eMonitor

[MrPLD]

Hi folks, dipping my toe in to this thread.

I'm a programmer (C, *nix systems) and electronics engineer and I need to get an eInk display setup for my Linux system so my wife can get back to doing what she loves ... writing books ( vision issues mean that using normal PC screens is problematic due to the light emissions ).

Was looking at various 9"+, though preferrably 13"+ eInk display options.

[knc1]

Originally Posted by MrPLD

Hi folks, dipping my toe in to this thread.

I'm a programmer (C, *nix systems) and electronics engineer and I need to get an eInk display setup for my Linux system so my wife can get back to doing what she loves ... writing books ( vision issues mean that using normal PC screens is problematic due to the light emissions ).

Was looking at various 9"+, though preferrably 13"+ eInk display options.

This thread has been here for awhile now -
But I did just skim through it again . . . .

Most of the users posting here seemed mostly interested in "motion" display -
Not a major concern with word processing (other than a 'slow' mouse response).

The DX and DXG model Kindles have screens at the low end of your desired range -
But I didn't notice any that tried it on either of those devices (I may have missed it).

I do not write 'books' - but I do write a lot of things (other than these 6,000 posts - yeah, I do have a life) . . . .
When I write, I like to have a lot of screen real estate - so I can see at least a few paragraphs of context before the current position.

I don't know what your wife's preferences are in this area, but for me, a 9" DX/DXG screen would not be enough "context area" for my liking.
(On the other hand, I have heard of people who write novels on 3x5 index cards. This is a hard to define "personal preference" area.)

Even the used DX / DXG devices are still among the most expensive Kindle e-ink devices.
These devices have a low (compared to newer models) processor power.
**AND** no wifi on these devices.

There are such things as electric (well, electronic) typewriters that have most of the features of a word processor along with a line (or a few lines) of display "preview".

This would leave the "context area" actually printed with ink on bright white paper - -
Perhaps one could be found that uses an e-ink display as the "preview" panel.
**OR** maybe you could cobble together a combination of a Kindle (for the preview) and the word processing typewriter.

There are (or where) e-book readers that used two (2) 9" screens -
Not Kindles, some other manufacturer.
That might give enough "context area" for word processing.

- - - -

I don't think Geekmaster has ever had a chance to finish his 8x8 (64 Kindle) "e-ink wall".

But using more than one might have possibilities.

[MrPLD]

knc1, thanks for the executive summary

The DX is a bit small on area, and I agree, having as much realestate as possible is preferred. I've been eyeballing the latest 13.3" Mobius eInk display, which is the one that the new SONY device uses, however thus far I cannot locate any controller board. Closest I've found is one that was put up for an Indiegogo project by RockTheInk.

Refresh, as you've stated isn't a huge concern, 2~4fps is more than ample.

I've looked at larger mroe traditional displays and the best I've located is a
10.2" soon-to-arrive unit http://www.pervasivedisplays.com/kits/pdi-demo-kit#tab2 - but as yet no word back from them about pricing or availability.

Another option I was considering was modifying existing LCD panels to improve on the backlights, though that's really a more desperate pitch, and I see companies like BenQ are offering Low Blue light, No Flicker displays for only $599 in 27" size with 2560x resolution.

[wildcolor]

Please do let me know if get one working. I may persuade my boss to buy a few.

Originally Posted by MagnusW

I am an entrepreneur that is currently developing a dedicated e-ink external monitor that is easy to use and dedicated to being the best possible monitor solution (not an e-reader). I am reaching out to people who seem interested in a product like this.

I would love to hear your thoughts on how you personally would like such a product to work. At this point in my development your input could become real-world features. Hit me with comment and we could have a talk!

Best,
- Magnus


PS: I'm posting on a couple of threads like this, sorry if some of you might see this message other places as well.

[MagnusW]

Hi guys,

Thanks for sharing a little more info!

To add some stats to the equation, the biggest commercially available e-ink screen is the 13.3" @ 1600x1200. The refresh rate is about 10 fps for black/white and 2-4 fps for greyscale.

A screen unit would most likely cost between $500-$700 depending on specs. The main cost driver is the screen itself which is very expensive (the cost does not scale 1:1 with size).

Any thoughts on this?

- Magnus

[PoisonWolf]

Hi guys,

I just discovered this nifty little python code and I must say that I am thoroughly impressed!

With that said, I'm realizing that the 800x600 resolution of my Nook Simple Touch is rather limiting. I was wondering if it's possible to have two instances of the script running for DIFFERENT sectors of the screen?

Would python be able to keep up with the constant refreshing and uploading of the images?

[MrPLD]

I've considered a 2 or 4 segment unit ( 1200x800, or 1600x1200 ) but the panels still have a significant physical non-active edge on them.

[PoisonWolf]

Originally Posted by MrPLD

I've considered a 2 or 4 segment unit ( 1200x800, or 1600x1200 ) but the panels still have a significant physical non-active edge on them.

Ah. But have you ever tried it? I'm just really curious to know if it indeed functional that way. The borders themselves don't really bother me.

[MrPLD]

Originally Posted by PoisonWolf

Ah. But have you ever tried it? I'm just really curious to know if it indeed functional that way. The borders themselves don't really bother me.

Haven't tried it myself, no. I imagine though that a bit of hackery of the VNC server software source code might yield desirable results ( biggest bottleneck might be the USB or wifi link ).

... just need to get a few displays now ( though in honesty, I'm trying to see if the SONY 13.3" will do the trick... and I've also contacted another place that might be offering a 9.7" kit.

[knc1]

Originally Posted by MrPLD

Haven't tried it myself, no. I imagine though that a bit of hackery of the VNC server software source code might yield desirable results ( biggest bottleneck might be the USB or wifi link ).
- - - -

Server software source code should not need diddling -
Let it send the entire screen dimensions.

X11 can split the stream into multiple panels (it has a "wall" function).

[PoisonWolf]

After much difficulty in tracking down a second Nook, I was finally able to get it going with this simple script provided in the OP!

Hurray!

[MrPLD]

Any new news around here?

I'm chasing up various developers to see if anyone is offering a 13.3" driver board

[codehimn]

#Version 6 modified by Codehimn for PapweWhitte (17-04-2015)
#Updated to = Python 3.4
#Tested on Windows 8.1 x64, Python 3.4, wxPython_Phoenix-3.0.3

[phoenix512]

Originally Posted by codehimn

#Version 6 modified by Codehimn for PapweWhitte (17-04-2015)
#Updated to = Python 3.4
#Tested on Windows 8.1 x64, Python 3.4, wxPython_Phoenix-3.0.3

I tried to use the trick with Python 3.6, but it produces errors. Do you think your version work with the latest version of Python?

[phoenix512]

I used python 2.7 and it works. however, the kindle doesn't get refreshed automatically! it's an still image. i have to refresh the page manually and takes time.
That is how this tool works!?