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One problem is the cost of these devices. The unit shown in this article sells for $1500. Another is the slow refresh rate, which is often-times fine for task
by luma 7y ago
One problem is the cost of these devices. The unit shown in this article sells for $1500. Another is the slow refresh rate, which is often-times fine for tasks like reading a large set of text (ebooks, entire newspaper sheets, etc), but might not be well suited for touchscreen use where UI elements need to react to user interactions in a timely manner. The project in the OP skips user controls altogether, meaning you can't actually read anything beyond the front page.
eInk is cool, and the technology continues to be developed, but it's still a niche solution applicable to limited use cases due to the slow refresh and high cost.
- _ph_ 7y agoWell, obviously, this price is extremely high. But the question is: why is it so high? Is there anything in the technology which makes it even more expensive than OLED technology, or is this a problem with the company, which kind of seems to work hard at preventing the technology to enter the mass market and become cheaper? And of course, I am very aware of the downsides of e-ink. Readers like the kindle are pushing as far as it is possible with respect for interactivity. But for all kind of mostly static displays, it would shine.
- magduf 7y agoBecause the volumes are low. It's the same with any technology. High volumes = low cost, and vice-versa. When the manufacturing is geared up to produce enormous volumes and there's a bunch of competitors, the final product cost will be very low. When there's only one manufacturer and it's a niche product and there's very low demand, the cost is very high.
- _ph_ 7y agoRight, I just wonder why no one tried hard to break that cycle and whenever I read about e-ink technology, I get the impression that the company behind it is not making it easy to create products with their technology.
- cs02rm0 7y agoOne suggestion I've seen is patents. Unfortunately, I think it's killing a whole corner of the market. I'd happily pay $500 for one of these but not $2k. At that price I'd struggle to not use something that has more colours and a higher refresh rate.
- AnIdiotOnTheNet 7y ago> but might not be well suited for touchscreen use where UI elements need to react to user interactions in a timely manner I feel like my phone often responds to my input a hell of a lot slower than the refresh rate of an e-ink display.