Any info about A9 model?

[Chiron]

Ok, we are getting close to March (rumored street date for the A9 model from Jinke) any info from Astak if they are gona sell it in US?

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by Chiron

Ok, we are getting close to March (rumored street date for the A9 model from Jinke) any info from Astak if they are gona sell it in US?

Dear Chiron:

We KNOW we want to sell a 9 inch eBook Reader. I think the A9 is outstanding and we are planning on it.

BUT... my Product Manager tells me: "Bob, you'll have it WHEN we have it". This is because we almost lost selling the Pocket PRO because I opened my big mouth months before it came out. The factory almost GRILLED the Astak CEO over hot coals over that. The factory wants NOT a blessed word about it until we are stocked and ready to sell.

Trust me... I LOVE giving out info. I particularly want a 9 inch to sell! But I cannot say anything yet as they have told us to "shut up"!

Yes, at least twice a week, I would like to tie the Product Manager to a pole and beat more info out of him! But there is a lot more to bringing out a new product than just receiving it. We have to BUY the units 100% up front and yet we cannot overstock either. So, I know the pressure he has.

[shadowboxer47]

Originally Posted by Robertb

We have to BUY the units 100% up front and yet we cannot overstock either. So, I know the pressure he has.

Do not make excuses, Robert!

He is the enemy!

Make him speak!

[scheichxodox]

So I understand you're not allowed to talk about the release date but maybe you could offer some more details? How about the screen substrate? Will it be based on glass or plastic? I'm a little confused here. The Sipix HP says they produce plastic screens and somewhere in this forum I read that the first Sipix screens will be based on glass substrate. So which one is true?

Thanks in advance for your answer.

Greetz

Scheich Xodox

[rhadin]

I am intersted in the 9 inch and have been holding off updating my Sony 505. Robert, here is what I would like to know: If I order a 9 inch when you have them available, is it returnable within a certain period in case I find it is not what I want? I ask because as far as I know, I have to buy an Astak device directly from Astak.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by rhadin

I am intersted in the 9 inch and have been holding off updating my Sony 505. Robert, here is what I would like to know: If I order a 9 inch when you have them available, is it returnable within a certain period in case I find it is not what I want? I ask because as far as I know, I have to buy an Astak device directly from Astak.

Dear rhadin:

The problem is IF we allowed a return within say one month of buying... the device is used! I cannot sell it to anybody else as new. So, I may have to sell through eBay as refurbed at half the price or something.

We would HOPE that the 9 inch will be in Retail Stores. We are trying. The problem is margin. While Astak can live with making $12-$18 on what we sell, the retail stores want 18-32% automatic mark-up. That would make it great for the end user to try before he buys... but also mean a sky-high cost.

IF you knew how little we make on the Pocket PRO, for example, you would think we were nuts.

Your BEST bet might be to go to CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas in January. I can get you a free pass. There you can play all day with our models.

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by scheichxodox

So I understand you're not allowed to talk about the release date but maybe you could offer some more details? How about the screen substrate? Will it be based on glass or plastic? I'm a little confused here. The Sipix HP says they produce plastic screens and somewhere in this forum I read that the first Sipix screens will be based on glass substrate. So which one is true?

Thanks in advance for your answer.

Greetz

Scheich Xodox

Dear Scheich:

Very hard question. SO much depends on our testing. I would clearly imagine it would very likely be plastic Sipix as the 9 inch and above is prone to screen cracking if glass. We are looking at SO many avenues right now. We do not exactly LIKE making $12 margin on the devices we sell. BUT... some factories just will NOT lower the price. This is because they can sell all they make into Russia at almost any price. Astak can say "BUT this is the American market" and they say... "who needs it... too much competition and bother". Other firms are not like that an WANT a major imprint in North America.

It is all still shaking out! There is no answer YET! Thge A9 is wonderful to sell; BUT not if the cost to us makes it too high for you to buy!

[tsiwt]

I would clearly imagine it would very likely be plastic Sipix as the 9 inch and above is prone to screen cracking if glass.

so I guess this means that it's not going to be out in March since you still have to solve problems and make decisions, bummer.

[rhadin]

Originally Posted by Robertb

The problem is IF we allowed a return within say one month of buying... the device is used! I cannot sell it to anybody else as new. So, I may have to sell through eBay as refurbed at half the price or something.

Thanks, Robert, for the response. The problem with trying them in retail stores is that they rarely let you really try a model and none of your current models are available in any of my local retail stores. I guess I won't be buying an Astak.

[DaleDe]

Originally Posted by tsiwt

Quote:
I would clearly imagine it would very likely be plastic Sipix as the 9 inch and above is prone to screen cracking if glass.

so I guess this means that it's not going to be out in March since you still have to solve problems and make decisions, bummer.

I am sure it will not be out in March. The CES unit had a glass backing, but was pretty rugged in that the case was solid and did not twist easily. It is torque and twisting that often breaks the glass. I wouldn't expect plastic backing in the first half of this year.

I suspect the 9" will initially be glass backed as the touch screen needs considerable rework to work with plastic. This is also true of the 6". A bit of care will be required but it should be ok I think with adequate care and a case. After all the Kindle DX is glass backed and even bigger at 9.7". It has been shipping for quite a while now.

Dale

[citac]

I've been holding off on buying an ereader device because I'd like to get a 9" one, preferably not too expensive. Will your device only be available on the American market, or to international customers as well?

[eLiNK]

Yes, at least twice a week, I would like to tie the Product Manager to a pole and beat more info out of him!

has it already borne fruit?

[Robertb]

Originally Posted by eLiNK

has it already borne fruit?

Dear All:

There are two 9 inch threads on here and I have posted a lot already on the other.

The screen will be SIPix and there was a last minute glitch found right before they went to full production. This means ALL SIPix screens will be a little delayed (not just ours).

WHY are people wanting to go to SIPix? Well, the screens appear to be bright and clear and yet they cost a bit less. As you know, PRICE is SO critical! People turn down buying a device over $9 sometimes. Definitely, a 9 inch needs to come in complete at well under $300 (IN MY OPINION). I do not know all that much... but I cannot see many people yelling "OH, my God, CHARGE ME MORE, PLEASE". There appears to be a huge difference between $299 or $309.In any case... it is largely a lower cost that is driving the SIPix craze.

WHEN we have a 9 inch or a few different 9 inch... just like all Astak product... we aim to sell them in retail stores and online in North America; but fill individual orders from all over the globe. We also pray to God that we can get into Australian Retail Stores. The way I have tried to point this company is to be CUSTOMER-ORIENTED! Now, my arch nemesis, our evil Product Manager (a man of dumb vision and anal-retentive, but a good friend of mine) may argue... but I want us to always keep people ordering Astak eBook Readers from all over the world.

[erosco]

Here here, let me know when the pre-orders are ready!!