E-ink readers in 2015

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Canuck_in_Japan

How would the weight affect how breakable the glass is?

Because if the bezel is too thin/too light, it could bend/twist easier. Also, it could break easier if dropped and that means more change of the screen breaking if the Reader is dropped, pressure applied to it, or whatever.

[Hrafn]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Because if the bezel is too thin/too light, it could bend/twist easier. Also, it could break easier if dropped and that means more change of the screen breaking if the Reader is dropped, pressure applied to it, or whatever.

There are many materials that are light but very strong -- titanium alloys and carbon fibre immediately come to mind (though there are alternatives that would likely be cheaper, if less 'sexy'). Also one can redesign to put more emphasis on the backplate than the front bezel in maintaining rigidity. A slim bezel, firmly attached to a well-designed backplate, both made from light-but-strong material should be able to simultaneously minimise weight, device-size-over-screen-size overhead and breakage.

[murg]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Because if the bezel is too thin/too light, it could bend/twist easier. Also, it could break easier if dropped and that means more change of the screen breaking if the Reader is dropped, pressure applied to it, or whatever.

A heavier device may lead to increased chance of breakage is dropped.

[rem736]

too bad there isn't an e-ink reader in the form of a scroll, like the ancient form on which things were written. the display itself would be just a bendable plastic sheet. the two ends would house the electronics and battery power and any hardware buttons and i/o interfaces.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by murg

A heavier device may lead to increased chance of breakage is dropped.

The 650 was built like a tank and it is heavier then the current batch of 6" Readers.

[howyoudoin]

Originally Posted by rem736

too bad there isn't an e-ink reader in the form of a scroll, like the ancient form on which things were written. the display itself would be just a bendable plastic sheet. the two ends would house the electronics and battery power and any hardware buttons and i/o interfaces.

Convenience factor. You can't read a scroll in bed holding it with one hand.

[Hrafn]

Originally Posted by howyoudoin

Convenience factor. You can't read a scroll in bed holding it with one hand.

So, you just connect the "two ends" of the scroll by a telescoping rod on each side, to hold the display rigid when extended. I'm not saying I think it would sell any time soon, but it's not completely impractical

[Quexos]

Originally Posted by Hrafn

So, you just connect the "two ends" of the scroll by a telescoping rod on each side, to hold the display rigid when extended. I'm not saying I think it would sell any time soon, but it's not completely impractical

Though if you read for hours your arms might start to hurt if you must keep the scroll open for that long.

[Hrafn]

Originally Posted by Quexos

Though if you read for hours your arms might start to hurt if you must keep the scroll open for that long.

I was assuming that the 'telescopes' internal friction would keep them extended, and the scroll open.

O'course by the time this becomes an actual 'thing', it may be that somebody's come up with a polymer that changes from rigid to flexible and back again (via application of a current, or whatever).

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by Hrafn

So, you just connect the "two ends" of the scroll by a telescoping rod on each side, to hold the display rigid when extended. I'm not saying I think it would sell any time soon, but it's not completely impractical

It has even been considered as a real product, but never saw production. Look for "Polymer Vision Readius"

[eschwartz]

From tablets to scrolls to books, to tablets and back to books. Whatever next???

[speakingtohe]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But, if we are not going to get an easily replaceable battery, then having a heftier battery would give the device that much longer before the battery life is too short.

Being a Sony lover I haven't had a battery problem. It does happen, but not for me or the people I have given my older Sony readers to. Same with kindle or Kobo.

I will take a lighter, more streamlined reader any day over the remote chance of battery failure in xx years.

An easily changeable battery would be good if it was a small lithium one for example, but adding the weight/size/imbalance of AA or AAA batteries is unattractive to say the least although many would disagree. And of course, if the reader will run while charging you can plug it into a portable charger without it becoming much more cumbersome.

Helen.

[Hrafn]

Originally Posted by speakingtohe

An easily changeable battery would be good if it was a small lithium one for example, but adding the weight/size/imbalance of AA or AAA batteries is unattractive to say the least although many would disagree. And of course, if the reader will run while charging you can plug it into a portable charger without it becoming much more cumbersome.
Helen.

I suspect the issue is more about making the battery accessible without having to risk damaging the case, rather than using a different type of battery. The bottom half of the back my old PB360 easily detaches to expose this type of battery. This makes battery replacement quite straight forward. On my current Onyx i62HD, I've absolutely no idea how to get the back off without damage, let alone where the battery is.

[speakingtohe]

Originally Posted by Hrafn

I suspect the issue is more about making the battery accessible without having to risk damaging the case, rather than using a different type of battery. The bottom half of the back my old PB360 easily detaches to expose this type of battery. This makes battery replacement quite straight forward. On my current Onyx i62HD, I've absolutely no idea how to get the back off without damage, let alone where the battery is.

Interesting. But at 24.99 seems a bit pricey.

All relative of course. I paid 39.95 for my last 2 T3s. (All my T3s work fine, just was such a bargain) Would be hard for me to justify spending 24.99 plus shipping, tax etc.

Helen

[murg]

Originally Posted by howyoudoin

Convenience factor. You can't read a scroll in bed holding it with one hand.

Just so you know, I'm not wondering what you're doing in bed that leaves you with only one hand free to hold the scroll...