02-01-2010, 01:12 AM | #1 |
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DR800 in direct sunlight
A question to the lucky owners of the DR800 -- did you notice any fading of the text in direct sunlight, as it happens with many other e-ink screens? I'm just wondering if the technology of the screens improved since my Sony 505 (mine fades a lot in the sun), or does the DR800 have the same problem. Thanks!
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02-01-2010, 01:21 AM | #2 | |
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02-01-2010, 01:46 AM | #3 |
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No, it's most certainly more than illusion. It's very easy to see -- if you hold the device so that half of the screen is in the shade and half in the sunlight, and then refresh the page, you'll see a clear difference in contrast between the two halves. If your screen doesn't behave like this, then you are lucky to get one of the good ones.
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02-01-2010, 02:42 AM | #4 |
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I've never heard any technical explanation of exactly why this happens, nor have seen any official statements that it's been solved. The phenomenon definitely exists, but any reasons behind it seem to be nothing more than speculation. I assume it's inherent in eInk in general, and will effect all devices to a degree.
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02-01-2010, 07:25 AM | #5 |
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I had a 505 with screen looking perfectly in direct sunlight.
I also had a 600 with text fading in direct sunlight. I know the difference between fading and not fading, so I can confirm that this is a real problem for some eink screens. |
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02-01-2010, 07:40 AM | #6 | |
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02-01-2010, 09:38 AM | #7 |
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If you get a Vizplex EInk reader that fades in direct sunlight that is a manufacturing defect and you should be able to return it for a replacement that does not have the problem.
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02-01-2010, 09:51 AM | #8 |
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I am curious on the real cause of this. Is it only sunlight or any bright light? The difference is that sunlight also brings along heat and UV. I wonder what would happen if you cover half the screen and expose the other half to a bright florescent light (less heat). Or expose the uncovered half to the sun from the inside side of a window on a cool day.
If it's UV, there are UV light bulbs to test this out. I've heard that the Que has an UV protective coating on its screen. Perhaps that's the difference? I've also heard that regular plastic can block out most of the UV, so touch-enabled sony devices may be more protected. |
02-01-2010, 10:20 AM | #9 |
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Do you have any sources for the information that it is a manufacturing defect, or that it has anything to do with Vizplex?
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02-01-2010, 10:32 AM | #10 | |
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If you get a fading screen, ask for a new one. The vendors don't advertise that this is a potential problem because most EInk screens are not used outdoors and some owners won't complain about the fading. |
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02-01-2010, 10:45 AM | #11 | |
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02-01-2010, 11:31 AM | #12 |
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02-01-2010, 11:57 AM | #13 |
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Wow, never had that on any of my devices and I've had quite a few. I routinely read while outside as well.
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02-01-2010, 11:58 AM | #14 | |
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We're still in the same boat with this we've always been, nobody really knows what causes it. |
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02-01-2010, 01:01 PM | #15 |
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Always falling back on the paper book model - I don't read books printed on paper in direct sunlight. I don't use my laptop computer in direct sun either. Why would I expect an EReader to be any different? Find a bit of shade...
Robert |
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