In fact, the more I think about it, if, other than the screen difference that Jane pointed out, these devices function basically as a UMPC, I just might be able to live with needing a booklight. Every single problem I have ever had with any of my PDAs involved connecting/synching them to a PC. So, a low priced device that would allow direct download (assuming I can also load MSReader), is sounding VERY attractive to me.

And I’ve had two different handhelds—the iPaq and the Palm—and could never get PDF to work properly on either, so I’m PDF shy. For somebody like me, who doesn’t have the technical know-how to “crack” a book, that would be a dealbreaker.

I also wouldn’t spend more than fifty bucks on any reader that isn’t backlit, but that might just be me.

The difference would be in the screen. The eink screen is flat in its visual aspect and does not flicker (except when you turn the page).

Jane, maybe I’m missing it, but do you know if these Astak devices are backlit? Honestly, I really wouldn’t have much use for a device that I couldn’t read in the dark.

The fact that Windows CE is available as an OS makes me think of them as more of a UMPC, but since they don’t refer to them that way, and the fact that the price is so low, has me wondering what the difference is between these devices and a Windows Mobile PDA or a Windows based UMPC.

Some may not want to be forced to convert their purchased books into a TXT, PDF, RTF, HTML/CHM format so they can read them. In other words, ripping the copyright protection via a program of dubious legality (”crack”).

Although, a lot of people with readers currently do this anyway (for instance, people who own an Ebookwise).

If Sony can attract readers using the PDF format, I would think this reader could do similar, especially if it supports a straight RTF/HTML format with no conversion. But maybe I’m unique in not seeing the lack of LIT/PRC support as a drawback. Why do you think it would be, Walt?

Some may not want to be forced to convert their purchased books into a TXT, PDF, RTF, HTML/CHM format so they can read them. In other words, ripping the copyright protection via a program of dubious legality (“crack”).

As a result, readers like the Astek may not sell well at first.

Where can a person see/hold/experience one of these gadgets in real life? I have asked at numerous large and small electronics stores in my area (Charlotte, North Carolina) and they are never stocked.

I think this might be a device I would enjoy using but it’s much too large an investment without having first seen it in person.

David Rothman | teleread.org