Yet another dual screener - Page 2

Elfwreck · 10-19-2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellmark

I really don't see how they could really get a patent on having two screens on a device, there is prior work for that. Having one screen to display info, and the other (lower) screen being to control the device has one famous device that has been out for years (The DS).

Having two screens of entirely different types of hardware may be new. Certainly, combining e-ink and LCD on the same device is new.

And let me note that the ridiculousness of a patent, or its widespread use before being patented, has nothing to do with it's acceptability. Unless the clerk recognizes the tech involved, it goes through; they no longer try to figure out if a patent is a variation on an existing bit of technology. They expect lawsuits to cover that aspect.

Hellmark · 10-19-2009, 01:32 PM

My brother's girlfriend is a patent clerk, and I know she tries to research stuff first (isn't uncommon for her to call up my brother, when it is stuff of a medical nature, for advice), but there is just so much stuff they have to do, that many don't have the time to really research it.

And as far as differing types of displays justifying the patent, well, I dunno if that would be enough. Not to mention, I think I've seen something similar before (not mixing eInk and LCD, but other display techs, such as CRT and LCD). I really see no reason why this wouldn't be knocked out as invalid.

wallcraft · 10-19-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellmark

I really don't see how they could really get a patent on having two screens on a device, there is prior work for that.

The press release said:

Quote:

patented dual screen interaction technology

I think it is likely there is still prior art, but what they patented is something to do with interaction between the screens.

Hellmark · 10-19-2009, 02:10 PM

Regardless, it isn't anything new. A decent patent clerk should have tossed it.

fugazied · 10-19-2009, 06:47 PM

lol when companies release stuff like this, it is painfully obvious why companies like Apple are doing so well. Terrible design!

Despite it looking awful, I am still glad for the rate of release of these devices, the more in market the better and at the rate they are coming out, we seem to get something new every week.

Dylrob · 10-19-2009, 06:47 PM

For me the more important detail here is that it actually runs Android. That could potentially open it up to a menagerie of formats.

[EDIT] I just realized that the B&N reader also runs Android. 'Still interesting.

Oh, and this isn't the only dual screen hybrid, Android based reader announced:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/e...oversaturated/

daffy4u · 10-19-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

It looks better than the Kindle...

Seriously, are your eyes even open.

I like the black but it does not look better than the Kindle.

Jadon · 10-19-2009, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The-eBook-Reader

Alex. What kind of name is that for an ebook reader.

Well, the 'lex' in the name hints of reading, as in 'lexicon', but if I wanted to evoke that, I'd have tried 'Lexa' or 'Lexi' as a name, to put the 'lex' up front and to also make one think 'Lexus'.

Donnageddon · 10-19-2009, 07:22 PM

About time Mr Turcic had an eReader named after him!

Ervserver · 10-19-2009, 08:31 PM

R.I.P. Kindle

AlexC · 10-20-2009, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The-eBook-Reader

Even the name is hideous: Alex. What kind of name is that for an ebook reader. Not exactly catchy, is it?

On the contrary, I find the name to imply a certain je ne sais quoi, an air of sophistication, dare I say, elegance and intelligence too.

astra · 10-20-2009, 05:42 AM

Very interesting.
If it is possible to disable colour screen when reading a book (to coserve battery power and avoid general distraction), then it might be a good reader.

Syniurge · 10-20-2009, 10:41 AM

The LCD addresses eInk limitations, e.g eInk is not that great for photos, even grayscale (sidenote: I wonder if the Kindle screensavers were processed differently than images displayed in Mobi books.. more constrast or something)

But rather than having the LCD stuck to the eInk display, I would make existing handheld LCD devices such as smartphones communicate with eInk devices. One device in each hand, and a sync button to send the page displayed from one to the other.

jswinden · 10-20-2009, 11:18 AM

Rounded screen corners? Is this retro 1970's TVs? Big woo, a 3.5" color display just like my iPod touch. That is not big enough to view anything without scrolling constantly side to side. Total garbage, in my opinion.

WT Sharpe · 10-20-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slite

Agreed... it is hideous.

My Kindle is beautiful. This looks clunky.

10-19-2009, 06:47 PM	#21
Dylrob Murderous Mustela Posts: 10,141 Karma: 47366760 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: The other land of schnitzel and beer Device: iPad M1 Pro, Kindle Paperwhite	For me the more important detail here is that it actually runs Android. That could potentially open it up to a menagerie of formats. [EDIT] I just realized that the B&N reader also runs Android. 'Still interesting. Oh, and this isn't the only dual screen hybrid, Android based reader announced: http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/e...oversaturated/ Last edited by Dylrob; 10-19-2009 at 06:51 PM.

10-20-2009, 10:41 AM	#28
Syniurge Enthusiast Posts: 47 Karma: 18498 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: France Device: PRS-650	The LCD addresses eInk limitations, e.g eInk is not that great for photos, even grayscale (sidenote: I wonder if the Kindle screensavers were processed differently than images displayed in Mobi books.. more constrast or something) But rather than having the LCD stuck to the eInk display, I would make existing handheld LCD devices such as smartphones communicate with eInk devices. One device in each hand, and a sync button to send the page displayed from one to the other. Last edited by Syniurge; 10-21-2009 at 05:22 PM.

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10-19-2009, 01:32 PM	#17
Hellmark Wizard Posts: 2,549 Karma: 3799999 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: O'Fallon, Missouri, USA Device: Nokia N800, PRS-505, Nook STR Glowlight, Kindle 3	My brother's girlfriend is a patent clerk, and I know she tries to research stuff first (isn't uncommon for her to call up my brother, when it is stuff of a medical nature, for advice), but there is just so much stuff they have to do, that many don't have the time to really research it. And as far as differing types of displays justifying the patent, well, I dunno if that would be enough. Not to mention, I think I've seen something similar before (not mixing eInk and LCD, but other display techs, such as CRT and LCD). I really see no reason why this wouldn't be knocked out as invalid.

10-19-2009, 02:10 PM	#19
Hellmark Wizard Posts: 2,549 Karma: 3799999 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: O'Fallon, Missouri, USA Device: Nokia N800, PRS-505, Nook STR Glowlight, Kindle 3	Regardless, it isn't anything new. A decent patent clerk should have tossed it.

10-19-2009, 06:47 PM	#20
fugazied Wizard Posts: 1,305 Karma: 1958 Join Date: Jan 2009 Device: iPod Touch	lol when companies release stuff like this, it is painfully obvious why companies like Apple are doing so well. Terrible design! Despite it looking awful, I am still glad for the rate of release of these devices, the more in market the better and at the rate they are coming out, we seem to get something new every week.

10-19-2009, 07:22 PM	#24
Donnageddon Now you lishen here... Posts: 2,494 Karma: 479498 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Seattle-ish Device: Sony PRS-650. Kobo Touch, Kindle Fire	About time Mr Turcic had an eReader named after him!

10-19-2009, 08:31 PM	#25
Ervserver Wizard Posts: 2,624 Karma: 1008294 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Iowa, USA Device: Nook Simple Touch	R.I.P. Kindle

10-20-2009, 05:42 AM	#27
astra The Introvert Posts: 8,307 Karma: 1000077497 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: United Kingdom Device: Sony Reader PRS-650 & 505 & 500	Very interesting. If it is possible to disable colour screen when reading a book (to coserve battery power and avoid general distraction), then it might be a good reader.

10-20-2009, 11:18 AM	#29
jswinden Nameless Being	Rounded screen corners? Is this retro 1970's TVs? Big woo, a 3.5" color display just like my iPod touch. That is not big enough to view anything without scrolling constantly side to side. Total garbage, in my opinion.

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