Is E-Ink Really Better for My Eyes than My iPad?

Kris777 · 08-22-2012, 01:05 AM

Interesting article:
http://lifehacker.com/5934993/is-e+i...s-than-my-ipad

I can't agree with NY times because I can't read on my Nexus Tablet more than 20 minutes.

"The New York Times explains:

Today's screens are definitely less tiring to look at than older displays, which refreshed the image much less frequently, causing a flicker. Carl Taussig, director of Hewlett-Packard‘s Information Surfaces Lab, said the 120 Hz refresh rate typical of modern screens is much quicker than our eyes can even see.

"The new LCDs don't affect your eyes," Mr. Taussig said. "Today's screens update every eight milliseconds, whereas the human eye is moving at a speed between 10 and 30 milliseconds."

JohnGalt · 08-22-2012, 01:58 AM

Wonder how advertisements for iPads the NY Times has run v nook or kindle ads.... I have an iPad, and am taking classes that use pdfs instead of paperbooks, and I just bought an ereader because it was so unpleasant reading them on the iPad

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kris777

Interesting article:
http://lifehacker.com/5934993/is-e+i...s-than-my-ipad

I can't agree with NY times because I can't read on my Nexus Tablet more than 20 minutes.

"The New York Times explains:

Today's screens are definitely less tiring to look at than older displays, which refreshed the image much less frequently, causing a flicker. Carl Taussig, director of Hewlett-Packard‘s Information Surfaces Lab, said the 120 Hz refresh rate typical of modern screens is much quicker than our eyes can even see.

"The new LCDs don't affect your eyes," Mr. Taussig said. "Today's screens update every eight milliseconds, whereas the human eye is moving at a speed between 10 and 30 milliseconds."

Nexutix · 08-22-2012, 03:07 AM

I would like this answer from someone who owns iPad (retina) AND a E-ink device.

Does it feel comfortable on low brightness on retina iPad? Is it a dealbreaker enough for a reader who reads on long stretches?

Art3mis · 08-22-2012, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexutix

I would like this answer from someone who owns iPad (retina) AND a E-ink device.

Does it feel comfortable on low brightness on retina iPad? Is it a dealbreaker enough for a reader who reads on long stretches?

I don't have an iPad 3, so I don't quite qualify, but I don't notice any difference in comfort switching between e-ink and LCD for extended periods of reading. Then again, I'm in IT, so it could be that my eyes are too used to blue light.

Fluribus · 08-22-2012, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexutix

Does it feel comfortable on low brightness on retina iPad? Is it a dealbreaker enough for a reader who reads on long stretches?

Unfortunately, this is something you must find out for yourself. Each person is different. The fact that peanuts are fine for me will not save the guy with a severe peanut allergy.

twobob · 08-22-2012, 04:52 AM

its an advert to raise ipad awareness.
clearly some focus group said Its hurts your eyes doesnt it? lcd.

and thus the professor was hired and the nyt gets some apple love.

we chose a dx over an ipad. the ipad was the better deal but the device is for reading and simply put bunkum on that man. screen fatigue will ever be a problem. fact. stop hiring people to tell me otherwise.

another peanut anyone?

Valkrider · 08-22-2012, 05:57 AM

I have an iPad 2 and read on it all the time except in strong sunlight. I find that my eInk reader is getting less and less use. I don't have a problem reading on a backlit screen BUT I do read in night time mode (white letters black background) as I find this works best for me with no eye strain.

Yapyap · 08-22-2012, 06:18 AM

It's really down to personal preference as well as reading habits, I'd say.

I prefer to read on my eInk Kindle 3, although I've read the odd book also on my first generation iPad and bits and pieces on my Samsung Galaxy S2 phone.

I've found that I can deal with the LCD screens reasonably well in daytime, indoors and in good light (that falls on the screen from such an angle that it doesn't cause too much glare and doesn't reflect everything back to me) - in other words, the experience is fairly close to reading from a computer screen (I have a matte 22'' Eizo monitor).

I really find it tiring to read from an LCD screen, whether matte or glossy, after a day's work on the computer, though, and in the evening in artificial light.

