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

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by SaraD

Hi Robert B,

I just checked out the updated Mobiebook website. Very nice! And I did find your pictures and the description below them. By the way, the bottom middle picture - what are the two little silvery buttons?

Um, however, you might want to check over the current edition of a few things. It looks like a case of the right hand forgetting to tell the left hand that it made some last minute changes.

As part of the write up under the pictures it says:

Leather Carrying Case Included

Almost all other eBook Readers want you to buy your case. This can add $29-$49 to your bill. Often, the case is not terribly good and the unit can fall out of the case OR you have to remove the case to use the eBook Reader. The case we include is leather, holds the unit like a vice, the front cover is hinged and the EZ Reader can be used in the case easily, and the magnetic clasp is the ideal closure. We think this is the ideal way to protect your investment and it costs you no more.

But when you go to the "Special Promotion" page it offers two bundles:
Package contents:
‧ AC Power Adapter
‧ Stereo Earbuds
‧ Wrist Leash
‧ User’s Manual

Promotion Bundle includes:
‧ AC Power Adapter
‧ Stereo Earbuds
‧ Wrist Leash
‧ User’s Manual
‧ Carrying Leather Case X 1 with Magnetic Clasp
( Retail Price USD$19.99)
‧ Two(2) 1GB SD Card
(Retail price $12.84)
Pre-loaded with 100 Classics Titles
‧ SD Card Reader
(Retail Price USD $ 9.99)

So what happened to that included leather case? I am not seeing it with the first option? Actually I think it is really great that it is supposed to included so I hope that was not changed on you by the-powers-that-be.

This is almost enough to make me ask for one for Christmas despite my good intentions to wait for spring. The "almost" is because my kitchen has early 1970's backsplash tile & countertops that are older than me and the subfloor really needs replaced and new flooring put in. We just bought $270 in floor tile tonight (58 cents a square foot could not be passed up!). 7 years of living with it is finally too much. If I tell myself this enough times a day it helps the "I want an e-book reader now factor".

Good luck with the next round of website updates and I hope your visit with the retail chain reps in Chicago is/was fruitful.

Dear Sara:

The two silver-colored buttons in the bottom middle picture are a nice touch. Not all music plays back at exactly the same volume every time. Some songs are reccorded soft and some loud. It would be a pain to have to stop reading to go back and change the volume. So... the two silver colored buttons on the right side of the EZ Reader are "volume UP" and "volume DOWN".

Robert B

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by pilotbob

Robert you may want to fix your DNS records so that mobiebook.com works too... many people don't bother typing the www. these days.

BOb

Dear PilotBob:

Thank you! Great suggestion!! It may take a few days but will try to get the mobiebook.com up and working also!!

I appreciate the insight. We are all a little new at this and learning as we go.

For those who do not know, we are constructing our new website:www.mobiebook.com and it is close to completion. You can go there now and see pictures of the EZ Reader and a fine FAQ sheet and a lot more. Yesterday we had 40 people sign up to become members (it is free).

By the way, I have ZERO new word from Netronix on the 9.7 inch. It is still due at CES to show... but I have no further detail. They are hiring a new ramrod over there for the eBook Readers. I am awaiting that to be done so I can get a straight scoop. I will keep all posted as information does become substantive.

Robert B

[6charlong]

RobertB:

Just one question: The Mobiebook site links to downloads of ebook reading software for Mobiepocket, eReader and MS Lit ebooks. If I buy an EZReader, can I load eReader on the EZReader device and read eREader books that have DRM encryption? or is EZReader only able to display Mobiepocket ebooks formatted with DRM encryption?

I like to read classics, but I enjoy current books too so I need a reader with a format I can use and I already have a few eReader books, but I like the eReader DRM method by far the best.

[DaleDe]

Originally Posted by 6charlong

RobertB:

Just one question: The Mobiebook site links to downloads of ebook reading software for Mobiepocket, eReader and MS Lit ebooks. If I buy an EZReader, can I load eReader on the EZReader device and read eREader books that have DRM encryption? or is EZReader only able to display Mobiepocket ebooks formatted with DRM encryption?

I like to read classics, but I enjoy current books too so I need a reader with a format I can use and I already have a few eReader books, but I like the eReader DRM method by far the best.

No, there are no DRM books on the Mobiebook site by the way. EZ Reader only supports DRM on Mobi books.

DAle

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by 6charlong

I like to read classics, but I enjoy current books too so I need a reader with a format I can use and I already have a few eReader books, but I like the eReader DRM method by far the best.

The EZ Reader only supports MOBI DRM. There are currently no EInk readers that support eReader DRM.

If you like eReader, then one approach is to continue to buy from them and use ereader2html (eReader Decoder Tool) to strip the DRM. This is of questionable legality in some places, but when used to format shift ebooks you bought for personal use it is hard to see who it hurts. The resulting HTML may be readable "as is" on the EZ Reader, or it can be converted to ePub (via Calibre) or to DRM-free MOBI via Windows MobiPocket Reader (or MobiPerl's html2mobi). The best format of all on EZ Reader may be FB2, but I'm not sure what the best way to convert to this format is. Once it arrives, I intend to switch my EZ Reader to OpenInkpot (see 0.1-beta2). This supports no DRMed formats at all, but should give a consistently high level of performance on a wide range of ebook formats.

