The link below is probably a good comparison for Pearl v/s the older screens. Since this is my first reader I really don't have a reference point, all I can state is that the screen on the 650 looks great
http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/201...ens-overrated/
Here's about the optical touchscreen technology
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-18438_7-20021924-82.html
And the fact that you don't really need to touch the screen is true, even the lightest of touches works like a dream

, here's another video where you can see the reviewer making page turns by lightly brushing her scarf on the screen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgz78e9rx-A