If I'm not too tired from work, it's manageable on the iPad if I've found a good place to sit and read (as regards the angle of the external light sources), but not as nice as the Kindle; if I'm really tired and have had a long day, I can't read from an LCD screen for pleasure at all (tired, headache, eyes get dry more easily, screen reflections become more annoying) while I can still easily spend a couple of hours reading from the Kindle without any noticeable problems.

All in all, I am glad to have the iPad as a backup or for books that are a hassle to read on the Kindle (e.g. I ended up reading one of the Bartimaeus Trilogy books on the iPad due to its extensive use of footnotes, which were easier to manage on the iPad than on the Kindle Keyboard - however, then I just gave up and got the whole series as paperbacks instead, which were in the end more convenient for this particular series), but for leisure reading, I do prefer eInk. I also can't read from an LCD screen in low light, so the backlighting is not a bonus - I need to have the room well lit / have a good external light source / good ambient light to be able to read from the LCD screen at all.

(I've experimented quite a bit with the different background options in various reader apps as well as with brightness levels; I've found that for me, sepia or sepia-like background and the brightness set at around 50% works the best on the iPad. Any lower brightness and it becomes too muddled for my eyes.)

kennyc · 08-22-2012, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nexutix

I would like this answer from someone who owns iPad (retina) AND a E-ink device.

Does it feel comfortable on low brightness on retina iPad? Is it a dealbreaker enough for a reader who reads on long stretches?

I'd never buy an iPad, there are much better alternatives -- Nexus, Galaxy Tab etc...

I love my Kindle Fire and read on it daily. I also read on my Sony 505 daily outdoors. Love 'em both.

sabredog · 08-22-2012, 07:56 AM

iPad for PDF and comics, my PRS-650/T1's for serious reading.

My eyes are most happy.

Barcey · 08-22-2012, 08:06 AM

I have both an iPad3 and e-ink and I definitely prefer e-ink. The number of pixels does nothing to reduce eye strain unless you're using a tiny font and you're not reading tiny fonts if you have a problem with eye strain. Retina looks pretty and helps with web browsing and magazines but for me personally does nothing to improve reading books.

When I bought the iPad I made a deal with myself that I'd give it a fair chance and I'd use it exclusively for one month. When the month was up I went back to e-ink. Personal preference though your experience may vary.

twobob · 08-22-2012, 08:32 AM

I should have added - my comment was on a k3Wifi in a plastic bag from the bath.
Still utterly legible despite the steam

now where do I get an Ipad sized freezer bag... hmm

Went and checked out a retina display (just so I wasn't talking from zero experience) hmm.. yeah, lovely hi flashy res (interpolation perhaps?) - emphasis on *flashy* there.

simply put, it's a no contest. I am incredulous that anyone would even POSIT the IDEA that it is comparable. When it comes to reading e-ink is the hands-down winner.

However, if "someone" wants to pay me several thousand dollars to say otherwise?.
I will happily publicly change that opinion. (It's the done thing seemingly)

: )

Kris777 · 08-22-2012, 08:33 AM

According to mobileread poll results (380 members participated)

76.58% prefer E ink
only 3.68% perfer Color LCD
and 19.74% replied that "Both are equally easy on my eyes "

DrNefario · 08-22-2012, 08:45 AM

I read all day on an LCD, in my day job as a programmer. I watch TV on an LCD and play videogames on an LCD. I certainly hope it's not too bad.

I recently read a novel on my iPad, and found it less annoying than I expected, but I still prefer to use my eReaders.

soulfuldog · 08-22-2012, 10:03 AM

Of course it is, regardless of refresh rate, today's LCD screens being "less tiring", and turning down the brightness when reading on tablets, there is still some artificial light there that will possibly have some effect if you stare at it for a prolonged period.

In normal daylight (i.e. reading indoors without any lights) viewing lots of text for hours on end on e-ink instead of LCD is just more natural for your eyes, therefore more comfortable.

If you only read for say 20 minutes at a time, lying in your bed at night, or if you read with the light shining on your ereader in the dark etc, the difference is probably pretty negligible.

