modding the EE?

I would be shocked if anyone from enTourage commented on the viability of a user installing the Pixel Qi on the eDGe or provide assistance of any kind for installing it, particularly on a public forum. You *might* have a better shot sending an email to tech support, although my guess is that you'll just get a boiler plate "replacing the LCD is not recommended and will violate your warranty" type response.


EDIT: My post isn't intended as a complaint or anything--just pointing out that they are unlikely in a position to offer any sort of assistance for any after-market modifications to the hardware for legal reasons.

Originally Posted by walt526

I would be shocked if anyone from enTourage commented on the viability of a user installing the Pixel Qi on the eDGe or provide assistance of any kind for installing it, particularly on a public forum. You *might* have a better shot sending an email to tech support, although my guess is that you'll just get a boiler plate "replacing the LCD is not recommended and will violate your warranty" type response.


EDIT: My post isn't intended as a complaint or anything--just pointing out that they are unlikely in a position to offer any sort of assistance for any after-market modifications to the hardware for legal reasons.

How's this, Walt...eh hem...(switches to Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka)...Stop. Don't. Come back.

Seriously, as a subscriber to Make magazine, I can thoroughly understand the allure of an intact warranty and the fun that can be had voiding one, as this operation will most assuredly do. I'm not sure that you can call our connector "Standard", but I will check. The big problem with this idea is that the Wacom Digitizer is attached very precisely to the back of the current E-Ink display. I do not believe that it will survive the transplant functioning properly. I give the original poster extra credit for ambition, though, and will be thoroughly interested in any nearly successful results.

DP

How about replacing the LCD and not the eink?

Would it be possible to put the touch layer on top of the pixel qi screen?

Originally Posted by dontpanic

How's this, Walt...eh hem...(switches to Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka)...Stop. Don't. Come back.

Seriously, as a subscriber to Make magazine, I can thoroughly understand the allure of an intact warranty and the fun that can be had voiding one, as this operation will most assuredly do. I'm not sure that you can call our connector "Standard", but I will check. The big problem with this idea is that the Wacom Digitizer is attached very precisely to the back of the current E-Ink display. I do not believe that it will survive the transplant functioning properly. I give the original poster extra credit for ambition, though, and will be thoroughly interested in any nearly successful results.

DP

Interesting idea, but I think there would be worse issues here. The user interface and touch layer is designed to the specific resolution of that LCD, so I think you would not be pleased with the results. Also,the circuit board on the eDGe is on the Reader side, so the cable for the LCD has to be run through the hinge and has to be longer than you think. I would file this idea under "crazy talk".
We do like this kind of crafty thinking though.

DP

So, does anyone know how to safely open the case on the LCD side? I don't see any screws and I'm reluctant to pull hard on anything.

I stand corrected. Not more than a few days go by without someone from enTourage pleasantly surprising me.

Anyway, personally I'm sticking with my original position: I'm not sure that the risk of losing $750 worth of equipment (eDGe plus the screen) is worth it, particularly since I'm not convinced that the upgrade would be worth $250 to begin with (particularly if the touchscreen loses responsiveness or accuracy, even if partially restoring its function was possible).

But future eDGe models, it's obviously a technology that might be worth integrating if it can all work properly.

So, does anyone know how to safely open the case on the LCD side? I don't see any screws and I'm reluctant to pull hard on anything.

I would imagine that the screws are under the rubber feet/pad things along the perimeter, although I haven't explored it.

I was talking about LCD replacement, I do not want to replace the beautiful eink, it is frustrating doing my email in the garden, I can not get the sun. the lcd resolution is 1024x600 on acer, lenovo and all netbooks and is indeed 10 inches. I know is a funny request, but anybody has pictures of the lcd connector or the inside of the Edge? If i have a chance I will tackle the edge and forget about Acer which is only a 10 mins job.
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/201...available.html
I would not open the edge unless I have a chance on this. Also I promise to film or take step by step pictures of the disassemble process and replacement? I would love to be the first to have a pixel qi/eink device in the world?! imagine the publicity will generate. Will advance the Edge cause.
also imagine yourself at University in full sun doing your email, reading the book outside! Imagine the Ipad users hoarding to see the device!

Sorry, I'm a grad student. What is this "outside" of which you speak?

If you watch the video you will see is not bad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-IyExvbHgc
I can not find the demo now, but I think I seen that the reflective switch is just by tapping the lcd bezel.

Outside in full sunlight

yes found it now http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oawX3...eature=related

I was making a joke (i.e., I find myself stuck indoors most days when school is in session).

would not at least Edge do a prototype based on e-ink and pixel qi for the upcoming edge 3? will also use less power than a standard lcd

hmmm...this is VERY VERY tempting...actually looking to sell both of my eDGe's (I know, I know), but I may be inclined to splurge on Qi and give it a whirl on one of them...perhaps provide beta testing for enTourage, LoL.