E-Reader Advice - Astak 6" or 5"

[DaleDe]

Originally Posted by Freddy Bastiat

I will mostly just be reading text, with a random scanned pdf thrown in, but it sounds like the 6" doesn't offer many improvements for viewing those either, so I may just continue to print those out.

Another question: One feature that I've read about the PP that I like is the non-slip coating on the cover. It seems the PLUS does not have this. Those of you who have the PP, what do you think of the texture of it in your hand?

I find it ok. It is not rubberized but it is not slick plastic either. It is kind of a brush unpolished finish and works well IMHO.

Dale

[polly]

Originally Posted by Freddy Bastiat

I will mostly just be reading text, with a random scanned pdf thrown in, but it sounds like the 6" doesn't offer many improvements for viewing those either, so I may just continue to print those out.

Another question: One feature that I've read about the PP that I like is the non-slip coating on the cover. It seems the PLUS does not have this. Those of you who have the PP, what do you think of the texture of it in your hand?

I really like the non-slip coating. In addition to being nice to hold, it doesn't show fingerprints. I've had my maroon reader since October with none of the wrinkling problems that others had. I'm not sure if that's because I have a good reader or because I've never used the included case.

[Davimee]

Originally Posted by polly

I really like the non-slip coating. In addition to being nice to hold, it doesn't show fingerprints. I've had my maroon reader since October with none of the wrinkling problems that others had. I'm not sure if that's because I have a good reader or because I've never used the included case.

Is it the case that's causing the wrinkling? If it is, I wonder if I should take it off when I'm not traveling with it... I'm just worried my kids will do something to it. Unintentionally, of course, but those two, you never know what accidents are going to happen.

[Freddy Bastiat]

Are there specific colors that experience the "wrinkling" or does it happen with all colors? I'm leaning toward the black...possibly the slate blue at this stage.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by Freddy Bastiat

Are there specific colors that experience the "wrinkling" or does it happen with all colors? I'm leaning toward the black...possibly the slate blue at this stage.

Initially, 8 months or so ago, the Pocket PRO did have some wrinkling from the paint. It was prevalent more on the blue, maroon, purple and pink... but there were very seldom reports that a black or white were affected. Astak offered to take all back and replace them with Batch #2.

The problem was supposedly caused by the "leather" case. The tanning solvent was giving off low-grade gases that caused the paint to wrinkle.

As such, the factory redesigned the case so there were no such gases and the problem went away completely.

What is in-stock now has been totally stable for the last 6 months or so. There has not been a report of the problem. Whether you buy slate blue or black or the totally beautiful metallic purple... the colors are fine now! ALL six colors are fine!

[Fincary]

I've had my maroon Pocket Pro for almost two months now. It is rarely out of the case, and I have NOT had any problem with the color peeling or wrinkling.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by Fincary

I've had my maroon Pocket Pro for almost two months now. It is rarely out of the case, and I have NOT had any problem with the color peeling or wrinkling.

Dear Fincary:

Thank you!! That helps potential users realize that the problem is solved. Otherwise, they would be worried.

I appreciate your post!

[Laura81]

I've got 2 PP's here and no wrinkling problems with either of them.

[MaggieScratch]

I was one of those who pre-ordered the Pocket Pro the first day we could, and the first and second devices I received had the wrinkling problem, but the third one I received has been perfect, and it is almost never out of the case. All devices were the Slate Blue (which I love).

[weeziepepper]

Hello everyone.

I purchased my maroon Pocket Pro on 12/13/09 and I've had trouble with the paint wrinkling (started about a month after I received it).

The wrinkling is on the back in several spots (not on the front or buttons at least). It is wrinkling quite a bit on the battery cover, the top right and on the left-side edge (back near the thumb wheel).

I haven't contacted Customer Service yet because it started out kinda slow. But the last week or so it has gotten worse. I keep it in the case in standby and will either read in the case or out of the case (depending on my mood).

