. Doesnt seem like it can be done - now or ever?? No reasonable communication with Astak team ever since Robert is gone. As much as i like to support an underdog, this is NOT a good customer service

Nice going Astak. I dont think i am likely to come back to you even if you are to offer a new and better product.
I regret now getting an Astak 6" for my mum - what if it needs repair??

so it looks like its a new Sony-350 for me..

[ReaderEatter]

Originally Posted by Steven Lake

Ok, I've had time to think about this and calm down a bit, and thus I think I'll keep my relationship with Astak alive for now. This is just *one* incident, and even though it hit me below the belt and hurt, and was most certainly a monumentally stupid decision on the part of management, it was just *one* screwup. So I guess I'll take them back into my good graces again and, instead of ranting and raving and sounding like a half crazed lunatic, I'll work (as I should have in the first place) to actually help them be a better company.

As a journalist, and an Open Source advocate, it's my duty to both report honestly on their products and customer service, as well as help them improve their corporate standing among customers, most especially in the FOSS world. And lastly, as a sci-fi author, it's my job to help them get better, so that they can ultimately grow and become hugely successful, which in turn then translates back to benefits to me, an author, and my books.

Sorry about the rant guys. Was it deserved? Probably. Was it the best thing to do? Probably not. Was there better ways to handle this? Yep. Am I going to try taking that other route instead now? Yeah. ^_^

Dear All:

I agree with Steven that it is best to work with them. Most of you have invested in the device and it is a good one. While I think they also have a lot of learning to do... I also think it is in your interests to work with them to understand that the opinion and feelings of the public do count a hell of a lot!!

I, Robert B, am happy. Just suffered a horrible cold and finally got the right medication. Anyhow, I am out looking for a new job that I will love and it feels great to be free!! The knee continues to get stronger and the eBook industry (book and decice and sales) will improve sharply thru CES in early January!

That new 7 inch RIM Blackberry PlayBook looks pretty fine! 7 inch is the ideal size for a tablet and .9 pound is decent weight. You can read eBooks on that quite well and it has dual cameras. Not sure about the battery life! That may be a worthy topic of discussion!!

Bob

[SensualPoet]

Originally Posted by Steven Lake

Well, here's the kicker for you. They're *not* exiting the business. Why? They're sending me one of their new 6" ereaders for review. (I am still chief editor for Raiden's Realm, so I still do hardware reviews periodically) Plus I was promised one of their new 7" tablets at some point once it's available for review. That tells me that they're anything but giving up on the ereaders.

Do let us know about the new 6" ereader model you received for review (or will soon?) and certainly any further details about 7" tablets.

As for availability of existing e-readers: ezreader.com remains unavailable to actually sell anything; and astak.com has removed "e-readers" as a product; nor are the e-readers available from any independent Amazon dealers; newegg only appears to have the pink 5" model; bestbuy.ca is showing 7 units left of cumulative three models; bestbuy US no longer sells them; frys.com is out of stock.

I'm just saying the evidence -- existing inventory of all models has effectively ceased in most logical sales channels (without sales, you are not in business) -- suggests the company has ceased this line of business. I also stated the company is likely finding a "soft-landing" for this division and existing customers -- this based on their history of proactive, progressive customer service; the lack of communication by tech and sales support has been noted in this thread by several others.

[dacattt]

>> I regret now getting an Astak 6" for my mum - what if it needs repair??

As nervous as all this is making me, (brand new buyer here), will say that just a few weeks ago Astak did come though when I had a warranty repair on my new 6". I e-mailed for an number, mailed, and just 7 days later had a replacement in my hand. So.... that was one less thing to worry about. Long term? We don't know yet.