I have never been sure where the iLiad screen comes from. The controller is made by iRex, and that is why they are the only ones today with 16 grey levels and 1024x768 resolution. The screen itself is EInk, but that may just mean that iRex buys the film from eink and assembles the display panels themselves.
The other 1st generation EInk readers all used 4 grey levels and 800x600 resolution because that is what was supported by eink's own controller and 6" panel. The early Vizplex 6" devices are still using this controller with a Vizplex panel. I think this includes the Cybook.
EInk's new
Metronome display controller supports 8 grey levels and up to 1200x825 pixels. I assume the Sony 505 is using the Metronome controller, because it has 8 grey levels. If so, this means that other vendors will be able to supply 8" (1024x768) and 9.7" (1200 x 825) 8 grey level devices as soon a EInk makes the
panels available.
So, there seems to be little advantage to Vizplex at 8" for iRex. The real completion will come from 9.7" screens. I don't know if iRex can (or will) use the Metronome controller in its next device or not, but it has to have at least a 9.7" screen and 1200 x 825 resolution. Its real advantage going forward is the lead it has in software for a more general purpose device than a single-function reader. I hope iRex produces such a device next year, if it is delayed until 2009 they will likely loose their lead at the top end of the market.