If it gets much worse I will probably contact Customer Service. I just hate the thought of being without it for long because I love having it. It says a lot that I haven't returned it yet. Normally with other products I would be very annoyed if this happened but I like the PP so much that I just try to ignore the wrinkling.

I do want to stress that it is a GREAT EBOOK READER!! I just wanted one to read books and novels, nothing fancy. So I'm still glad I purchased it.

Well, I'll see how it goes with the wrinkling. Hopefully it won't get worse...

Weezie

[AlexGrant]

I have 5" model now, and planning to buy 6" Plus model, and 9.7" PocketBook 901 (or similar, without touchscreen and wifi - less weight) when these models will be available - for different applications we need different sizes. I have 2Lbs 12" Toshiba Portege notebook, 4LBs 14" IBM notebook, 6Lbs 15" Dell notebook, and powerful descktop PC with 24" and 26" displays - I use them all, for different applications. More is better.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by AlexGrant

I have 5" model now, and planning to buy 6" Plus model, and 9.7" PocketBook 901 (or similar, without touchscreen and wifi - less weight) when these models will be available - for different applications we need different sizes. I have 2Lbs 12" Toshiba Portege notebook, 4LBs 14" IBM notebook, 6Lbs 15" Dell notebook, and powerful descktop PC with 24" and 26" displays - I use them all, for different applications. More is better.

Dear Alex:

I agree. I think that with consumer electronics, one size is not suitable for all.

I know Astak really wants the 9 inch with SIPix screen. The SIPix screen is on hold while they fix a small glitch... and then full production will start. I cannot wait to hear it is coming!!

You are right! I hear so much "pure dribble" about how the iPad will do away with all dedicated eBook Readers. I bristle everytime some idiot makes this statement. I can see where heavy devices such as the iPad have their place... but I cannot remotely envision people on a plane or at the beach or in bed preferring something so heavy for simple but pleasurable reading. I see different sizes of dedicated eBook Readers taking off; and Astak will have at least one and possibly several different 9 inch!

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by weeziepepper

Hello everyone.

I purchased my maroon Pocket Pro on 12/13/09 and I've had trouble with the paint wrinkling (started about a month after I received it).

The wrinkling is on the back in several spots (not on the front or buttons at least). It is wrinkling quite a bit on the battery cover, the top right and on the left-side edge (back near the thumb wheel).

I haven't contacted Customer Service yet because it started out kinda slow. But the last week or so it has gotten worse. I keep it in the case in standby and will either read in the case or out of the case (depending on my mood).

If it gets much worse I will probably contact Customer Service. I just hate the thought of being without it for long because I love having it. It says a lot that I haven't returned it yet. Normally with other products I would be very annoyed if this happened but I like the PP so much that I just try to ignore the wrinkling.

I do want to stress that it is a GREAT EBOOK READER!! I just wanted one to read books and novels, nothing fancy. So I'm still glad I purchased it.

Well, I'll see how it goes with the wrinkling. Hopefully it won't get worse...

Weezie

Dear Weezie:

I know, I cannot live without my Pocket PRO also. It has become a part of me.

If you are getting wrinkling on an early December device... it MAY be best to call Tech Support and get an RMA and return it. If you wait too long, it might become a bit more difficult to make the exchange as models change all the time. I KNOW you well enough to know you are honest and a good person.

Please do not wait too long. The factory does have a timeline for the wrinkled paint. Right now there is no problem; but in a few months it may become tougher to do an exchange for paint wrinkling as they normally look at appearance flaws as ending. There is no need to worry yet... but please keep this in mind that waiting is not always good.

[weeziepepper]

Thanks for the info Robert. Based on your advice I will contact Customer Service in the next week or so to see about getting a replacement. I don't want to have problems a couple months from now if the wrinkling gets worse.

Weezie

[AlexGrant]

Will be good to have as well a "De-Luxe" models with carbon-fiber and magnezium cases: lightweight, durable. Also, instead of heavy leather-like cover (19th century style, like cowboy boots) - have front clipping magnezium protective cover for readers with glass screen: 5" and 6" (not Plus).