Touch screen modification on PRS 700 for improved clarity and contrast

[sigmax]

Hi! gokalp: EXCELLENT INVESTIGATION!!!

I wonder: Does the PRS700 works WITHOUT the digitizer ? I mean it turns on and does not give an error ? Is there any way yo use it (with similar functionality as PRS505) with the buttons interfase ?

I mean: I was about to buy again a PRS-505 (I sold it when I read that a new reader was coming, some months ago, and now I got stuck with no reader), but without the digitizer, I am left with a newer reader, faster nicer OS

Also: Does the digitizer weights significantly as to make the reader noticiably lighter to hold ? (another thing that even with the 505 I noticed: It was on the heavy side).

Regards,

SigmaX

[gokalp]

Hello again everyone. First, a quick update, I tried velcro to secure the digitizer on the reader: It worked fine, but I found that it left little pieces of hooks which made me irritated. So I switched to something even better, little rare earth magnets. I had some that I got a while ago, and I used some 3M permanent double sided tape to attach them to either side, and they are working perfect, very robust on the screen, and yet easy to remove by sliding out.

Originally Posted by Server

I was pondering your idea on using the touch panel on the back
in order to use the reader with the naked eInk exposed to have enhanced
contrast. The new interface, forces the use of the touch panel, but
there is no reason why button mapping can't be re-assigned with
a new firmware in order to re-program buttons to navigate the home
screen.

The HOME button can have a DUAL function. While in read mode, selecting
HOME would bring you back to the HOME screen. And using the arrow
buttons, would navigate around books or the Home screen, while the HOME
button could act as a SELECT button (only while in Home screen)
Thereby, eliminating the need to use the touch panel on the back
of the reader. Of course, input search and notes would be an issue
unless button re-mapping could also be used to select letters.

The feesability of this must be studied but once a ROM gets out, it
would be interesting to see if this can be achieved.

Actually I am very interested in button remapping, and I like your idea of dual functionality. It can make this reader much better in my opinion. Still, we have to wait until the first ROM upgrade to dissect it

BTW, when I put the digitizer facing back, it was working pretty good. It worked perfectly for selecting books, as it is very easy to align your finger vertically to select among a columned list of items. For horizontal selection, it required a bit of learning. Overall, I had a different reason to stop using it like this, which was accidental clicking. When I held up the reader, I found myself applying a lot of pressure to the back side, which created problems.

Originally Posted by sigmax

Hi! gokalp: EXCELLENT INVESTIGATION!!!

I wonder: Does the PRS700 works WITHOUT the digitizer ? I mean it turns on and does not give an error ? Is there any way yo use it (with similar functionality as PRS505) with the buttons interfase ?

I mean: I was about to buy again a PRS-505 (I sold it when I read that a new reader was coming, some months ago, and now I got stuck with no reader), but without the digitizer, I am left with a newer reader, faster nicer OS

Also: Does the digitizer weights significantly as to make the reader noticiably lighter to hold ? (another thing that even with the 505 I noticed: It was on the heavy side).

Regards,

SigmaX

The reader certainly worked without the digitizer, as the resistive panel becomes high impedance when not pressed. however, book selection is not possible without the digitizer, unless we can remap the buttons.

I love the increased speed of PRS 700, and the PDF compatibility. To be honest, I was not expecting the PDFs to be as readable, and I did not even try one for two weeks. I was pleasantly surprised when I did, as it looks quite good for regular text. For double column journal papers, it required some hawk eyes to read the text, though it was possible.

The touch panel itself is very light, I'd say even insignificant compared to the rest of the reader.

[ron0909]

Maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree....
I just received my 700 yesterday and it was dust free. Today I have already counted 6 specks. I also agree that the contrast and brightness of the screen could be substantially better. I'm wondering if enough folks had the inclination to look at this mod, we could source out a manufacturer and come up with a honest to goodness after-market mod. I'm an electronics technician by past trade and have spent years repairing high end audio gear, computers and even doing xbox and ps2 mods. With a little ingenuity and dedication, perhaps a mod could be made available at a minimal cost to everyone. I'm sure that an easy installation method could be developed where by most people with a steady hand would be able to perform the mod. (I'm thinking of a possible quick connect method etc) I'd also be willing to help those that might lack the ability or confidence.
Anyways, many thanks to everyone that has commented here and especially
Gokalp. I'm going to really take some time out and research this a lot further
to see if I can come up with a solution.