[NeweReader]

Originally Posted by 6charlong

RobertB:

Just one question: The Mobiebook site links to downloads of ebook reading software for Mobiepocket, eReader and MS Lit ebooks. If I buy an EZReader, can I load eReader on the EZReader device and read eREader books that have DRM encryption? or is EZReader only able to display Mobiepocket ebooks formatted with DRM encryption?

Hi Robert,

Does the EZ Reader come with the Mobipocket software already loaded? Or do I need to download it from your site and install it?

Also, your site states:
Format Natively Supports (Non DRM) PDF, DOC, ........, PRC

Does this mean that ebooks that I purchase from, say Mobipocket, will not work on the EZ Reader, because they are DRM? (I am just beginning to understand about DRM/Non DRM, so talk "very beginner" please)

Thanks,
NeweReader

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by NeweReader

Does this mean that ebooks that I purchase from, say Mobipocket, will not work on the EZ Reader, because they are DRM? (I am just beginning to understand about DRM/Non DRM, so talk "very beginner" please)

I'm Robert too... but not the one you were asking... but I can answer this.

The device will have a Mobipocket reader software on it already. The d/l is the PC software with which you can transfer d/l's to the device with. Of course you don't need to use this software at all.

BOb

[wallcraft]

Originally Posted by NeweReader

Does the EZ Reader come with the Mobipocket software already loaded? Or do I need to download it from your site and install it?

Also, your site states:
Format Natively Supports (Non DRM) PDF, DOC, ........, PRC

Does this mean that ebooks that I purchase from, say Mobipocket, will not work on the EZ Reader, because they are DRM?

The EZ Reader comes with MobiPocket Reader software that supports DRMed MOBI ebooks.

The way MOBI DRM works is that each device (EZ Reader, computer, PDA) has a PID, and each DRMed ebook is authorized for up to 4 PIDs (which are encoded inside the ebook file). If you want to add a new device, then you have to redownload the ebook from the seller (most allow you to do this). Once you know the PID of your EZ Reader, it is possible to do everything else via any computer and a web browser (enter the PID on the ebook seller's web site, buy and download the ebook as a .prc or .mobi file, copy the file via USB to the EZ Reader). An alternative is to use Windows Desktop MobiPocket Reader software to manage your ebooks for you. For this to work you have to download the very latest version (because EZ Reader support is new) from here. With this software, all you do is connect your EZ Reader via USB and the Desktop Reader will recognize it and you can then download updated ebooks and transfer them to the EZ Reader right from the Desktop Reader.

[nekokami]

Does anyone besides me think a tie-in with Starbucks or a similar kind of cafe chain to sell both readers and ebooks would be a cool thing? Someplace with wireless, and maybe a kiosk to browse and purchase ebooks for download to the reader? We've discussed this sort of idea in several threads previously, to much enthusiasm, but it might take a deal between a hardware vendor and a cafe chain to pull it off. What do the rest of you think?

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by DaleDe

No, there are no DRM books on the Mobiebook site by the way. EZ Reader only supports DRM on Mobi books.

DAle

Dear ALL:

THANK YOU for Dale and others answering this question very well.

Mobipocket allows ONLY Mobipocket DRM to be on any device utilizing Mobipocket. The EZ Reader is a Hanlin V3 and we are distributing this great eBook Reader in North America under the name: "EZ Reader". The EZ Reader does support Mobipocket DRM.

Our site so far has only non-DRM books... something we prefer to support. In the next week we will have photos and a direct LINK to Mobipocket DRM books for the EZ Reader on Fictionwise (this is a helpful thing where Astak simply provides a link to the hottest DRM titles) but displays them on our website. It will dress up the website and allow more "One Stop Shopping". We make nothing off this; and it is just a service to those who visit our site.

ALL of Astak follows Mobipocket rules and regulations religiously. Mobipocket is a wonderful DRM format and works very, very well. Astak does nothing that jeapordizes this relationship, as a distributor, in any way.

Robert B

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by nekokami

Does anyone besides me think a tie-in with Starbucks or a similar kind of cafe chain to sell both readers and ebooks would be a cool thing? Someplace with wireless, and maybe a kiosk to browse and purchase ebooks for download to the reader? We've discussed this sort of idea in several threads previously, to much enthusiasm, but it might take a deal between a hardware vendor and a cafe chain to pull it off. What do the rest of you think?

Dear Nekokami:

I will approach Starbucks about such a venture. Starbucks sells music and books>>> why not EZ Reader. I had thought that Starbucks may want to provide loaner EZ Readers while people are in the store to read short stories and magazines.

I think your idea is great. We have a model coming out in February (EZ READER PLUS) that will have 3G and we can start now to approach Starbucks.
I will do this! Anybody who knows the Business Development VP for Starbucks... let me know please.

Great suggestion!!

IF this works, maybe we can get you an EZ Reader Plus as a reward or something. No promises; but do want to thank you properly!

Robert B

[Lemurion]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear ALL:

THANK YOU for Dale and others answering this question very well.

