Astri's dualscreen Android E Ink MID looks and acts like a knockoff

We've never heard of Astri before, but it sure seems to be one ambitious company. We figure it's got to take real ambition to create a pocketable dualscreen device with not just one non-working touchscreen, but two! In theory, the Marvell-powered MID or My Interactive Device (not to be confused with Mobile Internet Devices) runs Android on its 4.8-inch LCD touchscreen, while its neighboring 5-inch E Ink Wacom-enabled touchscreen is meant for reading and taking notes. The concept is similar to the much-more-polished Entourage Edge, or even Spring Design's Alex, though we have no idea if Astri intends the two displays to communicate with one another. We'll be siding with those alternatives until Astri can work out its many issues, though we do like the idea of the more portable e-reading device. Oh, and please don't miss one of the most abusive hands-on videos ever after the break.

[PATRICKmcnicholl Posted Jan 18th 2010 2:31PM]

Think about it this way, If you cut it in half, you get an e-reader and an andriod tablet. Issue solved

[gargle Posted Jan 18th 2010 2:41PM]

@PATRICKmcnicholl it's looking pretty good.. it's pretty much a nook that's actually shaped like a book!.. nook dook

[oldpass56 Posted Jan 18th 2010 2:32PM]

fantastic, in depth hands on...
take notes engadget...

[PATRICKmcnicholl Posted Jan 18th 2010 2:35PM]

Where are you getting this oversized iPod touch bs from? Don't tell me your one of those loosers who believe every rumour they hear about the new Apple device as we know nothing about it. Oh wait, "oversized iPod touch -> trash" "android - > talk" you ARE one of those people

[LAY Posted Jan 18th 2010 2:53PM]

look for a new model next year.

Astari 2600

[possum5 Posted Jan 18th 2010 2:54PM]

example of why I won't buy an e-reader...
it will be a plastic paperweight at the bottom of your sock drawer in less than 12 months. too much going on with these... they'll just merge into our cell.lap.net.desktop.commu-ni-tanement thing and dissapear

[KidDynamic Posted Jan 18th 2010 5:25PM]

@possum5 If a device stays useful for 12 months before ending up in a drawer, I'd call that a success...

[RabidAppleFanboi Posted Jan 18th 2010 3:44PM]

Microsoft Courier anybody? Knockoff of a knockoff?

[thehumble1 Posted Jan 29th 2010 4:59PM]

@RabidAppleFanboi Courier is going to have e-ink? not in the mockups I've seen. Confusing e-ink with LCD makes it seem like you don't read. If the Courier uses PixelQi tech, then it might give a dual screen e-reader a run, but while this doesn't suit everyone, for people that have been waiting to get their hands on e-ink but without dedicating a device to only print media, these are great.

[russtang Posted Jan 18th 2010 4:44PM]

"...the Marvel-powered MID or My Interactive Device (not to be confused with Mobile Internet Devices)"

Actually, that should read "Marvell-powered MID" (not to be confused with the comic book publisher).

[DaveP1 Posted Jan 18th 2010 7:04PM]

Astri is actually ASTRI - the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited. They appear to be strictly an R&D group and this is likely a reference design in search of a manufacturer.

[Willuknight Posted Jan 18th 2010 7:22PM]

I'm not sure what an arse tree is, or why I'd like to read one.

[nickmgray Posted Jan 18th 2010 10:03PM]

Not sure why you guys think that the screen don't work properly. I got a few minutes of hands-on time with the device at CES (I think you guys did too). Touch screen works just fine, the processor may be a little underpowered so Android runs slow, but the thing works great. They have a book manager on Android which pulls up the ebook on the e-ink display. check out this short video http://www.youtube.com/releasenetworks#p/a/u/0/g3E8IJNnuhg

[yrag Posted Jan 19th 2010 2:40AM]

Hey— Borat's wacky tech nerd brother is BACK, with his usual smooth, focused and oh so concise review!

I love this guy.

It's a pleasure to see a master at work!

[john2 chan Posted Jan 19th 2010 9:07AM]

It is horrible device, who want to bring ebook + android computer device out. Too heavy