A Pixel Qi screen would make iPad the ultimate eBook reader

[MikeyTree]

I'm hoping that the next generation of iPads uses Pixel Qi's dual-mode screen. The screens work like a regular LCD, but also have a passive mode that is as power-saving and easy on the eyes as e-Ink screens.

The technology is too new to include in the 1st gen iPads, since there's no way Pixel Qi could ramp up production quick enough to meet Apple's demands. But hopefully in 6 months to a year they'll be able to make enough, and Apple will use their screens in iPads.

That, plus the addition of multitasking, would make me buy it in an instant.

 

[dave1812dave]

I'm hoping that the next generation of iPads uses Pixel Qi's dual-mode screen. The screens work like a regular LCD, but also have a passive mode that is as power-saving and easy on the eyes as e-Ink screens.

The technology is too new to include in the 1st gen iPads, since there's no way Pixel Qi could ramp up production quick enough to meet Apple's demands. But hopefully in 6 months to a year they'll be able to make enough, and Apple will use their screens in iPads.

That, plus the addition of multitasking, would make me buy it in an instant.

+1 NOW YOU'RE TALKING! Send a memo to Steveo.

 

[cube]

No, the Pixel Qi is only black and white in reflective mode.

Here are better candidates:

- Liquavista (electrowetting) [but still no backlight mode for color versions]
- Mirasol (IMOD) [no backlight]

 

[MikeyTree]

No, the Pixel Qi is only black and white in reflective mode.

Here are better candidates:

- Liquavista (electrowetting) [but still no backlight mode for color versions]
- Mirasol (IMOD) [no backlight]

I don't need color when reading a book.

Both of those options would be fine, if they could be made with backlights. I don't think Steve would sacrifice the bright shiny screen or bright video playback, just to have a reflective mode.

 

[awesomedeluxe]

A Pixel Qi screen would make iPad the ultimate eBook reader
I'm hoping that the next generation of iPads uses Pixel Qi's dual-mode screen. The screens work like a regular LCD, but also have a passive mode that is as power-saving and easy on the eyes as e-Ink screens.

The technology is too new to include in the 1st gen iPads, since there's no way Pixel Qi could ramp up production quick enough to meet Apple's demands. But hopefully in 6 months to a year they'll be able to make enough, and Apple will use their screens in iPads.

That, plus the addition of multitasking, would make me buy it in an instant.

Same two things I'm looking for. One problem with the current ones, though--viewing angle isn't so hot, and that's a big selling point for the new iPad.

No, the Pixel Qi is only black and white in reflective mode.

Here are better candidates:

- Liquavista (electrowetting) [but still no backlight mode for color versions]
- Mirasol (IMOD) [no backlight]

I agree to the extent that I would prefer both of those for a tablet, but it's because what I want would have ebooks as a higher priority than movies or games. But for Apple I think it's the other way around; I think they would prefer the Pixel Qi with a better LCD.

Here's an okay article comparing Mirasol and Liquavista. Some rumblings from engadget that Mirasol might make it into the kindle. Although Liquavista seems like the best tech, its future seems a lot less certain.

 

[cube]

I don't need color when reading a book.

There are many books with graphics, and then there are magazines and newspapers.

 

[dave1812dave]

There are many books with graphics, and then there are magazines and newspapers.

which is why a kindle is a no-go for me, at ANY price. besides, the e-ink screens they use is way too low in contrast. I don't know why people rave about them--I've seen plenty of models of readers and to me they all SUCK.

 

[zelmo]

which is why a kindle is a no-go for me, at ANY price. besides, the e-ink screens they use is way too low in contrast. I don't know why people rave about them--I've seen plenty of models of readers and to me they all SUCK.

I got my wife a Kindle and I must say that when I first saw the display I thought there wasn't enough contrast.
However, I was dead @$$ wrong. The contrast is really great once you get over that initial impression that the background isn't light enough. I'm 48 now, and even a nice hardback book gives me eyestrain after 45min to an hour. I can read the Kindle for a couple of hours and not feel any fatigue at all.

