Astak announces 5 inch Pocket PRO for $199

[catsittingstill]

I'm looking forward to site test day too. If possible, if Robertb could let us know a few days in advance when The Day will be, that would improve my chances of being able to participate.

[basschick]

now pleased or not pleased?

Originally Posted by Robertb

It is never easy doing this stuff. Sometimes the factory squawks if we sell too low as it hurts other terirtories. We are hammering out with the factory now but still say $199-$209 is right. Astak now too pleased that I shot my mouth off so early on price... but agrees we need to bring this one in as said.

[junkyardwillie]

I think the $199 price point sounds very nice, if it supports Adobe DE then I'm considering picking one up. My Iliad is sweet for the PDFs that I have but I want something smaller regular book reading. Good stuff

[etherspin]

Originally Posted by brecklundin

may the gawds save us from the genocide waged on plants by these the "vicious" vegan/veggies....



But a valid comment. But I, for one, an not willing to have the cost of a device increase to cater to your wishes in this area. By asking for two covers supply issues come into play. And to be honest, synthetic covers are far more damaging environmentally than leather. If properly cared for, nothing wears and lasts like leather. There are pretty much no synthetic materials that could be used for this application that will last more than a year or so...I guess my question is, what are we gaining?

Now if the devices with the non-leather covers cost more, enough to cover any lost volume discounts for the currently offered leather covers then hey, cool...go ahead and pay $25 more for the device in order to support your beliefs. Don't expect others to do the same in this case.

No one quoted enviromental issues but hey,if you think the thousands of gallons of extra water needed to grow an animal skin not to mention the electricity and fuel expended and chemicals to treat /tan the skin outweigh the synthetic nature of other covers, by all means hug that tree.

and I know of materials that do in fact wear as well as leather , Lorica for example. (twelve year old shoes that look almost new)

the only problem i have with leather is ethical, and ill state the case for non leather covers and not buy a device supplied with a leather cover,
I wouldnt buy a cover made of your skin , a dog skin or a cows skin, its consistency not lunacy.

I've just seen that you said it was a valid comment - thats good,as for what is to be gained, for someone happy using leather,potentially nothing unless they use a really good leather alternative (we use lorica to make stuff - lots of good colours available).

[Robertb]

Dear All:

The first two samples will arrive today. I know you have seen other pictures but I will try to show more detail in mine.

Also, when I get the two samples I will post to my blog (www.robertbEZ.blogspot.com) with my initial impressions (hopefully today).

[manifestor]

hmm...a bit small for reading PDF files in landscape mode. The 6-inch EZ reader is pretty good in this regard.

And have they upgraded the CPU? The Samsung 200mhz is just a bit too slow for more complicated documents.

I'm actually looking forward to a beefed-up 6-inch EZ reader which uses a 400mhz CPU and 64MB or up system memory (not to be confused with storage memory).

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by manifestor

hmm...a bit small for reading PDF files in landscape mode. The 6-inch EZ reader is pretty good in this regard.

And have they upgraded the CPU? The Samsung 200mhz is just a bit too slow for more complicated documents.

I'm actually looking forward to a beefed-up 6-inch EZ reader which uses a 400mhz CPU and 64MB or up system memory (not to be confused with storage memory).

Dear Manifestor:

You and me both. I love what they did to beef up the Pocket PRO. That has the faster controller, Samsung Arm 9 400MHz processor, 16GB SD card slot, and more.

The obvious is to take the EZ Reader 6 inch and update it with these things. I will ask the factory. I have not heard a rumor yet; but that means little.

Dear ALL:

Someone asked if the Pocket PRO has two card slots. No, it does not. What LOOKS like an extra card slot (on each side) is really an indentation to fasten the Pocket PRO securely to its crush-resistent leather case (included). It does its job well. Trying to remove the device from the case takes a short learning curve. It is really held very fast. Ladies, watch your finger nails the first time.

[Robertb]

Dear All:

Attached are first pictures from Robert B of the Pocket PRO. Naturally, it is wearing Chinese names and characters. I tried to show the Pocket PRO next to the 6 inch for comparison.

More photo still today once I can sort them all out.

[griffonwing]

Very nice. Can't wait to preorder.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by griffonwing

Very nice. Can't wait to preorder.

Dear All:

The attached shots have short explanations of what you should note from the picture. I hope that these somehow help, like the shot of the scroll wheel.

[AJ Starr]

I'm ready to order now!!!! I want it for my birthday in July.......

Let me order............

AJ

[DaleDe]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear All:

The attached shots have short explanations of what you should note from the picture. I hope that these somehow help, like the shot of the scroll wheel.

does the scroll wheel double as a volume control? How is music volume handled on this device?

Dale

[SaraD]

Originally Posted by Robertb

We are having ONE last problem... trying to put a "messages and opinions" feature on the site. We do not know how to do that. We are open to suggestions on where we can go to acquire the software to set something like this up.

Sorry, but the only website I am aware of that has a really good Ask Us / Tell Us feature is a membership based professional training site and I'm not sure what they use. It may very well have been developed in-house, but if it is a purchased package they may be very willing to share the title. I only know it is possible to have the feature. If I may send a guest password and website information to your e-mail address I will do that, but would prefer not to post it.

[basschick]

wouldn't the easiest way simply be to install a board? vb is good but there's also a pretty good free board called phpbb which has less features than this board but does all the regular stuff fine.

Originally Posted by Robertb

We are having ONE last problem... trying to put a "messages and opinions" feature on the site. We do not know how to do that. We are open to suggestions on where we can go to acquire the software to set something like this up.

[gegkro]

What about dictionary support for this...beauty?