Hello
I am a product designer, and this is my idea:
[Images deleted - MODERATOR]
E-paper display
Uses technology currently in labs from any number of companies, potentially:
>E-Ink Corporation (electrophoretic ink)
>Liquavista (electrowetting)
>Mirasol (Interferometric Modulator Display)
>Sipix
>Reflective/Pixel Memory/Ch LCD
The technology I have been looking into in labs is much more developed than the what the current e-readers on the market are equipped with.
This is what is now possible:
> No ghosting
> Less than 1ms response time (no matter how fast you move the pen, it will look like ink is transferring from nib to display)
> High contrast ratio (between 15 and 18 - paper is usually 15)
> Vivid colour support
> Flexible static/refreshing screen - parts of the screen update, whilst others remain stable, thus saving battery
> Ability to display video
Key Features
> Take notes with pen or type documents using onscreen keyboard
> Lightly textured interface with soft flex - feels just like paper to the touch
> Intuitive touchscreen navigation
> Flexible and modular software - apps, multiple format support for pdfs, imp, epub, lrf etc
> Cloud backup via 3G and Wifi
> Internet browsing just like a tablet
> Notesharing, groupwork, class synchronisation
> Battery life - weeks
> A4 tablet as standard, but also dual screen A5 "book"
Market
Essentially this is aimed towards students, so that they can take notes and do textbook work all from one device, but I think it would also be useful for professionals for syncing client information across the business and cutting on office costs, or even the casual reader who wants a place to write short stories, poetry, or annotate books.
The A3 model may appeal to artists and designers, who could make full use of the possibilities of digital editing, whilst also having the feel of drawing on a page.
Looking for feedback!
What do you think?
What else you would like to see from a product like this? Are there features it could do without? What would be essential to make you enjoy using it?
Would you have one? How much would you be willing to pay?
Thank you!