Astak Mentor at IDPF conference

[delphidb96]

Originally Posted by AJ Starr

Yes...I understand the concept (I've been in the computer world since the 70's, prior to IBM PC), but I still live in the world of the Operating System staying and just applications changing. So, essentially, we could have a eink device and take the new Cybook update and "cross-flash" it onto it?

I was playing with the idea of something like that for a very old Sharp Wizard PDA I have. Would love to turn it into a ebook reader.

Thanks for the explanation.

Alyson

Well, the way these e-ink readers are set up, the hardware involved is a major issue to "cross-flashing". As is the fact that some require one type of firmware update file(s) and another might require a different file or file set. To give you an example, the older STAReBOOK STK-101 required an ELF file called update_kernel, a cramfs compressed filesystem called newebr.cramfs and a series of bitmap files used to display the progress of the firmware update process. On the other hand, the Cybook Gen3 simply requires an ELF file called update_kernel. But the ExPlay requires all that the STK-101 does *and* a file called NewOpen.cmd. Yet they're all the same basic hardware.

One could, I suppose, open one of these devices in console mode as a serial device and then copy the filesystem out of it and then, using the same method, into another device from a different supplier, but that requires cracking the case, building a ttl-level cable and attaching same to solder points on the motherboard... Not something a typical user might wish to attempt on a $300+ device.

Derek

[AJ Starr]

Originally Posted by delphidb96

Well, the way these e-ink readers are set up, the hardware involved is a major issue to "cross-flashing". As is the fact that some require one type of firmware update file(s) and another might require a different file or file set. To give you an example, the older STAReBOOK STK-101 required an ELF file called update_kernel, a cramfs compressed filesystem called newebr.cramfs and a series of bitmap files used to display the progress of the firmware update process. On the other hand, the Cybook Gen3 simply requires an ELF file called update_kernel. But the ExPlay requires all that the STK-101 does *and* a file called NewOpen.cmd. Yet they're all the same basic hardware.

One could, I suppose, open one of these devices in console mode as a serial device and then copy the filesystem out of it and then, using the same method, into another device from a different supplier, but that requires cracking the case, building a ttl-level cable and attaching same to solder points on the motherboard... Not something a typical user might wish to attempt on a $300+ device.

Derek

No, I wouldn't get into that far. Just had wild and crazy Ideas, like I always do.

Alyson

[kacir]

Originally Posted by delphidb96

Not something a typical user might wish to attempt on a $300+ device.

There are some "mods" for playstation and similar consoles. Many of those mods are too complicated for a lambda user. This is why there are quite a few quasi legal shops that will make the modification for a modest fee.

I know, I know... You void your [original manufacturer] warranty, and since the shop operates in the quasi legal or outright illegal area, depending on the country they operate in, you do not get any warranty for the modification either. Yet, many of those shops make a very brisk trade.

[catsittingstill]

I understand some of the Astaks are going to have touch screens. Did you hear anything about whether the touch screen could be used for entering text, like on a PDA?

I'm wondering because that would make things like search, and annotations, possible.

[FizzyWater]

Why do these (and the ETI model) use that same clunky hardware as the CyBook? I have one and I'm about ready to put it up on eBay. I dislike how slow the button is to respond and how hard you have to press it to turn the page.

So it disappoints me to see that other "choices" aren't choices, not really.

[delphidb96]

Originally Posted by FizzyWater

Why do these (and the ETI model) use that same clunky hardware as the CyBook? I have one and I'm about ready to put it up on eBay. I dislike how slow the button is to respond and how hard you have to press it to turn the page.

So it disappoints me to see that other "choices" aren't choices, not really.

You say clunky, I say better than the Sony PRS500.

Part of it derives, I'm pretty sure, from the clunkiness of the underlying OS. The rest has to be at least part the actual hardware. But how much is unclear.

Derek

[HarryT]

The navigation control on the new Gen3 is significantly improved. It is both more "positive" in its action, and softer to the touch.

[astra]

Originally Posted by HarryT

The navigation control on the new Gen3 is significantly improved. It is both more "positive" in its action, and softer to the touch.

Good news.

[FizzyWater]

Originally Posted by delphidb96

You say clunky, I say better than the Sony PRS500.

Y'know, maybe it's because I'm a lefty, but I thought the Sony PRS500 was fine. I tend to hold the reader at the bottom left-hand corner, so everything - including the 10 selection buttons - was within comfortable reach.

I bought a CyBook, and while I can learn to hold it with the right hand, pressing the button requires more force and doesn't always respond (doesn't respond if the light is unlit). That bothers me lots more than the navigation (which I'll agree is not ideal).

