The leading provider of consumer electronics as well as home and business security solutions, Astak Inc. has officially announced the launch of its new thin, portable 5-inch eBook reader – EZ Reader Pocket PRO, which incorporates Adobe Digital Editions firmware that enables users to read both public-domain titles and copyright-protected PDF documents on the eBook reader, aiming to provide a strong contender against Amazon’s Kindle.

astak 5-inch ez reader

“We are very excited because the Pocket PRO will give customers greatest freedom of choice. Whether it’s classic titles or new releases, the customer can finally read it all on one device,” said Walter Shan, project director for Astak’s eBook Reader Department.

Features of Astak’s EZ Reader Pocket PRO:

  • 400 MHz processor, 512MB of memory and internal Epson controller
  • 5-inch 8-level grayscale E-ink screen with 600 x 800 pixel resolution
  • Supports more than 20 DRM-free formats
  • PDF reflow improves the readability of documents
  • Text-to-speech functio reads documents aloud
  • Replaceable battery lasts up to 8,000 page turns on a single charge
  • SDHC card slot supports up to 16GB of capacity
  • Ability to play MP3 music files while reading
  • 3 or more font sizes
  • Available in 6 different colors

The new compact and lightweight Astak 5″ Pocket PRO eBook Reader that measures 6”(L) x 4.1”(W) x 0.4”(H) and weights in at 6 ounces is slated to be available by the end of August 2009 for around $200.