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E-ink is special because it has basically no downsides when compared to paper. This makes it perfect for reading regular black and white books and for the vast

E-ink is special because it has basically no downsides when compared to paper. This makes it perfect for reading regular black and white books and for the vast majority of readers it's all they need. As soon as you try to do more, there are tradeoffs, like with anything else. I've never found a screen to be anywhere near as good as paper for writing (unless it comes with a keyboard, but even then it's not as good for drawing pictures etc). So it's just another device that might work for you, but might not. I can't see it replacing eink unless it has literally no downsides (including cost).

carlosjobim 2y ago
It has some downsides compared to paper: 1. White paper is significantly whiter than white e-ink 2. Black ink is significantly darker than black e-ink 3. Large A4-size e-ink displays are expensive 4. Large e-ink displays are sensitive and can break, you have to handle with a lot of care But otherwise there are tremendous advantages over paper. And with a textured screen cover, writing on e-ink is just as comfortable as writing on paper.
- globular-toast 2y ago
  I should have been more specific. I think it has (virtually) no downsides compared to a standard paperback book. I very much enjoy high quality and larger scale printing that is certainly not achievable on any screen, including e-ink. Also, when it comes to textbooks and references, books are simply a better technology than screens, in my opinion. But, again, this isn't specific to e-ink. I haven't tried writing on e-ink. Is it better than the most expensive Apple tablets? Any time I've tried the lag is noticeable and I can't stand it.
  - carlosjobim 2y ago
    Writing on recent e-ink tablets is like writing on paper. The lag is difficult to notice. I don't know how it compares to Apple tablets.
    - globular-toast 2y ago
      Which device(s) in particular? I'll try to find one to try it. Most electronics retailers tend to be displaying the Apple type stuff and the copycats. I assumed it was representative of screens in general.
      - carlosjobim 2y ago
        Try the Onyx Boox X or Tab. But you will probably only find them to buy online.

carlosjobim 2y ago

It has some downsides compared to paper: 1. White paper is significantly whiter than white e-ink 2. Black ink is significantly darker than black e-ink 3. Large A4-size e-ink displays are expensive 4. Large e-ink displays are sensitive and can break, you have to handle with a lot of care But otherwise there are tremendous advantages over paper. And with a textured screen cover, writing on e-ink is just as comfortable as writing on paper.

globular-toast 2y ago
I should have been more specific. I think it has (virtually) no downsides compared to a standard paperback book. I very much enjoy high quality and larger scale printing that is certainly not achievable on any screen, including e-ink. Also, when it comes to textbooks and references, books are simply a better technology than screens, in my opinion. But, again, this isn't specific to e-ink. I haven't tried writing on e-ink. Is it better than the most expensive Apple tablets? Any time I've tried the lag is noticeable and I can't stand it.
- carlosjobim 2y ago
  Writing on recent e-ink tablets is like writing on paper. The lag is difficult to notice. I don't know how it compares to Apple tablets.
  - globular-toast 2y ago
    Which device(s) in particular? I'll try to find one to try it. Most electronics retailers tend to be displaying the Apple type stuff and the copycats. I assumed it was representative of screens in general.
    - carlosjobim 2y ago
      Try the Onyx Boox X or Tab. But you will probably only find them to buy online.