3 ms·

The honest answer: "Because this is what people are willing to pay!"

• krschultz 17y ago
  Actually working at a company that designs similiar devices the real answer is: e-ink is crazy expensive. You can buy a 24" lcd screen for the price of a 9" e-ink display. It was impossible for us to match the Kindle's price because they are getting a relatively good deal on the technology compared to the average company.
  • sireat 17y ago
    Agreed, the biggest factor holding up the price is the display, no question about it. When we can get alternative e-ink manufacturers, the price will drop. I looked into developing an e-ink reader, but the developing kit is/was around $3500, enough to keep out hobbyists at this moment.
    • proee 17y ago
      Yes, I think the main reason they are charging 3.5k is to keep the hobby crowd away from the technology. They (eink) does not want to deal with you unless you have serious plans to develop a mass market product. I decided to call up PVI directly (a fun experience since they answered the phone in a foreign language) and they were willing to sell me 6" displays for around $85 in low quantities. For hobby related projects, the best bet is to use kent display's CHLCD modules which are similar to a LCD but with bistable pixels. The display driver is also integrated so much easier to interface with.
      • ph0rque 17y ago
        Hopefully, Pixel Qi's displays (and dev kits) will be available on digikey soon after they ramp up, as well.