Mirasol Displays Coming to an eReader Near You, in 2011

[ardeegee]

Of course, one of the main points of the Mirasol technology is that it uses less power than a backlit LCD-- which you are throwing away with the front lights.

[Sonist]

Originally Posted by Ankh

...

A breakthrough in that area might help, as it is apparent that mobility is an issue and that 6" and 5" devices have hit the sweet spot.

I dunno. It seems more of a price issue, than mobility.

Larger screens provide a better reading experience, IMO. Closer to a hard cover.

Plus, the main use for color ereaders would be for magazines, which need something closer to 12-13" screen.

[Dylrob]

Originally Posted by ardeegee

Of course, one of the main points of the Mirasol technology is that it uses less power than a backlit LCD-- which you are throwing away with the front lights.

Not really. The light on a backlit LCD must draw power at all times, with more even power needed to overcome other light sources. Here the light is only needed when there isn't enough ambient light available.

[Barty]

Originally Posted by toronado

Actually I think the iPad 2 is getting "higher" resolution, which is great, but not the "retina" resolution of the iPhone 4, which would be epic, but probably cost-prohibitive at this point. Either way it'll still be a backlit display which is not ideal for long reading sessions.

Still, whatever it is, it's going to be better than the current screen, especially if they work out some sort of anti-glare solution while still keeping the viewing angles at IPS levels.

Samsung just announced a 2500x1600 10" LCD. The iPad 3 is almost sure to have a retina display. Only question is whether the galaxy tab will get there first.

As others have said, I don't see wide appeal for a not even 6" color display when things you want to read in color -- magazines, comics, children's books -- aren't very enjoyable at small size. Add a high price tag for 1st gen product and we have a curio.

[Greg Anos]

Originally Posted by Sonist

I dunno. It seems more of a price issue, than mobility.

Larger screens provide a better reading experience, IMO. Closer to a hard cover.

Plus, the main use for color ereaders would be for magazines, which need something closer to 12-13" screen.

It would be useful for such thing as snapshot photos, and Illustrations. The world is trying to reach the mythical all-in-one device, despite all the inherent contradictions.

[zespectre]

The world is trying to reach the mythical all-in-one device, despite all the inherent contradictions

That made me laugh because a friend was just saying how he now wishes he had 3 iPad units so that he could use them side by side (reader, reference, note taker).

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by Sonist

I dunno. It seems more of a price issue, than mobility.

Larger screens provide a better reading experience, IMO. Closer to a hard cover.

I hate hard covers. Too large and bulky. I always tried to get pockets. And the 6" devices are closer to that than those 10" devices.