Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
I completely disagree; the PW is excellent in poor light or darkness. The HDX probably does have a brighter light, but I don't want to read with a glaring light shining in my eyes. You don't need a bright light if you're in a poorly lit or dark room - just something to comfortably illuminate the screen.
The only reasons tablets need a very bright backlight is so that the screen can be seen in brightly-lit surroundings.
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Use the HDX 2013 with white on black text at 50% brightness. Then compare it to the PW 2013 at zero or low screen light. There is no comparison. Try it yourself. The HDX 2013 is the best way to read that way in low ambient light conditions.
I challenge anyone in this forum who own both units to try that test and then post back here their opinion. If someone, who owns both units and is a good photographer, they could take pictures of both with a magnifying lens to point out the details of the font borders.
HDX fonts are shaped better for low light than PW fonts if one uses white on black formats. They are really quite different. One can see the differences for the same named fonts if one uses a magnifying glass to enhance the minute designs. The HDX font designs are smoother with greater contrast. The PW 2013 designs have rougher edges and are less clear in low ambient light conditions.
The fault may be the design of eInk membranes versus LCD pixels. That is why TV's do NOT use eInk but rather use LCD pixels. On the other hand, eInk is closest to paper which is better read in bright light.
Since I own and use BOTH units, I can judge the results. Those, who only own one of those two units, are NOT qualified to make that test.
On the other hand, the HD 2012 does NOT use the same font projection techniques as the HDX 2013. If one compares the PW 2013 to the HD 2012, then the PW 2013 would be better in low light conditions. I also own a HD 2012. However, the HDX 2013 beats both hands down in low ambient light.
In high ambient light conditions, the PW 2013 beats all models since the HDX 2013 does have slight glare and the HD 2012 has lots of glare.
For those, who read mostly in darkened rooms and only own a PW 2013, I invite you to order an HDX 2013 without a cover and run the test I outlined above. Amazon will accept it back within 30 days of purchase at no purchase cost to you. If you confirm my test results, then keep the unit and order a cover. If not, return it. You have nothing to lose but the one way shipping cost. If you decide to keep it, you will also get all the other benefits outlined in this forum.