I was worried about how Apple would merge the glossy bright media display needed for video and such with the minimal/total lack of backlighting preferred for eReaders. I was poised to buy the tablet immediately, but now I'll have to fight the crowds to get time with one in a Apple Store to determine how much control there is over the contrast and brightness to make the screen more eBook friendly. I imagine that if Apple had done something to account for this, like a custom setting, they would have mentioned it yesterday.

That and the lack of multi-tasking have me wondering. If the display works okay for books and the UI is truly as 'magical' (gag!) as they gushed, the multi-tasking thing will still piss me off but it won't prevent me from picking one up - most likely the 32GB with 3G. That will make a nice hand me down for the wife when rev2 comes out.

 

[dave1812dave]

I got my wife a Kindle and I must say that when I first saw the display I thought there wasn't enough contrast.
However, I was dead @$$ wrong. The contrast is really great once you get over that initial impression that the background isn't light enough. I'm 48 now, and even a nice hardback book gives me eyestrain after 45min to an hour. I can read the Kindle for a couple of hours and not feel any fatigue at all.

I was worried about how Apple would merge the glossy bright media display needed for video and such with the minimal/total lack of backlighting preferred for eReaders. I was poised to buy the tablet immediately, but now I'll have to fight the crowds to get time with one in a Apple Store to determine how much control there is over the contrast and brightness to make the screen more eBook friendly. I imagine that if Apple had done something to account for this, like a custom setting, they would have mentioned it yesterday.

That and the lack of multi-tasking have me wondering. If the display works okay for books and the UI is truly as 'magical' (gag!) as they gushed, the multi-tasking thing will still piss me off but it won't prevent me from picking one up - most likely the 32GB with 3G. That will make a nice hand me down for the wife when rev2 comes out.

That's interesting that you "grew to like" the low contrast screen. I could point you to TONS of postings by Kindlers who have complained vociferously about the low contrast screen on the Kindle forums. I don't doubt that you like the screen, but it IS an issue for many people, including those who bought it sight unseen, online.

 

[zelmo]

That's interesting that you "grew to like" the low contrast screen. I could point you to TONS of postings by Kindlers who have complained vociferously about the low contrast screen on the Kindle forums. I don't doubt that you like the screen, but it IS an issue for many people, including those who bought it sight unseen, online.

??? Why attribute the statement "grew to like" when I didn't post it or imply anything of the kind? I said my initial impression was that the background seemed darker than expected. The entire adjustment period was less than the time it took me to read your completely misleading and misquoting post.
I have no complaint with you or anyone else who says the Kindle or typical eReader screen is took dark or isn't backlit. Why do you need to re-characterize my stated view as though the screen was something I learned to overcome in time?
I have no doubt that there are many who have an issue with the screen. I'm sure they are far outweighed by the number of very happy Kindle owners out there who are too busy reading to bother posting.
"...sight unseen, online." I agree, wishing there was an easy way to get in front of one without purchasing it or using the amazon forums to meet up with a Kindle owner at some library or coffee house like you're having an illicit affair. Fortunately, Amazon offers (they did when I got ours) a 100% money back (incl. all shipping) 30 day return policy, no questions asked.
Anyone who wants to try one can buy one and choose to return it without a cent out of pocket other than driving the package back to UPS. About the same $$ and time invested in a trip to Best Buy to look at a Sony eReader.
Anyone who hates it should have sent it back, and have darn little to complain about.

 

[MikeyTree]

The contrast is really great once you get over that initial impression that the background isn't light enough. I'm 48 now, and even a nice hardback book gives me eyestrain after 45min to an hour. I can read the Kindle for a couple of hours and not feel any fatigue at all.

Do you change the font size on the Kindle? Having to squint to read, even a little bit, can cause eyestrain.

That's the best thing about ebooks, IMO: every book you read can be a large print book, if you want.

 

[bobob]

A screen with the best display technology from a decade in the future would make iPad the supreme transcendent climactic super ultimate eBook reader...