How durable are recent e-ink displays?

[Paperbackstash]

Originally Posted by deleted

On this topic:

In terms of durability how do the plastic screens compare to glass?

Plastic e-ink screens seem to be at risk of damage by being pressed too hard. Glass cracks.

Is there a consensus about which is superior in terms of durability and longevity?

I would assume glass would break easier, at least if you go by experience with phones.

[topazann]

They take hits pretty well. Scratches are a nuisance but will not disable the device. A drop is very unlikely to kill it.
But any harder than a strong finger tap can crack the e-ink matrix, and will kill the device permanently.
I ruined my old Kobo by having it in my laptop bag, and the joystick on my game controller in the next pocket over put single point pressure on it.

[mike_bike_kite]

Kindles have always seemed pretty resilient to me but the I always have them in covers which reduces any shock damage. I've never damaged one by dropping it. I did have one fall off my motorbike onto tarmac at about 40mph but it came away unscratched. I did step on one and crack the screen but I think that's forgivable, I'm a big guy. My biggest worry is dunking them in the bath but the new waterproof version has lessened that worry.

[aldazo]

I have a Sony PRS-T1 and the screen is in good shape (no scratch or anything) but the software (or maybe circuits) doesn't function properly anymore.
Then I had a Likebook Plus and after a year of use I accidentally triggered its fall from a 1 meter tall shelf to the ground, it had a cover but it didn't prevent the damage. The screen looks like new but it just doesn't show an image anymore, it's forever blank. Different technicians told me that the battery and the circuits seem fine and that it must be the screen itself.
After that experience I decided to buy just ereaders with durable screen, so I did a little research and found that those with the "mobius" tech are the most durable because it use a substrate from plastic instead of glass. Sadly only the screens with more than 8" screen use it, Kobo Forma being an exception.
Now I have a Likebook Note and my brother has a Kobo Forma following my recomendation. And I hope the truly flexible screens arrive sooner than later. Good luck.

tl,dr: Look for a Eink reader with "mobius" screen.

[HLS]

Originally Posted by QuantumIguana

I really prefer reading from e-ink rather than reading from LCD. I've had a couple Kindle Keyboards (Old, I know) where the screen broke. Are newer models as prone to breakage as the Kindle Keyboard was?

I had no issues. But then again all my ereaders have protective cases