Mobipocket allows ONLY Mobipocket DRM to be on any device utilizing Mobipocket. The EZ Reader is a Hanlin V3 and we are distributing this great eBook Reader in North America under the name: "EZ Reader". The EZ Reader does support Mobipocket DRM.

(snip)

ALL of Astak follows Mobipocket rules and regulations religiously. Mobipocket is a wonderful DRM format and works very, very well. Astak does nothing that jeapordizes this relationship, as a distributor, in any way.

Robert B

While I prefer Ereader DRM if DRM is required, I do use Mobi DRM and completely understand how once you've decided to go with Mobi DRM you would follow their rules.

A former supervisor of mine called it "being in integrity" and while I'm not the greatest fan of his English I do support his intentions. If you are going to do something, do it right; if only for your own self-respect.

I've seen a lot of integrity in your willingness to come out here with good news and bad.

Thanks Robert

[nekokami]

Originally Posted by Robertb

Dear Nekokami:

I will approach Starbucks about such a venture. Starbucks sells music and books>>> why not EZ Reader. I had thought that Starbucks may want to provide loaner EZ Readers while people are in the store to read short stories and magazines.

I think your idea is great. We have a model coming out in February (EZ READER PLUS) that will have 3G and we can start now to approach Starbucks.
I will do this! Anybody who knows the Business Development VP for Starbucks... let me know please.

Great suggestion!!

IF this works, maybe we can get you an EZ Reader Plus as a reward or something. No promises; but do want to thank you properly!

Robert B

Virtue is its own reward. (Not that I'd turn down a free unit, mind....)

The loaner idea is a good one. I think it would be a great way to get readers into people's hands so they can see how great the e ink screen looks. And it seems to me that since Starbucks already has wireless in all their venues (I think), a Wifi-enabled reader should be able to access an online shop. If you let Starbucks co-brand a web shop and get a percentage of the proceeds, I think they should jump at the chance. It's a way for them to make some revenue off people who sit around in their store and read.

[pkovak]

I have several questions for you, Robertb, I am not sure if you have answered some of them already, because I really haven't read all 73 pages on this, extremely popular, threat, only some of it, so I am sorry if I am asking what you answered ten times already:

First I must say I am great believer in "real world" design and testing, so my questions may be bit strange, but I think they are useful.

1) I have noticed that "Mentor's" operation temperature is between 32°~104°F (or 0°~40°C in SI). What happens when the temperature is higher or lower? Let's say I want to read while I am traveling to work, and it's winter, -10°C. What dangers I face? Sure, batteries have lower capacity in low temperatures, I don't know if this is main problem. What about the surface of the device, will it be easier to damage (scratch, more fragile, etc)?

2) Temperature again, but this time I am on summer holiday on the beach and because it's completely boring, I take out my books - means Mentor. What dangers it faces?

3) Speaking about beach, there is another aspect: how resistant it is to damage? Sand and dirt is everywhere. Water too. Paper books don't like water, but often can survive the experience. Imagine you are holding your Mentor and entering bus, suddenly someone turn and knocks your e-book out of your hand by accident, you are fortunate to pick it up before someone steps on it, but what are you holding, 400$ e-book or 400$ former e-book, now 0$ smashed hardware?

4) I have seen Illiad e-book have touchscreen too, but in the review I read it only works with packed in stylus. Does your touchscreen work with other things? Like fingers (with fingerprints all over the book as a result)?

5) Extremely important for me: I live in Czech Republic, Europe, will Mentor be available in Europe too? When? Under what name?

6) Are there any detailed views of the device? With pinpointed buttons and their functions? This could be really useful for both your potentional customers here and you, as with such detailed view, you can get very detailed responce from people here who have real life experience with existing devices and know what they would change on them to make them better. This views don't have to be photos, basic diagram is maybe even better as it is very clear and easy to read. You started really good way with the community, keep it up and get a headstart from your competition

7) From what I have seen in the manual (took me a while to find it), 6'' EZ Reader has at least 12 buttons just on the front side. I have seen an youtube review and I must say, even though the reviewer thought using EZ Reader is easy, it didn't seemed that way from the number of buttons pressed. I understand that basic functions like page turning are easy, yes.
Now, finally, to the question... with touchscreen technology, is it possible to use display keyboard / complete alphabet? And use it for page jumping, document searching, book names searching, etc? Certainly I haven't seen that much buttons on the web page http://www.astak.com/97Ebook_Reader.html , but it isn't detailed and black buttons on black device are hard to notice...

Now that was long, but fortunately it's over! Hope for your reply.

[pilotbob]

Originally Posted by pkovak

Imagine you are holding your Mentor and entering bus, suddenly someone turn and knocks your e-book out of your hand by accident, you are fortunate to pick it up before someone steps on it, but what are you holding, 400$ e-book or 400$ former e-book, now 0$ smashed hardware?

I would ask the same question about your iPod, blackberry, laptop, etc. These things do have an expectation of needing to be protected. Certainly much more than a paperback book.

My answer is "I don't want to find out". I am going to protect that thing the same way I would a laptop or cell phone.

BOb