08-22-2012, 01:05 AM	#1
Kris777 Banned Posts: 1,767 Karma: 2520493 Join Date: Oct 2008 Device: Nexus 7, jetBook-Lite, jetBook mini, Toshiba Thrive, JETBOOK COLOR	Is E-Ink Really Better for My Eyes than My iPad? Interesting article: http://lifehacker.com/5934993/is-e+i...s-than-my-ipad I can't agree with NY times because I can't read on my Nexus Tablet more than 20 minutes. "The New York Times explains: Today's screens are definitely less tiring to look at than older displays, which refreshed the image much less frequently, causing a flicker. Carl Taussig, director of Hewlett-Packard‘s Information Surfaces Lab, said the 120 Hz refresh rate typical of modern screens is much quicker than our eyes can even see. "The new LCDs don't affect your eyes," Mr. Taussig said. "Today's screens update every eight milliseconds, whereas the human eye is moving at a speed between 10 and 30 milliseconds."

08-22-2012, 04:52 AM	#6
twobob ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°){ʇlnɐɟ ƃǝs}Týr Posts: 6,586 Karma: 6299991 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: uti gratia usura (Yao ying da ying; Mo ying da yieng) Device: PW-WIFI\|K5-3G+WIFI\| K4\|K3-3G\|DXG\|K2\| Rooted Nook Touch	its an advert to raise ipad awareness. clearly some focus group said Its hurts your eyes doesnt it? lcd. and thus the professor was hired and the nyt gets some apple love. we chose a dx over an ipad. the ipad was the better deal but the device is for reading and simply put bunkum on that man. screen fatigue will ever be a problem. fact. stop hiring people to tell me otherwise. another peanut anyone? Last edited by twobob; 08-22-2012 at 08:46 AM. Reason: bunkum

08-22-2012, 10:03 AM	#15
soulfuldog I ♥ Calibre Posts: 2,073 Karma: 5678911 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis, Voyage, Sony PRS-350, Hudl2	Of course it is, regardless of refresh rate, today's LCD screens being "less tiring", and turning down the brightness when reading on tablets, there is still some artificial light there that will possibly have some effect if you stare at it for a prolonged period. In normal daylight (i.e. reading indoors without any lights) viewing lots of text for hours on end on e-ink instead of LCD is just more natural for your eyes, therefore more comfortable. If you only read for say 20 minutes at a time, lying in your bed at night, or if you read with the light shining on your ereader in the dark etc, the difference is probably pretty negligible. Last edited by soulfuldog; 08-22-2012 at 10:14 AM.

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08-22-2012, 03:07 AM	#3
Nexutix Reading and reading Posts: 582 Karma: 8250144 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Infibeam Pi, iPod Touch 4G, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 2, Oneplus One	I would like this answer from someone who owns iPad (retina) AND a E-ink device. Does it feel comfortable on low brightness on retina iPad? Is it a dealbreaker enough for a reader who reads on long stretches?

08-22-2012, 05:57 AM	#7
Valkrider Addict Posts: 302 Karma: 1250000 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: UK Device: Kobo Libra, iPadAir2, PRS600, iPhone 6, iPod, Palm TX	I have an iPad 2 and read on it all the time except in strong sunlight. I find that my eInk reader is getting less and less use. I don't have a problem reading on a backlit screen BUT I do read in night time mode (white letters black background) as I find this works best for me with no eye strain.