All my best!

Ron

[ddave]

I would also be interested in a well-designed modification. I've built and/or modified electronic equipment many times over the past 25 years as a physicist/scientist/engineer. Often with components from digikey as mentioned in this thread. So, if I can help, I will. (Oh yeah, first I need to buy the 700, which I expect to do in 1-2 weeks.)

I would want the modification, when completed, to look professional. To be rugged. And, of course, to be an improvement. Ideally, we should try to minimize soldering by identifying components with compatible connectors. Another admirable goal would be to make the modification reversible, just so that in case someone didn't like the result, that they could put things back the way they were.

Previous threads have discussed if removing the LED lighting would simplify and/or improve screen clarity. What's the final thought on that question. Personally, I could easily give up the lighting for improved screen clarity.

ddave

[Andybaby]

Originally Posted by ddave

I would also be interested in a well-designed modification. I've built and/or modified electronic equipment many times over the past 25 years as a physicist/scientist/engineer. Often with components from digikey as mentioned in this thread. So, if I can help, I will. (Oh yeah, first I need to buy the 700, which I expect to do in 1-2 weeks.)

I would want the modification, when completed, to look professional. To be rugged. And, of course, to be an improvement. Ideally, we should try to minimize soldering by identifying components with compatible connectors. Another admirable goal would be to make the modification reversible, just so that in case someone didn't like the result, that they could put things back the way they were.

Previous threads have discussed if removing the LED lighting would simplify and/or improve screen clarity. What's the final thought on that question. Personally, I could easily give up the lighting for improved screen clarity.

ddave

they cant be removed, but no one said that you couldnt recess the digitizer, that would increase clarity most of all. you would need one that would fit in the recess though.

but the whole idea is stupid i think, you can get good results on contrast just be using a different font, Like Heltivica, Verdana, or DejaVu Serif.

[ddave]

It's never stupid to make improvements. Some people, and I'm one, will always look at a piece of equipment, or a task, and will think about how to make the equipment better, or the task easier.
It is that same habit that has led to things like a microprocessor and eReaders, among many other inventions known to mankind.

[Andybaby]

its stupid to take the 700 out of the box, and take it apart and modify it to increase screen clarity. if clarity is that important there are a host of other readers available.

if you want to modify something dont buy a sony, buy something open source.

[ron0909]

I like to do things because I can. How many time did I hear it was stupid to build my pc's with more than 3 gb's of RAM or buy a vid card with with more than 256mb of ram? Open source has zero to do with the hardware. Anyways, I like the idea of making this as painless as possible with the most options available. Solderless connections if possible would be really nice. I also agree with having it look as professional as can be as if the unit was never opened

Man, I'm excited My 'net connection has been down for a couple days but at least now I can start looking!
All the best
Ron

[Server]

Originally Posted by Andybaby

its stupid to take the 700 out of the box, and take it apart and modify it to increase screen clarity. if clarity is that important there are a host of other readers available.

if you want to modify something dont buy a sony, buy something open source.

Improving / Modding an existing idea/product or enhancing some design
is how we got many newer innovations and spin-off products. Nothing
wrong in showing support if someone is capable of being more creative than
the company's paid engineers. Fact is, designers are always lurking around
(ie. SonyListens) for ideas on how to improve their current product etc.

[Chesteta]

Hey, I just joined this forum to post to this post though I am sure I write elsewhere too has there been any progress regarding this modification? I am strongly considering buying a PRS-700 however I would want to do this mod (right out of the box)...

Gokalp, I saw you mentioned that there was a 'special order' [touch] screen that would fit almost perfectly, do you have any info for that screen? Thank you for all your great work