I gave up on it and upgraded to a Sony PRS505, just for the brighter screen and faster screen changes. The button placement still works okay for me, but since I hold the Reader at the bottom, if I want to use the selection keys, I have to let go of the Reader and reach up to the side of the reader. Not optimal for me. But probably perfect for righties who don't mind holding the Reader midway along the edge.

[AJ Starr]

Originally Posted by FizzyWater

Y'know, maybe it's because I'm a lefty, but I thought the Sony PRS500 was fine. I tend to hold the reader at the bottom left-hand corner, so everything - including the 10 selection buttons - was within comfortable reach.

I bought a CyBook, and while I can learn to hold it with the right hand, pressing the button requires more force and doesn't always respond (doesn't respond if the light is unlit). That bothers me lots more than the navigation (which I'll agree is not ideal).

I gave up on it and upgraded to a Sony PRS505, just for the brighter screen and faster screen changes. The button placement still works okay for me, but since I hold the Reader at the bottom, if I want to use the selection keys, I have to let go of the Reader and reach up to the side of the reader. Not optimal for me. But probably perfect for righties who don't mind holding the Reader midway along the edge.

I'm with you. Though I'm right handed, I prefer to hold my book, and reader, with my left hand and wish the button was right under my left thumb.

With holding it in the left hand, my right hand is free for other buttons or tasks.

-Alyson

[jobin007007]

How long does it take for a Ebook reader device company to adapt to a new technology and come out with their own model?

The reason I am asking is that I know that Epson and Nemptronix(spelled wrong)
have come out with new technology for EINK that has really fast page refresh+other stuff. I think i read somewhere that they are going to provide samples(or atleast epson) to manufacturer companies in June or July.

How long would this take to came around to production?

How long did it take Iliad to come out after the EINK reader device samples became available? How about SONY reader and CYGEN?

Can anybody clarify? Anybody know the answer to this one?

[delphidb96]

Originally Posted by jobin007007

How long does it take for a Ebook reader company to adapt to a new technology and come out with their own model?

The reason I am asking is that I know that Epson and Nemptronix(spelled wrong)
have come out with new technology for EINK that has really fast page refresh+other stuff. I think i read somewhere that they are going to provide samples(or atleast epson) to manufacturer companies in June or July.

How long would this take to came around to production?

How long did it take Iliad to come out after the EINK reader samples became available? How about SONY reader and CYGEN?

Can anybody clarify? Anybody know the answer to this one?

It can be a very "indefinite" process. First, Epson has to make the 'samples' delivery date of June (or July - see, we've already built in a minimum of one month of "wiggle" time). Then those companies receiving the samples have to figure out how to get them to work with the hardware. (Oops! A fumble-fingered idiot just "toasted" one company's sample and Epson, not realizing this would happen, doesn't expect to have further samples ready for another three-to-six months.) And then we must add in design delays caused by the potential need for a new controller chip - one which doesn't fit the current SBC (single-board computer) that all the major players use - which means going *back* to the SBC manufacturer and having a *NEW* SBC designed that replaces the old with the new. (That could take between a month and half-a-year.) BTW, did we mention that - just to simulate reality - the controller chips from the first two runs had a small, but significant, flaw which means waiting another two months for the revised controller chip?

Then there's the fact that even with all these bugs eliminated, Epson hasn't managed to ramp up production - so the device manufacturers won't have enough supply for more than a few thousand ebook readers at a time? This might last for another year.

And to add to all that, the software has to be updated to take advantage of the new features. Can you say "firmware updates"? I knew you could.

During all this time, Sony, Bookeen, Astak, iRex and Amazon have to keep selling current-generation readers in order to generate revenue - they can't be laying off staff because their money ran out - so that means only a few people can be dedicated to the new generation reader.

It might take as long as two years for the new e-paper to reach the market. Or as little as 6 months. I'd not want to have to cover a bet on the 6-month end.

Derek

[sherryk_us]

No need to be witty at the expense of the one-handed! Some of us are handicapped and really appreciate the one-handed feature. For me, it's the main reason I use my ebookwise. Ever try holding a paper book AND turning pages one-handed? It can be done, but it's tricky.

Just saying.

Sherry

Sherry

[jessTay]

I've been following the astak thread and I can not access the websites with the astak specs.. is this just a problem for me or have the websites been taken down?

[emellaich]

Originally Posted by jessTay

I've been following the astak thread and I can not access the websites with the astak specs.. is this just a problem for me or have the websites been taken down?

Have you tried:
http://www.mobiebook.com/