08-22-2012, 06:18 AM	#8
Yapyap Guru Posts: 861 Karma: 3543721 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Estonia Device: Kindle Paperwhite, iPad 3, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge	It's really down to personal preference as well as reading habits, I'd say. I prefer to read on my eInk Kindle 3, although I've read the odd book also on my first generation iPad and bits and pieces on my Samsung Galaxy S2 phone. I've found that I can deal with the LCD screens reasonably well in daytime, indoors and in good light (that falls on the screen from such an angle that it doesn't cause too much glare and doesn't reflect everything back to me) - in other words, the experience is fairly close to reading from a computer screen (I have a matte 22'' Eizo monitor). I really find it tiring to read from an LCD screen, whether matte or glossy, after a day's work on the computer, though, and in the evening in artificial light. If I'm not too tired from work, it's manageable on the iPad if I've found a good place to sit and read (as regards the angle of the external light sources), but not as nice as the Kindle; if I'm really tired and have had a long day, I can't read from an LCD screen for pleasure at all (tired, headache, eyes get dry more easily, screen reflections become more annoying) while I can still easily spend a couple of hours reading from the Kindle without any noticeable problems. All in all, I am glad to have the iPad as a backup or for books that are a hassle to read on the Kindle (e.g. I ended up reading one of the Bartimaeus Trilogy books on the iPad due to its extensive use of footnotes, which were easier to manage on the iPad than on the Kindle Keyboard - however, then I just gave up and got the whole series as paperbacks instead, which were in the end more convenient for this particular series), but for leisure reading, I do prefer eInk. I also can't read from an LCD screen in low light, so the backlighting is not a bonus - I need to have the room well lit / have a good external light source / good ambient light to be able to read from the LCD screen at all. (I've experimented quite a bit with the different background options in various reader apps as well as with brightness levels; I've found that for me, sepia or sepia-like background and the brightness set at around 50% works the best on the iPad. Any lower brightness and it becomes too muddled for my eyes.)

08-22-2012, 07:56 AM	#10
sabredog Geographically Restricted Posts: 2,629 Karma: 14933353 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Device: Sony PRS-T3, Kindle Voyage, iPad Air2, Nexus7v2	iPad for PDF and comics, my PRS-650/T1's for serious reading. My eyes are most happy.

08-22-2012, 08:06 AM	#11
Barcey Wizard Posts: 1,531 Karma: 8059866 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada Device: Kobo H2O / Aura HD / Glo / iPad3	I have both an iPad3 and e-ink and I definitely prefer e-ink. The number of pixels does nothing to reduce eye strain unless you're using a tiny font and you're not reading tiny fonts if you have a problem with eye strain. Retina looks pretty and helps with web browsing and magazines but for me personally does nothing to improve reading books. When I bought the iPad I made a deal with myself that I'd give it a fair chance and I'd use it exclusively for one month. When the month was up I went back to e-ink. Personal preference though your experience may vary.

08-22-2012, 08:32 AM	#12
twobob ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°){ʇlnɐɟ ƃǝs}Týr Posts: 6,586 Karma: 6299991 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: uti gratia usura (Yao ying da ying; Mo ying da yieng) Device: PW-WIFI\|K5-3G+WIFI\| K4\|K3-3G\|DXG\|K2\| Rooted Nook Touch	I should have added - my comment was on a k3Wifi in a plastic bag from the bath. Still utterly legible despite the steam now where do I get an Ipad sized freezer bag... hmm Went and checked out a retina display (just so I wasn't talking from zero experience) hmm.. yeah, lovely hi flashy res (interpolation perhaps?) - emphasis on flashy there. simply put, it's a no contest. I am incredulous that anyone would even POSIT the IDEA that it is comparable. When it comes to reading e-ink is the hands-down winner. However, if "someone" wants to pay me several thousand dollars to say otherwise?. I will happily publicly change that opinion. (It's the done thing seemingly) : )

08-22-2012, 08:33 AM	#13
Kris777 Banned Posts: 1,767 Karma: 2520493 Join Date: Oct 2008 Device: Nexus 7, jetBook-Lite, jetBook mini, Toshiba Thrive, JETBOOK COLOR	According to mobileread poll results (380 members participated) 76.58% prefer E ink only 3.68% perfer Color LCD and 19.74% replied that "Both are equally easy on my eyes "

08-22-2012, 08:45 AM	#14
DrNefario Wizard Posts: 2,100 Karma: 11315768 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: UK Device: Kindle, Kobo Touch, Nook SimpleTouch	I read all day on an LCD, in my day job as a programmer. I watch TV on an LCD and play videogames on an LCD. I certainly hope it's not too bad. I recently read a novel on my iPad, and found it less annoying than I expected, but I still prefer to use my eReaders.

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